Connecticut Business Champions Awarded

Hartford Business Journal and MetroHartford Alliance recognize winning companies at sixth annual event - The 2009 Business Champions Awards Breakfast, produced in partnership with the MetroHartford Alliance and the Hartford Business Journal, kicked-off the Connecticut Business Expo honoring privately held companies within the region that have experienced significant achievements in one or all four of the following categories: revenue, innovation, workforce and sustainability for 2008 over 2007.

Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) June 8, 2009 -- The 2009 Business Champions Awards Breakfast, produced in partnership with the MetroHartford Alliance and the Hartford Business Journal, kicked-off the Connecticut Business Expo honoring privately held companies within the region that have experienced significant achievements in one or all four of the following categories: revenue, innovation, workforce and sustainability for 2008 over 2007.

The MetroHartford Alliance received 51 nominations for the 2009 awards. Over 60% of the companies bring in $3 million per year and 38 of the 50 companies nominated were nominated in all four categories.

"We were overwhelmed with the success of the companies nominated this year," said Gail Lebert, publisher of the Hartford Business Journal. "Despite this uncertain and turbulent economy, the winning companies are succeeding beyond expectations; not only remaining strong but thriving."

Honored in the "Re-Invention and Innovation" category, FM Facility Maintenance is a provider of facility maintenance services and guaranteed cost savings to multi-site businesses nationwide. FM Facility Maintenance, based in Hartford, has completely reinvented its business model with a new approach that guarantees savings to its clients. Especially in the current economic climate, the new model helps large retail and restaurant clients streamline their facility management process and realize guaranteed savings of 8-15% on their overall facility maintenance expenditure.

Okay Industries, Inc., winner in all categories is a contract manufacturer of metal stampings and assemblies for the medical device, military, automotive and specialty industrial markets, based in New Britain. For the third time in four years, OKAY Industries received the 2008 Precision Metal forming Association (PMA) Award for Competitive Excellence in Product Development. OKAY is leading efforts in Future Workforce Development by instituting an updated Tool & Die apprenticeship program. OKAY also enrolled in an energy conservation program to reduce its usage during peak energy periods.

Munson's Candy Kitchen, Inc., d.b.a. Munson's Chocolates, winner in the "Sustainability" category is a third generation manufacturer of candy products with sales made to wholesalers and through 11 retail locations. Based in Bolton, it is the largest retail chocolate manufacturer in Connecticut. Munson's is mindful of the growing importance of a green workplace and the importance of being a strong community advocate. Initiatives include selecting companies that manufacture with wind power when purchasing equipment, and using local ingredients in the production products, whenever possible.

Riverview Realty & Development Corp., dba R2D Corp., winner in the "Revenue" category is a construction management services corporation, based in Cromwell, which has provided Construction Management services for more than 275 projects, with an aggregate value of more than $1 billion. To dramatically increase their revenue, Riverview's business plan was built on a track record providing construction management services in the private sector. Riverview invested in technology and training for their staff and its use has enabled faster and more accurate information among all members of the project team.

ConnectiCare, winner in the "Workforce" category is a health plan headquartered in Farmington and serves 240,000 members. The company was home-grown in Connecticut and has 500 employees who reside mainly in the Hartford area. For many years, ConnectiCare has developed programs to keep its employees satisfied and retain its best talent. The company has been able to keep voluntary turnover under 8% for the last three years, 3.7% for 2008.

Winners were required to have been in business for three full fiscal years; a privately-held business or a stand-alone division of a privately-held company; a for-profit organization; and located in one of the 61 towns of Greater Hartford. Winners received awards and citations from Governor M. Jodi Rell.

The 2009 Business Champions Awards was presented by: MetroHartford Alliance, Hartford Business Journal and the CT Business Expo. Sponsors include: Webster Bank (presenting sponsor); Ovation Benefits; Shipman & Goodwin; Pita Communications; Cox Business; Certified Public Accountants & Business Advisors (event sponsors). Event partners include: CT Convention Center; J. Fiereck Photography; Affordable Signs & Designs; Via Panera Catering; Co-Communications Marketing & Public Relations.

About Hartford Business Journal

Hartford Business Journal is the only audited weekly, subscription-based business publication in Connecticut. Whether it's market trends, the latest merger news or an update on state government, this award-winning weekly is the "must read" for area business leaders. Hartford Business Journal has a total readership of 25,000 affluent and educated business decision makers in the 61 towns that make up Metro Hartford. For more information, please visit www.hartfordbusiness.com or call 860.236.9998.

Contact:

Kate Ottavio

Co-Communications

860.658.5700

###