2019 BOB Award Winners
New Hampshire Business Review is pleased to present the winners of our twelfth annual BOB Awards, which honor the Best of Business in New Hampshire for 2019. Each year, our readers vote for the Granite State’s most stand-out businesses — the ones that go above and beyond to ensure exceptional products and services with the utmost attention to detail and delivery on customer satisfaction. The BOB Awards distinguishes these businesses from the rest, serving as an endorsement from industry members who regularly depend on them to fulfill their day-to-day functions. This year, the number of BOB voters shattered previous records, with more businesspeople than ever before taking the time to highlight the businesses that contribute to New Hampshire’s economic engine and are essential to the business community.
Congratulations to all of the 2019 winners!
Best Marketing Agency: wedü
20 Market Street, Manchester
603-647-9338
www.wedu.com
More than a digital marketing agency, wedü uses customer intelligence to craft a creative strategy with impactful results. wedü works with clients’ marketing and management teams to develop the look and feel of the user experience, whether it’s an in-season national advertising campaign or an investment in a website to deliver value over several years. As user experience professionals, wedü utilizes technology, human sciences and art to bring concepts to life.
Best Digital Marketing Agency: SilverTech
196 Bridge Street, Manchester
603-669-6600
www.silvertech.com
From award-winning digital marketing to website design and custom application development, SilverTech identifies opportunities to maximize revenue, performance, profit and results. Its full range of digital lifecycle services – including business intelligence and analytics, CMS and systems integration, content and social strategy, managed hosting, marketing automation, responsive design, SEO and more – deliver user experiences and digital marketing strategies that drive customers from lead to loyalty.
Best Public Relations Agency (Tie):
Burke Advertising
9 Cedarwood Drive, Suite 11, Bedford
603-627-5381
www.burkeadvertising.com
From media planning and creative design to online marketing and SEO, Burke Advertising provides a wide range of services that allow clients to exert greater control over their marketing and maximize their return on investment. Every available ad tool is considered with a hands-on approach and in-house services.
Just Flow Events & Marketing
The Beacon Building
814 Elm Street, Suite 510, Manchester
603-703-5588
www.justflownh.com
Just Flow offers comprehensive event planning and corporate communication services including strategic marketing, website development, social media and copywriting. When organizing public, private and nonprofit events, the team develops everything from in-house graphic design for event keepsakes to coordinating fundraising components and managing vendors and venue personnel.
Best Video Production Company: New Sky Productions
25 Front Street, Nashua
603-816-9500
www.newskyproductions.com
With additional offices in Portland, Ore. and Seattle, Wash., New Sky Productions utilizes outstanding cinematographers and editors and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver compelling storytelling pieces that connect businesses more directly with their client base, increasing both sales and consumer engagement.
Best Managed IT Service: Mainstay Technologies
25 Sundial Ave, Suite 315, Manchester
603-524-4774
www.mstech.com
Founded by 2014 Business Excellence Award winner CEO Ryan Barton, Mainstay Technologies provides hassle-free tech support to organizations of all sizes across New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. By taking the time to understand the unique needs, processes and budget pressures of each client partner, Mainstay builds proactive technology and cybersecurity plans.
Best Accounting Firm: Wipfli | Howe, Riley & Howe
43 Constitution Dr. #100, Bedford
603-627-3838
www.hrhcpa.com
For more than 60 years, Wipfli | Howe Riley & Howe has provided entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofits and individuals tax, accounting and financial services, including trusts and estates. As the largest accounting firm headquartered in New Hampshire with offices in Bedford and Portsmouth, Wipfli | Howe Riley & Howe has experienced staff to assist with your accounting needs.
Best Architectural Firm: Lavallee Brensinger Architects
155 Dow St. #400, Manchester
603-622-5450
www.lbpa.com
Through collaboration and engagement, Lavallee Brensinger successfully delivers projects that not only meet clients’ needs but also fulfill its own passion for innovation. Collectively, the firm – which also has offices in Boston and Portland, Maine — has designed over $3 billion of new construction and renovation projects across a wide spectrum of market sectors including healthcare, education, corporate, civic and senior living.
Best Engineering Firm: TFMoran Inc.
48 Constitution Drive, Bedford
603-472-4488
www.tfmoran.com
TFMoran Inc. is a regionally recognized engineering and surveying firm offering civil, structural, traffic, surveying and landscape architecture to private and public clients since 1968. Committed to responsible, sustainable development, TFMoran is a leader in green technology and claims many of the region’s “firsts,” including porous pavement, green roofs, bio-retention, grass-pavers and xeriscape plantings, among many others.
Best General Contractor: Harvey Construction
10 Harvey Road, Bedford
603-624-4600
www.hccnh.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 Electrical Contractor: Longchamps Electric Inc.
700 Harvey Road, Manchester
603-625-5954
www.longchampselectric.com
Longchamps Electric Inc., now one of the largest electrical and communications systems contractors in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, was founded more than 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 services as well as project fast-tracking, on-call services, telecommunications and back-up generator installation.
