Borough business among award winners

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Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Pisani
Giuseppe ‘Joe’ Pisani

NAUGATUCK — Pisani Steel Fabrication was founded in 1988 as a welding company. Twenty-eight years later, the Naugatuck-based manufacturer continues to grow and has caught the attention of the Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce for more than its business acumen.

The chamber will honor Pisani Steel Fabrication, Inc. with the 2016 Harold Webster Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award next week.

Pisani Steel Fabrication Inc., located at 360 Prospect St., was founded by Giuseppe “Joe” and his father, Frank Pisani. The company now specializes in producing structural steel and miscellaneous metals for the construction industry and services a variety of industries throughout New England and New York, according to a press release from the chamber.

Pisani Steel Fabrication is also being recognized for its contributions to the community.

In 2013, the company donated $375,000 worth of materials and labor to help construct the 52-foot-tall cross that sits at Holy Land in Waterbury. The cross also changes colors according the yearly calendar.

Joe Pisani, who is president of Pisani Steel Fabrication, couldn’t be reached for comment. Pisani, who grew up in Waterbury, talked about his decision to donate the cross in a 2013 interview with the Waterbury Republican-American.

“Holy Land for my family has always been a symbol of hope,” Pisani told the Republican-American at the time. “When my family came over from Italy they actually lived right at the base of the cross on Sylvan Avenue and Pleasant Street.”

Joe Pisani has also served on numerous boards in Waterbury and his employees supply services to the numerous charities throughout Greater Waterbury, according to the press release.

Pisani Steel Fabrication Inc. will be honored along with the Small Business of the Year Award recipient, Watertown-based All Star Driver, and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient, Dan Settani of Viso Bello Day Spa & Massage Therapy Center, during the 19th annual Harold Webster Smith Awards ceremony Jan. 29. The ceremony is at the Aria Wedding & Banquet Facility, 45 Murphy Road, Prospect, from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m.

The awards are named for Harold Webster Smith, who founded First Federal Savings of Waterbury in 1935, the press release stated. Webster served as CEO until 1937 and as chairman of the board until 1995, when First Federal was renamed Webster Bank in his honor.

“In honor of Harold Webster Smith’s legacy and small business inspiration, we recognize small companies and entrepreneurs who share his passion for business development and his commitment to positive economic progress of the Waterbury region,” ” Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lynn Ward said in the release. “Throughout his career, Harold Webster Smith served as an inspiration for countless small businesses. We are very pleased to recognize the many companies that share his ideals.”

For more information, call the chamber at (203) 757-0701 or visit www.waterburychamber.com.