Concord chamber bestows Pinnacle Awards

Two businesses and two individuals were honored Tuesday as winners of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s first Pinnacle Awards.

The awards – presented at a ceremony at the Courtyard by Marriott-Grappone Conference Center in Concord – recognize the volunteer efforts of individuals and businesses that give back to the community, the Concord chamber and their organizations.

Winner of the 2006 Pinnacle Award as Small Business of the Year was J Maze Design, owned by Jennifer Mazzei and her husband Michael Delloiacono. J Maze supports several community organizations and sports teams, and has donated services to non-profit organizations such as the New Hampshire Dream Factory, which grants the wishes of seriously ill children, and the Women’s Business Center.

Mazzei was recently named New Hampshire Business Review’s April Emerging Young Entrepreneur (EYE) Award winner.

Business of the Year award was given to Ocean National Bank, whose community involvement includes support of the Concord Family YMCA, Concord Hospital as well as chamber events. Its employees are also actively involved in the United Way’s Day of Caring annual volunteerism event.

Business Leader of the Year is Michael Palmieri, president and chief executive officer of Havenwood-Heritage Heights in Concord. He has served as chair of the Northern New England Association of Homes and Services for the Aging board, and is chair of the Community Provider Network, a network of provider services in the Greater Concord area.

The W. Grant McIntosh Award — presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of volunteerism and is – was presented to Jocelyn Jerry-Wolcott, a guidance counselor, Concord High School, who heads the Capital Area Student Leadership program, directed at high school sophomores from six Concord area developing their leadership skills and community commitment. — CINDY KIBBE