The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce members came together again to celebrate their beloved event, Party of 12. This occasion acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our community thriving for locals and visitors from near and far. Local businesses that embody this devoted effort were presented with awards in different categories for much-deserved recognition.
Commerce Ballast Award Winners
The chamber selected five winners for the inaugural Ballast Awards. Those businesses recognized were Annie Philbrick, Owner of Bank Square Books; Margaret Macris, Owner of Blue Horse; Kathy Zezulka, Owner of Hair Unique; Maria Hanna, Owner of Survival Systems; and Zoe Longinidis, Owner of Angie’s Pizza.
Joyce Olson Resnikoff Tourism Award Winners
The Joyce Olson Resnikoff tourism award was created to recognize business owners and people who support, grow and nurture southeastern Connecticut’s tourism economy. Stephen Coan, CEO and President of Mystic Aquarium and Stephan Ambrosch, Owner of Deviant Donuts and Mangos Wood Fired Pizza are the 2020 recipients. The 2021 winners, who were just announced, are Peter Armstrong, President of The Mystic Seaport Museum and Jeff Anderson, owner of Kelly’s Pace in Olde Mistick Village.
The Whaler’s Inn is proud to be in a collective of dozens of dedicated businesses to make Mystic a desired destination of choice for day trips, getaways, and a great place to live and work.
Keel Award Presented to Amanda Arling, President of The Whaler’s Inn
This year, a new award was added to the line-up, the first-ever Keel Award. According to the chamber, “The Keel Award will be given to a community business leader who represents the future Mystic, someone who will lead the ship through any conditions”.
We are very thrilled to announce that our very own leader, Amanda Arling was presented with the Keel Award. We are very proud to have her at the helm of our ship to create a wonderful and collaborative work culture.
“I’m just one of many in this community who weathered the changing times and challenges last year, so I am surprised,” she said after receiving the award. “I think we have a lot of talented people here and I look forward to seeing what opportunities the future will bring in Mystic.” Amanda Arling, President of The Whaler’s Inn and The Shipwright’s Daughter- The Westerly Sun
The Party of 12 was hosted in the Velvet Mill, home to a thriving creative community of artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Partygoers delighted in the featured dishes offered by area restaurants including, Chapter One, Oyster Club, Sift, The Shipwright’s Daughter, Zest, Block & Bottle, J&R Seafood, Angie’s, The Fisherman, Rocks 21, Noble Smokehouse and Surf Cantina.
Local libations were also represented by Fisher’s Island Lemonade, Bank & Bridge Brewing, Spencer & Lynn, The Real McCoy Rum, and Whalers Brewing. Outstanding entertainment was provided by DJ Doug and Big Lux. Huge thanks to all who made this event a huge success!
