SPRINGFIELD The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has selected Reminder Publications co-publisher Christopher Buendo as the first recipient of the Rick Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. Buendo and others will be honored at the June 21 ACCGS Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony at the Springfield Marriott. The award was recently created in honor of the late Rick Moriarty, who once served as chair of the chamber's Board of Directors, and his involvement in the community and various charities and philanthropy efforts. According to a statement released by the ACCGS, Buendo was chosen because he "exhibits commitment, support, leadership and outreach to others and has a desire to make a positive impact in the region." "I'm honored," Buendo said. "I know I have very big shoes to fill in receiving this honor." Former business associates, Buendo described Moriarty as a "very caring, giving and selfless person." Like Moriarty he is also thinks putting energy into bettering the community is time well spent. "I think that our city needs champions, people who care," Buendo explained. "Springfield right now needs people to step up to the plate and support the city focus on what's right as opposed to what's wrong." He said the mission he and his brother, co-publisher Dan Buendo, inherited from their parents was to support the community. Buendo said his father's goal was to cater to people by doing things right and focusing on the positive. When he sees other businesses and people in the community making a difference, he said he likes to acknowledge them. "I want to recognize the other businesses that have been honored," Buendo said alluding to Meyers Brothers Kalicka and Decorated Products, recipients of the 2007 Pioneer Valley Business Excellence Award. There will also be a recipient of the "Torch of Excellence" at the event. A father of two, Buendo encourages young entrepreneurs to be committed. He is an active member of many organizations including Community United Way, Bay Path College's Innovators Roundtable, Mass Rehab Advisory Board and more. "Be proud of your products and services. Don't be afraid to get out in the community and talk about them," Buendo said. Buendo uses a triangle method in order to balance the priorities in his life. Each point represents something he wants to allot equal time to: Community, Business and Family. These same innovative techniques filter over into leading his company of employees. "I try to treat other people the way I want to be treated," he shared. He tries to lead by example by maintaining a good work ethic. He said at some point he has done the work he delegates to others. "I'm not afraid to get in the trenches," he said, adding that he tries to limit the number of boards he is on at a time so he can remain very active on them. "As a small business owner you do what it takes to get the job done." Reminder Publications, Inc is family-owned business formed in 1962. Buendo came on board in 1986 and was joined by his brother Dan in 1992. | ||||||