Best Mechanical Contractor: Granite State Plumbing & Heating
10 N. Riverdale Road, Weare
603-529-3322
www.gsphinc.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 USA, Granite State Plumbing & Heating focuses on the mid-market commercial industrial and institutional sectors, while caring for customers, employees and the environment.
Best Corporate Moving Company: Ray the Mover
1 Allard Drive, Manchester
603-669-7170
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 Cell Phone Provider: Verizon Wireless
Locations throughout New Hampshire
140 West Street, New York, NY
800-837-4966
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. In the past several years, Verizon has expanded its “lightning-fast” 4G LTE network into many New Hampshire towns and cities.
Best Telecommunications Provider: Comcast
1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA
1-800-COMCAST
www.comcast.com
Comcast Corp. is one of the nation’s leading providers of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, with 22.3 million cable customers, 25.8 million high-speed Internet customers and 11.5 million Comcast Digital Voice customers. Backed by industry-leading, 24/7 business-class support, Comcast provides advanced communication solutions to small and mid-sized organizations to help them meet their business needs through its Comcast Business Services.
Best Commercial Real Estate Broker: Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
168 S. River Road, Bedford
603-232-8282
www.metro.yourworkoffice.com
Based in Austin, Texas, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the largest residential real estate company in the United States by agent count. Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan runs offices in Bedford, Concord, Keene and Londonderry. Its commercial real estate arm, KW Commercial, delivers industry-leading education, top-of-the-line technology and unparalleled support to its agents and brokers, helping them to make your commercial transaction swift, efficient and, most importantly, profitable.
Best Title Company: Accurate Title
170 South River Road, Bedford
1-800-639-4405
www.accuratetitlenh.com
Locally owned and operated, Accurate Title has been closing residential and commercial real estate transactions since 1984. With locations in Bedford, Portsmouth, Concord and Meredith, Accurate Title’s highly experienced staff strives to make customers feel at ease as they are guided through the closing process. Their goal is to provide the highest level of service in the industry so that the closing can be a celebration.
Best Waste Removal Company: Waste Management Inc.
Offices in Londonderry, New Hampton and Rochester
1001 Fannin Street, Suite 4000, Houston, Texas
800-847-5303
www.wm.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 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 proactive approach in fostering environmentally sound practices.
Best Art Gallery for Corporate Art: Art 3 Gallery
44 W. Brook Street, Manchester
603-668-6650
www.art3gallery.com
Art 3 Gallery is a premier New England retail fine art gallery offering custom framing and corporate and residential art consulting services. Located in a restored townhouse in the historic Millyard, the gallery includes one of the largest collections of art by New Hampshire, New England, national and international artists.
Best Executive Search Firm: KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting
5 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 304, Bedford
603-792-2345
www.kbwfinancial.com
KBW is the leading provider of finance and accounting staffing services for companies and job seekers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, specializing in permanent, temporary and temporary-to-hire services. Since it was founded in 2005, KBW has grown rapidly throughout the region, often being named to Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies.
Best Staffing Service: The Nagler Group
5 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 304, Bedford
603-637-1492
www.naglergroup.com
The Nagler Group is a leading staffing firm focusing on administrative and human resource recruiting for employers and job seekers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It offers a full suite of temporary and direct-hire staffing services with a dedicated staff focusing exclusively on the local community.
Best Courier and Delivery Service: Green Mountain Messenger
57 Harvey Road, Londonderry
603-626-7120
www.shipgmm.com
Beginning in 1987 with one route, Green Mountain Messenger has grown to over 100 daily routes and become a full service provider of courier and same-day delivery services in the New England region. With New Hampshire offices in Londonderry and West Lebanon, GMM’s dedicated management team of experienced problem solvers has provided its customers with cost effective and efficient transportation solutions resulting in a solid base of long-term satisfied customers.
Best Private Golf Course: Manchester Country Club
180 S. River Road, Bedford
603-624-4096
www.manchestercountryclub.com
With the addition of the PGA Tour Simulator offering more than 50 different courses to play, as well as professional staffers to provide assistance, Manchester Country Club helps golfers stay limber through the off-season in New England. When spring comes around, the 18-hole track designed by Donald Ross in 1923 provides members open access to undulating greens and strategic routing, with very little walking from one green to the next tee. Renovations through 2023 serve to restore Ross features including cross bunkers and fescue mounds.
Best Public Golf Course: Atkinson Resort & Country Club
85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson
603-362-8700
www.atkinsonresort.com
Set amongst the pristine, rolling hills, the Atkinson Resort & Country Club has been a place of solitude for city travelers since the 1800s. In addition to the 18-hole par 72 public golf course, there is a practice facility designed to help golfers improve their game. The facility consists of 15,000 square feet of grass tees, 12,000 square feet of putting greens, multiple bunkers and a 65-yard short-game practice hole.
Best Sporting Event to Take Clients to: New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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 in downtown Manchester on the banks of the Merrimack River. The ballpark, which seats 6,500 people, regularly hosts theme nights to support local nonprofits.
