[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF LARRY McHUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished 
business community leader and true Titan of central Connecticut, Larry 
McHugh. For nearly 40 years, Larry has been a catalyst of economic 
partnership and growth in our region. On May 10, 2023, the region will 
gather to celebrate him and his retirement as President of the 
Middlesex Chamber of Commerce.
  Born and raised in Connecticut, Larry attended Notre Dame High School 
and Southern Connecticut State University, respectively out of West 
Haven and New Haven. During high school and college Larry was a star 
athlete particularly on the football gridiron. After earning his 
Bachelor of Science, Larry did a brief stint with the New York Titans-
the original AFL team from New York City that later was renamed the New 
York Jets. Side-lined by injury, Larry returned to Connecticut with a 
new purpose.
  Energized and on a new path forward, Larry focused on a career in 
Connecticut's education system--first as a teacher with Durham High 
School. In 1963, he transferred over to Xavier High--a school based in 
Middletown, Connecticut, coveted for its athletic programs--as football 
coach. For 21 years, as made evident by Xavier's 160-38-7 football 
record under Larry's helm and his unprecedented designation as the two-
time Connecticut Football Coach of the Year and 1973 National Coach of 
the Year, Larry inspired generations of athletes to grow as both 
individuals and teammates. It is worth noting, however, that Larry was 
quite the jack-of-trades during his tenure at Xavier, having also acted 
as a certified teacher across five different courses and the Executive 
Director of Xavier's fundraising branch.
  In 1983, Larry departed from his career in education to serve his 
community in a significantly different manner, setting off as the 
President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Under his 
leadership, the Chamber grew from 260 members to over 2,100 members and 
has received many state and national awards, including recognition from 
the White House and the U.S. Department of Labor. Behind these 
impressive data points, however, sits a powerful narrative as to why 
the organization has been so successful. Mr. Speaker, Larry brought the 
spirit of coaching to his role as principal of the business community. 
He was a mentor to business owners-fostering a culture and community 
structured by positive relationships. This was all purposed towards 
thinking of businesses--the Chamber's members--as a team purposed 
toward advocating for economic growth in the region. The relationships 
and strength of the Middlesex County business community became a self-
nurturing force, attracting national employers and investments alike to 
direct their resources to the region. He has literally helped build the 
Main Streets of cities like Middletown from the ground up. Mr. Speaker, 
I had the honor of speaking at a number of Middlesex Chamber breakfasts 
and can attest to the large enthusiastic membership he fostered during 
his time at the helm.
  As one of the central conduits within Connecticut, he has served on 
countless boards and commissions, including President of the CT 
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Goodspeed Opera House 
Board of Trustees, Director of Liberty Bank, Lyman Orchards board 
member, Corporator of Middlesex Hospital and Vice Chairman of the CT 
Tourism Council. By way of his appointment by five governors to various 
positions on both the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut 
State University Boards of Trustees, Larry also remained connected to 
the state's education system throughout his tenure as President.
  Mr. Speaker, Larry is a coach for all time. For the entirety of his 
career, he has led by example and given a powerful drive to various 
forms of community development. Larry is the embodiment of what it 
means to build out a team for the effective pursuit of a mission. 
Though we, unfortunately, say goodbye to his competent leadership with 
his retirement, we have faith in the history of legwork he has put in 
for the development of the Middlesex County economy and business 
community. There are already numerous fields, buildings and halls of 
fame in which his name is imprinted upon. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my 
colleagues join me in honoring Larry McHugh, thanking him for his 
life's work, and wishing him well on his continued retirement with his 
wife, Patty, and family, as they celebrate this May.

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