Aquarion CEO Leads United Way Push in Tough Times

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – As CEO of Aquarion Water Company, Chuck Firlotte is very much a part of the community. So it was a natural fit when the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County asked him to chair its 2011 Annual Campaign, which is in full swing. "It was hard to duck when they asked," he says. "Aquarion [which serves 40 communities in southwest Connecticut] has a culture of giving, and the company has been very involved in the United Way throughout its history, but this is the first time I've actually suited up for the game."

Firlotte sees his role as a "door opener" for the "very competent staff at United Way who do the heavy lifting.

"I accompany them on as many corporate visits as possible," he continues. "My job is twofold: to thank them for their past contributions, and remind them that the need is ongoing, and increasing."

To reinforce that statement, Firlotte rattles off statistics that show just how necessary the United Way is in Fairfield County. "The campaign has a three-pronged focus," he says. "Income, education and health. In spite of living in one of the richest areas of the country, the facts are staggering.

"On any given day, there are 450 families in the state who are homeless, living in shelters. We have the fifth highest unemployment rate in the country, 9%, and in Bridgeport it's closer to 14.

"Healthwise, the focus is on helping people make better food choices and tackling obesity, especially among children. In education, we need to address the fact that 45% of 90 elementary schools are performing below expectations. These are sobering statistics."

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s campaign has a goal of raising $5.8 million, and Firlotte realizes it's not an easy mark, particularly given the state of the economy. "There's a juxtaposition that needs are going up while the inclination to give is not. The arrows are going in opposite directions," he says. Still, he thinks most corporations and individuals realize that "there's an obligation to support this cause. The world belongs to those who show up."

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