Best MBA Program: Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N. River Road, Hooksett
603-626-9100
www.snhu.edu
SNHU offers over 50 affordable, specialized MBAs that can be completed in as few as 15 months. Programs are designed to be flexible, fitting in with students’ schedules and budgets while maintaining academic excellence. And the GMAT and GRE are not required for admission, making the program more accessible. Professionals can tailor their degree to their interests and career goals, with more than 20 career-oriented concentrations, and developing projects that serve their business needs.
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 180 accredited online programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Programs are designed to be flexible, fitting in with students’ schedules and budgets, while maintaining the school’s tradition of academic excellence.
Best Local Bank for Small Business: Bank of New Hampshire
Locations throughout New Hampshire
62 Pleasant Street, Laconia
603-524-1212
www.banknh.com
Formerly Laconia Savings Bank, Bank of New Hampshire changed its name in 2012 to better reflect its statewide focus. It is New Hampshire’s largest independent bank and, since its inception in 1831, has grown to 24 offices statewide. Because the bank is a mutual organization, it doesn’t answer to stockholders and can focus on the success of its customers, communities and employees.
Best Regional Bank for Small Business: TD Bank
Locations throughout New Hampshire
1701 Marlton Pike East, #200, Cherry Hill, N.J.
888-751-9000
www.tdbank.com
One of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., TD Bank offers a broad array of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services to nearly eight million customers through its extensive network of 1,300 convenient locations. TD provides business solutions to companies of all sizes. Its small business banking division offers hassle-free accounts and personalized services, as well as a dedicated small business representative with every account. Its commercial banking division offers treasury management services, loans and lines of credit, leasing and equipment finance, and more.
Best Regional Commercial Lender: TD Bank
Locations throughout New Hampshire
1701 Marlton Pike East, #200, Cherry Hill, N.J.
888-751-9000
www.tdbank.com
One of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., TD Bank offers a broad array of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services to nearly eight million customers through its extensive network of 1,300 convenient locations. TD provides business solutions to companies of all sizes. Its small business banking division offers hassle-free accounts and personalized services, as well as a dedicated small business representative with every account. Its commercial banking division offers treasury management services, loans and lines of credit, leasing and equipment finance, and more.
Best Investment Firm: Fidelity Investments
Locations throughout New Hampshire
1 Spartan Way, Merrimack
603-791-5000
www.fidelity.com
Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services. Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms.
Best Financial Planner: Edward Jones
www.edwardjones.com
With several financial advisors around southern New Hampshire, Edward Jones is dedicated to helping clients develop strategies to reach important long-term financial goals, such as paying for a child’s education, retiring on your terms or creating a family legacy. In addition to offering traditional investment products, Edward Jones financial planners assess clients’ needs, develop goals, implement solutions and regularly review portfolios keeping clients’ best interests in mind.
Best Credit Union: St. Mary’s Bank
200 McGregor Street, Manchester
1-800-950-8850
www.stmarysbank.com
As the first credit union in the United States, St. Mary’s Bank has been helping New Hampshire residents with a wide range of affordable products and services for more than a century. Members can achieve their financial goals with best-in-market services and trusted financial advice regarding personal loans, real estate loans, business banking and financial planning. Membership is open to anyone with the purchase of one share of capital stock for $5.
Best Electricity Provider: Eversource Energy
780 No. Commercial Street, Manchester
603-669-4000
www.eversource.com
Eversource Energy is New England’s largest energy delivery company, with approximately 3.7 million electric and natural gas customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. More than 8,000 men and women are actively working to prevent problems before they arise and fix errors in good and bad weather, making sure the energy that powers the region is always there.
Best Fuel Provider: Palmer Gas & Oil
13 Hall Farm Road, Atkinson
603-898-7986
www.palmergas.com
Touting to provide the friendliest, simplest and safest service in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts, Palmer Gas & Oil remains a family-owned business that has grown from its quaint beginnings in the early 1900s. Its automatic delivery, easy building and maintenance plans make it easy to keep your tank full and your equipment in tip-top shape.
Best Solar Energy Company: Granite State Solar
57 Ryan Road, Bow
603-369-4318
www.granitestatesolar.com
Founded in 2008, Granite State Solar provides customized energy solutions and services to suit customers’ needs with optimum financial results. A variety of renewable energy products and services help customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint, with all systems designed, installed and maintained by certified technicians, electricians and engineers.
Best Florist: Chalifour’s Flowers, Gift & Gourmet
46 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101
603-623-8844
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 decades of experience in bringing the very best that flowers can offer. Since 1940, Chalifour’s has expertly arranged, packed and hand-delivered flowers, plant and gourmet gift baskets to your destination.
Best Corporate Event Caterer: Tidewater Catering Group
250 Commercial Street, Suite 2021, Manchester
603-668-6111
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. Its team of experienced professionals works with you to accommodate and adapt to all your requests in food and service, ensuring that every detail of the function is perfectly executed.
