Newtown - The Economic Development Commission hosted the tenth annual Salute to Business on October 4 at the beautiful Rock Ridge Country Club in Newtown, Connecticut.

This year, the focus was to honor three companies who have contributed to the economic development of Newtown through investment in modernization and expansion of their businesses. All of these businesses have rebuilt in Newtown, on their original location and continued to provide goods and services to their customers and friends during construction.

Chet Hopper, Chairman of the Commission, presented the first award to Tom and Cary Swan, owners of Black Swan Home, Hearth & Gift.

Tom Swan Home Hearth & Gift accepts the award from Chet Hopper.

Tom and Cary Swan started The Black Swan Home, Hearth & Gift as a chimney sweep operation out of a Bridgeport apartment in 1979. In 1983, the Swan’s moved the business to Sandy Hook and by 1985 evolved into a small shop selling wood stoves. In 1988 they moved to their present location, 182 South Main Street, and expanded the business to include gifts and home decor. The chimney sweep operation was sold to an employee in 1996. By 2003 it became apparent that the original store on South Main Street was much too small, even with an off-site warehouse. Not wanting to leave Newtown, Tom and Cary investigated an expansion at their present site After overcoming many obstacles, in 2005 the Swans commissioned an architect to draw up plans for a new building. They broke ground in October of 2006 and the building of their dreams was opened in June of 2007, while contentiously serving customers all through construction and most importantly - staying in Newtown!

The second award was accepted by John Martocci on behalf of Newtown Savings Bank.

Chet Hopper reads the plaque inscription as part of the presentation to John Martocci

Newtown Savings Bank has been steadily serving their customers in Newtown and the surrounding communities for over 150 years. Newtown Savings Bank is unique in that it started, and has remained, a mutual savings bank, accepting very small deposits from the working people in the area. The history of Newtown Savings Bank fills a small book, chronicling, not only the bank, but the business and farming people of Newtown during the last 150 plus years.

The bank started in 1855 with a group of business men and farmers obtaining a charter from the State government to open a mutual bank in Newtown. During the early years, the bank operated out of many houses on Main street all within a few hundred feet of its present location. An early business location was in the Chase Building on the corner of Main and West Streets. In 1909 a traditional granite building was built on the present location - it symbolized the banks of the day.

The 1909 building lasted through two world wars and a major depression, as well as several small ones, too. It was first expanded in 1955 and again in 1964-65 to the rather colonial looking building that existed until 1995 through 1997 when considerable expansion was undertaken. In 2004 through 2006, the facility underwent additional expansion. The newly renovated building serves as the headquarters of Newtown Savings Bank directing operations at its 11 other locations, each a full banking institution.

The final award was presented to the evening’s host Martin Gersten of Rock Ridge Country Club.

Established in 1954, Rock Ridge Country Club is relatively new in town. They have continued to grow to a vibrant club for many families in town. They now serve approximately 210 member families, with about 250 children involved in swimming, tennis and, of course, golf.

The club was started in what was a large house and the golf course was built around it on the existing property. The house was not really up to the needs of a growing club and it was soon realized that changes had to be made to support the growing demands of its membership.

Martin Gersten accepts the award on behalf of Rock Ridge Country Club.

In 2000, the decision was made to completely rebuild and modernize the facilities. The club lost close to one-third of their members due to the strain of rebuilding, but has emerged much larger and more active than before modernization. As with many large construction projects, they encountered several problems. It was difficult to manage the rebuild while maintaining membership and services. At one point, the club operated out of three tents while reconstruction was underway.

The community is grateful for their tenacity and perseverance as we now have a club that is a very attractive asset to Newtown, with all the services of a fine country club.