On the face of it, there wouldn't seem to be much to connect Paulette Fox and Stephen Hard.

She is a stylish force of nature who helps New Britain's young people and adults who need the help prepare for the work world and move from jobs to careers.

He is a passionate advocate for the arts in New Britain, combining an appreciation for creativity with the realization that the arts can also be an economic engine for the community.

One works in the black-and-white world of résumés, interviewing skills, career needs and educational standards.

The other works in the full-color world of galleries, museums, exhibits and architecture.

And yet, there is a bond between these two New Britain residents, a commonality that may not seem obvious.

It is their love for what they do and why they do it, and their belief that if they are successful, New Britain will be a better place to work, live and visit.

Paulette Fox is executive director of New Britain's highly respected Opportunities Industrialization Center on Grove Street. Stephen Hard is executive director of the New Britain Arts Alliance, an organization of the city's arts attractions.

Interestingly, each has a significant event coming up in a few days that will showcase the great work they do. OIC is having its annual awards dinner Wednesday and the Arts Alliance is staging its second annual Historic Homes Tour Saturday.

Although the success of these two events will be directly related to the abilities of the two executive directors, typically, they want little credit, preferring instead to spotlight their organizations.

No surprise, Ms. Fox has made this year's OIC annual awards dinner, next Wednesday night, into something much more memorable than a typical awards night. OIC, which is a national organization, was founded, in large part, by the late Dr. Leon Sullivan, an African American who first drew up the "Sullivan Principles" which were the blueprint for ending apartheid in South Africa. He was a member of the board of directors of General Motors in 1971, which at the time was the largest employer of blacks in South Africa.

The "Principles," which companies adopted when doing business in South Africa or investing in South Africa, called for, in part, equal pay, nondiscrimination, job development for blacks and increasing blacks in management positions.

This isn't intended to be a history lesson and most people are at least vaguely familiar with the Sullivan Principles. Suffice it to say, Dr. Sullivan, who founded OIC following these same beliefs, was a major figure in 20th century history.

Wednesday, his surviving daughter, Hope Sullivan Masters, will address the dinner and talk about her father and his legacy.

It's a tremendous gesture toward the reputation of the local OIC that they were able to land Dr. Sullivan's daughter.

"It was the vision and philosophy of Dr. Sullivan that people need a hand up, not a handout," Fox said. "We (OIC) are an empowerment program for people, helping them to help themselves. OIC is the legacy that Dr. Sullivan left us to help all people who need opportunity for employment."

The New Britain Chamber and OIC have forged a phenomenally strong partnership over the years, working together to develop young people and adults for jobs at local businesses.

The OIC dinner will be at the Aqua Turf Club, beginning at 5:30. Reservations, if there are any left, are $65 per person and may be obtained by contacting OIC at (860) 224-7151.

I shared with Stephen Hard last year, and again this year, that the Historic Homes Tour is one of the brightest ideas to come along in years. This city has some of the most sumptuous homes and breathtaking architecture in the state. House after house has interior and exterior millwork and detailing that is not replicated, or even attempted in today's McMansions. When you see crown molding in these homes, it's real, not plastic.

So often, people drive by these grand homes and wonder if the inside is as impressive as the outside. The answer is yes and Saturday everyone will have a chance to see for themselves.

Two massive, stately, white homes on Sunnyledge are featured, as are a Tudor on Hart Street and three others. All are within relatively comfortable walking distance or can be visited individually.

I just think showcasing historic homes in New Britain is a phenomenal idea and not the least bit surprising, coming from Mr. Hard. He took over the Arts Alliance a few years ago and has brought an energy and creativity and love for the job that transcends salary or hours worked.

It's not just about viewing pretty paintings or challenging sculptures. It's also about how many people come to this city every year to visit the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Industrial Museum, Trinity on Main, Hole in the Wall theater, the New Britain Symphony, New Britain Repertory Theatre, CCSU's music programs and on and on.

The arts sector can be an economic force in a city. But for the arts, funding is always a battle, and Hard has taken up the banner to fight for recognition and funding.

The Historic Homes Tour is just the latest example of the vibrancy of the New Britain Arts Alliance. Get more information at www.newbritainarts.org.

So no, there isn't much on the surface to tie Paulette Fox and Stephen Hard together, except for the fact that they don't have jobs, they have missions, and there is no place they'd rather be on those missions right now than New Britain.

William F. Millerick is president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce. He may be reached at bill@newbritainchamber.com.