New Hampshire Granite State Ambassadors

2013-2014 Commemorative Yearbook

“New Hampshire’sInformationSpecialists”

Board of Directors 2013-14Officers:

Gretchen Ziegler, ChairEric Proulx, Vice Chair (Tanger Outlet Center - Tilton)Kate Luczko, Secretary (Stay Work Play NH)Judi Window, Founder

Directors:

Jean McGiffin, 2013 GSA of the YearLorraine Charron, 2012 GSA of the YearRichard Russell, 2011 GSA of the YearMike Somers (NH Lodging & Restaurant Association)Tori Berube (Granite State Management & Resources)Peter Laufenberg (Plymouth State University)Chris Lockwood (NH Motor Speedway)

Board Emeritus:

Peter Morgan, FounderBill Petersen, Founder

Staff:

Judi Window, President/CEO (through Oct 2013)Kelly Bryer, Chief Operating OfficerMichelle Demirjian, Chief Financial AdvisorNaomi Halter, Special Events ManagerEileen Herring, Education and Tours ManagerLisa J. Jackson, Communications DirectorMatt Lavoie, Literature Coordinator

2013 Big E Management Team

Judi Window, Event Manager – NHGSANaomi Halter, Event Manager – NHGSAKelly Bryer, Event Manager – NHGSAMichele Cota, State Liaison Manager – NH Division of Travel & Tourism DevelopmentBob Spoerl, Box Truck Driver, Booth Maintenance, IT Support, and On-site Supervisor – NH Division of Forest & LandsMichelle Demirjian, On-site Supervisor – NHGSAMike Duprey, On-site Supervisor – White Mountains Attractions Association Glen French, On-site Supervisor – NHGSAEileen Herring, On-site Supervisor – NHGSAAnita Memos, On-site Supervisor – NHGSAGretchen Ziegler, On-site Supervisor – NHGSAOnyx the Bear, Mascot – Clark’s Trading Post

GSA Mission and Values

Our MissionThe Granite State Ambassadors program is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the informational needs of guests and residents of the State of New Hampshire through in-depth training and active participation of our certified Ambassadors.

Our Core ValuesWe believe in volunteerism, participation, and cooperation.

We believe in training and demonstrating the essence of New Hampshire hospitality.

We believe that citizen responsibility and living landscape are the themes that define this essence.

Citizen ResponsibilityA belief that individual citizens can and will take responsibility for our future.

Living LandscapeA strong attachment to the condition of the state, including both its natural resources and its built environments.

In short, we believe that New Hampshire will only be a good place to visit if it continues to be a good place to live. Visitors will come only if we work proactively to retain our scenic open spaces, rich historic and cultural attractions, livable communi-ties, as well as the social structure that values the individuals and permits them regular opportunities to pitch in and make a difference.

NH Granite State AmbassadorsMailing: 241 Pine Street, Ste 1, Manchester NH 03103(240) 621-0638 www.nhgsa.com info@nhgsa.com

A Message from Our ChairmanThis year is one of change and moving forward for the Granite State Ambassadors. As Judi has retired from the leadership role she has had since the founding of the Granite State Ambassadors organization, the Board of Directors has assumed new responsibilities of leadership, added four new Directors, and searched for a new Executive Director to lead the organization on a day-to-day basis. We welcome new Directors, Mike Somers, Chief Executive at the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association; Peter Laufenberg, Internship Coordinator at Plymouth State University; Tori Berube, Assistant Vice President of Granite State Management & Resources; and Chris Lockwood, Marketing Director at the NH Speedway. Kate Luczko has completed her three year term, serving as Secretary and on the Executive Committee, and is moving on to other endeavors. We thank her for her service and wish her well. We say farewell to Richard Russell, 2011 GSA of the Year, who completed his three-year term on the Board. As most of you know, Richard has moved to South Carolina—we will miss his sly smile and wonderful counsel on the Board. And welcome the 2014 GSA of the Year — and who will that be? We will be finding out very soon!

We are deeply grateful to our wonderful staff, Judi, Kelly, Michelle, Lisa, Naomi, Eileen, and Matt for continuing to complete their tasks and take on much more in this transition year. They have done a fabulous job—we couldn’t have survived this year without them.

We thank our Sponsors who support our activities with funds and counsel. We appreciate their continued commitment to the Granite State Ambassadors that allows us to welcome our guests from near and far away. We also want to thank you, our Granite State Ambassadors who, day after day, put on your smiles and exceed the expectations of our traveling public. Thank you!!

I would like at this time to remember Ruth Tolf Ansell. She served for many years as a Director, and advised us well on legal issues and how to increase our endowment. She passed away this winter from a brain tumor, far too young.

