Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546259
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 24, 2026 B7 2026 C T BUSINE S S E XCELLENCE AWARDS AWARD CATEGORY: FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS, 51-250 EMPLOYEES Thomaston Savings Bank HEADQUARTERS: Thomaston YEAR FOUNDED: 1874 INDUSTRY: Banking/Financial Services TOP EXECUTIVE: Stephen Lewis, President & CEO EMPLOYEES: 236 WEBSITE: thomastonsb.com T homaston Savings Bank is a mutual bank with 16 branches, serving customers across Connecticut. The bank provides personal, business and commercial banking services while investing in local communities through charitable giving, volunteerism and partnerships that strengthen the quality of life throughout its service area. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. We stand apart through our unique ability to balance strong financial performance, forward-thinking innovation and a deeply rooted commitment to our community — all guided by our mutual banking model, which prioritizes people over shareholders. Over the past six months alone, we've delivered exceptional financial results while maintaining disciplined growth and risk management. Total assets reached nearly $2 billion, with deposits growing to $1.67 billion and loans to $1.41 billion. Net income increased nearly 70% year- over-year, driven by strong loan demand, improved net interest income and operational efficiency. We are on track to have our most successful year in our 150-plus year history. What are your plans for future growth? We will continue growing through inno- The Flour Girl Bakery HEADQUARTERS: Hebron YEAR FOUNDED: 2019 INDUSTRY: Hospitality TOP EXECUTIVE: Michelle Nicholson, Founder & Owner EMPLOYEES: 40 ANNUAL REVENUE: $1.5 million WEBSITE: www.theflourgirlct.com T he Flour Girl Bakery LLC is a four- building campus in Hebron that includes an artisan bakery, café, country store and private event venue. What began as bread baked for front-porch pickups has grown, through community support, into a thriving food business known for 80-plus sourdough flavors, pastries, coffee and welcoming gatherings. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. Over the past two years, I've been honored to be named Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year (2025), a CO-100 honoree, and a 40 Under 40 recipient. These recog- nitions reflect the work behind the scenes at The Flour Girl. This year we opened our largest addition yet: a 60-seat café. That expansion allowed us to serve more guests, create more jobs and build a true gathering space alongside our bakery production, country store and private event venue. At the end of the day, we're here to feed people well and make them feel at home — one loaf, one cup of coffee, and one gathering at a time. vation, exceptional client service, strategic expansion and meaningful community investment while remaining true to our mutual banking values. Our focus is on strengthening relationships, enhancing the client experience and delivering long-term value to the communities we serve. How is your organization involved in the community? Thomaston Savings Bank reinvests in the communities it serves rather than prioritizing shareholder returns. This commitment is reflected through bank giving in 2025 at $1.3 million to support 393 nonprofits, 5,700 volunteer hours and more than $64,000 raised for United Way — demonstrating that financial success drives meaningful community impact. What are your plans for future growth? After four buildings in five years, I asked my staff about future growth. Their answer: "Please … no more buildings." So, our plan is to grow smarter, not bigger — tighten systems, deepen the café experience, expand online sales and keep making the bread people drive for. How is your organization involved in the community? The Flour Girl is deeply community-rooted, reinvesting in local causes through regular charitable giving and sponsorships. The busi- ness prioritizes living-wage jobs, supports area schools and nonprofits, and uses its campus as a gathering place for neigh- bors and celebrations. Its growth has been powered by community support — and it continues to give back. AWARD CATEGORY: FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS, 1-50 EMPLOYEES