2011 BOB Award winners
View a list of the 2011 BOB Award winners.
The Winners
We at New Hampshire Business Review are delighted to welcome you to see the results of our fourth annual BOB Awards, honoring the Best of Business in New Hampshire for 2011.
The mission of the BOB Awards is to find the Granite State's exceptional businesses: the ones that offer the best service and pay attention to details, that have the most helpful and eager employees. In other words, BOB-winning businesses offer nothing less than outstanding products and services.
Since the BOB voters were other businesspeople, being named a BOB business really says something about the high caliber of the company.
But the BOB Awards truly celebrate all businesses in New Hampshire; a place that nurtures the Best of Business every day.
2011 BOB Awards
Best Accounting Firm: Howe Riley & Howe
660 Chestnut St., Manchester
603-627-3838
www.hrhcpa.com
For more than 50 years, Howe Riley & Howe has offered tax, audit and litigation support and accounting consulting services through the use of the most up-to-date technologies. Whether a for-profit company or a charitable organization, Howe Riley & Howe has experienced staff to assist you with your accounting needs.
Best Advertising Agency: wedü
20 Market St., Manchester
603-647-WEDU
www.wedu.com
wedü, an award-winning, full-service advertising and marketing agency in Manchester, has been providing clients with advertising and marketing, interactive Web design and development, public relations and experiential marketing since its founding in 1998. Clients include Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Radio Disney, Kellogg's and Ocean National Bank.
Best Architectural Firm: Lavallee/Brensinger Architects
155 Dow St., Ste. 400, Manchester
603-622-5450
www.lbpa.com
The architecture firm Lavallee/Brensinger has 30 years of innovative design experience. With a philosophy that states, "Your mission inspires us. Our creativity and knowledge empower you. Together we achieve excellence," the firm is dedicated to quality and client service. Among its award-winning projects are the IDEXX Laboratories in Maine and the Manchester Airport New Terminal Building.
Best Art Gallery for Corporate Art: Art 3 Gallery
44 W. Brook St., Manchester
603-668-6650
www.art3gallery.com
Art 3 Gallery is a premier New England retail fine art gallery offering corporate and residential art consulting services as well as custom framing. The gallery includes collections by local, regional and international artists in a wide range of media.
Best Career Coach: Deb Titus, Dale Carnegie-New Hampshire
425 Chester Road, Auburn
603-434-4042
www.nh.dalecarnegie.com
Dale Carnegie-NH focuses on giving Granite State business people the opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their performance in order to build positive, steady and profitable results.
Best Cell Phone Provider: Verizon Wireless
Locations throughout New Hampshire
140 West St., New York, NY
800-899-4249
www.verizonwireless.com
Verizon Wireless has the nation's largest and most reliable wireless network as well as coverage in more than 200 countries. With a variety of plans tailored to businesses, Verizon Wireless can keep your company connected to customers down the street or across the country.
Best Clothier for Men: George's Apparel
675 Elm St., Manchester
603-622-5441
www.georgesapparel.com
This full-service men's clothing store in Manchester has it all — from suits to ties, accessories and outerwear. All suits and sport coats come with free alterations for the entire life of the garment. A knowledgeable staff, professional fittings, a huge inventory and in-house alterations make shopping for a high-quality suit easy and painless.
Best Clothier for Women/LOCAL: Alapage
25 S. River Road, Ste. 301, Bedford
603-622-0550
www.alapageboutique.com
Alapage, located at Bedford Square, has been offering the latest clothing designs as well as accessories, gifts and shoes since 1989. Its Jean Bar offers a wide range of styles, fit and lengths to fit almost any woman from designers such as 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Christopher Blue and Not Your Daughter's Jeans.
Best Clothier for Women/REGIONAL: Macy's
Locations throughout New Hampshire
151 West 34th St., New York, NY 10001
212-494-3000
www.macys.com
Macy's has been providing quality, on-trend women's clothing and exceptional service for nearly a century. From blouses and suits to shoes, purses and belts, Macy's has everything a businesswoman needs to look professional and stylish.
Best Commercial Photographer: Studio One
50 Bridge St., Manchester
603-622-2738
www.studioonenh.com
For more than 30 years, the professional photographers at Studio One, located in Manchester, have been providing photography services. Shooting in a 100 percent digital format, Studio One photographs products, buildings, people, food and public relations, and is capable of shooting on location or in its own studio.
Best General Contractor: Harvey Construction
10 Harvey Road, Bedford
603-624-4600
www.harveyconstruction.com
Harvey Construction has built a solid reputation based upon trust, technical competence and the determination to serve clients with ingenuity and speed. Its expertise in the construction of sophisticated facilities includes educational facilities, hospitals, government buildings, office buildings and other structures.
Best Mechanical Contractor: Granite State Plumbing & Heating LLC
10 N. Riverdale Road, Weare
603-529-3322
www.granitestateplumbingandheating.com
Granite State Plumbing & Heating Inc. has been providing HVAC and mechanical systems installation and service since 1983. Today, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Comfort Systems, GS Plumbing and Heating focuses on the mid-market commercial industrial and institutional sectors, while caring for customers, employees and the environment.
