17th Annual Social Service Recognition Breakfast

Thursday, November 19, 2026 (7:30 AM - 9:15 AM) (EST)

Description

Celebrating Impact, Inspiring Change

We invite you to join us in recognizing the distinguished social service agencies of Eastern Connecticut, whose dedication and service continue to enhance the quality of life throughout our region.


KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Gino DeMaio, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Sound Community Services

Gino DeMaio, Ph.D.

Gino DeMaio, Ph.D., has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sound Community Services in New London for 15 years. A devoted servant leader, he believes our purpose is to serve others, and that service gives life its meaning. Under his leadership, the agency adopted a new vision, mission, and core values and is a recurring Top Workplace winner in Connecticut.

Before joining Sound Community Services, Dr. DeMaio spent 25 years in leadership with the State of Connecticut, where he established a forensic services division for individuals with developmental disabilities in the judicial and mental health systems. His honors include Executive Director of the Year and the Department of Defense Employer Patriot Award. He holds a Ph.D. in Executive and Organizational Leadership, an Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard Business School, and is an ICF Professional Certified Coach.


Eastern CT Social Service Recognition Awards

Winners will be announced shortly

Honoring staff and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their duties, as nominated by industry peers.

Board Member of the Year:

Executive Director of the Year:

Staff Member of the Year:

Volunteer of the Year:

Collaboration of the Year:


Support and Marketing Opportunities

Reach an influential regional audience of business and community leaders, while supporting complimentary event invitations to our compassionate and hard-working social service community. To reserve a sponsorship, please purchase online or contact Stephanie Clark.

BenefitAward Sponsor
$2,500
(Exclusive)
Presenting Sponsor
$2,000
Supporting Sponsor
$1,250
Centerpiece Sponsor
$800
Display Table
$200 Members
$150 Non-Profits
Reserved seatingPriority table of 8Priority table of 84 seats2 seats2 seats
Remarks by company representative✓✓   
Hand out annual awards✓    
Logo on registration page, printed program, and PowerPoint display✓✓✓  
Logo on signage with take-home centerpieces   ✓ 
Company name on event webpage   ✓✓
Company name in event program    ✓
Ad in event programFull page, color
(5"W x 8"H)
Full page, color
(5"W x 8"H)
Half page, color
(5"W x 3.75"H)
Half page, color
(5"W x 3.75"H)
 
Literature or promotional items at each place setting✓✓   
Display table for literature or promotional items✓✓✓ ✓
(also to greet guests)
Company banner on display (provided by sponsor)✓✓   

Program Advertising - A wonderful way to thank our dedicated social service professionals and congratulate the Award winners! 

  • Full page (5"W x 8"H), full color: $125
  • Half page (5"W x 3.75"H), full color: $75
  • Photo-ready ads (hi-res PDF, JPG or EPS) due 1 week prior to event date to admin@chamberect.com.
  • Graphic design service, if needed, is available from the Chamber for $25

*Complimentary invitations will be sent in October. If you are a member 501(c)(3) social service agency and did NOT receive an invitation via email, please contact events@chamberect.com. 

Pricing

Price includes hot breakfast. 

Chamber ECT Member: $35
Non-Member: $45

Cancellation Policy: Notice must be given at least three business days prior to the event. No shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed as applicable. All registrations received within three business days of event are considered final. To cancel, please contact the Chamber at 860-701-9113 or admin@chamberect.com.

Great Wolf Lodge
201 Rainmaker Drive
Mashantucket, CT 06338 United States


Complimentary parking is available in the Premium Surface Lot next to Great Wolf Lodge. Take a ticket at the gate and have it validated at the event check-in table.

If the lot is full, use the Foxwoods Rainmaker Self-Parking Garage and walk or take the Great Wolf Lodge Shuttle from the ground floor of the garage. Need help finding the shuttle? Call security at 860-334-2685.

Event Contact
Denise Desrochers
860-701-9113
Send Email
Thursday, November 19, 2026 (7:30 AM - 9:15 AM) (EST)
Categories
Chamber Business Breakfast or Luncheon
Networking Event
Annual Event
Awards & Appreciation
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