Smart Growth for Vernon, CT
Cummings to be honored by South Windsor Chamber

By Zachariah Hand
For the Journal Inquirer
Published: Thursday, September 27, 2012 12:22 PM EDT

SOUTH WINDSOR — Harold Cummings will be honored tonight as the 2012 South Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.

Cummings was chosen because of his exceptional record of accomplishment as a lawyer and business leader to the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce and many additional organizations, the chamber said. Since he joined the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce in 1978, Cummings has served as its pro bono legal counsel. He also spent 16 years on its Board of Directors and authored its original bylaws.

Cummings learned of his selection in early September, about a week before the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce made the official announcement.

“I’m very honored,” Cummings said. “It came as a total surprise, and it’s very much appreciated.”

Cummings said that there were several people he would like to thank, including former teachers and professors as well as all of those who made it possible for him to receive a scholarship to attend school. He will offer his thanks during the award presentation ceremony.

The South Windsor Chamber of Commerce‘s annual dinner meeting and award ceremony takes place tonight at Maneeleys Banquet Facility and Catering from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $60 at the door.

In addition to his service to the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, Cummings also spent several years in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He received many awards throughout his career in the military, including a Bronze Star and two National Defense Service Medals. He was transferred to retired reserve in 1993 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Cummings has also been a member of the Vernon Conservation Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Education, and was on the board of the Hockanum Valley Day Care Center. He also served as moderator of First Congregational Church in Vernon, and as president of the South Windsor Rotary Club.

Currently, Cummings, who has a law degree from Georgetown University, is the Vernon town attorney. He is also chairman of the Vernon Republican Town Committee, and serves as a director of the South Windsor Conservation Trust. He is a member of the American Legion Post 14 in Vernon.

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