Best Commercial Electrical Contractor: Longchamps Electric Inc.
700 Harvey Road, Manchester
603-625-5954
www.longchampselectric.com
Longchamps Electric Inc., now one of the largest electrical contractors in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, was founded over 30 years ago by master electrician Robert O. Longchamps. Longchamps is a full-service electrical contractor capable of handling projects of all sizes and scope. The firm also provides design-build serves as well as project fast-tracking, on-call services, telecommunications and back-up generator installation.
Best Corporate Moving Company: Ray The Mover
1 Allard Drive Manchester
800-321-7170
www.raythemover.net
Established in 1937 by Raymond Allard, Ray The Mover is a third generation family-owned and -operated business. As a premium service mover, it utilizes a large fleet of modern vans and equipment, palletized warehousing and carefully selected van crews. The company has a network of over 300 destination agents throughout the United States to assist corporate clients. Additionally, Ray The Mover is one of the top-rated military carriers in New England, serving military personnel who are being relocated throughout the country.
Best Courier Service/LOCAL: Granite State Shuttle Service
Offices throughout Northern New England
760 Central Ave., Dover
800-633-9222
www.granitestateshuttle.com
Granite State Shuttle Service was established in 1987 with two couriers and two vehicles. Today, the courier company has more than 200 vehicles and more than 200 employees serving New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Its dedicated management team has over 100 years of combined experience in the delivery and courier business. GSSS pools that talent to provide its customers with the best possible service at the most cost-effective rate.
Best Courier Service/NATIONAL: United Parcel Service
Locations throughout New Hampshire
55 NE Glenlake Parkway, Atlanta, GA
800-742-5877
www.ups.com
Founded in 1907 as a messenger company, UPS has become the world's largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. Every day, UPS manages the flow of goods, funds and information in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Best Overnight Delivery Service: FedEx
Locations throughout New Hampshire
942 S. Shady Grove Road, Memphis, TN
800-463-3339
www.fedex.com
Since 1971, FedEx has provided customers and businesses worldwide with transportation, e-commerce and business services. From overnight air and ground express delivery to supply chain management solutions, FedEx has thousands of drop-off locations to serve your needs.
Best Dry Cleaners: E&R Cleaners
565 Gold St., Manchester
603-627-7661
www.eandrcleaners.com
E&R Cleaners strives to make sure that your orders are on time, meet the highest quality standards, and that its service is second to none. With store locations in Manchester and Bedford, item pick-up and delivery services as well as uniform rental and sales, and campus services, E&R prides itself on offering the ultimate service and convenience to its customers.
Best MBA Program: Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N. River Road, Manchester
800-668-1249
www.snhu.edu
Southern New Hampshire University's nationally accredited MBA programs are highly affordable and can be tailored to your career needs and interests. The MBA program features program completion in as little as 18 months, with no GMAT or GRE required for many programs. Courses are available online or at centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth or Salem, N.H., and Brunswick, Maine.
Best Online Degree Program: Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N. River Road, Manchester
800-668-1249
www.snhu.edu
Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 50 online programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. SNHU's educational philosophy challenges students' intellectual potential and prepares them for professional lives in an ever-changing and increasingly interconnected world.
Best Engineering Firm: Hoyle, Tanner & Associates
150 Dow St., Manchester
603-669-5555
www.hoyletanner.com
Founded in 1973, Hoyle, Tanner has completed over 12,500 projects across the country providing clients with quality civil, structural, environmental, transportation and aviation, planning and engineering. The company has received many awards including the 2010 Engineering Excellence Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire for the Tweed – New Haven Runway 2 Safety Area, Wetland Mitigation & Tide Gate Improvements project.
Best Environmentally Friendly Business: Stonyfield Farm
10 Burton Drive, Londonderry
800-776-2697
www.stonyfield.com
Founded in 1983 with just seven cows, Stonyfield Farm Inc. was one of the first organic yogurt makers in the country. Today, Stonyfield earns $321 million in annual sales and has several organic product lines ranging from smoothies to Greek-style yogurt. Stonyfield has also taken its sustainable message to the world, running an environmentally friendly facility and hosting the annual Stonyfield Farm Entrepreneurship Institute in March, a "boot camp" for business startup owners.
Best Commercial Equipment Rental: Taylor Rental
Locations throughout New Hampshire
800-310-1931
www.taylorental.com
Whether you need tables and chairs for extra seating, projectors and screens for presentations or power tools and large construction equipment for a building site, Taylor Rental can provide the correct supplies for the job. Taylor Rental is a franchise division of True Value Company, a $2 billion, member-owned cooperative, one of the largest hardware co-ops in the country.
Best Executive Office Suites: Eastpoint Executive Centers
264 S. River Road, Bedford
99 Pine Hill Road, Nashua
603-644-4554
www.nhofficespace.com
Eastpoint Executive Center wants to enhance your business by providing the most professional office environment. With two convenient office locations, Eastpoint offers responsive staff, attractive office spaces and superior technology and support. Conference rooms are also available at hourly rates, providing sophisticated presentation technology, ample parking for guests and refreshment options.
