October 16 Event Benefits Funding of CPTV Original Series, Made in Connecticut
HARTFORD – August 17, 2015 – In honor of Pratt & Whitney’s 90th Anniversary, Connecticut Public today announced it will host a gala celebration on Friday, October 16, at the Connecticut Convention Center.
“We are honored to celebrate a Connecticut company that has defined aerospace excellence worldwide for most of the last century and continues to do so today,” said Thomas O. Barnes, chairman of The Barnes Group and chairman of the gala’s Steering Committee. “Speaking on behalf of the Steering Committee, I invite businesses and individuals to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Pratt & Whitney during the past nine decades.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community, and state to come together to honor the vision and impact of a unique and historical company; one that is still a leader in the aerospace industry today,” said James C. Smith, chairman & CEO of Webster Bank and vice chairman of the gala’s Steering Committee.
Honorary Chairs for the celebration of Pratt & Whitney’s 90th anniversary are Governor Dannel P. Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy.
“I thank the Governor, Mrs. Malloy, Tom and Jim for leading Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s celebration of Pratt & Whitney,” said Jerry Franklin, President & CEO of Connecticut Public Broadcasting. “This iconic company has brought international accolades to our region since 1925 through its business leadership and community integrity. It is time, on their 90th anniversary, to say thank you.”
The event will include a preview of a new CPTV original documentary, The Keys to the Sky, a program that explores how Frederick Rentschler and the people of Pratt & Whitney helped to create the modern aviation industry while building the best aircraft engines in the world. Woven throughout this history, the program also introduces viewers to the men and women who continue to be part of Pratt & Whitney’s legacy of innovation. The Keys to the Sky will be aired in its entirety for the first time on CPTV the weekend after the gala, on October 17-18. In addition, vignettes from the documentary will run in CPTV’s prime-time programming.
Proceeds from the Pratt & Whitney 90th Celebration gala will benefit the third season of Made in Connecticut, another CPTV original documentary that explores modern manufacturing and the role of innovation in companies located and thriving right here in Connecticut.
Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s Oct. 16 celebration of Pratt & Whitney is being planned by Margaret Lawson, who most recently orchestrated the Hartford Courant’s 250th Anniversary celebration. For more information about the Pratt & Whitney celebration, please contact Lawson at 860-275-7259 or specialgifts@ctpublic.org.
About Connecticut Public Broadcasting
The Connecticut Public (CPBN) is home to CPTV, WNPR and the Learning Lab. CPTV is a locally and nationally recognized producer and presenter of quality public television programming, including original documentaries, public affairs and educational programming. WNPR is an affiliate of National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media. The Learning Lab serves high school seniors through a partnership with Hartford Public Schools and the Journalism and Media Academy Magnet School. It is also home to the Institute for Advanced Media, a program that provides the men and women of our armed forces and adult learners an opportunity to learn skills necessary for the 21st century digital media workplace. For more information, visit cpbn.org.