DRED commissioner honors seven

Seven awards were handed out to New Hampshire businesses, organizations and individuals by the state Department of Resources at the recent 10th annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit at the Meadowbrook Arts Center in Gilford.

The awards – the 2005 Commissioner’s Economic Development Awards for Excellence – are given to the “best and brightest in the field of economic development,” said DRED Commissioner Sean O’Kane

This year’s honorees are:

o BAE Systems, winner of the Commissioner’s Business of the Year Award, for its role as one of America’s foremost national security, aerospace and information systems companies. In New Hampshire, BAE’s Electronic and Integrated Solutions Operating Group employs nearly 5,000 people and has a payroll approaching $400M.
o Beth Thompson, director of Dover’s Economic Development Office, winner of the Commissioner’s Leadership Award, for her dedication to promoting the ongoing professional development of all economic development practitioners.
o New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, winner of the Commissioner’s Community Service Award, for building and supporting a network of businesses committed to adopting socially responsible business practices, recognizing that people, principles and profits are inseparably linked.
o Gary Hirshberg, president of Stonyfield Farm, winner of the Commissioner’s Excellence in Innovation Award, for his efforts using innovation to promote his company’s mission of “healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet.”
o Mary Ann Kristiansen, executive director of Hannah Grimes Marketplace, winner of the Commissioner’s Service Excellence Award, for her efforts in promoting the very best in hand-crafted, home-grown products created by the state’s top artisans, craftspeople, cooks and farmers.
o The town of Colebrook, winner of the Commissioner’s Community Initiative Award, for its “can do attitude” in supporting economic development and attracting new businesses.
o Michael Cousineau of the New Hampshire Union Leader, winner of the Commissioner’s Media Excellence Award, for excellence in reporting on business issues affecting the state of New Hampshire. – NHBR STAFF