Best Networking Event: New Hampshire Conference for Women
603-744-0400
www.womeninspiring.com/nh-conference-for-women/
Scheduled to take place Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 in Manchester, the annual New Hampshire Conference for Women provides an opportunity for women (and men) to listen to motivational speakers while forming peer-to-peer connections and furthering personal and professional development. Attendees in positions ranging from domestic goddess to administrative assistant to CEO make up the group of dynamic, fabulous women. The conference is just one of many events organized by the member-based organization Women Inspiring Women.
Best Small Venue for Meetings and Events: LaBelle Winery
345 NH-101, Amherst
603-672-9898
www.labellewinerynh.com
Resting atop a quiet and picturesque hilltop with rolling vineyards, LaBelle Winery is the premier event venue for corporate entertaining and social celebrations of all sizes and styles. With outstanding service and cuisine, group wine tastings, vineyard and wine cellar tours, in-house audio visual, custom furnishings and much more, LaBelle Winery offers several amenities to add a unique atmosphere for any event. LaBelle Winery’s corporate sales associates also help assist in planning the perfect event — one that is creative and memorable.
Best Medium Venue for Meetings and Events: Grappone Conference Center
70 Constitution Avenue, Concord
603-225-0303
www.grapponeconferencecenter.com
With the largest ballroom and function space in the Concord area, the Grappone Conference Center is an ideal destination for your corporate event. All meeting rooms offer high-speed Internet access, individual lighting, sound, heat and air conditioning controls. Its dedicated team of event planners and culinary experts assist with every detail of your event, from technical audiovisual needs, complex floor plans to unlimited food and beverage possibilities. Its Granite Ballroom comfortably accommodates up to 500 guests.
Best Large Venue for Meetings and Events: Omni Mount Washington Resort
310 Mount Washington Road, Bretton Woods
603-278-1000
www.omnihotels.com/MtWashington
As grand as the history behind it, Omni Mount Washington Resort is a favorite New England retreat and host to dozens of political, business and artistic gatherings. In January 2009, Omni Mount Washington Resort opened the Presidential Wing, one of the largest meeting spaces in northern New Hampshire, with a total of 30,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as a 25,000-square-foot spa and salon. The hotel’s varied meeting rooms are perfect for a wide range of meetings, including training sessions, customer presentations, team-building seminars and strategic planning retreats. Its staff is ready to attend to every detail, from itinerary planning to audio/visual equipment to custom menus.
Best Payroll Service: ADP Payroll Solutions
One ADP Blvd., Roseland, N.J.
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 Locally Owned Payroll Service: Trivantus
20 Market Street, Manchester, NH 03101
603-624-7788
www.trivantus.com
Trivantus is a locally owned and operated payroll processing company specializing in streamlining employers’ outsourcing needs. In addition to processing payroll, Trivantus offers human resource and benefits services for all size businesses.
Best Office Supplies: 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 over 30 locations spanning 11 states, with everything you need for your office, from supplies and furniture, to break room and janitorial goods.
Best Office Supplies (Locally owned): Central Paper Products
21 Riverside Street, Nashua
888-578-9303
www.centralpaperonline.com
Central Paper has been specializing in paper for over 60 years, representing the nation’s leading paper manufacturers including Neenah Paper, Wausau Paper and Xerox Paper. Central Paper offers customers online ordering and account maintenance. It also has five full-service Paperworks retail stores in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Best Office Furniture: Workplace Studio by 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 1,800 stores in North America. From pens, paper, data CDs — and, yes, staples — Staples offers a wide range of office products and solutions.
Best Locally Owned Office Furniture: Office Alternatives
186 Granite Street, Manchester
603- 668-9230
www.office-alternatives.com
Since 1984, Office Equipment has carried everything you need for your office environment, from office chairs and seating, used filing cabinets and storage, used cubicle systems and panels, workstations and more.
Best Office Cleaning Service: The Cleaning Guy
PO Box 1438, Concord
603-410-6449
www.thecleaningguynh.com
For more than 30 years, The Cleaning Guy has been providing unmatched commercial cleaning services out of the greater Manchester area to residences and businesses across the state. Its mission is to clean for health — that is, cleaning to keep facilities healthier places to work. It provides services such as daily and weekly office cleaning, carpet, window and floor care with the very best, high-quality equipment.
Best Employee Benefits: CGI Employee Benefits Group Solutions
171 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett
603-622-4600
www.cgibusinesssolutions.com
CGI Business Solutions provides a full spectrum of employee benefit planning, design and administration along with investment and wealth management, customized business insurance solutions, technological resources and human resources support. It has four locations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.
Best Commercial Insurance Broker: Cross Insurance Agency
800-999-7345
www.crossagency.com
Headquartered in Maine with nine offices in New Hampshire, Cross Insurance Agency offers experience in all facets of insurance protection — and more than 400 knowledgeable employees — so it can always assemble the team best suited to meet its clients’ business and personal insurance needs. Its business products are tailored for a range of industries and include property, general liability, business interruption income, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, professional liability and more. Its fully staffed employee benefits division represents more than 1,500 employee benefit clients throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and each client is assigned a minimum of two Cross representatives: an account executive, whose principal responsibility is front line contact, and a benefits specialist, working in a day-to-day fashion with each client.
