South Windsor Chamber Business Awards

ION Bank opened its South Windsor branch in September 2021, bringing with it a 150-year history as a Connecticut-based mutual company that is not owned by shareholders. From day one, they focused on being an exemplary corporate citizen, offering easily accessible and highly personal customer service. Customers have shared firsthand experiences of ION going above and beyond, such as manually approving deposits to support local business needs, identifying card fraud quickly, and assisting with transaction research. Their service first mindset makes them a trusted and valued financial partner.

ION’s roots trace back to Naugatuck Savings Bank, and their legacy includes the formation of the Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation in 1998. In 2024 alone, the foundation awarded over $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the region. Each year, ION invites nonprofits in the communities they serve to register for their annual $100,000 giving campaign. Customers then vote on their favorite organizations, with funds distributed proportionally. ION actively encourages employee volunteerism, and in South Windsor, Branch Manager Tywan Watkins represents the bank on the Chamber Board of Directors and the member outreach committee.

What truly sets ION apart is its combination of high-tech tools and small-town values. Their live interactive teller machines extend banking hours well beyond traditional limits, which is especially valuable for busy residents and business owners. When other local banks merged and lost their personal touch, ION filled the gap with its community-focused culture. In addition to their involvement with the Chamber, they sponsor key events including the Golf Tournament, First Responders Thank You celebration, and the Annual Meeting. Their commitment to service, innovation, and local engagement makes ION Bank a standout candidate for Business of the Year.

Chrysalis Center exemplifies the kind of business that drives lasting and meaningful change. With services including supportive housing, food assistance, job training, and mental health care, they have improved the lives of countless individuals and families in need. Their commitment to social impact is at the heart of everything they do.

What makes Chrysalis Center stand out is their partnership-based philosophy. Clients and staff are equal collaborators in the planning, development, and monitoring of care, ensuring each person’s needs, strengths, and preferences shape the process. This approach creates a sense of ownership and respect that fuels individual growth.

Their person-centered model not only motivates and empowers clients in their recovery, but also invites families and significant others to take an active role in supporting those they love. Chrysalis Center believes every person regardless of their challenges brings a valuable set of skills, strengths, and experiences to build upon. Their approach is compassionate, inclusive, and deeply effective.

Andrews Oil has been a trusted member of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce since the Chamber’s earliest days. Over the years, the company has remained actively involved serving on committees, sponsoring a variety of Chamber activities, and most recently, acting as a repeat sponsor of the Chamber’s annual golf tournament. They’ve also contributed substantial gift cards as raffle prizes to support other community fundraisers.

Since 1957, Andrews Oil & Gas Services, Inc. has been a family-owned and operated business, delivering fuel oil and providing heating and cooling equipment installations and repairs throughout South Windsor and the surrounding area. In 2021, ownership passed to Sam Campitelli and Melissa Hannaford, who are family members and who, along with several other relatives working at the company, take pride in working together. Their leadership continues a long-standing tradition of integrity, service, and dedication to the community.

Beyond their Chamber involvement, Andrews Oil has supported South Windsor High School’s Operation Graduation, the South Windsor Lions Club, and the South Windsor Farmers Market. They’ve also stepped up to assist residents in need of heating oil, demonstrating a deep and personal commitment to the well-being of their neighbors.

Bahler Brothers, a design/build landscape contractor, has been a leader in the hardscape industry since its founding in 1985 by four brothers—Tom, Steve, Lloyd, and Phil. The company was built on a foundation of honesty and integrity, creating a strong family-centered work culture that remains evident to this day. In 2022, they entered their second generation of family ownership when Josh Bahler, Steve’s son, took over leadership while upholding the core values shared by his father and uncles. A visit to their company website reveals just how rooted this business is in family seven employees share the last name “Bahler.” Their accomplishments are also impressive: Bahler Brothers has received awards from major industry associations including Northeast Hardscape, Hardscape North America, and Unilock. They also have 122 five-star Google reviews, demonstrating the quality and consistency of their work. The family-first mindset extends to all employees, who are seen as critical to the company’s success. Each team member, known as an Outdoor Living Professional, is recognized and appreciated for their contributions. This deep sense of gratitude and inclusiveness is what makes Bahler Brothers more than a business it’s a family in every sense of the word.

