Chamber Announces 2011 Person & Business of the Year

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its recipients of the Persons of the Year and Business of the Year awards.

Heather Porreca, Eddie Porreca and Richard Conti have been named The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's Persons of the Year. In a team effort, the three expanded and relocated the Attleboro Farmers Market this year, which was named the #1 Farmers Market in Massachusetts by supporters of American Farmland Trust. This year's market served as a showplace for 37 local vendors as brought in as many as 2,000 weekly visitors.

As an Attleboro City Councilor, Rick wanted to expand and rejuvenate the City's
existing Farmers Market. He wrote a plan, held a public meeting, met with City department heads and found volunteers Heather and Eddie Porreca to lead the Market.

Heather and Eddie Porreca volunteered as market manager and market coordinator, respectively, of Attleboro Farmers Market. Involved since the planning stage of the Market, Heather and Eddie manage the Market every week, identifying and recruiting vendors, organizing them and special events at the Market such as the Red Cross blood drive.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The E.A. Dion company was founded as a jewelry manufacturer in Attleboro 43 years ago by Edward Dion. Now run by Edward's three sons - Ted, Dennis and Roland - the company makes some of the most prestigious sport, political and corporate jewelry in the country. In addition to providing employment for 90 skilled manufacturing workers and many local suppliers, the Dion brothers are also very active in the community - holding leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America, the Attleboro YMCA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Bristol County Savings Bank, the United Way, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

CELEBRATE WITH US

Rick, Heather, Eddie and EA Dion will be honored at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at Lake View Pavilion, 45 Lakeview Rd., Foxborough. The cost is $45 with pre-paid registration. RSVP by calling the Chamber at 508-222-0801.