Best Executive Search Firm: KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting
17 Commerce Drive, Ste. 7, Bedford
603-792-2345
www.kbwfinancial.com
Specializing in permanent, temporary and temporary-to-hire services for the financial and accounting industries, KBW has over 30 years of experience in the staffing industry. KBW sees the value in face-to-face time with both candidates and clients as the relationship develops. When time is a factor, KBW is prepared to deliver its services in a timely and efficient manner.
Best Bank for Small Business/LOCAL: Centrix Bank
Locations throughout Southern New Hampshire
1 Atwood Lane, Bedford
603-647-4446
www.centrixbank.com
Centrix Bank has been serving small businesses in New Hampshire since 1998. Today, it has more than $660 million in total assets. A state-chartered, FDIC-insured bank, Centrix has the diversity and experience necessary to serve its business banking customers. Centrix is headquartered in Bedford, and has full-service branches in Concord, Dover, Manchester, Milford and Portsmouth, with a loan production office in Nashua.
Best Bank for Small Business/REGIONAL: People's United Bank
Locations throughout Central & Southern New Hampshire
850 Main St., Bridgeport, CT
800-772-1090
www.peoplesunitedbank.com
Whether you are looking to accept credit cards, insure your business or find a checking account that suits your business needs, People's United has a solution for your company. The bank offers a variety of checking and savings solutions that allow you to manage your finances as effectively as you manage your business. Other business services include online banking, retirement planning as well as loan and lines of credit.
Best Commercial Lender: People's United Bank
Locations throughout Central & Southern New Hampshire
850 Main St., Bridgeport, CT
800-772-1090
www.peoplesunitedbank.com
Managing your cash flow during seasonal or business fluctuations, or borrowing funds for expansion projects can seem daunting. The Small Business Lending Department at People's United Bank is committed to helping small businesses in New Hampshire grow, offering a variety of loan programs for start-ups and established businesses. The bank also offers a variety of checking and savings solutions as well as online banking and retirement planning.
Best Credit Union: St. Mary's Bank
200 McGregor St., Manchester
603-669-4600
www.stmarysbank.com
St. Mary's Bank, founded in 1908 as the nation's first credit union, has been offering an alternative to traditional banks ever since. As a credit union, St. Mary's members own the institution, meaning decisions are made based on the best interests of the members. St. Mary's offers a diverse array of financial products for businesses, including checking and savings accounts, commercial loans and SBA financing.
Best Investment Firm: Fidelity Investments
Locations throughout New Hampshire
1 Spartan Way, Merrimack
603-791-5000
www.fidelity.com
Fidelity offers more than 300 mutual funds and over $1 trillion in covered assets from locations throughout New Hampshire and beyond. It also offers discount brokerage services, retirement services, estate planning, wealth management, securities execution and clearance, life insurance and more.
Best Florist: Chalifour's
46 Elm St., Manchester
603-623-8844 local
www.chalifours.com
Whether it be a magnificent vase arrangement of roses for someone special in your life, birthday flowers or a heartfelt note of appreciation to business clients, you can rely on Chalifour's 66 years of experience in bringing the very best that flowers can offer. Flowers, plant and gourmet gift baskets are expertly arranged, packed and hand-delivered to your destination.
Best After Work Bar: Strange Brew Tavern
88 Market St., Manchester
603-666-4292
www.strangebrewtavern.net
Ice-cold beer and sizzling hot music come together at Strange Brew Tavern. Offering one of the state's most extensive draught beer selections, Strange Brew also treats guests to an eclectic brew-inspired menu with creative selections such as Blue Moon Beer-Battered Scallops. Live bands encompassing the full spectrum of blues play six nights a week.
Best Bar to Entertain Clients: Cotton
75 Arms St., Manchester
603-622-5488
www.cottonfood.com
Cotton features the cooking of owner Chef Jeffrey Paige, whose seasonal menus star American comfort food. Robust plates are created with distinctive flavors and presented in a straightforward manner, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. Cotton has an extensive and always-expanding list of carefully selected domestic and imported wines, with over 40 by the glass, and an award-winning seasonal martini list.
Best Business Breakfast: Red Arrow 24hr Diner
61 Lowell St., Manchester, 603-626-1118
63 Union Square, Milford, 603-249-9222
www.redarrowdiner.com
Red vinyl booths, chrome trim and a smiling coffee cup are just a few of the classic touches at Red Arrow Diner. The enormous menu is filled with comfort food classics, all made from scratch, such as meatloaf and mac and cheese. Hearty breakfasts like killer omelets are served all day. Real blue plate specials are served on blue plates! And like any good diner, the Red Arrow is open 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas.
Best Business Lunch: Cotton
75 Arms St., Manchester
603-622-5488
www.cottonfood.com
A seasonally inspired menu by owner Chef Jeffrey Paige offers a wide variety of lunch sandwiches, wraps, thin-crust pizza and entrees, all allowing the quality of the ingredients to come through from plate to palate.
