Penczer the chairman of the town's Economic Development Commission, should be "marked a town treasure," said former town official Sherri Steeneck, one of two people to submit Penczer's name for consideration. Steeneck said Penczer is generous with his time, talent and money. He is a member of the Rotary Club, a board member of the International Institute of Connecticut, and serves on the boards of Science Park in New Haven, the Fairfield Museum and History Center, and the Klein Memorial in Bridgeport. Penczer also was instrumental in the establishing the Fairfield Theatre Co.
David Gorbach, who also nominated Penczer, said that as a real estate agent, he often has had clients for buildings Penczer owns, but finds out the space isn't available because Penczer is letting a non-profit use the space. "Peter is a gentleman," Gorbach said. In his remarks to the gathering, Penczer emotionally recalled advice he got from his father: "The town has been good to you; you have to be good to the town." Story