Best Hospital: Elliot Hospital
1 Elliot Way, Manchester
603-669-5300
www.elliothospital.org
Elliot Health System is a nonprofit organization serving the healthcare needs of the community since 1890, when it opened the first community hospital in the state. Today, Elliot Hospital is a 296-bed acute care facility and Elliot Health System is the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in southern New Hampshire. Elliot is home to Manchester’s designated Regional Trauma Center, Elliot Breast Health Center, Elliot Urgent Care, a Level 3 Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Elliot Medical Group, Elliot Regional Cancer Center, Elliot Senior Health Center, Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, 1-Day Surgery Center, Elliot Memory & Mobility Center, NH Arthritis Center, Elliot Retail Pharmacy, Elliot Medical Centers in Bedford, Londonderry, Hooksett, and The Elliot at River’s Edge.
Best Health Insurance Provider: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NH
1155 Elm Street, Suite 200, Manchester
603-541-2112
www.anthem.com
With more than 75 years of experience in New Hampshire, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and parent company Anthem, Inc., is committed to make quality healthcare simpler, more affordable and more accessible. Today, nearly 300,000 Granite Staters rely on Anthem’s health care benefits, products and services, along with a range of specialty products including pharmacy benefit management, dental and vision.
Best Copy Services: The Copy Shop
10 Northern Blvd., Suite 17, Amherst
603-882-9111
www.thecopyshop.com
Starting out as a small, family-run operation in 1972, The Copy Shop balances high quality work and professionalism with their roots as a family establishment. Business owners and operators can expect cost-effective solutions to all of their graphic and printed business communication needs.
Best Long-Run Printer: Spectrum Printing & Graphics
95 Eddy Road, Suite 101, Manchester
603-627-0042
www.spectrumprinting.com
Spectrum Printing & Graphics offers a comprehensive list of services through its commercial printing division for print jobs of any quantity, from long-run direct mail promotional campaigns to large format signs to general commercial printing. Its commercial equipment is specifically designed to fulfill the diverse range of requirements, and Spectrum’s private trucking fleet and national distribution network ensures projects arrive on time.
Best Short-Run Printer: Spectrum Printing & Graphics
95 Eddy Road, Suite 101, Manchester
603-627-0042
www.spectrumprinting.com
From flyers and custom direct mailing solutions to basic stationery and business cards, Spectrum Printing & Graphic’s digital printing equipment produces custom solutions for jobs with fewer than 500 to 1,000 pieces. Its turn-key direct mail programs and award-winning creative services allow companies of all sizes to generate superior results, with additional finishing options that can kick their marketing up a notch.
Best Promotional Products Supplier: Say It In Stitches
128 Hall Street, Suite B, Concord
603-224-6470
www.stitchesnh.com
Say It In Stitches is a promotional product distributor with a mission to help you create long-lasting relationships with your clients through the power of promotional products. Promotional products are used by virtually every business in America, and Say It In Stitches can supply your company with every possible promotional product — such as pens, mugs, t-shirts, wristbands or lanyards — from more than 3,000 suppliers.
Best Commercial Signage: Barlo Signs
158 Greeley Street, Hudson
603-882-2638
www.barlosigns.com
Creating exceptional signage since 1969, Barlo Signs began as a small sign shop in the garage of Arthur and Pam Bartlett. With steady growth each year, Barlo Signs has expanded into every facet of the sign industry, with a 35,000-square-foot facility in New Hampshire as well as a facility in Mexico.
Best Auto Dealership: AutoFair Automotive Group
Dealerships in Manchester, Nashua, Stratham, Plaistow and Merrimack
603-634-1000
www.autofair.com
For more than 20 years, AutoFair has served New Hampshire and surrounding areas as a new and used auto dealership. With services such as an online Car Finder, AutoFair’s Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, Subaru 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 Luxury Dealership: Tulley BMW
170 Auto Center Road, Manchester
888-453-4380
147 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua
888-461-8281
www.tulleybmw.com
With locations in Nashua and Manchester, Tulley BMW treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. Its experienced sales staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm about its range of new and certified pre-owned BMWs. Both facilities also have BMW Service Centers, which are staffed with experienced, BMW-trained technicians who will quickly diagnose and remedy any areas of concern and get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Best Auto Fleet Dealership: Grappone Automotive Group
594 NH-3A, Bow
1-800-528-8993
www.grappone.com
A fourth-generation, family-owned automotive group specializing in commercial vehicle and fleet sales, Grappone Automotive Group’s staff provide businesses with more than vehicle sales and repair service — they deliver exceptional customer experiences. With Grappone’s commercial trust and fleet vehicles, businesses are ensured their employees can get where they’re going.
Best Car Service: Grace Limousine
995 Goffstown Road, 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, a 1956 Rolls Royce Bentley and “green” vehicles such as the Lexus SUV hybrid, as well as stretch limousines equipped with LCD TV’s and DVD players.