Best Lunch Delivery: Café 324
324 Commercial St., Manchester
603-666-5432
www.cafe324.com
Eating at your desk? Go to the Café – Café 324 that is. One call to Café 324 will have soup on your spreadsheet in no time with its prompt delivery service. Located in the heart of Manchester's Millyard, Café 324 offers a wide variety of continental and hot breakfast selections, delicious lunch entrees, home-style soups, salads, gourmet wraps, and its famous gigantic chocolate chip cookies and extra-fudgy brownies — all at a price that won't break your budget.
Best Lunch to Go/LOCAL: Café 324
324 Commercial St., Manchester
603-666-5432
www.cafe324.com
Café 324, located in the heart of Manchester's Millyard, offers a wide variety of delicious lunch entrees, home-style soups, salads, gourmet wraps, and its famous gigantic chocolate chip cookies and extra-fudgy brownies. Try the a chipotle ranch chicken wrap or Baja steak salad for a lunch break you'll be glad you took.
Best Lunch to Go/REGIONAL: Panera Bread
Locations throughout New Hampshire
6710 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, MO
314-633-7100
www.panera.com
Panera Bread's trained bakers at every location handcraft and bake each loaf from scratch each day. Its bakery-cafes offer a wide variety of homemade sandwiches and soups, hand-tossed salads, and of course, freshly brewed coffee and tea, all available to go.
Best Place for a Quick Lunch/LOCAL: Ate Doors Down
967 Elm St., Manchester
603-518-5008
www.atedoorsdown.com
Classic sandwiches, homemade soups and pizza by the slice or an entire pie highlight the menu at this downtown Manchester eatery. The freshly made meatball grinder, made-from-scratch breads and inventive specials like steak and cheese pockets are a must-try.
Best Place for a Quick Lunch/REGIONAL: Panera Bread
Locations throughout New Hampshire
6710 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, MO
314-633-7100
www.panera.com
Panera Bread's bakery-cafes are an everyday oasis. With cozy armchairs and comfy booths, Panera is a great place to gather with friends or clients and enjoy homemade sandwiches and soups, hand-tossed salads, and of course, freshly brewed coffee and tea.
Best Business Dinner: Hanover Street Chop House
149 Hanover St., Manchester
603-644-2467
www.hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Hanover Street Chop House makes for one of the most memorable and best fine dining experiences available in Manchester. You'll find inspired cuisine in an exquisite salon-like setting framed by vivid murals of Manchester landmarks. The staff is committed to providing guests with creative food and impeccable service in an ambience that is elegant yet relaxed, all making for an experience that will be extraordinary.
Best Corporate Event Caterer: Tidewater Catering Group
250 Commercial St., Ste. 2021, Manchester
800-827-1387
www.tidewatercatering.com
Tidewater Catering Group is a full-service, off-premise catering and event planning company located in Manchester's historic Millyard. Tidewater can cater large corporate events or the most intimate affair, paying close attention to every detail of your event. Accommodating and adapting to every request in food and service is just some of the reasons why Tidewater "looks at catering a little differently."
Best Place to Pick Up Coffee/LOCAL: J. Dubs Coffee
1000 Elm St., Manchester
603-622-7944
www.jdubscoffee.com
Located in the heart of downtown Manchester, J. Dubs Coffee serves all organic and fair-trade coffees roasted locally in Amherst. Whether you're looking for your morning joe, a quick break or picking up coffee for a crowd for a meeting at the office, J. Dubs Coffee will do whatever it takes to make your drink perfect. After all, "coffee is their business."
Best Place to Pick Up Coffee/REGIONAL: Dunkin' Donuts
Locations throughout New Hampshire
130 Royall St., Canton, MA
781-737-3000
www.dunkindonuts.com
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts opened its first shop in Quincy, Mass. Today Dunkin' Donuts is the world's largest coffee and baked goods chain, selling 52 varieties of donuts and more than a dozen coffee beverages as well as an array of bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other baked goods.
Best Private Golf Course: Manchester Country Club
180 S. River Road, Bedford
603-624-4096
www.manchestercountryclub.com
Originally designed by Donald Ross and built in 1923, the 18-hole course at Manchester Country Club plays an average of 6,348 yards with wide tree-lined fairways, small undulating greens and water hazards that will test novice and experienced golfers alike. MCC's course has hosted several championship tournaments and has also been rated by Golf Digest as one of the best courses in the state.
Best Public Golf Course: Derryfield Country Club
625 Mammoth Road, Manchester
603-669-0235
www.derryfieldgolf.com
Derryfield Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course located in the heart of Manchester. Established in 1932, Derryfield is one of only three municipally owned golf courses in the state of New Hampshire. Located on the property at the Derryfield Country Club, you will find a fully stocked golf shop, as well as the Derryfield Restaurant & Lounge, a full-service restaurant and bar. The restaurant's Deck, a popular night spot during the summer, features live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Best Health Club/LOCAL: Executive Health & Sports Center
1 Highlander Way, Manchester
603-668-4753
www.executivehealthclub.com
The Executive Health and Sports Center has been inspiring, motivating and educating people to be healthy, active and well for life for more than 30 years. With a staff of 200 professionals and more than 100,000 square feet of space on two floors, the facility offers a wide variety of new cardiovascular equipment, aquatics and fully equipped training areas to help you feel and look your best. Fun and fresh fitness classes run the full spectrum from aerobics to racquetball to yoga.
