DICIN Electric Named SBA 2023 National Federal Subcontractor of the Year

Each year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week (NSBW). In 2023, Connecticut Electrical Contractor DICIN Electric Company, Inc. was named Winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2023 New England Region and Federal Small Business Subcontractor of the Year award.

DICIN Electric Company, Inc., was working with Weeks Marine, Inc. on the Replace SSN Berthing Pier 32 Project at Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut. Project Manager, Keith MacKenzie, nominated DICIN Electric for the category of Federal Subcontractor of the Year for their exemplary work performed on the project.

MacKenzie had this to say about DICIN in his submission: Throughout the Replace SSN Berthing Pier 32 Project at Naval Submarine Base New London, DICIN continually hit their deadlines with submittals, material/equipment deliveries, and installation. DICIN had to contend with the supply chain crisis that affected material and equipment procurement worldwide. Through this, DICIN persevered and delivered its scope of work on time, which is an exceptional feat in and of itself. He also noted DICIN's comprehensive knowledge of their scope of work and the subject matter was invaluable when questions arose with the contract drawings and design. Several times, the Navy worked directly with DICIN to make recommendations for changes to the project. This is due in part to DICIN's reputation as a valuable partner and their expertise in their field.

Bibi Hidalgo, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, stated, “Your hard work, innovative ideas, and dedication to your community have helped you excel, but also inspire other businesses to do the same. The SBA is pleased to recognize your achievements and your role in driving our nation’s economic growth.”

Legislative Visit from Connecticut Congressman Joe Courtney

Congressman Joe Courtney hosted a legislative visit at DICIN Electric’s facility located in Waterford, Connecticut. The SBA Connecticut District Director, Catherine Marx facilitated the morning and the Waterford First Selectman, Rob Brule, welcomed guests and shared history about the company. Nominator, Keith MacKenzie, Project Manager from Weeks Marine, Inc. also spoke about DICIN’s outstanding work on Pier 32 (more of his presentation is mentioned above). Long-time friend, supporter, and Waterford State Representative Kathleen McCarty presented Cindy with a citation from Hartford. Cindy concluded the morning with heartfelt words to all of her guests and appreciation for the award.

Congressman Courtney was quoted saying this in a social media post,
“At their facility in Waterford, owner Cindy Hersom is carrying on a family legacy of agile, high-quality work for eastern Connecticut.”

For more about the visit, click here to read an article that was posted in The New London Day.

National Small Business Week 2023 Held in Washington, D.C.

The 2023 National Small Business Week award winners were invited to the U.S. National Small Business Administration’s Annual Celebration hosted at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, DC. It was an inspirational two-day event held on Sunday, April 30, and Monday, April 31, 2023.

The opening day recognized all the individual small business winners from each of the 52 states. Monday’s event recognized the federal award recipients, the disaster recovery award winners, and the US Small Business Person of the Year.

SBA Administrator, Isabella Casillas Guzman, congratulated and presented awards to each recipient being recognized over the two-day ceremony. Guzman thanked the recipients and said, “The nation is thankful for all you do for your employees, your communities, and our country. We appreciate all who join us at the SBA in honoring our nation’s entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week. Together, we are rebuilding our economy, bringing new ideas and talent into the market, and fostering innovation that will lead to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.”

National Small Business Week 2023 Held at the White House

On Monday, May 1, 2023, DICIN Electric Company, Inc. was greeted by the White House to commemorate National Small Business Week for the 2023 award winners. President Biden and Vice President Harris nationally recognized the recipients and emphasized the importance and impact of America’s small businesses.

Vice President Harris delivered the following message: “As District Attorney of San Francisco, in my career as Attorney General of California, as a United States senator, and now as Vice President, I have worked with and met with thousands of small-business owners — folks like you who are here who fight every day to build a better future for the people you love, for the community you call home, and for our country. You power the ambition and aspirations of our nation.  And that is why we are fighting every day to make sure you have the resources and the support that you need.”

DICIN President, Cindy Hersom had the opportunity to be personally greeted by Vice President Harris and together they posed for the photo featured above. Cindy had this to say, Being named the National Federal Subcontractor of the Year has been an incredible honor. The two-day celebration sponsored by the SBA was wonderful and it was such a privilege to have been a guest at the White House and an honor to have met Vice President Harris. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Celebrating With National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

The headquarters of the National Electrical Contractors Association is also located in Washington, DC. DICIN executives, Cindy and Chris Hersom took advantage of being in the city and had an opportunity to visit friends at NECA and get a tour of the district office.

DICIN Electric has been a National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA) member since 1979. NECA also posted an article about DICIN’s monumental award. It was posted in the NECA News. To read the article, click here.

Connecticut Small Business Week SBA Awards and Resource Expo 

The week concluded with recognition from the CBIA and SBA honoring Connecticut’s small businesses. The event was held Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Rentschler Field - Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford. The reception recognized the state-level award recipients for their achievements. Hersom had been asked to join the celebration as the 2023 New England Region and National Federal Small Business Subcontractor of the Year award winner.

During her presentation, Cindy shared that the founders/ her parents were ready to retire. In August of 2015, Cindy stepped in as owner and President of the family business. She explained that taking over as owner of DICIN was challenging. The ship was moving full steam ahead and she jumped aboard. Failure was never an option for her and she did what was necessary to move the business even further ahead. Cindy is extremely proud of this BANNER YEAR for DICIN Electric. It is not very often businesses are selected as the National Federal Subcontractor of the Year while also celebrating their 50th year in business.