HEDCO’s 50th Anniversary Gala: A Night to Remember

We celebrated a monumental milestone—HEDCO’s 50th Anniversary Gala! The event was a spectacular success, bringing together a community of business leaders, sponsors, and honorees, all of whom have played a vital role in supporting HEDCO’s mission over the past five decades.

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Honoring Our Leaders and Partners

The evening was dedicated to honoring the incredible individuals and businesses that have helped HEDCO make a lasting impact on Connecticut’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Special congratulations to our distinguished honorees, including Senator John Fonfara, Janice Flemming; Founder of the Voices of Women of Color, Sheila Hummel; Director of the Small Business Development office at Department of Economic Development, Amy Studwell; Community Impact Officer, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Glenn Davis; First Vice President, Community Development/CRA Officer Liberty Bank and Derrick Gibbs; Founder of Change, Inc., whose contributions have significantly advanced fair access to resources and economic opportunities within our communities. Each honoree has inspired us with their dedication, leadership, and passion for positive change.

Recognizing Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support, which was instrumental in making this night truly unforgettable. A special thank you to our Legacy Sponsors, Wells Fargo and Laz Parking. We also recognize our Community Sponsor, Travelers, and our Supporter Sponsors, M&T Bank, Eversource, and PeoplesBank. To all the friends of HEDCO Sponsor’s, Clients and our Community Partners, your unwavering commitment to our mission enables us to continue empowering local businesses by providing training, education, and consultation to thousands of entrepreneurs.

Legacy Sponsor:

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Community Sponsor:

Supporter Sponsors

Friends of HEDCO Sponsors

In Kind Sponsor

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A Night Filled with Joy and Inspiration

Guests were treated to an evening of inspiring speeches, beautiful performances, and networking opportunities. The energy in the room reflected the strong sense of community and shared purpose that defines HEDCO. As we celebrated 50 years of success, we also looked forward to the future and reaffirmed our commitment to fostering the growth of small businesses in Connecticut and beyond.

Thank you to all who attended!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the gala, whether in person or through a representative. Your presence and support continue to drive our mission and help HEDCO create a brighter future for entrepreneurs in Connecticut.

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