Momentum Building in Pawtucket & Honorees Lauded at 14th Pawtucket Foundation Awards Celebration

The award recipients represent the best examples of civic leadership and entrepreneurship, which the Pawtucket Foundation embodies and encourages throughout the community. Over the last 14 years, the Pawtucket Foundation Awards Celebration has become one of the premier business events in the City of Pawtucket, held at the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center.

Event emcee, Michael Horan, Esq., welcomed the lively crowd with his usual wit and humor. Governor Gina Raimondo applauded the guests in attendance for their support of Pawtucket's redevelopment and commending the Pawtucket Foundation for its role in helping revitalization in the city. She highlighted the positive economic momentum building in Pawtucket and throughout the state, and reaffirmed her support for keeping the PawSox in Pawtucket.

Jan Brodie, executive director, Pawtucket Foundation, expressed a special thanks to "Mayor Grebien, whose charisma, forward thinking and bold leadership have made such a difference for the City's growth," she continued, "It is a pleasure to work as the economic development arm of this deeply engaged and diverse city."

Mayor Donald Grebien (Pawtucket) and Mayor James Diossa (Central Falls) also delivered remarks. During his remarks, Mayor Grebien highlighted the goals for the recently-announced "Pawtucket's 20/20 Downtown Development Vision" and how momentum is continuing to build in the city. Diossa echoed the value of the public-private partnerships that are so vitally important to economic development in both cities. Each highlighted the value of working with the Pawtucket Foundation as a partner and advocate to help lead progress in revitalizing both communities. This optimistic spirit was celebrated during the event, highlighting the Pawtucket Foundation's mission to foster redevelopment in the downtown, riverfront and transportation gateways of the city.

"We've seen in the past year great projects come to fruition-- Isle Brewers Guild, RIPTA bus hub and commuter rail station, and the commitment of the PawSox to find a way to stay in Pawtucket," stated Jan Brodie, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Foundation. "The city has achieved a critical mass and actions at the state house are beginning to look north, beyond Providence."

Lt. Governor Dan McKee, Councilor Sandra Cano, CIty Council President David Moran and William Murray, Mayor of Cumberland, were also local officials in attendance at the event.

Following an opening video and dinner catered by Russell Morin Catering Events, the awards program commenced. A video detailing each honoree's accomplishments followed their introduction. The spirit of community prevailed as each honoree received standing ovations.

Kevin P. Tracy, Senior Vice-President of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Co-Chair of the Pawtucket Foundation, presented the Person of the Year Award to Michael Baker of Pet Food Experts.  Mr. Tracy highlighted Mr. Baker's commitment to the City of Pawtucket, and the value of family that he integrates with everyone at Pet Food Experts. Pet Food Experts renovated their space on Main Street and brought nearly 100 jobs to the city. [Michael Baker honoree video: https://youtu.be/bg0RQI744pY ]

Heritage Award

Daniel J. Sullivan, CEO of Collette and Pawtucket Foundation Co-Chair of the Pawtucket Foundation, presented Dennis Kelly and Patrick Murray of Bristol County Savings Bank with the Heritage Award. In presenting the award, Mr. Sullivan highlighted the support and involvement in the community that Bristol County Savings Bank has actively contributed for through over $3 million in grants to Pawtucket through the Bristol County Savings Bank Charitable Foundation. [Dennis Kelly & Patrick Murray honoree video: https://youtu.be/_CpgXBJkfbE ]

In presenting the Special Distinction Award to Slater Mill's Lori Urso, Mark House, Vice President & Senior Scientist of Environmental Strategies & Management, Inc. and Pawtucket Foundation Vice Co-Chair, thanked Ms. Urso for her leadership spearheading efforts revitalize downtown Pawtucket through creative programming at Slater Mill and her commitment to the creation of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. [Lori Urso honoree video: https://youtu.be/F2axNNa9kPQ]

Each honoree received an award crafted by local artist Gail Ahlers of Ahlers Designs, and official citations and resolutions from: Senator Jack Reed, Congressman James Langevin, Governor Gina Raimondo, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Representative David Cicilline, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, and Mayor Donald Grebien (Pawtucket).

The Pawtucket Foundation is deeply appreciative for the support of all sponsors, guests, board members, volunteers, event committee members and staff. Their support at this event and throughout the year has helped to build the Pawtucket Foundation into the strong public advocate and catalyst it is today.

To make this a successful event, The Pawtucket Foundation is grateful to the many sponsors who gave their financial support for the Awards Celebration:

The Pawtucket Foundation appreciates the in-kind support provided by the following:

Ahlers Designs, ATR Treehouse, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bristol County Savings Bank, Collette, Colton Simmons Photography, Foolproof Brewing Co., Holy Smokes Productions, Isle Brewers Guild, Ocean State Printers, Pawtucket Armory Arts Center, Quality Rental, Russell Morin Catering & Events, Shri Studio, Ten31 Productions