HSB Chairman Richard Booth was conferred the 2007 Human Relations Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, Inc.

The NCCJ presents the Human Relations Award to individuals who have distinguished themselves by conducting their lives with open-mindedness and respect, showing leadership by example, and being diligent in their fight for human rights and dignity. At the annual dinner in April, in addition to Richard Booth, awards were presented to Amy Jaffe Barzach, Founder and Executive Director, Boundless Playgrounds;  Connecticut State Treasurer Denise Nappier; and James Sicilian, Day Pitney, LLP.  The 2007 Youth Award was presented to Osiris Santana, Wethersfield High School student and youth community activist. 

According to the NCCJ,  "These individuals have been active in humanitarian concerns such as combating disability prejudice, ethnic discrimination, and racial bigotry in the community and workplace. They have demonstrated concern for fostering social justice and cooperation among all races, religions, cultures and abilities." 

In his acceptance speech, Booth dedicated the award "to the wonderful employees of Hartford Steam Boiler. HSB has had a long history of service to our community. For many years we have had the highest per capita giving to the United Way and just this week we became the first company to cross the $1 million dollar mark in our cumulative giving to the Greater Hartford Arts Council."

Booth also noted that, "More importantly, a significant number of our employees are directly involved in dozens of community organizations, serving on their boards or giving their time in other ways. We encourage community involvement by giving employees three days off per year to perform community service and many take advantage of this. We have tried to build a value system that honors the role of community service and that is clearly part of our culture."

Dr. Andrea C. Kandel, Executive Director, NCCJ Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Region, stated, “We are extremely proud of the dedication and civic engagement shown by this year’s honorees in promoting understanding and respect among all people. Each award recipient has shown tremendous leadership in our community and has worked tirelessly to promote an inclusive society for all.” 

NCCJ was founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

April 2007