Best Health Club/REGIONAL: Planet Fitness
Locations throughout New Hampshire
898 Central Ave., Dover
603-743-4653
www.planetfitness.com
The Planet Fitness gym franchise, based in Dover, began 10 years ago and has since spread to 30 states with hundreds of locations. Its promise to maintain a "judgment-free zone" creates a non-intimidating atmosphere for those looking for a more relaxed gym that still provides excellent equipment and fitness training. The no-frills model means there are no large exercise classes, pools or saunas, allowing for low membership fees.
Best Health Care Facility: Catholic Medical Center
100 McGregor St., Manchester
603-668-3545
www.catholicmedicalcenter.com
Catholic Medical Center, a 330-bed health-care facility located in Manchester, offers innovative, quality health care based on combining state-of-the-art technology with the medical expertise of staff and their professional support. CMC's New England Heart Institute, a comprehensive cardiac care center, gives patients access to the region's most highly trained, board-certified cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.
Best Health Insurance Provider: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire
3000 Goffs Fall Road, Manchester
603-695-7000
www.anthem.com
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, New Hampshire's largest health benefits company, is a member company of WellPoint Inc., whose mission is to improve the lives and the health of the people and the communities it serves. The company delivers a number of health benefit solutions through a broad portfolio of integrated health-care plans and related services, along with a wide range of specialty products, including pharmacy benefit management, dental, vision and flexible spending accounts.
Best Hotel for Business Travel: Hilton Garden Inn
101 S. Commercial St., Manchester, 603-669-2222
100 High St., Portsmouth, 603-431-1499
www.hiltongardeninn.com
The Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown hotel overlooks the baseball stadium of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and is within walking distance of the Verizon Wireless Arena and minutes from Manchester Airport. The Portsmouth location is in the heart of the Port City's historic downtown, and is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants, boutiques and theaters. Both properties offer amenity-filled guest rooms, and include automated self check-in, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and a 24-hour business center with secure printing and an executive boardroom.
Best Commercial Insurance Broker: Sadler Insurance Agency
24 Railroad Square, Nashua
603-883-0511
www.sadlerinsurance.com
The Sadler Insurance Agency, established in 1924, is an independent agency offering insurance, risk management and financial services to families, business and industry. In addition to representing regional and national insurance carriers, Sadler also acts as an agent and broker for many international insurance companies serving markets in more than 130 countries around the globe.
Best Employee Benefits Broker: CGI Benefits Group
171 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett
603-622-4600
www.cgibenefitsgroup.com
CGI Employee Benefits Group is a diversified employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm dedicated to providing the highest level of personalized service and objective advice. CGI offers a complete suite of administrative services, including cafeteria plans, health-care reimbursement arrangements and COBRA administration.
Best Law Firm/Bankruptcy Law: Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau & Saturley
99 Middle St., Manchester
603-647-1800
www.nkms.com
Since focusing on the legal issues in the construction industry at its founding in 1991, Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau & Saturley today represents a broad range of local and national clients providing counseling and transaction-related advice in bankruptcy and insolvency, construction arbitration, environmental compliance, employment practices compliance, intellectual property and construction contracting. The firm has grown from employing just five attorneys to more than 30 today as well as several paralegals.
Best Law Firm/Corporate Law: Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green
1000 Elm St., 17th Floor, Manchester
603-668-0300
www.sheehan.com
Corporate law requires a broad range of interdisciplinary skills. The Corporate Group at Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green is supported by specialists from other disciplines such as taxation, employment law and environmental law. Sheehan Phinney lawyers also prepare cross-purchase agreements among business owners, and assist clients in planning for an orderly diversification or transfer of ownership among family members or employees.
Best Law Firm/Employment Law: Devine Millimet
111 Amherst St., Manchester
603-669-1000
www.devinemillimet.com
Devine Millimet has one of the largest Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits Practice Groups in Northern New England. The firm provides responsive, effective and practical advice so that clients may enhance employee relations, reduce risk exposures and increase the ability to prevail in arbitration and litigation in a cost-effective manner. Devine Millimet has locations in Concord, Manchester and Andover, Mass., to serve clients throughout Northern New England.
Best Law Firm/Intellectual Property Law: Devine Millimet
111 Amherst St., Manchester
603-669-1000
www.devinemillimet.com
The Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group at Devine Millimet provides effective, practical and cost-efficient advice to clients in matters concerning intellectual property, e-commerce and the Internet. Its attorneys work with clients to evaluate, protect and enforce their intellectual property and technology rights, and to ensure that those rights are part of an ongoing, overall business strategy.
