Press Kit

Mt6 Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce Announces 2011 Business Awards



 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19, 2009


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


MT WASHINGTON VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES

2011 ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS

 

North Conway, NH (5-19-11) - Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their annual business award winners.  Winners will be honored at the Awards Luncheon to be held at the 13th Annual Business to Business Expo, June 6 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 of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Non-profit organization of the year, announced recently. 


The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, is given to an individual who has clearly filled a need in the community for seven or more years, creating jobs, demonstrating innovation and community involvement. This award goes each year to a business person who is a recognized leader in the community and owns a business that has grown and evolved over the years. demonstrating creativity and innovation. This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Vito Marcello, owner of Bellini's Ristorante Italiano.  Marcello and his family were recognized for sustaining and growing Bellini's Ristorante Italiano , and for the family's dedication to providing quality jobs, growing a successful business and giving back to the community.  Vito and his family were applauded for sustaining a successful business and being a very important part of the overall tourism product in Mt Washington Valley and the state of New Hampshire. 


The Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is awarded each year to a business person or persons who consistently display the attributes of an employer who understands that providing quality products and services to their customers starts with considering the needs of their employees. This award is given to an employer who displays excellence in creating a safe, inviting workplace.   This year, the Employer of the Year Award went to Dan & Judy Kennedy of White Horse Press & Gear.  The Kennedys were recognized for the sustained growth of the company, which has provided books and gear to motorcycle enthusiasts for the last 22 years. Whitehorse Press & Gear was congratulated for providing a welcoming, safe and profitable work environment, for encouraging input from customers and employees, and for the respect from their employees resulting in a "microscopic" turnover rate. Whitehorse Press will hold an Open House to greet all those interested in learning more about their products on Saturday, May 21, 10am-3pm.


Launched as an award category in 2009, the Nonprofit of the Year Award is sponsored by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, and given in recognition of a nonprofit organization that has made a major contribution to the well-being of the Mt Washington Valley for at least two years. The award recognizes the dedication of the nonprofit's board of directors, collaboration of the organization with other businesses and has demonstrated success in reaching its goals and objectives. The Nonprofit of the Year Award was given to Project Succeed, Conway School District's before-and-after care program for low income families and youth at risk.  Chosen for its collaboration with Tin Mountain Conservation Center and UNH Cooperative Extension, Project Succeed has offered a safe place for children while parents are at work, providing programming including homework club, enrichment clubs, recreational activities and healthy snacks for many years.  The program's success is reflected in the support from other organizations like North Conway and Conway Recreation Programs, Gibson Center and community donations and respect.


According to Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, "All those nominated are strong leaders within the Valley and deserve the respect and veneration of the entire community."


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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Photo Caption: (Photo credit for goes to Karen Stancik)


Employer of the Year Award went to Dan & Judy Kennedy, Whitehorse Press & Gear. Shown here with all employees, including their canine staff:

Standing (left to right):    Bill Heaney,  Lisa Fowler Chisholm,  Huddie (Karnopp), Dean Karnopp, Janice Crawford,  Judy Kennedy, Bob Carper,  Dan Kennedy


Kneeling (left to right):    Kaitlyn Sakash ,  Mike Sakash, Mt. Top Music Director, Lisa Dionne, Buster (Kennedy), Jeff Adams,  Riley (Adams),  Rita Roy,  Spookie (Roy). (Some employees and their dogs were missing due to vacations).