INDEPENDENT RETAILER EXCELLENCE AWARDS DINNER

LEDYARD, Conn. - Bozzuto's honored 22 independent store owners, managers and their suppliers during its third annual awards dinner last week. Executives of Bozzuto's, based in Cheshire, Conn., said a record 1,200 people attended the gala cocktail reception and dinner at Foxwoods Resort and Casino here. Presented like an Academy Awards ceremony, this year's theme was based on "Mission Impossible." Attendees applauded those independents who are succeeding, often in the face of difficult odds.