Exeter Area Chamber’s 2011 Business of the Year Awards Winners Announced

The Chamber’s 2011 Business of the Year Awards Presentation & Cocktail Reception presented by Comcast was held before a sell-out crowd on Thurs., March 24 at One Liberty Lane Office and Conference Center in Hampton. Awards were presented honoring exemplary Chamber member businesses in a variety of categories. In addition, the first-ever Lori Breard Achievement in Leadership Award was presented to an unsuspecting winner, Robert Ficara of Exeter.

An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from Galley Hatch Catering and celebrated as this year’s winners were announced. The winners represented a variety of business categories:

Manufacturing/Technology: Northeast Lantern, Ltd.
Education/Non-profit 25 or more employees: Seacoast School of Technology
Education/Non-profit less than 25 employees: Exeter Historical Society
Real Estate/Construction/Engineering: Emanuel Engineering, Inc.
Health Care: RiverWoods
Business & Trade Services: F.W. Webb Company
Tourism/Hospitality: The Tavern at River’s Edge
Retail Wholesale: TIED – Cookies by Design Exeter and Cornucopia Wine & Cheese

In addition, the Chamber’s newly established Lori Breard Achievement in Leadership Award was presented to Exeter Bowling Lanes and Shooter’s Sports Pub owner Robert Ficara of Exeter. Ficara, an active Chamber member, was presented the award by Breard’s daughter Hallie Estle.

Robert Ficara was awarded the honor for his many attributes that epitomize the inspiration and example set by Breard. They include: a high level of professionalism, leadership, integrity combined with a down-to-earth approach to life; a positive attitude; and active mentoring. Also, Ficara is a strong business leader and active community member.

Ficara is an active member of the Chamber for many years, volunteering on a host of committees over many years including: the Ultimate Sports Ticket Raffle, Small Business Showcase, Sweepstakes, Fall Festival, Bruins Alumni Benefit Game and Chamber Children’s Fund. Hosting networking events, sponsoring annual events and serving at one time on the board of directors have also been part of his Chamber participation. His contributions to the community extend well beyond the Chamber, from annual fundraisers to operating two well-loved local businesses.

The 2011 Business of the Year Awards presented by Comcast is additionally sponsored by Unitil, Public Service of New Hampshire; Buxton Oil & Buxton Water Co.; RiverWoods at Exeter; DF Richard Energy; Staffing Sense; NextEra Energy Seabrook Station; Exeter Hospital; One Liberty Lane; Galley Hatch Catering. Plus, Associate Sponsors including Coaching + Healthy Lifestyle Services; The Provident Bank; Jordan Signature Heating; Party Time DJ, and Donahue, Tucker and Ciandella.

The program is modeled after the state awards presented each May by Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. For more information contact the Chamber at 603.772.2411.

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