At United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s 85th Annual Meeting April 8, Gregory B. Howey, a New Britain resident and businessman, was recognized with United Way’s highest volunteer honor, the Community Service Award.

The Community Service Award is given annually to someone who is involved as a volunteer with United Way and other community activities and is recognized by the community as a leader. Howey, president of OKAY Industries, Inc., is a past member of the boards of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and United Way of New Britain and Berlin. He serves as a co-chair of New Britain’s Work Plan to End Homelessness and participates in creating jobs for individuals who are homeless in the city. He is also a director of The Center for Special Care and The Hospital for Special Care community services boards and a corporator of both the YMCA of New Britain-Berlin and The Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General and Bradley Memorial.

Under Howey’s leadership, OKAY Industries runs an annual United Way Campaign. A leader by example, Howey encourages others to give back to their community. Howey said he is thrilled with how his employees have embraced United Way. The Community Service Award, he says, is theirs as much as his. “I’m proud of what my employees have done,” he said. “I will accept this on their behalf.”

New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart joined more than 250 guests, including United Way volunteers and Howey’s colleagues and family, in honoring Howey with a special presentation based on the television documentary “This is Your Life,” which showcased extraordinary lives.

“Greg has done so much for the New Britain community, particularly with the Work Plan to End Homelessness,” Mayor Stewart said. “I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving.”

The annual meeting looks back at the past year’s progress and recaps the 2009 United Way Community Campaign, which raised $25,784,118, exceeding goal despite challenging economic circumstances. James Sicilian, chair of the Board of Directors, spoke to the importance of advancing the common good, starting in central and northeastern Connecticut.

“Today I am inviting each one of you to LIVE UNITED with me by giving, advocating, and volunteering,” Sicilian said. “Our community’s needs are real — but so are our treasures, voices, and time. You can make a difference. And together, we can change the world.”

Several board members were elected during the meeting. Joining the board of directors are Jeffrey Butler, Brian O’Connell, Reginald Paige and Shawn Maynard. Returning to the board for a second term are Nancy Bernstein, Howard Carver, Kevin Flaherty and Paul Pita. Retiring from the board are Sean Egan, Susan Christensen, John Patrick and Christopher Wilkos.