Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 24, 2010

Contact: Janice Crawford, 603-356-5701, ext. 2 or Janice@mtwashingtonvalley.org

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES

2010 ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

North Conway, NH– Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce announced their annual business awards winners at the 12th Annual Business to Business Expo, May 24, 2010 held at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel.  In recognition of the highest concentration of entrepreneurs in the state, the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (MWVCC) recognized successful businesses with the Employer and Entrepreneur of the Year awards.  Additionally, two newer awards initiated just last year for Sustainable Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year were continued in 2010.  Award winners are listed here and all nominees are listed below that.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, is given to an individual who has maintained management excellence over a sustained period of time.  This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Michelle Rober, CPT, of 121 Fit.  Rober was recognized for two decades of continued dedication to a holistic approach to fitness and wellness for Mt Washington Valley residents.  At a time when the economy challenged many businesses, Rober’s 121 Fit not only opened a new facility, but experienced membership and revenue growth in its new location.

The Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is awarded each year to a business person who consistently displays the attributes of one who understands that providing quality products and services to their customers starts with considering the needs of their employees.  This year, the Employer of the Year Award went to Howie Weymss, of Great Glen Trails and Mount Washington Auto Road.  Weymss was recognized for the loyalty of his employees, many of whom return season after season for the pleasant working environment, camaraderie, support and genuine interest in their employer. In his nomination, Weymss’s willingness to listen to and solicit input from employees was noted, along with the company’s dedication to safety, training and fitness for employees.

The Mt Washington Valley Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by the MWV School to Career Partnership, is given each year to a student who has excelled with business acumen.  The Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Tyler Cox and Cassie Munroe of TC Customz.  Self taught, Tyler started his own business in 2008 when he began building and fixing bicycles. His interest and love for mechanics grew as did his love for bigger machines, graduating from bikes to motorcycles, ATV's and snowmobiles which ultimately lead to his interest in cars and his love for customizing and "tricking" out vehicles. His current business operates out of a two bay garage at his uncle's construction business and mainly focuses on body work, paint jobs, engine performance, interior design and general repairs. He enjoys fixing cars, but his passion and first love is customization of existing vehicles.  Cassie Munroe serves as the office manager and marketing director for the business.

Among the new awards launched in 2009, the Nonprofit of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, is given in recognition of the work and community service offered by the Valley’s non-profit organizations.  The Nonprofit of the Year Award was given to Starting Point.  Noted for their services to victims of violence or sexual assault, Starting Point was recognized for its emergency shelter, court and hospital advocacy programs, twenty-four hour support and its resource programs for victims of violence.

The other new award launched in 2009, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Green Team recognizes the Sustainable Business of the Year. The award was given to Cranmore Mountain Lodge, certified Environmental Champions by the NH Sustainable Restaurant and Lodging Program. Cranmore Mountain Lodge has spent the last three years creating a sustainable tourism model including participation in the Energy Star Challenge, and training and recycling programs for both staff and guests. 

According to Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, “It was tough deciding among all the qualified candidates for the awards this year as so many deserving people were nominated.”  “All those nominated should know they have the respect of their colleagues and community,” finished Crawford.

The following people were nominated for Mt Washington Valley Business Awards:

Entrepreneur of the Year:                                        

Jim Drummond,  ReMax Presidential

Michelle Rober, CPT, 121 Fit

Howard Stanten and Erin Wright , The Metropolitan Coffee House

Employer of the Year:                                              

Howard Stanten, The Metropolitan Coffee House

Peter Hoag, PC Hoag & Co.

Howie Wemyss, Great Glen Trails and Mt Washington Auto Road

Sustainable Business of the Year

Appalachian Mountain Club

Cranmore Mountain Lodge

The Local Grocer

Student Entrepreneurs of the Year

Heather Purnell for the Key Club Silent Auction for Charities

Shannon Nester and Alexa LaRusso of Mary Rae Notes

Tyler Cox and Cassie Munro of TC Customz.

Dana, Aaron, Jake, John, Jacob, Abby, Andrew, Carter, Ariana, Maggie, Ally, Robert, Mackenzie, Jeny, and Cian of the Josiah Bartlett School Corner Cart Store.

 For more information about these awards and nominees, contact Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at 603-356-5701, ext 2.

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