CORNING – Chris Calhoun, President and Chief Business Development Manager of Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Norwich, was chosen to receive the Communication and Leadership Award from Toastmasters, an international public speaking and leadership organization. Calhoun received the award at a luncheon Saturday, April 24 during Toastmasters’ annual Spring District 65 Conference at the Radisson Hotel in Corning. Calhoun’s work with Norwich Pharmaceuticals and his service to community organizations make him a worthy recipient.

Leadership and communication, the two key principles of Toastmasters, have been a big part of Calhoun’s career and life. His use of these skills has allowed him to grow as a leader. This has yielded a positive impact on students, families, and young people with everything Calhoun has done and continues to do.

Originally from the Watkins Glen and Corning area, Calhoun graduated from Clarkson University in 1984 with a degree in chemical engineering. That same year, he was hired by Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals in Norwich. Over the next 10 years, he built his leadership skills through many roles for the company. From 1984-1993, Calhoun worked in plant engineering, served as a Production Team Manager, and was a Product Development Staff Scientist. The next two years, he was Section Head of Process Development.

Away from the job, Calhoun is the Assistant Director of the Norwich High School Field Band. He has been involved with the band for approximately 20 years. He has shown a unique talent for teaching, communicating, and leading. He gets the most out of students by motivating them to strive for excellence. Blending the right mix of constructive criticism and praise, Calhoun encourages students to challenge themselves. Through this technique, students have accomplished what they thought they could not. For example, one student took on the new challenge of being a drum major, something he thought he couldn’t do. Yet, through Calhoun’s encouragement, the student succeeded.