Best Business Startup Competition: UNH’s Paul J. Holloway Innovation-to-Market Prize
www.paulcollege.unh.edu/paul-j-holloway-innovation-market-prize
Named in honor of New Hampshire entrepreneur Paul J. Holloway, the Holloway competition is open to all students of the University System of New Hampshire. Established in 1988, the competition presents cash awards to winning teams and runners-up who demonstrate a solid plan for bringing an innovative product or service to market. The rigor of the competition maximizes educational value, prepares students for the realities of the business world, and helps to generate new business opportunities.
Best Young Professionals Network: Manchester Young Professionals Network
www.mypn.org
Established in 2004, the Manchester Young Professionals Network is New Hampshire’s first and largest young professionals’ networking organization, supporting nearly 3,000 young professionals in the Queen City. Through monthly, and sometimes weekly events, MYPN aims to create business and social opportunities, support professional development and welcome new and existing young professionals to the Manchester community. MYPN also hosts one of the state’s largest business startup competitions, the New Hampshire Startup Challenge, which provides cash and in-kind services to winning business plans.
Best Bankruptcy Law Firm: Sheehan Phinney
1000 Elm Street, 17th Floor, Manchester
603-668-0300
www.sheehan.com
Sheehan Phinney’s attorneys represent clients in every aspect of business bankruptcy cases and other insolvency venues. The members of the Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights Practice Group and the firm’s broader business litigation team have extensive experience in handling appellate proceedings in the United States District Courts, Bankruptcy Appellate Panels and United States Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Attorneys also serve as mediators, arbitrators or other facilitators to resolve actual or potential commercial litigation through alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Best Employment Law Firm: McLane Middleton, P.A.
900 Elm Street, Manchester
603-625-6464
www.mclane.com
McLane Middleton provides expertise while keeping legal costs in check, by addressing matters promptly and effectively. The law firm assists clients with workplace audits, strategic workforce training, timely workplace investigations and more, in industries ranging from manufacturing to education and technology. The firm has substantial expertise in discrimination, harassment, disability, data privacy, drug testing, family and medical leave, federal and state regulatory compliance, OSHA, wage and hour, reductions in force, immigration, and more.
Best Intellectual Property Law Firm: Devine Millimet
111 Amherst Street, Manchester
603-669-1000
www.devinemillimet.com
In addition to patent prosecution and litigation before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Devine Millimet’s Patent, Trademark & Licensing team provides prior art searches, patentability evaluations and validity and infringement opinions, with help through their network of associates in foreign jurisdictions. The firm also provides copyright registration and enforcement, preparation of technology transfer agreements and formation of joint ventures.
Best Real Estate Law Firm: Shaheen & Gordon
80 Merrimack Street, Manchester
603-635-4099
www.shaheengordon.com
Shaheen Gordon’s team helps clients understand the challenges associated with purchasing, selling, developing and navigating the financing paths for real estate. The firm reviews and advises on leases and lease negotiations, assists with the necessary documents for developing condominiums as well as taking action on behalf of landlords and tenants. Shaheen Gordon has over thirty years of experience representing individuals, corporations, investors and developers throughout New England.
Best Tax Law Firm: McLane Middleton, P.A.
900 Elm Street, Manchester
603-625-6464
www.mclane.com
McLane Middleton tax attorneys advise clients on a broad range of tax planning issues including federal tax planning, retirement plans and employee benefits, employee stock ownership plays, executive compensation planning, state and local tax planning, tax controversy, tax-exempt entities and international tax planning. McLane’s tax attorneys also have the unique perspective of frequently participating in the drafting of New Hampshire’s tax legislation.