Best Law Firm/Real Estate Law: McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton
City Hall Plaza, 900 Elm St., Manchester
603-625-6464
www.mclane.com
The attorneys at McLane who specialize in real estate practice have decades of combined experience in general commercial and construction financing, land-use matters, leasing and other aspects of real estate and business ownership. The firm has successfully represented lenders in protecting their interests and creditors in their rights in foreclosure matters, as well as assisted borrowers with significant financial resources in negotiations with lenders in large commercial transactions.
Best Law Firm/Tax Law: Devine Millimet
111 Amherst St., Manchester
603-669-1000
www.devinemillimet.com
The Federal and State Tax Practice Group at Devine Millimet provides clients with a broad range of services to handle any potential tax issue. The firm assists clients with all civil (non-criminal) aspects of federal and state taxation including tax planning, audit strategy, administrative appeal and litigation. Devine Millimet combines practical, creative solutions with the necessary experience and expertise to help business owners come to sound and reasonable tax resolutions that work for their company.
Best Management Consultants: Sojourn Partners
107 Camelot Drive, Bedford
603-472-8103
www.sojournpartners.com
Through an association with the best coaching professionals available, Sojourn Partners can not only help a company manage through its growth, but will assist the individual leaders in that firm to meet that growth with contemporary and professional leadership thinking and intervention.
Best Networking Event: Tri-City Expo
Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, 603-224-2508
www.concordnhchamber.com
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, 603-666-6600
www.manchester-chamber.org
Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, 603-881-8333
www.nashuachamber.com
The Tri-City Expo, an annual collaborative effort between the Manchester, Concord and Nashua Chambers of Commerce, features more than 200 exhibitors from all over the state, and welcomes more than 2,000 attendees.
Best Office Cleaning Service: A Cleaner Solution
Serving Greater Manchester and Concord
603-660-8834
www.acleanersolutionnh.com
A Cleaner Solution, a locally owned and operated commercial cleaning company, offers quality, personalized commercial cleaning services using the latest environmentally friendly products, equipment and techniques to provide cleaner, healthier workplaces. A Cleaner Solution's approach combines customer service and attention to detail with social responsibility making it easy – and affordable – for you to introduce and incorporate sustainable cleaning practices to your company.
Best Office Supply Retailer/LOCAL: W.B. Mason
12 Murphy Drive, Nashua
888-926-2766
www.wbmason.com
Since 1898, the dedicated people at W.B. Mason have been passionate about bringing their amazingly low prices, superior delivery and outstanding personal service to businesses of all sizes for all of their office products needs. Headquartered in Brockton, Mass., W.B. Mason has grown to become the largest, privately owned office products dealer in the United States, with 28 locations spanning 10 states, with everything you need for your office, from supplies and furniture, to break room and janitorial goods.
Best Office Supply Retailer/REGIONAL: Staples
Locations throughout New Hampshire
500 Staples Drive, Framingham, MA
800-378-2753
www.staples.com
New England-based Staples Inc. opened its first office supply superstore in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company with more than 2,000 stores. From pens, paper, data CDs – and, yes, staples — Staples offers a wide range of office products and solutions.
Best Place to Buy Office Furniture/LOCAL: Surplus Office Equipment
100 Factory St., Nashua
603-881-8281
www.surplusofficeequipment.com
Since 1984, Surplus Office Equipment has provided its customers the best-possible office furniture, whether new or pre-owned, at the best-possible price. Surplus Office Equipment has over 100,000 square feet of warehouse and showroom space at its facilities, with New Hampshire's largest selection of pre-owned office furniture at 50 percent to 80 percent off regular retail prices. The company also sells new furniture through its Office Furniture Solutions showrooms.
Best Place to Buy Office Furniture/REGIONAL: Staples
Locations throughout New Hampshire
500 Staples Drive, Framingham, MA
800-378-2753
www.staples.com
New England-based Staples Inc. has a wide range of office furniture, from desks and executive chairs to bookcases and entire modular units. With more than 2,000 stores, Staples also offers a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology and business services.
Best Payroll Service/LOCAL: Trivantus
582 Chestnut St., Manchester
603-624-7788
www.trivantus.com
Trivantus is a locally owned and operated payroll processing company specializing in streamlining employers' outsourcing needs. Through advanced payroll technology and unsurpassed customer service, Trivantus allows employers to focus on what's most important — their businesses.
Best Payroll Service/NATIONAL: ADP
One ADP Blvd., Roseland, NJ
800-225-5237
www.adp.com
ADP is one of the world's largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. Leveraging more than 55 years of experience, ADP offers a wide range of services including human resources, payroll, tax and benefits administration solutions. ADP's easy-to-use solutions for employers provide superior value to companies of all types and sizes.
Best Barbershop for Men: Lucky's Barbershop & Shave Parlor
50 S. State St., Concord
603-715-5470
www.luckysbarbershop.biz
No "stylists," no "salon," this is a real traditional barbershop, just like the one your daddy went to – only better. Reconditioned antique barber chairs housed in a renovated tin-ceilinged shop, you can get a haircut and shave for a bit more, but not much, than two bits, with $16 for haircuts, $25 for a shave. And yes, they have the blue-and-red striped barber's pole outside.
