Chamber event honors Rochester's business, nonprofit and citizen of the year

MVSB staff and leadership accepting their Business of the Year award on Wednesday (Courtesy photos)

SOMERSWORTH - The Business of the Year award is one of the Chamber's most prestigious awards celebrating excellence in a business' industry and in their community. This award, sponsored by Index Packaging, recognizes a Chamber member who has demonstrated leadership and involvement for the betterment of the business community and the greater Rochester area. At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration held on Wednesday evening at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom, the Chamber was pleased to present the 2023 Business of the Year award to Meredith Village Savings Bank. MVSB is a values-based organization which holds strong to their seven core values that are reflective of their primary mission to enhance the welfare, wellbeing and vitality of the community and its members: accountability, mutuality, excellence, respect, integrity, teamwork, and stewardship.

Amanda Martineau of Monarch School of New England says, "MVSB's values of caring, commitment to the community, and creating collaborative, supportive partnerships are evident in all aspects of the work that they do."

"MVSB has gone above and beyond supporting our local nonprofits, businesses and community development projects and we are proud to present them with this award," said Laura Ring, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. "In addition to the bank's investment, those employed at our local branch have become very involved with several organizations in the community. We thank them for their impact and contributions to the greater Rochester area."

Since breaking ground on their newest branch office in Rochester in 2021, MVSB has already developed many close partnerships with local businesses, individuals and families to help support growth opportunities that strengthen the Rochester community. Miles Cook, President of Rochester Motorsports, Inc. says, "MVSB epitomizes the kind of banking relationship that people in Rochester value and will continue to be an important banking partner for the Rochester community." For these reasons, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was proud to name Meredith Village Savings Bank as its 2023 Business of the Year.

Nonprofit of the Year

The Non-Profit of the Year award presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is one of the Chamber's most prestigious business awards. This award, sponsored by First Seacoast Bank, is bestowed upon a nonprofit that demonstrates excellence in their organization and in their community. It also recognizes a

Staff and board members from Hope on Haven Hill at Wednesday night ceremony.

Chamber member that has provided a significant impact to the betterment of the greater Rochester area. At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration held on Wednesday evening at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom, the Chamber presented the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year to Hope on Haven Hill. Hope on Haven Hill was founded in 2014 with the mission to offer a nurturing, therapeutic, residential treatment home for pregnant and postpartum women and their young children after a sharp increase in need for treatment for substance abuse disorder within the community. In 2016, Hope on Haven Hill opened an eight-bed residential treatment home in Rochester, and then Abi's Place, also in Rochester, which provided recovery housing in which recent program graduates of treatment could live with their children.

Today, Hope on Haven Hill offers a wide array of community-based recovery treatment and support; more than 235 women have completed treatment and committed to sobriety, 318 healthy babies were born to moms in their treatment programs, 26 moms serve as mentors to other moms in their programs, and 38 residents of Abi's Place now have their own apartments and jobs, with their children at their side.

In May of this year, Hope on Haven Hill hosted a double ribbon cutting ceremony on Charles Street in Rochester, next to Abi's Place, for their Center for Hope and Wellness, for families in recovery, and Camilla's Place, affordable housing for women in their programs to live with their children.

Diane Bessey, Executive Director of Monarch School of New England says, "Hope on Haven Hill was birthed from a heartfelt vision to help others, and that vision continues to grow", and "Hope on Haven Hill restores what addiction steals from women with substance abuse disorder, and giving not only to mothers and families, but our community's future a chance to be all it can be."

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the efforts, programs, and dedication that is consistently provided to individuals and families and was delighted to present its 2023 Non-Profit of the Year award to Hope on Haven Hill.

Citizen of the Year

The Citizen of the Year award, presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, is one of the Chamber's most prestigious awards. This award, sponsored by Eastern Propane & Oil, is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community and has made significant

Jackie Fitzpatrick was honored as Citizen of the Year at Wednesday banquet

contributions to the vibrancy and strength of the Greater Rochester area. At the Chamber's Annual Awards Celebration held on Wednesday evening, at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom, the Chamber announced the 2023 Citizen of the Year, Jackie Fitzpatrick. Prior to her retirement, Jackie was a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator for over 40 years. A Rochester resident for more than a decade, Jackie has in that time made a significant effort to utilize her skill set and her passion for helping others to make a difference. Erika Lee of Cornerstone VNA says, "Jackie is very dedicated and involved in all of her volunteer work", and "She is a shining example of an engaged Rochester citizen who is eager to make a difference".

Jackie served as President of the Rotary Club in Rochester from 2021- 2022, and she is also on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone VNA, the Program Coordinator for End 68 Hours of Hunger in Rochester, she is a Board Member for the City of Rochester's Board of Health, and she is an avid supporter, along with her husband Dan, of Hope on Haven Hill.

She also supports Manna Meals, Meals on Wheels, and the NH Food Bank. Previous award recipient Lisa Stanley of Wit-Way Supply, Inc. who has worked with Jackie at End 68 Hours of Hunger says about Jackie receiving this year's award, "I can state without equivocation, Jackie is truly deserving!"

The Chamber is proud to name Jackie Fitzpatrick as the 2023 Citizen of the Year and thank her for her time and devotion she provides to the many organizations, activities, and causes that take place in and around Rochester