Best After-Work Bars:
Greater Manchester: Copper Door
15 Leavy Drive, Bedford
603-488-2677
www.copperdoorrestaurant.com
Monadnock Region (Multi-location): Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
77 Main Street, Keene
603-357-4492
www.margs.com
Monadnock Region (Local): The Pasta Loft Restaurant
241 Union Square, Milford
603-672-2270
www.pastaloft.com
Greater Concord (Multi-location): The Common Man
25 Water Street, Concord
603-228-3463
www.thecman.com
Greater Concord (Local): The Barley House
132 Main Street, Concord
603-228-6363
www.thebarleyhouse.com
Greater Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter
48 Main Street, Nashua
603-821-7535
www.thepeddlersdaughter.com
Seacoast: The Portsmouth Brewery
56 Market Street, Portsmouth
603-431-1115
www.portsmouthbrewery.com
North of Concord: Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery
135 Main Street, North Woodstock
603-745-3951
www.woodstockinnnh.com
Best Business Dinner:
Greater Manchester: Copper Door
15 Leavy Drive, Bedford
603-488-2677
www.copperdoorrestaurant.com
Greater Nashua (Multi-location): The Common Man
304 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack
603-429-3463
www.thecman.com
Greater Nashua (Local): Buckley’s Great Steaks
438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack
603-424-0995
www.buckleysgreatsteaks.com
Greater Concord (Multi-location): The Common Man Concord
25 Water Street, Concord
603-228-3463
www.thecman.com
Greater Concord (Local): O Steaks & Seafood
11 S. Main Street, Concord
603-856-7925
magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks/
Greater Salem: Tuscan Kitchen
67 Main Street, Salem
603-952-4875
www.tuscanbrands.com
Seacoast: Surf Restaurant
99 Bow Street, Portsmouth
603-334-9855
www.surfseafood.com
North of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood
11 S. Main Street, Concord
603-856-7925
magicfoodrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks/
Monadnock Region: Giorgio’s Ristorante
524 Nashua Street, Milford
603-673-3939
www.giorgios.com
Best Business Lunch:
Greater Manchester: Cotton
75 Arms Street, Manchester
603-622-5488
www.cottonfood.com
Greater Nashua (Multi-Location): The Common Man
304 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack
603-429-3463
www.thecman.com
Greater Concord (Multi-location): The Common Man
25 Water Street, Concord
603-228-3463
www.thecman.com
Greater Concord (Local): The Barley House
132 N. Main Street, Concord
603-228-6363
www.thebarleyhouse.com
Seacoast: The Portsmouth Brewery
56 Market Street, Portsmouth
603-431-1115
www.portsmouthbrewery.com
Monadnock Region: Elm City Brewing Company
222 West Street, Unit 46, Keene
603-355-3335
www.elmcitybrewing.com
Best Cup of Coffee:
Greater Manchester: The Bridge Café
1117 Elm Street, Manchester
603-647-9991
www.thebridgecafe.net
Greater Nashua: Riverwalk Café & Music Bar
35 Railroad Square, Nashua
603-578-0200
www.riverwalknashua.com
Monadnock Region: Prime Roast
603-352-7874
16 Main Street, Keene
www.primeroastcoffee.com
Seacoast: Popovers on the Square
8 Congress Street, Portsmouth
603-431-1119
www.popoversonthesquare.com
Greater Concord: The Works Bakery Café
42 North Main Street, Concord
603-226-1827
w.worksbakerycafe.com
North of Concord: Mad River Coffee House
18 Six Flags Road, Campton
603-726-7793
www.madrivercoffeeroasters.com
Greater Salem: The Village Bean
33 Indian Rock Road, Windham
603-434-2326
www.villagebean.com
Editor’s Picks
Most NH-Engaged International Delegations:
Consulate General of Canada in Boston
www.international.gc.ca
&
Québec Government Office in Boston
www.international.gouv.qc.ca/en/boston
The $5 billion New Hampshire-Canadian trade relationship achieved a high profile among the business community as the placement of tariffs on steel and softwood lumber and uncertainty stemming from ongoing trade negotiations led to an uptick in visits from Canadian officials. Canadian Consul General to New England, David Alward, and Québec’s Delegate to New England, Marie-Claude Francoeur, also revealed growing economic opportunities regarding biotechnology, aerospace manufacturing, hydroelectricity and tourism. An agreement with Aero Montreal is developing openings for New Hampshire companies to tap into the third-largest aerospace cluster in the world. And New Hampshire’s growing electric vehicle infrastructure may increase the number of visits from renewable focused Québecers, 406,500 of whom visit New Hampshire and spend $83.9 million per year.
Best Community Effort to Encourage Entrepreneurship: Our Town Capital
49 Vose Farm Road, Suite 110, Peterborough
603-554-2459
www.ourtown.capital
Our Town Capital is comprised of a dozen community-minded angel investors who are investing in ideas that promote positive social initiatives and expand employment opportunities in the greater Monadnock area. Since forming in 2017, Our Town Capital has invested in Nuttin Ordinary, a vegan, cashew-based cheese manufacturer; NH Tap, a water supply testing and filtration company; and Conducive’s Village at Stone Barn, a 33-unit condo development on a 32-acre farm. Anyone with a business idea for the region can pitch it via a form on their website.
Best Source of HR Insight: Human Resource Partners
2 Washington Street
Picker Building, Suite 207, Dover
603-749-8989
www.h-rpartners.com
Since 2003, Human Resource Partners has helped small and medium-sized businesses meet what can often be overwhelming HR and other organizational needs. With customized services that include process improvement, change management, corporate training and coaching and development of business, strategic and continuity plans, Human Resource Partners ensures that clients’ operations are running as efficiently and productively as possible.
Best Idea to Address Trades Shortage: ReVision Energy Technical Center
www.revisionenergy.com/revision-energy-technical-center
The first state-certified training and education program of its kind, ReVision Energy Technical Center provides the educational hours required for electrical licensure in New Hampshire and Maine. As more stringent state and federal regulations require the installation of solar electric systems and complementary technologies to be done almost exclusively by licensed electricians and registered apprentices, ReVision Tech was developed as a way to resolve the acute shortage of licensed electricians in New Hampshire.
