*The BLOC Awards were custom designed by locals: Centerpiece Woodworks and Mountaintop Woodworking. Photos: Morgan Lee Phelan*

Whitefield, NH – Coös Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) successfully hosted their First Annual Business Leaders of Coös (BLOC) Awards on Thursday, June 13th from 5-8pm in the Crystal Ballroom at the Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, NH. The evening brought together more than 135 individuals significant to the economic environment of Coös County. Those in attendance included business owners, financial partners, sponsors, State and Local Representatives as well as a wide variety of partners involved in the many projects supported by CEDC.

Stuart Hickey: AMC, Samantha Trombley: Granite Outdoor Alliance, Maeve Cyr: CEDC Outreach Coordinator, Rusty Talbot: NH Senate Candidate, Will Hastings: UNH Cooperative Extension, Ericka Canales: CEDC Executive Director, Tyler Ray: Granite Outdoor Alliance, Bridget Freudenberger: Bangor Savings Bank *Photos: Morgan Lee Phelan*

The evening began with networking, where attendees and businesses were able to come together and build connections for future ventures. The CEDC Board of Directors Chair Carol Miller began the meeting by approving the Slate of Officers as follows: President Carol Miller, Vice President Brian Hoffman, Secretary Glenn Coppelman, and Treasurer Robert Theberge. This business portion of the meeting included recognitions given to board members Brian Hoffman and Henry Noel for five years of service. CEDC Executive Director, Ericka Canales, presented results of the 2023 Annual Impact Report which was provided to all guests and can be accessed here: 2023 Annual Impact Report

The guests heard from the keynote speaker of the event, USDA Regional Director Sarah Waring, who provided insight from her years working in rural development. She highlighted the fact that we are rural by choice, the importance of small business in the current economy, and the successes that can be had with collaborative efforts.

CEDC Board Member and adjunct faculty member at VTSU Timothy Egan provided introductions for each of the BLOC award categories throughout the night. The presentations included information about the specific nomination criteria that each business exemplifies, as well as personal connections to the categories.

The BLOC Awards were presented in each of 5 categories:

CEDC Board Vice President Brian Hoffman, presented Janice and Joe Mercieri of White Mountain Apiary in Whitefield, NH with the Agricultural award;

CEDC Board Member Ruby Berryman: owner of the Lancaster Motel, presented Kim Dabilis and Kelly Fauteux of Up North NH in Pittsburg, NH with the Woman-Owned business award;

CEDC Advisory Council Member Linda White: owner of Parsons Street Luxury Suites, presented Ryan Charest and Ellen Mikesh of Live Free Food Store in Berlin, NH with the Young Entrepreneur award;

CEDC Board Member Hannah Campbell: Balsams Resort and Air Force Veteran, presented Exile Burrito in Berlin, NH with the Veteran-Owned business award; Paula Kinney of the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce accepted the award on behalf of Owner Adam Hammill.

CEDC Advisory Council Member Stuart Hickey, Whitewater Rafting Guide and AMC Coös County Youth Leader, presented Jamie Samson of Bouquet Boutique in Lancaster, NH with the Outstanding Start-Up award.

*BLOC Award Winners: Jamie Samson, Ryan Charest, Ellen Mikesh, Kim Fauteux, Kelly Dibilis. Not Pictured: Adam Hammill, Janice and Joe Mercieri Photo: Morgan Lee Phelan*

All nominees had received services from CEDC in 2023, such as business coaching, grants, or loans. Nominations were based on the following award criteria:

Resilience & Growth: These businesses have faced a variety of challenges head-on with our support, whether it’s unforeseen weather changes or difficulties with staffing. Their ability to adapt and pivot with creative solutions.

Community Impact: These businesses are not just storefronts; they are an integral part of our community fabric. They sponsor events, support schools, and create a sense of belonging. Their impact extends far beyond their balance sheets.

Innovation & Creativity: From cozy shops to atypical crop propagation, our entrepreneurs have embraced innovation and entrepreneurship. They’ve harnessed technology, explored how to make old markets new, and brought fresh ideas to life.

Job Creation: Small businesses are the backbone of employment, allowing families to thrive and our youth to build their careers right here at home.

Collaboration: Our small business owners collaborate, share insights, and lift each other up. They understand that when one business succeeds, the entire community benefits.

CEDC is proud to bring an event like this to the North Country, and to assist with the support and recognition of the businesses here in Coös County. There are already plans for future events. Be sure to stay up to date with the wide variety of services, workshops and events available by following on social media as well as signing up for our newsletter .

CEDC is one of nine (9) Regional Development Corporations (RDCs) in New Hampshire. Resources are available for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations to assist in stimulating growth resulting in sustainable jobs in Coos County. CEDC offers business coaching and loan and grant funds to assisting businesses directly, and in conjunction with its banking partners. Please visit www.coosedc.org to learn more information about grants, small business advising, business loans, educational seminars, and professional skills training. Follow us on Facebook @Coosedc or email execdirector@coosedc.org.