Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Names Citizen of the Year

Educator, AT&T Director, and now gardener, Bill Turner was named the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Citizen of the Year on Friday. The Stonington resident became the 61st person to be recognized as Citizen of the Year.

Turner has a long history of wide involvement in the community. He’s served on the boards of several chambers of commerce, including the , the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and Middlesex Chamber of Commerce and the Windham Chamber of Commerce.

For nearly three decades Turner worked for AT&T in various roles, such as External Affairs Director, Eastern Regional Director, and as the regional representative for the AT&T Foundation. He’s been active in a number of community events across the state, including the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, the Hygienic Art Festival in New London and Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam.

Turner thanked the chamber for the recognition, calling it very humbling.

Turner said he’s tried to help those in need throughout the years, saying it’s important to continue to ask, “what can you do to give back?”

He credited the many volunteers he’s worked with throughout the years for the success of the community events he’s chaired.

A number of former honorees were in attendance, including last year’s Citizen of the Year, Keith Fontaine.

Fontaine called Turner both pragmatic and diplomatic, someone whose advice is sought and widely listened to.

“They say the 21st century is a new renaissance…we are honoring a renaissance man,” Fontaine said.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut began its annual award in 1949. Each year a committee reviews applications for Citizen of Year, trying to find that citizen who is practically engaged in the community.

At home in Stonington, Turner continues to bring beauty to the area. Stonington residents might know Turner and his spouse for Kentford Farm located in Old Mystic. The five-acre farm is home to a series of perennial gardens that invite visitors to stroll down the winding pathways.

“I work hard, I play hard,” Turner said. “That’s what I try to balance.”

The chamber will hold a celebratory party in May.