In 2024, Reshmi Mariya opened a new business in South Windsor called S.A.M. (Seriously Addictive Mathematics), a math enrichment program based on the Singapore Math format. In a short amount of time, they have already served over 40 students from South Windsor and neighboring towns, offering support in both math and English for students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Their goal is to meet each child where they are whether struggling or excelling and help them grow with confidence and clarity.

The team at S.A.M. includes five South Windsor residents as teachers and administrative staff, as well as three more from neighboring towns. Whenever they need services or supplies, they make a point of supporting South Windsor-based businesses. They’ve championed programs like the First Lego League for South Windsor middle school students and were the platinum sponsor for the South Windsor High School Science Olympiad team, which advanced to the national competition.

S.A.M. also serves as a major sponsor for the South Windsor Farmers Market and has supported various cultural and nonprofit organizations throughout the year. They’ve offered reduced-fee options for students from families with limited means and held free trial sessions to introduce more families to their approach. Their work is making a meaningful difference, and their strong ties to local schools and organizations position them as a rising force in both education and community engagement.

IV Lounge has emerged as a leading community supporter through both sponsorship and active participation in local events. From golf tournaments to family fun fairs, their team consistently shows up offering not just financial support, but also time, energy, and hands-on help. Their commitment goes far beyond writing checks; they are present, engaged, and invested in the well-being of South Windsor residents.

The business places a strong emphasis on giving back, and that includes serving on committees and supporting the success of other community events. This level of engagement makes a lasting impression not only on those they directly support, but on the town as a whole.

As a health-focused business, IV Lounge embodies the values of service and care, both professionally and within the community. Their willingness to step up and contribute wherever needed reflects a spirit of leadership and generosity that makes them a true Rising Star.

On April 9 of this year, Danco Furniture celebrated the grand opening of its South Windsor location, bringing a fresh retail experience to the area. Their presence fills a once-vacant building on Route 5 and introduces a distinctive furniture style and culture to local shoppers. Miguel, Emily, and Ross former employees of the original Hatfield, Massachusetts store stepped into ownership with a shared commitment to maintaining the family-owned feel that made the business so successful in MA.

What sets Danco apart is their no-commission business model. Rather than relying on sales pressure, they create a welcoming, low-pressure environment where customers can shop with confidence and comfort. Their focus is on next-generation furniture pieces designed for how people live today, with equal emphasis on beauty and comfort. This thoughtful approach makes the Danco experience unlike traditional big-box or online furniture shopping.

Though new to the area, Danco has already shown a strong desire to engage with the South Windsor business community. Their welcoming Grand Opening event was a strong start, and they plan to host a Business After Hours through the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce. Their investment in the town both economically and socially positions them as a valuable new addition to the small business landscape.

Being a healthcare business owner herself, the nominator of Calliope Patient Advocates recognizes just how essential personalized guidance has become in today’s complex healthcare system. Founder Catherine Marshall operates Calliope as a one-woman show, providing services and support to help clients navigate the healthcare system andits many challenges.

Her mission centers on individualized care and clear guidance for patients and families who often feel overwhelmed and overlooked. Catherine helps clients manage healthcare decisions, advocate for themselves, and find the resources they need to stay informed and in control of their care. Her approach is deeply personal, and her services are designed to meet each client’s unique situation with compassion, clarity, and integrity.

Though small in size, Calliope Patient Advocates represents a powerful force in patient advocacy. Catherine’s commitment to helping others through difficult medical situations demonstrates the strength and impact that a single, mission-driven business can bring to the community.