Aromas of grilled salmon and roast beef greeted the many guests who filled Newtown Country Club March 19 to celebrate the Business of the Year Awards Dinner. With Chamber of

Commerce of Newtown and Rotary Club of Newtown members hosting the event, business owners sat down to dinner and cocktails, and soon gathered to applaud finalists and winners in four Business of the Year categories: New Business, Philanthropy, Longevity, and Overall Achievement.

Noting some familiar faces in the country club's main room were Rotary President Joe Hemingway, and Chamber team members Helen Brickfield, business development, and Jill D'Alessandro.

Judith Miller of Newtown Insurance was soon congratulating Nick Heron of Nick's Chilled & Distilled as New Business of the Year winner, and nominees Barre Boutique, Basil Rose Boutique, and Beef & Barleys.

Alex Villamil of Prism House Painting next opened an envelope to reveal the Longevity winner, Bagel Delight, with nominees The Children's Adventure Center, Robert Anthony Salon, and My Place Restaurant.

Rotary member Steve Samson introduced Philanthropy winner Newtown Savings Bank, with finalists Honan Funeral Home, Robert Anthony Salon, and Café Xpresso.

The Overall Achievement Award went to The Children's Adventure Center. Finalists were Clavette & Company, Coldwell Banker & Andy Sachs Around Town, and Dental Associates.

The Business of the Year Awards is in its 15th year. As Chamber

President Brian Amey explained, "It was conceived as a joint venture between the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary to recognize businesses in the town that were leaders in their field, and contributors to the community either with volunteerism or donation." This year saw a greater community involvement, with more than 1,500 votes cast for the businesses.

New Business of The Year is presented to a business that has been operating for one year or less and has demonstrated good business practices, while delivering superior products and services.

Longevity goes to a business that has been operating for ten years or more and has demonstrated good business practices while delivering superior products.

The Philanthropy award is for a business that has consistently shown exemplary philanthropic support for the community through donation and volunteerism.

Overall Achievement goes to a business that proves to be a good steward of the community and demonstrated outstanding business practices and excellent customer service.