According to Michael Richetelli, president of Colonial Properties, Inc., Fred Messore, vice president has been named the 2012 Businessperson of the Year by the West Haven Chamber of Commerce. Messore has been an active member of West Haven's business community for many years. Messore's interest in the progress of the city began when he was the executive director of the West Haven Economic Development Corp., where he spearheaded many projects critical to the economic health of the city, including the $110 million regional train station which is currently under construction. As a commercial realtor with Colonial Props., he has sought to enhance West Haven's business community by facilitating the sale of buildings such as Chuck's Steakhouse and Car Tech on the Boston Post Rd., the Knights of Columbus building, and participating in the sale of 135 Front Ave. a 43,000 s/f light industrial building.