Maxine Bleiweis, the Westport Library’s executive director who is retiring after 17 years, and Sam Gault, president of Gault Energy, will be honored with the First Citizen Award to be presented by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce (WWCC) at a gala dinner Tuesday, June 9 at the Westport Inn.
Honored: Sam Gault and Maxine Bleiweis Contributed photos
Keynote speaker will be Ron DeFeo, CEO of the Westport-based Terex Corp., a Fortune 500 company.
“I could not think of more deserving people to get this award,” said Matthew Mandell, chamber president and executive director. “They represent what is best in our town for their work ethic, generosity and how they approach business. They are a cross section, non-profit and traditional, and embody what makes our communities prosper.”
Mandell credited Bleiweis with transforming the library into a “highly-awarded, world class destination, which boasts new and innovative programs that now set the standard for libraries everywhere.”
“The intertwining of economic development and library service has been an emphasis in my career and accepting this award is a perfect ending,” said Bleiweis. “I’m proud to have also had the opportunity to serve on the Chamber of Commerce Board for most of my tenure at the Westport Library, and I am very pleased with the new direction the chamber is heading.”
Mandell noted that Gault, aside from his, well known, energy business, made his imprint on a struggling for identity Saugatuck Center, kick starting “a flourishing and inviting area of restaurants and shops making it the go-to locale in the area.”
Also scheduled to receive awards are five young entrepreneurs who created intriguing business ventures, Mandell said. They are Rebecca Marks and Michael Sitver, Weston High School seniors, and Harry Epstein, Nick Massoud and Scott Percoriello of Staples High School.
“It is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to recognize the next generation of our community’s entrepreneurs,” said Jonathan Baron, WWCC board chairman. “I am encouraged by the capital intellect, drive and passion that each of these young persons has demonstrated. I believe our future is very bright.”
Tickets for the dinner are available through the chamber, and the cost is $75 per person.
For further information, call (203)-227-9234.