As you can see, the Board of Directors has come through a very busy year and we look forward to working with our new Executive Director, and expect our new Directors on the Board to become active and productive members of the Granite State Ambassadors. Once all are settled in, we will start on our strategic plan for 2015-18 which will lead us into the future. It has been a most interesting and productive year—on to our new year!!

Gretchen Ziegler, ChairBoard of Directors, GSA Stonewall Class of 2004

A Message from Judi WindowIn 1959, folksinger Peter Seeger put the words of one of the Bible’s most beautiful and meaningful verses to music. Loosely translated it says, “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – borrowed from my friend Rabbi Peter Tarlow

During the last 18 years, I have had the privilege of leading NH Granite State Ambassadors as Managing Director and President/CEO. During my almost two decades in this position, I have witnessed the evolution of an idea to a strong and meaningful organization. Together, we have traveled the state, trained over 1,300 residents, strengthened NH tourism, benefited our welcome centers, grown with the airport, and most importantly, we have made New Hampshire a place where our guests notice that we are different from other states. New Hampshire is a place you feel welcomed.

Now, as is the case in all of life, it is time for transition. In October of 2013, I stepped down from my leadership position to make way for a new generation of leaders. The planning for this transition began nearly two years ago. Thank you for an exciting 18 years. I am so proud of what this organization has become… And it is all because of you!

NH

Granite State A

mbassadors

Award-Winning Organization

2012 NH’s Top 20 Businesses2012 “Champion Award” - Volunteer NH2012 White Mountain National Forest “Appreciation Award”2010 Nominated for “Business of the Decade”2009 “Profile Award”2007 “Governor’s Commendation”2004 “NH Business of the Year”2003 “Most Valuable Volunteers”2003 “Yankee Barn Raiser” Bill Petersen1997 “Tourism Person of the Year” Judi Window

KEY PARNTER

KEY PARTNER

Timothy Adams Katrina Bacon David Bodge Norma Boyce Sandra Chandonnet Marnie CinquantiniJohn Cooper Patricia Cooper Virginia Drew Yvonne Gillen Justine Golden Henry GoodeLester Hall Susan Jodoin Sue Lavallee Brittany Littlefield Arthur Lizie Mary LizieBrian McClenaghan Robert McClenaghan Bonnie McMahon Elaine Merritt Veronica Molloy Carmen Nadeau William Newhall Kaitlin O’Flaherty Kevin O’Meara Donita Schoech Vincent Sullivan Jennifer Townsend Faye Tresvik

Joel Acker Shirley Anderson David BrooksConrad Deutsch Marie Farmer Jenna GirardiAlyssa Hanley Jane Harrington Jacalyn HowellWilliam Jones Jamie Magoon Doug MenziesRobert Muh Shannon Nolan Debra OuelletteReuben Rajala Jeff Stewart

Amy Bassett Patricia Beaulieu Dina CarrFrank Collins Hilary Denoncourt Muriel DescoteauxLois Dziergowski Colleen Eliason Bruce FlegalCarol Foley Stacy Geisler Dwight Haynes*Jim Kibby Ron LaBelle Marie MahoneyIrene Mullen Gail Page Steven PierogKristen Powelson Nancy Richardson Deborah RiversJim Rivers Carol Smith Ron Trudel Noel Villiard Roy Wakefield Maureen WalshBarbara Rice Dawna Worcester

Cathedral of the Pines Class of 2014

* Recertified in 2014

Southern New Hampshire University Class of 2014

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Class of 2014

Medallion Opera House Class of 2014

Cindi Best Jyl Dittbenner Lyn Gelinas Angela Gendron Leslie Hartwell Jane Marraty Jess Morris Marc Payeur Alice PearceNicole Rushlow Eliza Tullgren Joe Walker Ian Whippie Michelle White

Educational Tours

Montshire Museum of Science, & AVA Gallery, Hanover/Lebanon

Plymouth Walking Tour

A Day in Warner Tour

Discover Historic Portsmouth Tour

Peterborough Tour

SkyVenture Tour, Nashua

Coppal House Farm Tour, LeeAviation Museum Tour, Manchester

Hampton Inn - Nashua Tour Fisher Cats Stadium Tour, Manchester

Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge

Educational Tours & M

eetings

Conferences, Meetings, & Speaking Engagements

Additional Trainings

Volunteer Safety Training, Manchester Police Department

Quarterly Meetings with Mark Brewer, MHT Director

MyTourGuide.com

And more...Association of Retired Employees of Northeast Utilities (PSNH)AmeriCorps VistaGovernor’s Conference on Tourism

Getting to Know GSAs at Courville Communities Dick Hatin, Author Gretchen Ziegler / Vivian Villemure Women of Vietnam