Best Way to Introduce Students to Real World Jobs: Hinsdale School District’s ELO Program
600 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey
603-336-5728
www.hnhsd.org
Since New Hampshire schools shifted to competency-based learning standards in 2009, Karen Thompson, Hinsdale’s Extended Learning Opportunities coordinator, has formed relationships with 120 businesses, introducing juniors and seniors to career pathways and employers in the area. The program has led to teacher discussions on how to assess students’ work at ELOs, taking into consideration how businesses assess the competency of their workers, shifting the district away from traditional grading in favor of setting up students for professional success.
Best Way to Adapt to Robots: Waypoint Robotics
9 Webb Drive, Suite 3, Merrimack
603-435-3093
www.waypointrobotics.com
A spinoff of Stanley Elevator Company, Waypoint aims to make the process of automating a production line easier with Vector, an industrial-strength omnidirectional, autonomous robot that is as easy to use as an elevator. To program Vector, users simply drive the robot to the loading dock or component storage room and assign a button to the destination that becomes its automated schedule. Without the need to halt operations or redesign a floor plan, even small manufacturers can shift the heavy lifting to a robot and gain more valuable work from their employees.
Best Opportunity to Improve Manchester Schools: Manchester Proud
www.manchesterproud.org
Led by business and community leaders, Manchester Proud is an ambitious strategic plan that aims to transform the city’s public schools to better prepare students for the demands of the 21st century and enhance the overall economic and social health of the city. Launched in May 2018, Manchester Proud has grown to a grassroots effort of more than 1,000 volunteers that have raised approximately $600,000 to hire educational planning consultants and support community engagement, project management and communications. Most importantly, the initiative has brought together teachers, school administrators, business leaders, parents, city officials, students, residents, education experts and nonprofit and civic organizations, unified in achieving the same goal.
Best Champion of Family-owned Businesses: UNH Center for Family Enterprise
10 Garrison Avenue
Durham, NH 03824
603-862-1107
www.paulcollege.unh.edu/center-family-enterprise
Approximately 90 percent of businesses in northern New England are family-controlled, employing two-thirds of the workforce. The Center for Family Enterprise, housed at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, provides a variety of programs and resources suited for the unique challenges of its 150 members, including building close relationships with the nation’s top business professors. Businesses can also seek outside improvement and feedback through leadership development classes and CEO Peer Circles.
Most Out of This World Fitness Wear: Coolcore
210 Commerce Way #100, Portsmouth
855-805-5885
www.coolcore.com
Specializing in chemical-free, thermoregulating fabric, Coolcore has partnered with Germany’s Hohenstein Institute to develop shirts designed to optimize astronauts’ comfort during exercise and everyday wear while on the International Space Station. In 2018, the shirts were sent to the ISS for testing. Coolcore highlights three distinct functions — wicking, moisture circulation and regulated evaporation — that, together, keep users cool, dry and comfortable. While other fabrics employ chemicals and additives that wash out to achieve similar performance properties, Coolcore’s fabrics accomplish the same results through its permanent patented structure.
Best New Tool to Help NH Businesses: NH Business Finance Authority’s lease-purchase deal with BAE Systems
2 Pillsbury Street, Suite 201, Concord
603-415-0190
www.nhbfa.com
A lease-purchase deal structured by the NH Business Finance Authority enabled BAE Systems to move into a 200,000-square-foot facility in Manchester, bringing approximately 800 new jobs to the area. Under the agreement, BAE Systems will lease 3000 Goffs Falls Road for 10 years, at which point the aerospace and defense contractor will purchase the property from the BFA. The deal was also offered to Albany International and Safran’s joint venture in Rochester, illustrating how lease-purchase deals have become a key tool used by the BFA to help companies grow while also being able to invest their capital immediately in infrastructure improvements.
Best Bounce Back From Bankruptcy: Smuttynose Brewing Company
105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton
603-436-4026
www.smuttynose.com
The popular New Hampshire craft brewery faced some uncertainty in 2018, when financial struggles associated with a $22 million investment to build a LEED-certified brewery and restaurant led to a foreclosure sale, first to The Provident Bank, then to private equity firm Runnymede Investments. With inventories severely depleted, confusion spread of whether the brewery had closed. Now under the management of CEO Richard Lindsay, Smuttynose is undergoing a renaissance, developing new flavors such as Lady Stardust, an American Imperial IPA, while maintaining the success of its most iconic brews including Finestkind IPA and Old Brown Dog ale.
Fastest Growing Virtual Office Services Provider: Unified Office
20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 471, Nashua
603-427-9500
www.unifiedoffice.com
Unified Office’s patented Total Connect Now service ensures reliable business communications for small- and medium-sized companies, eliminating garbled phone messages from bad connections as well as pixilation, image freezing and sound issues associated with free video communication services. In addition to providing SDN-based hybrid cloud managed Voice-over-IP and unified communications services, Unified Office has developed products that provide oversight of business operations in the services industry, including sentiment analysis used by Dominos franchisees to prioritize incoming phone orders from frustrated customers, saving the company from missing a sale.
