The Norwich manufacturing firm Collins & Jewell Co. as well as the Norwich Community Development Corp. received awards last month at the annual Celebrate CT event in Hartford.

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center honored top economic development projects, programs and leaders from regions around the state at The Bushnell ceremony Nov. 26. The awards were presented by Catherine Smith, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, and CERC Executive Director Bob Santy.

Collins & Jewell expects employment to increase 10 percent next year when it completes a new 33,600-square-foot facility in Bozrah.

The NCDC this past year celebrated its 50th anniversary, with major accomplishments including the $22 million Transportation center and $20 million Mercantile Exchange project.

Also recognized was Raymond Coombs, chief executive of Westminster Tool of Plainfield, a key figure in the establishment of the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance. Jim Dandeneau, chief executive of extrusion manufacturer Putnam Plastics of Dayville, won the Company of the Year award from the northeast region.