A ‘Salute’ To The Business Community

By Kendra Bobowick

The Newtown Economic Development Commission held its tenth annual Salute to Business last week, acknowledging local “high-growth” sectors. Newtown Economic Development Commission Chairman Chet Hopper was joined by fellow commissioners and other officials honoring TR Paul Inc, Associated Refuse Haulers, and SMT (Surface Mount Technologies) Corporation.

A growing business delivers a positive impact on Newtown, he said, and the salute “shows appreciation to our business community.” The businesses recognized last Thursday, October 5, “all experienced expansion,” Mr Hopper said. “It means we’re increasing the tax base and keeping people in town.”

As guests mingled at the Rock Ridge Country Club, honorees considered their last year in business.

Joanne and Pat Caruso have steadily built their business from a small trash pickup service to a larger, now commercialized company. Mr Hopper explained the innovative means of refuse retrieval along residential routes and that Mr Caruso had “developed quiet and well-covered trucks and braking systems…”

Ms Caruso enjoyed last week’s recognition, saying the past year has been steady. Mr Caruso attributes much of his success to his family.

“I have a very supportive family and wife, and we grew with Newtown,” he said. Visit the website at associatedrefuse.com.

Regarding TR Paul, Mr Hopper said the financial company serves all of Connecticut and “overlaps outside the state.”

President Mary Griffin agreed that this year “has been a good year.” She and financial officer George Romer attended last week’s tribute to business. The company website is www.trpaul.com.

SMT Corporation’s growth and success are evident in the new building that now sits along Swamp Road, explained Mr Hopper.

Representing his company last week was Thomas Sharpe.

“We have done great,” he said. He mentioned the company’s new building and also noted that they had several new hires.

“That’s always a good sign,” Mr Sharpe said. SMT Corporation’s high growth markets include communications, data and voice, automated office equipment, medical equipment, security systems, wireless networks, computer peripherals. More information is available at smtcorp.com.