Oct 02, 2009
Norwalk Resident Named 2009 MS Corporate Achiever
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Norwalk Resident Named 2009 MS Corporate Achiever
NORWALK, Conn. – The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter has named Norwalk resident Brian Petronella a 2009 MS Corporate Achiever – one of only 30 business leaders to be named this year.
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| Brian Petronella |
Petronella, who graduated from Harvard University’s Trade Union Program in 1978, is the international vice president and president of the Local 371 United Food and Commercial Workers Union, where he has been for 32 years.
“I have friends who have multiple sclerosis,” said Petronella. “I have always tried to help others and I would like to someday see a cure for this disease.”
Established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter in 2000, MS Corporate Achievers is a recognition program honoring some of Connecticut’s most influential leaders while at the same time raising critically needed funds to ensure ongoing scientific research and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with MS. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by an advisory council for outstanding contributions to business, civic and cultural enrichment. Through participation, honorees join an elite leadership network sharing a commitment to making Connecticut a better place in which to live. Since 2000, honorees have raised more than $600,000 to help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
Petronella has been involved with many local and nonprofit organizations during the past three decades. He served as the president of the Fairfield County Labor Council from 1988 to 1999 and is currently the general vice president for the Connecticut AFL-CIO. He has served on the board of trustees for the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County and the United Way of Norwalk. Petronella is also the director of the Local 371 UFCW Women’s Network, which provides food to various food banks as well as sponsors food drives during Christmas and Easter.
“Mr. Petronella is truly an effective leader within his organization and community at large,” said Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president. “He is committed to raising funds in the fight against MS and devoted to ensuring quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities.”
For more information on the MS Corporate Achievers program or to nominate a candidate for MS Corporate Achievers, please call 860-913-2550. To learn more about MS, its effects and the many ways the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter assists those with living with MS, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
10/2/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org