EDC Names Portland Business of the Year

Members of this town’s business community “give back” in innumerable ways, from unheralded fundraisers for residents in need to sponsorships of local sports teams.

State Rep. Christie Carpino on Thursday joined members of the Portland Economic Development Commission to credit those behind-the-scenes efforts during the commission’s third annual Community Partners Recognition Awards ceremony.

About 40 business owners and residents were at the senior center for the event, which saw Standard-Knapp recognized as Portland’s business of the year.

Company executive Bob Reynolds accepted a plaque for Standard-Knapp from EDC consultant Mary Dickerson, and Carpino provided a special citation from the state legislature.

“The strong bond between this town and its local businesses, such as Standard-Knapp, should be the model for every Connecticut community,” Carpino said.

Carpino, R-Cromwell, who represents Cromwell, Middletown and Portland, hailed the industrial packaging equipment company’s strong roots in Portland, where it relocated to in 1948. Standard-Knapp was chosen for the award because of its commitment to quality and service in its field, but also its commitment to its workforce and the town.

“Standard-Knapp is an employee-owned company, so we have a particular commitment to the area,” said Reynolds, co-chief executive officer.  “We’d like to be here for a hundred years more.”

Dickerson handed out awards for many other businesses in Portland, sharing a few stories of low-key philanthropy along the way—including a recent grassroots fundraiser organized by a local barbershop to benefit a family going through a difficult time.

“That’s what our businesses in town do,” said Dickerson, who also recognized the work of volunteer firefighters. “It’s the little things that everyone does in town that makes it a community.”