Windham Economic Development Corporations annual meeting announces Tommy Gleason Award by Lorraine Glowczak

Erik Heyland accepts award

The Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) held its second Annual Open Meeting on Wednesday, October 4 in the Roosevelt Room at the Wyndham Microtel Inn & Suites at 965 Roosevelt Trail. 

The evening began with a half-hour social at 5 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner, catered by Rustler’s Steakhouse at 5:30 p.m., which was then proceeded by the business meeting. 

WEDC Executive Director, Tom Bartell began the meeting with welcomes and introductions. President of WEDC, Dustin Roma, called the traditional portion of the meeting to order which included the election of board members and an update on the Treasurer’s Report. 

The special guest keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. Jim Dlugos, President of Saint Joseph’s College.

Dr. Dlugos’ presentation focused on the college’s latest economic and strategic plan of educational, financial and agricultural sustainability - of not only the college itself, but its contribution to the surrounding community. Some of the topics mentioned included hydroponic farming, local foods served on campus, new student and community hospitality space, as well as the recently dedicated artificial turf field that provides a recreational space for all fall sports.

Erik Heyland, owner of Wyndham Microtel Inn and Suites of Windham and York was this year’s recipient of the Thomas “Tommy” Gleason Economic Development Award. Heyland was recognized for his contribution to the economic development in Windham. The award is in honor of, and named after Thomas “Tommy” Gleason, a former Windham Town Councilor who passed away in May 2016. 

Gleason was passionate about Windham’s growth and community success and the award recipient lives up to that same level of enthusiasm.  

Bartell expressed his thanks to Dr. Glugos as well as Heyland and his staff at Microtel Inn & Suites
and the Roosevelt Room. Bartell also recognized all who were able to gather for the evening. “It is always a pleasure when we can bring many of our partners together to celebrate the successes in our community.”