Groton - Fairview Odd Fellows Home of Connecticut was named Employer of the Year by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce during its annual holiday gala Thursday night at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa.

"It's easy to be a great employer when we have such awesome employees," said James Rosenman, Fairview's chief executive, in accepting the award.

The retirement community, which provides skilled nursing and independent living facilities, has continued to offer its employees retirement contributions, annual salary increases and bonuses even during difficult economic times. It also pays for employees looking to continue their education and provides scholarships to people wanting to pursue a nursing career.

Tricia Walsh, president of the chamber, cited Fairview's "unwavering commitment to the community" in presenting the award.

The Mystic Marriott took home this year's Community Service Award, accepted by general manager Farouk Rajab during the James Bond-themed event that included an amusing video of Rajab as Agent 007 - a piece put together on the fly by Stonington High School's Jess Stewart.

"This award is about the brilliant individuals I have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis," Rajab told the crowd before a large portion of his staff paraded in to a standing ovation.

The hotel donates 10 percent of its Easter brunch revenues to the March of Dimes and provides discounted room rates to contractors for the Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play that supports playgrounds in memory of children killed in Newtown. It also holds an annual Food and Toy "Drive-Up" to benefit local organizations and has supported veterans events as well.

Taylor Simao, the 2014 recipient of The Joshua Piver Memorial Scholarship Award, also was recognized at Thursday's event. The award is presented by the Mystic Chamber Foundation.

In addition, special recognition went to recently retired Stonington Police Capt. Jerry Desmond for his work with the chamber and community.

Outgoing chamber board members were also recognized, including Jim Bates, chairman; Susan Pochal, immediate past chair; Jackie Almeida, first vice chair; John Layton, treasurer; Karin Barth; Melinda Burridge; Christine Neves of The Day, Gina Kunst and Paul Yatcko.

New board members will be Stephen Clemente, chair; Dale Wolbrink, first vice chair; Helen D'Alessio, treasurer; Al Valente; Susan Bailey, Bob Briere, who is director of advertising for The Day, and Farouk Rajab.

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter: @KingstonLeeHow