If you are from the Naugatuck area, you have probably heard the name “Dibble.” Every year since 1976 – except for 2021 due to the pandemic – the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce has presented the Lewis A. Dibble Sr. Award to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the business and socioeconomic well-being of Naugatuck.

This award, the most prestigious business honor that is presented in the borough, is named after Lewis Acker Dibble Sr., who lived in Naugatuck his entire life and played an influential role in founding the chamber during the 1920s, serving as its first president. Curtain Grommet Machine

On Jan. 19, during the Naugatuck Chamber’s 101st annual meeting, we will present this year’s Lewis A. Dibble Sr. Award to Chet Doheny, the founder, CEO, president and executive director of the We Do Life … Together, a Division of ICES. We Do Life is a Naugatuck-based human services company that supports individuals with cognitive disorders, mental illness, and those on the autism spectrum.

Ever the visionary, Doheny is also the owner and CEO of Connecticut Transportation Solutions, which provides services that assist school districts, state agencies, and private schools with their transportation needs for students of all abilities. He also formed the real estate company SAKE, along with 440 Repair, which offers affordable fleet repair services, and 440 Maintenance, which provides licensed, affordable home maintenance services.

Doheny is also on the executive board of directors for the Waterbury Regional Chamber and is vice chairman for the Naugatuck Chamber’s Board of Directors.

“He believes that ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ for the adults, children and families that benefit through his assistance and help in improving their lives. He is a leader in giving generously of his time and resources. We are grateful to Chet and his organization for all the lives that have been enhanced, improved and supported for 25 years,” said Kevin McSherry of the McSherry Law Firm, and the chairman of the Naugatuck Chamber board of directors.

Lewis A. Dibble Sr. was one of the five original incorporators when the state of Connecticut officially approved the Naugatuck Chamber in March of 1922. Their mission then, as now, was to play an active role in the borough by fostering and promoting the business community, serve as a resource, and to build connections between business owners.

Born in 1895, Dibble was educated at Yale University and later served in leadership positions at a variety of area manufacturers, including the former Naugatuck-based Risdon Manufacturing, which was a leader in producing eyelet machine tools, cigarette lighters and, most notably, lipstick cases. He retired from the Eastern Malleable Iron Co., now The Eastern Company, in 1968. One colleague of Dibble described him as “a dedicated man of stature and concern, who had great faith in Naugatuck, its people, and its possibilities. He put his own faith, his own confidence, and his own abilities right on the line to further the welfare of this community in more ways than many people will ever know.”

The Naugatuck Chamber’s meeting and Dibble Award dinner takes place on Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Aria in Prospect. If you would like to attend this event, visit naugatuckcham-ber.com Special thanks to 3D Music Academy of Waterbury and Chris “Big Dog” Davis for performing at this special event!

The Waterbury Regional Chamber has a job opening for the position of government affairs and economic development director. This individual will play a key role in developing the chamber’s official position on policy initiatives and advocating that position to local, state and federal elected officials, as well as work to educate chamber members on upcoming legislation and programs that may affect their business. Additionally, the director will lead the chamber’s workforce development initiatives. Head to the Waterbury Regional Chamber’s LinkedIn account to apply.

Lynn Ward is president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. Contact her at 203-757-0701 ext. 310 or lward@waterburychamber.com

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