Best Styling Salon for Women: Not So Plain Jane's
155 Dow St., Ste. 102, Manchester
800-829-6775
www.notsoplainjanes.com
Not So Plain Jane's is located a beautifully renovated historical mill and offers state-of-the-art services for hair, skin, nails and body. All haircuts begin with a personal consultation and a cleansing massage, and are completed with a blow-dry style. Other treatments include customized body massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Special packages are also available.
Best Copy Center: FedEx Office
Locations throughout New Hampshire
942 S. Shady Grove Road, Memphis, TN
800-463-3339
www.fedex.com
From business cards to brochures to boardroom presentations, FedEx Office is there to help you with all your printing and document needs. Special online print features walk you though designing, uploading and printing your document for professional results. Pick up your order at one of FedEx Office's thousands of locations or have your online printing order delivered to your doorstep.
Best Commercial Printer/Long Run: RAM Printing Inc.
5 Commerce Park Drive, Hampstead
603-382-7045
www.ramprinting.com
RAM Printing, a family-owned and -operated, full-service offset printing company, has been in business for over 30 years. Located in Hampstead, RAM Printing is a part of RAM Companies, which also includes RAM Mailing Service, Hampstead Print and Copy and Guestmark International, which provides specialized print services and products for the hospitality industry.
Best Commercial Printer/Short Run: Printers Square Inc.
105 Faltin Drive, Manchester
603-623-0802
www.psquare.com
Printers Square has been providing commercial print and design services for 20 years. Since its inception, Printers Square has been dedicated to providing excellent service and print quality. Printers Square offers high-speed digital printing. Extensive pre-press analysis ensures your print job meets your specifications. Online job tracking helps to inform you about your job every step of the way.
Best Promotional Products Supplier: Print Savvy
55 S. Commercial St., Manchester
603-656-9009
www.printsavvy.com
Put Print Savvy to work on your next event or tradeshow. Print Savvy's complete online catalog makes finding the right promotional item easy. Go beyond the typical t-shirt, pens or coffee mug. Print Savvy has thousands of innovative and creative products to make your next promotion stand out and get results.
Best Public Relations Agency: LTD Company Inc.
169 S. River Road, Ste. 8, Bedford
603-623-7699
www.ltdspark.com
Creating some of the most notable ad campaigns, events and promotions is the creative group at LTD Company. Since 1984, the marketing strategies, copywriting, graphic design and targeted media placements from LTD have helped launch many New Hampshire businesses into the limelight. LTD Company truly "takes ideas from spark to finish!"
Best Commercial Real Estate Broker: Grubb Ellis
170 S. River Road., Bedford
500 Market St., Ste. #9, Portsmouth
603-623-0100
www.grubb-ellis.com/newhampshire
Grubb & Ellis in New Hampshire is one of Northern New England's leading full-service commercial real estate firms. From offices in Bedford and Portsmouth, Grubb Ellis provides a full array of real estate brokerage, consulting and development services that assist its clients in identifying, evaluating and implementing real estate strategies to enhance the value of owned or leased real estate assets.
Best Commercial Real Estate Developer: Anagnost Companies
33 S. Commercial St., Manchester
603-669-6194
With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, sales and leasing, Anagnost Companies, owned by Dick Anagnost, are some of the most successful privately owned real estate and development companies in Greater Manchester, developing more than 2.2 million square feet of commercial real estate in the area. Currently under development by the firm are the Manchester residential community of Demetria's Crossing and Elliot at River's Edge, an ambulatory care and multi-practice facility in Manchester on the former Jac Pac manufacturing site.
Best Commercial Signage Company: Jutras Signs
711 Mast Road, Manchester
603-622-2344
www.jutrassigns.com
Founded in 1940, Jutras specializes in illuminated signs, including neon, as well as non-illuminated signs, banners, awnings, flags and other signage. In addition to design services, Jutras also offers a complete repair shop with the ability to maintain and service virtually any sign.
Best Sporting Event to Take Clients To: New Hampshire Fisher Cats Game
1 Line Drive, Manchester
603-641-2005
www.nhfishercats.com
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats were founded in October 2003 as the AA Eastern League Affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. In the first season, the Fisher Cats played at historic Gill Stadium, located on Manchester's east side, and won the 2004 Eastern League Championship. The team moved to its current home in 2005 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, formerly Merchantsauto.com Stadium, in downtown Manchester on the banks of the Merrimack River. The ballpark seats 6,500 people, and regularly sets attendance records.
Best Staffing Service: The Nagler Group
17 Commerce Drive, Ste. 6, Bedford
603-637-1492
www.naglergroup.com
The Nagler Group strives to be the foremost staffing firm in administrative and human resource recruiting. The Nagler Group's management is comprised of professionals that have built their careers on their passion for recruiting and staffing. The company's team members operate on the principle that they are here to provide the absolute best organization for employees and clients.
