(Stamford, Connecticut) Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County’s 2019 “Dr. George R. Dunbar Business Hall of Fame” event is planned for November 7, 2019 at the Loading Dock in Stamford. This anticipated event allows JA the opportunity to honor local leaders and will also serve as a Centennial Celebration, commemorating Junior Achievement’s 100th year of serving communities throughout America.
The Hall of Fame recognizes business leaders who have made exceptional contributions of time and talent in their community as well as in their roles as business leaders. This year’s honorees exhibit business excellence, vision, innovation, and are exemplary in their community centric focus.
We are proud to announce Cynthia C. Merkle, President and CEO of Union Savings Bank, Kate Hampford Donahue, President and CEO of Hampford Research, and Ross Bacarella, President and CEO of BTX Global Logistics as this year’s Hall of Fame inductees.
“Our honorees embody the spirit of Junior Achievement, through their personal and professional accomplishments and their dedication to their communities,” says Junior Achievement president, Bernadine Venditto. “We hope these local stories of business success will inspire our students.”
JA will also bestow the 2019 Leadership Award on Jan Ursone, former President of JA of Southwest Connecticut, in recognition of her 38 years of service. Jan’s longstanding work in Fairfield County has laid the groundwork for incredible impact in the community.
This year’s Hall of Fame event will also recognize Junior Achievement’s centennial. Established in 1919, JA is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing students in grades K-12 with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century global economy. JA reaches nearly 5 million students per year in 106 markets across the United States, with an additional 5 million students served by operations worldwide.
We are sincerely grateful to our Centennial Partner, Bank of America as well as many other corporate partners who, together, join us in support of our celebration and mission. Community support and corporate partnerships ensure that JA programs continue to positively impact the kids in our region’s schools for another 100 years.