The Southbury Chamber of Commerce will honor four exceptional individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the community during its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
“Each of this year’s honorees has made Southbury stronger in a different way—from dedicated public service and behind-the-scenes volunteerism to entrepreneurial investment and the promotion of local businesses,” said Danielle Hawthorne, Chairwoman of the Southbury Chamber Board of Directors and Publisher of Southbury Neighbors Magazine. “These awards allow us to celebrate the people and businesses whose leadership, creativity and commitment continue to move our community forward.”
The Community Leader of the Year Award will be presented to Justin Bette of CENTURY 21 Bette Real Estate. A third-generation real estate professional, Bette leads the family-owned brokerage that has served the region for more than 50 years.
His extensive community service includes past membership on Southbury’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Economic Development Commission, service as vice chairman of the Board of Finance, and eight years on the Board of Selectmen. Bette has also held leadership positions within the real estate industry and remains an active supporter of local organizations and community events.
Swing 365 Golf will receive the New Business of the Year Award. Owned and operated by Southbury residents Eve and Alex Wasz, the membership-based golf simulator lounge opened in October 2025 at 800 Main Street South.
The facility provides golfers with private, secure access to state-of-the-art simulator technology 24 hours a day, allowing members to practice and play throughout the year regardless of the weather.
Local resident Donald Antilla will receive the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his extensive volunteer service and contributions to municipal projects.
A member of the Southbury Zoning Commission for 43 years, Antilla devoted considerable time and technical expertise to improving the community. His work has included assisting in updating the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, as well as key development guides for Main Street South, as well as the Strongtown and Southford sections of town. His work has involved researching pedestrian and streetscape improvements, coordinating with town officials and business leaders, preparing technical specifications for bid requests, reviewing site plans, and providing referrals to other town leaders. Antilla is currently the Vice Chairman of a subcommittee for the Streetscape Commission.
The Business of the Year Award will be presented to Southbury.com, an online community resource founded and operated by Michael Ferreira, a member of the Southbury Chamber Board of Directors.
The website connects residents and visitors with local businesses, restaurants, events, attractions and services while providing valuable exposure for Southbury’s business community. Ferreira has also helped strengthen the local economy through initiatives, including Southbury Restaurant Week, the Sip & Savor kickoff celebration, and the Southbury Gift Card program.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa & Conference Center, located at 522 Heritage Road in Southbury.
Southbury.com is a Business Sponsor of the event. Supporting sponsors are Jack Zazzaro DMD LLC, Southbury Neighbors Magazine, and SPYNE Pilates Studio.
To register for the event or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit southburychamber.com.
The Southbury Record 