Best Telecommunications Service Provider: FairPoint Communications
900 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101
866-984-3001
www.fairpoint.com
No matter the size of your business, FairPoint's communications services are designed to help you compete and succeed. Services, depending on location, include Internet, voice, data, conferencing and voice mail.
Best Airline for Business Travel: Southwest Airlines
2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, Texas
800-435-9792
www.southwest.com
Southwest flies more than 100 million passengers a year to cities across the country. Priority seating for Business Select travelers, no fees for bags or changing flights, same-day air freight delivery service, ticketless travel and live updates on current airfare deals, all exemplify the airline's commitment to innovations designed to make air travel simpler and more accessible for its customers.
Best Auto Dealership: AutoFair Automotive Group
Dealerships on Willow and Keller Streets, Manchester
603-634-1000
www.autofair.com
For nearly 20 years, AutoFair has served the New Hampshire and surrounding areas as a new and used auto dealership. With services such as an online Car Finder, AutoFair's Ford, Honda, Hyndai and Pre-Owned dealerships work hard to make your vehicle shopping experience an enjoyable and memorable one. AutoFair also takes pride in serving the community, and is a founding member of the Manchester Charitable Foundation.
Best Auto Fleet Dealership: Grappone Automotive Group
Route 3A, Bow
800-528-8993
www.grappone.com
Specializing in commercial vehicle and fleet sales for almost four decades, Grappone Automotive Group's commercial trucks and fleet vehicle departments make sure that your vehicle or truck can handle the job.
Best Luxury Auto Dealership: Ira Lexus of Manchester
33 Auto Center Road, Manchester
877-207-1294
www.lexusofmanchesternh.com
Buying a luxury vehicle should be about more than just a car purchase. The professional staff of Ira Lexus of Manchester takes the time to get to know you and to find you just the right vehicle to complement your lifestyle. Innovative tools like Lock-in Internet Pricing with the Buyer's Club Rewards program can help you save time and money.
Best Auto Rental Company: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Locations throughout New Hampshire
600 Corporate Park Drive, St. Louis, MO
800-264-6350
www.enterprise.com
With over 700,000 available vehicles today, Enterprise provides rental car services in neighborhoods all across America. Whether you need a car while your vehicle is in the repair shop, visiting from out of town or to test drive the latest models, Enterprise can find the right car at the right price for you. Enterprise also offers fleet management services, pre-owned car sales and commercial truck rental.
Best Limousine Service: Grace Limousine
PO Box 3510, Manchester
603-666-0203
www.gracelimo.com
Family-owned and -operated from Manchester since 1990, Grace Limousine is committed to providing the best in personal, special event and corporate transportation. More than just transportation, Grace's fleet includes Lincoln sedans, a stretch Navigator and a 1956 Rolls Bentley as well as "green" vehicles such as the Lexus SUV hybrid.
Best Venue for Events: Verizon Wireless Arena
555 Elm St., Manchester
603-644-5000
www.verizonwirelessarena.com
The Verizon Wireless Arena celebrated its grand opening in November 2001 in Manchester as the premier entertainment venue in the region. As the home of the Manchester Monarchs hockey team, the arena has also played host to many headliners including Elton John, John Mayer and the Boston Pops Orchestra, as well as New Hampshire Magazine's Best of NH party. Seating over 11,000 in the arena, the venue also has 34 suites, five party suites, and 542 club seats for company outings.
Best Video Production Company: Heartwood Media
83 Hanover Street, Ste. 42, Manchester
603-665-9191
www.heartwoodmedia.com
Heartwood Media is an award-winning video and interactive production company creating TV commercials, videos, DVDs, CDs and interactive Flash programs on budget and on target. Heartwood works with you to focus your message and target your audience to make sure your message is compelling — and gets results. More than just a video production company, Heartwood is invested in the community, where giving back is an important part of how it does business.
Best Waste Removal Company/LOCAL: Pinard Waste Systems
32 W. River Road, Hooksett
603-623-6937
www.pinardwaste.com
New Hampshire-based Pinard Waste Systems is the largest privately owned waste-handling company in the state. Headquartered in Hooksett, it is known for its customer service and pro-active approach in fostering environmentally sound practices.
Best Waste Removal Company/NATIONAL: Waste Management Inc.
Offices in Londonderry, New Hampton, North Swanzey and Rochester
1001 Fannin, Suite 4000, Houston, Texas
800-847-5303
www.wastemanagement.com
Waste Management provides solid waste collection services as well as transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services to New Hampshire and across the country. Waste Management also is a leader in waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy practices in the United States.
Best Website Developer: wedü
20 Market St., Manchester
603-647-WEDU
www.wedu.com
wedü, an award-winning, full-service advertising and marketing agency in Manchester, has been providing clients with excellent advertising and marketing, interactive Web design and development, public relations and experiential marketing since its founding in 1998. Whether a client is looking for online or offline marketing initiatives, wedü offers creative and effective solutions.
