Chamber Of Commerce Lauds 'Rising Stars'

and , both Johnston businesses, were presented as model businesses within the small business community at the May 25 North Central Chamber of Commerce “Night of Rising Stars.”

Cherry Hill Manor, for the second year in a row, was honored with the community service award, given to a business for distinction in providing a local community with an invaluable service for its residents.

Joanne Clukey, the director of marketing for Cherry Hill Manor accepted the award on behalf of the business.

 “It is a great honor, especially since this is our second year in a row," Clukey said. "This is a nice validation, and we are so happy that our community-based building is recognized for its achievements.”

Small Business of the Year was presented to Wishes Under Wrap. Laurie Langford, the owner was present to accept her award.

 “It is so wonderful to be recognize by colleagues and the North Central Chamber of Commerce is incredible for support," Langford explained. "It was important for me to change my business in these different economic times. I was able to expand and meet the changing needs of my customers, all while still being the same business.”

The Chamber also presented Johnston High School varsity baseball team captain Nicholas Loffredo with a scholarship award. Loffredo could not attend, as he was on the field for the Panthers' playoff game against Mt. Hope. Johnston won the contest, 5-2.

Presenter Richard Iannitelli explained that Loffredo is member of the National Honor Society and Academy of Finance, and plans to attend Bryant University to study accounting.

After the awards ceremony, Michael Tamburro, president of the Pawtucket Red Sox, gave an address to the businesses. Using quotations from Angelo Giamatti and Yogi Bera’s famous “Yogi-isms,” Tamburro painted a picture of the importance of cherishing every single individual customer.

“When you draw a crowd of 328 fans, you learn to appreciate every single one of them and you treat them accordingly.” Tamburro explained. “Our greatest challenge today is to teach our young staff who don’t remember those 300 crowds that they need to treat the 8,000 or 9,000 who come to McCoy with the same respect and same passion that we treated those 300 with back in ’77."

Tamburro also offered a piece of advice: “My suggestion to everyone tonight: Embrace problems. Problems are initiatives to innovation. They can make your business better.”