PORTSMOUTH — Businesses don’t at all times function on a street that’s laid out for them. Like the enterprise that should create housing for its employees, or the organizations that must squash outdated practices — typically it’s worthwhile to make your personal path. This 12 months’s Summer Detour, the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth’s annual enterprise awards ceremony, honored these who don’t essentially have a map to prepared the ground.
Formerly often called road.life!, the celebration of the native enterprise neighborhood welcomed about 350 to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club on Aug. 4. The Summer Detour title will not be solely a play on the detour taken from the occasion’s conventional outside venues, which in previous years have included Four Tree Island, Chestnut Street exterior The Music Hall, and even the salt piles. but in addition a tribute to getting the job completed even when your route takes a flip or two.
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Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres had been loved together with music by the Motown-soul group Crown Jules. Ben VanCamp, chief collaborator and president, and Russ Grazier, CEO and co-founder of Portsmouth Music & Arts Center and Chair of the chamber’s Board of Directors, shared internet hosting duties.
“This night we honor excellent people and firms which can be making Portsmouth a greater place to reside and work,” mentioned VanCamp. “Their collaborative efforts convey us collectively and embody our neighborhood’s spirit.”
Volunteer of Year
The Volunteer of Year Award celebrated Steve Schwalje of Northwestern Mutual. The chamber’s 144 some-odd photographs of Schwalje at occasions from the previous 12 months alone ought to attest to Schwalje’s omnipresence and helpfulness. His video additionally featured a tribute from Michael Wilson of Exeter Health Resources testifying to Schwalje’s laborious work with the Kites Against Cancer program.
Large Business of the Year
The Large Business of the Year Award went to Harmony Homes. This groundbreaking firm not solely constructed housing for its workers to reside in, however hosts an onsite daycare at its Durham facility for its employees’ kids as nicely. JBC Communications created the brief video for the night time.
Small however Mighty Business of the Year
The Small however Mighty Business of the Year Award goes to the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Its programming is mighty certainly—taking its mission statewide to incorporate tea talks, celebrations, readings, symposiums and extra! BHTNH raises consciousness for New Hampshire’s Black historical past by fostering dialogues about race, range, and inclusion. Spin Off Productions created the video for the award sponsored by First Seacoast Bank and proven in the course of the ceremony.
Collaborator of the Year Awards
Partners Bank sponsored two Collaborator of the Year Awards. David Vargas of Vida Cantina, who was honored for his terrific meals and spirit, and for spearheading the creation of BIPOC Fest, a celebration of meals and variety. Darci Creative created the video celebrating Vargas on the ceremony.
Also honored with a Collaborator of the Year Award was Courtney Ritchings, head of Portsmouth High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Program. She’s making pathways for these who need to get a headstart of their careers throughout highschool. Buoy Creative created Ritchings’ video proven in the course of the ceremony.
Building a Better Community Award
Lastly, the Building a Better Community Award was awarded to the Portsmouth Housing Authority led by Craig Welch. The group considered what the brand new workforce housing—the Ruth Lewin Griffin Place—which celebrated a June 9 ribbon chopping (hyperlink: https://cityoftheopendoor.com/ ) is all about in a video created by Mintleaf Marketing.
Information: PortsmouthCollaborative.org
https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/information/2022/08/05/portsmouth-nh-chamber-honors-2022-award-winners-heres-who-won/10245080002/