Portsmouth chamber honors 2022 award winners: Here's top businesses, volunteers and more
PORTSMOUTH — Businesses don’t always operate on a road that’s laid out for them. Like the business that needs to create housing for its workers, or the organizations that need to squash outdated practices — sometimes you need to make your own path. This year’s Summer Detour, the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth's annual business awards ceremony, honored those who don’t necessarily have a map to lead the way.
Formerly known as street.life!, the celebration of the local business community welcomed about 350 to Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club on Aug. 4. The Summer Detour name is not only a play on the detour taken from the event's traditional outdoor venues, which in past years have included Four Tree Island, Chestnut Street outside The Music Hall, and even the salt piles. but also a tribute to getting the job done even when your route takes a turn or two.
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Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed along 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 hosting duties.
“This evening we honor outstanding individuals and companies that are making Portsmouth a better place to live and work,” said VanCamp. “Their collaborative efforts bring us together and embody our community’s spirit.”
Volunteer of Year
The Volunteer of Year Award celebrated Steve Schwalje of Northwestern Mutual. The chamber’s 144 some-odd photos of Schwalje at events from the past year alone should attest to Schwalje’s omnipresence and helpfulness. His video also featured a tribute from Michael Wilson of Exeter Health Resources attesting to Schwalje’s hard 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 company not only built housing for its employees to live in, but hosts an onsite daycare at its Durham facility for its workers’ children as well. JBC Communications created the short video for the night.
Small but Mighty Business of the Year
The Small but Mighty Business of the Year Award goes to the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Its programming is mighty indeed—taking its mission statewide to include tea talks, celebrations, readings, symposiums and more! BHTNH raises awareness for New Hampshire’s Black history by fostering dialogues about race, diversity, and inclusion. Spin Off Productions created the video for the award sponsored by First Seacoast Bank and shown during 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 food and spirit, and for spearheading the creation of BIPOC Fest, a celebration of food and diversity. Darci Creative created the video celebrating Vargas at 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 those who want to get a headstart in their careers during high school. Buoy Creative created Ritchings' video shown during 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 viewed what the new workforce housing—the Ruth Lewin Griffin Place—which celebrated a June 9 ribbon cutting (link: https://cityoftheopendoor.com/ ) is all about in a video created by Mintleaf Marketing.
Information: PortsmouthCollaborative.org
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth NH chamber honors 2022 award winners: Here's who won
