United Illuminating and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce offered a warm Connecticut welcome to Jim Forgerson, the new president of UIL holdings (pictured at left beside his predecessor). The gracious hosts lit the room (pun intended) Tuesday night with community leaders from throughout their service area. Sage presented the most extraordinary array of food and dessert offerings that has been seen in a long time. Dave McCoart is a truly professional host; with a view of Long Island Sound and impeccable service, New Haven was shown in its very best light.
U.I. President Tony Valillo, with Shelly Saczynski and Peter Stelma of the Business Development group, seemed to know each guest personally.
Paul Timpanelli, the executive of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and Bill Purcell, the executive from the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, joined Tony Rescigno (at left in photo) from the Greater New Haven Chamber in extending the support of the business communities. (It was a time to forget the Steel Point debate with the Bridgeport city administration). Marty Hunt, the executive from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, was joined by John “Jack” Betkoski III, a commissioner of the DPUC, Lindy Gold of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, and Bob Santy from the Regional Growth Partnership.
Lou D’Antonio, dean of administration, escorted President Dorsey Kendrick of Gateway Community College. Rosanne Zudekoff of the development office of Albertus Magnus was on hand. Gerald and Yvonne Clarke were joined by Len Smart of the Greater New Haven Business and Professional Association. Barbara Pearce, president of H. Pearce (and chair of the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven), was there. Her firm is representing the Forgersons in their search for their new home; she offered to sell him one on each side of the Q Bridge.
Peter Indorf was introduced as the perfect source for a piece of jewelry to ease Mrs. Forgerson’s move from Indianapolis. Tom Sansore, new chair of
the United Way, represented that organization and that of his “day job” at Carmody Torrance. Jack Healy, the new president and CEO of the United Way of Greater New Haven, made the rounds. Attorney Jack Colleran saw many of his old friends.
John Crawford and Pat Sweet were comparing notes on educational initiatives.
Just to make sure the new president was really “wired” and “well connected,” the vice-presidents of Yale-New Haven Hospital and Hospital of St. Raphael, Kyle Ballou and John Kessler, were there to give him their assurances.
Nat Woodson, outgoing president of UI Holdings, introduced his successor in glowing terms. Nat will be a tough act to follow. In addition to navigating his company through the tricky waters of deregulation, he has been actively engaged as chairman of New Haven’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, the
Chamber and a myriad of philanthropic causes. The Woodson family has been a real asset to our community.
Oh well, now that Jim has learned the Who’s Who, he will figure out What’s What — or is that Watts Watt? We wish him great success.