This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/26/2022 10:23 AMAmong his many contributions to boards, commissions, committees and programs benefiting Branford, Bill O’Brien has given a remarkable 38 years of service to Branford’s Economic Development Commission (EDC). On Wednesday, Dec. 21, the EDC hosted a very special presentation recognizing O’Brien’s years of EDC service spanning 1983 to 2022.
The morning event at Branford Community House was attended by many who have had the pleasure and honor of collaborating with O’Brien through the years. First among those lining up to share some words of thanks to O’Brien were Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, former First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos and former First Selectwoman Judy Gott.
Cosgrove noted O’Brien’s service to the EDC has spanned the administrations of 7 First Selectmen since 1983 and that O’Brien also given much more to the community.
“We’re here to recognize his contributions to the EDC, but certainly everybody knows what he contributes to this community. He’s really a part of the fabric of this community,” said Cosgrove. “Everybody realizes what a true asset you are, and how important you are to our community.”
Among many of his contributions to Branford, Bill co-founded the Branford Sports Hall of Fame and has provided many years of service with the Branford Parks & Recreation Commission.
Gott noted he’s also credited with establishing the successful re-launch and financial stabilization of the Branford Festival, more than 30 years ago.
“Bill, thank you very much for all that you’ve done for our community,” said Gott. “Especially in my 12 years in office, you were a mainstay for me, and the Festival as well. If the world could have everybody like Bill O’Brien, what a wonderful world it would be.”
As noted by DaRos, O’Brien also helped to spearhead the first community campaign to support construction of the first Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, during DaRos’ tenure. DaRos also shared his sincere thanks with O’Brien.
“Beyond just on this commission, I have dealt with Bill on almost every commission,” said DaRos. “If there was a project, particularly a non-profit project or a great community project, it always seemed that Bill was right square in the middle of it. And it wasn’t going to happen without funds. And if you want to raise some funds, go see Bill O’Brien, and it’ll happen.”
DaRos said O’Brien’s love for Branford is very apparent and those like O’Brien, who volunteer to serve, are the ones that actually make the community what it is.
O’Brien noted that much of the credit for the first campaign to establish the animal shelter goes to his good friend, Eunice Lasala.
“We took it on as a project. Our goal from Unk was $100,000; and we ended up with $150,000. I dressed up in a cat costume and stood outside of Walmart!” said O’Brien, laughing. “But I really enjoyed my effort with the Town in that regard.”
As EDC chair, O’Brien said his biggest challenge arose during Walmart's bid to open a store in Branford, in the early 1990’s.
“When they decided they wanted to come to town, there was a mini-revolution of some people who said, ‘I’m for small business.’ Of course, we were too,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien recalled how he and other EDC members took a field trip to the state’s first Walmart, in Manchester, to learn more about what the business offered to customers.
“We spent the day walking the aisles up there, to see what they carried, to see who came into the store, what they purchased,” said O’Brien, noting the EDC also utilized a statistical study of the small businesses in town at the time.
O’Brien said it’s been a privilege to assist the EDC through the years, starting with his first appointment to the commission by former First Selectman Peter Ablondi in 1983. He thanked everyone who came out to show their appreciation on Dec. 21.
State Senator Christine Cohen and Branford State Representative Robin Comey presented O’Brien with an official citation from Connecticut’s General Assembly recognizing his 38 years with the EDC.
"You are really a role model to so many in this room, and to future generations,” said Comey. “Thank you for your commitment to Branford.”
Cohen thanked O’Brien for the great service he provides to the community in so many areas, including his amazing stretch of 38 years of service to the EDC.
“If you walk down Main Street, I think we can attribute a lot of the vibrancy of this town and it’s livelihood to you,” said Cohen.
EDC chair Cathy Lezon presented O’Brien with a plaque on behalf of the current EDC; recognizing his 38 years of service including 7 years as EDC chairman from 1995 to 2002.
“You took on many challenges, and you saw the commission through; and supported the town and our businesses in such a great way,” said Lezon. “Your leadership, and the way you work from your heart, means a great deal to all of us.”