BIA to honor Cook, Couches for achievements

Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green shareholder Brad Cook and Hypertherm co-founder Dick Couch and his wife Barbara will be recognized later this month with Business and Industry Association of NH’s Lifetime Achievement Awards.

They will be presented with their awards at the BIA’s 102nd annual dinner, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Radisson Manchester.

Cook heads Sheehan Phinney’s Estate Planning and Probate, Government Relations and Not-for-Profit, and Charitable and Religious Institutions practice groups.

He also serves as chairman of the Warren B. Rudman Center Campaign and president of the Boys and Girls Club of New London. He is a past member of the executive committee of the BIA and is a longtime columnist for NH Business Review.

Dick Couch co-founded Hypertherm in 1968 and is currently chairman of the board. He also has been involved in many organizations outside of Hypertherm. After many years of service, Couch’s tenure on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association board of governors concluded in 2010. He is also a founding member of Ledyard National Bank in Hanover and continues to serve on its board of directors.

Barbara Couch, Hypertherm’s former vice president of corporate social responsibility, worked for the firm for 30 years. She was responsible for developing the company’s award-winning programs that focus on the development and well-being of Hypertherm’s associates, which is an integral piece of the company’s mission statement.

Recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States and in New Hampshire, the company’s awards include being listed at No. 12 on Fortune magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States.

Tickets for the dinner are $1,100 for a table of 10 or $125 per person and may be purchased online at BIAofNH.com/events.