(L-R) Tom Zapf, Macy’s CRMA National Retailer of the Year; Tom Wholley, CTMattress, CRMA Board Chair; Tim Phelan, President, CRMA; Senator Len Fasano; Karen Munson, President Munson Chocolates, CRMA Retailer of the Year; Stephany Blozy, Fleet Feet, CRMA Customer and Community Service Award winner; Paul Eusebio, Eblans, CRMA Special Recognition Award winner; Marc Green, Lux Bond and Green, CRMA Distinguish Service Award Winner.
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) received the first ever “Legislator of the Year Award” from the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association (CRMA). The award was presented to the senator at a ceremony in Hartford on November 18, 2015 in recognition of his efforts to give retail merchants a voice at the Capitol.
“Senator Fasano not only understands what it takes to run a business in CT but he backs that understanding up with action. Without question, and without fail, Senator Fasano optimizes what a good public servant is and we are honored to present him with our first ever CRMA Legislator of the Year Award,” said Timothy G. Phelan, CRMA President.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sen. Fasano. “Retailers play a vital role in our local and national economy. They provide services and products people need and employ thousands in our state. Like all business owners, they face many challenges. I believe it is the job of Connecticut lawmakers to reduce these burdens and to empower all employers and business owners to access the tools they need to succeed. Economic development is the key to improving life for all Connecticut families. I remain committed to pursuing state policies that support economic development, job growth and business successes. I am always available to hear from and help our state’s hardworking retailers. Thank you for recognizing my efforts.”
This legislative session Senator Fasano opposed the second largest tax increase in state history and proposed alternative budget plans that reduced taxes and burdens on Connecticut businesses, while also restoring funding to the most vulnerable. Sen. Fasano has a long history supporting legislation aimed at bettering the state economy and empowering businesses to grow jobs.
The Connecticut Retail Merchants Association has been working on behalf of retailers at the State Capitol since 1910. Their mission is to strengthen Connecticut Retailing through legislative initiatives and by obtaining the best value in merchant services on behalf of their membership.
The Annual CRMA awards luncheon also recognized the hard work of Connecticut retailers including Lux Bond & Green, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award; Macy’s, National Retailer of the Year; EbLens, recipient of the Special Recognition Award; Fleet Feet Sports, Excellence in Customer & Community Service Award recipient; and Munson’s Chocolates, the 2015 Retailer of the Year.