On Tuesday, October 25, 2022 the board and more than 40 members gathered at Traditions Restaurant at Purity Spring for our Annual Meeting. The food was fantastic, the company was even better.
After the official business of approving the fiscal year's proposed budget, revisions to the mission statement and new by-laws (including a membership option for sole proprietors/individuals!), we reviewed how far not only the organization has come but also the updates to the information booth on Route 16. This board has put in hard work - and it shows!
Then the fun part - awarding Business Person and Business of the Year awards. This is always a difficult decision, and member input is asked for and appreciated. This year's recipient of the Business Person of the Year award was Lisa Dufault of MWV Promos, a nonprofit organization that exists solely to support other non profit organizations. Lisa is the Executive Director of MWV Promos and works hard at both publicizing local events and organizations and also hosts and fundraises for many events to increase awareness of local groups. Some of her well-known efforts include the Annual Cupcake Battle (returning in 2023), Valley Food Fight, Damsel Scramble, Miss Mount Washington Valley, Mount Washington Valley Mr. and Mount Washington Valley Ms.
We had two recipients of the Business of the Year award, due to overwhelming support from members. Owen Contracting relocated to Ossipee in 2018 in order to be part of the community they have frequented since 2015. The company focuses on new construction, remodels, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. James Owen of Owen Contracting accepted his award reluctantly, as he prefers to remain "under the radar." However, the community is aware of his generous spirit and positive attitude, always willing to lend a hand to groups such as Cynthia's Challenge, Stuff the Bus campaign in conjunction with North Country Brew Bus and annual giving at Northway Bank to support those in need. James employs local individuals whenever possible, and word has it he enjoys a Coors Light when he has some free time.
Our second Business of the Year award went to the Scrub Oak Scramblers, a non profit snowmobile club located in Madison, also a member of the NH Snowmobile Association. Their goal is to promote the sport of safe snowmobiling while maintaining a 60 mile trail system through Madison, Freedom, Eaton and Tamworth.
The club began 40 years ago and has a clubhouse in Madison. They host several events, activities and work parties to support their work, and collaborate with the NH Fish & Game to sponsor at least two youth snowmobile safety courses each year. Their popular Steak, Lobster & Chicken BBQ and Cornhole Tournament are not only fundraisers but are in collaboration with and support of many area businesses.
Scrub Oak Scramblers are active supporters of Easter Seals and Camp Sno-Mo, providing young disabled campers with traditional summer activities that are otherwise inaccessible.
Many thanks to our board of directors for their hard work over the past year, and to the staff at Traditions for making this evening a success!