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Tour

New Hampshire Telephone Museum Tour, Warner

White Mountain National ForestCertification - Part 1

Manchester Walking TourAnselmian Abbey Players

Manchester Young Professionals Network non-profit fair

Special Events

Rock’n Ribfest

Poetry Out Loud

NH Tourism BoothNH Home Show

NH for the Holidays

MHT Customer Appreciation Day

Made in NH ExpoFarm and Forest Expo

NH Dept. of Agriculture Centennial CelebrationHomebuilders Assoc. of NH Cruise Pulse Morning Show

The Big E - 2013

Social EventsSocial &

Special Events | The Big E

AMBIES Awards Luncheon & Holiday Party at Hart’s Turkey Farm

History of the AMBIE AwardsThe Granite State Ambassadors’ “Achievement Awards” were established in 1999 to honor 20 GSAs who had achieved 100-500 hours of volunteer service. After growing to honor hundreds of GSAs for thousands of hours of service, the event was renamed the “AMBIE” Awards (like the Emmy’s but for Ambassadors).

Throughout the year, fellow Granite State Ambassadors, Center Managers, tourism & state officials, and the traveling public, take time to give “Kudos” to our Granite State Ambassadors, particularly those who volunteer their time.

From these submissions, our Nominating Committee, comprised of former GSAs of the Year, and Board and Staff members, meets to discuss the suggestions. This team develops a recommended slate of award recipients for approval by the NHGSA Board of Directors.Congratulations to our Annual, our Hours, our Kudos and all our Award recipients, and to all our wonderful Granite Sate Ambassadors for your dedication and service to New Hampshire.

GSAs of the Year2014 – Sue Geyer2013 – Jean McGiffin2012 – Lorraine Charron2011 – Richard Russell2010 – Jean Acton2009 – Vivian Villemure2008 – Linda Gross2006 – Jim Narkiewicz2005 – Trudy Hainey2004 – Paul Lacourse2003 – Mary Osborne2002 – Ron Brown2001 – Rita Glasheen2000 – Gerry Steinberger1999 – Georgie/Charlie Reagan

Hospitality from the Heart2014 – Judy Lai2013 – Steve/Karen Jordan2012 – Sue Geyer2011 – Al Peters2010 – Judy Greer2009 – Don/Bev McWay2008 – Pearl Martin2006 – Ann Carroll2005 – Jill Guild2004 – Trudy Hainey2003 – Roger Bernier2002 – Art Garey2001 – Paul Carroll2000 – Pat Michell1999 – Mary Osborne

Service Awards2014 – Kathleen Kozak2013 – Sue Greenbaum2012 – Kate/Gary Bashline2011 – Anita Memos2010 – Lorraine Charron2009 – Joe Reisert2008 – Jean McGiffin2006 – Lloyd Farnham2005 – Linda Gross2005 – Virginia Stone2004 – Jim Narkiewicz2003 – Therese Colford2002 – Jim Theodosopouls2001 – Mel Schunneman2000 – Vera Hujar1999 – Jean Acton

History of the A

MBIES | Special Aw

ardsHistory of Special Awards2013 – Dianne Fortin, Phyllis Goodhue, Trudy Hainey, Anita Memos, Marty Wagner, Howie Wheeler2012 – Jennifer Aldrich, Christine Colby, Dylan Crepeau, Maison D’Amelio, Royce D’Amelio, Moe Demers, Allison Demirjian, Nathan Pasquale2011 – Charlene Couremanche, Kathleen Kozak, Bob Spoerl2010 – Kelly Bryer, Jacky Courtois, Leon Glasheen, Kirk Membry, Charlie Reagan, Helen Ryba2009 – Kathy Cassavaugh, Queen Mom, Peter Morgan, Ron Brown, Lois Mosowitz, Wally Mitchell2008 – Amoskeag Strummers, Georgie Reagan, Charlie Reagan, Gerry Steinberger2006 – Deb Avery, Mark Beauchwsne, Ron Brown, Kelly Bryer, Suzanne Buttler, Lucille Carrier, Gail Colgaizer, Charlene Courtemanche, CK Curtis, Don Davis, Alice DeSouza, Roy Duddy, Michiline Dufort, Mike Duprey, Dean Eastman, Tony Evans, Laurie Ferguson, Betty Gagne, Rita Glasheen, Dee Dee Hanson, Cindy Harrington, Marge Hubbard, Meg Kupiec, Paul Lacourse, Amy Landers, Pam Lorimer, Johanna Lyons, Colleen Mainville, Jean Marshall, Kevin Martin, Van McLeod, Gail McWilliam-Jellie, Ron Meade, Wayne Miller, Jim Narkiewicz. Jane Natches, Matt Newton, Doc Noel Jayne O’Connor, Alice Pearce, Kim Pickering, Peter Riviere, James Robb, Frumie Selchen, Judy Silverberg, Time Sink, Marcia Snively, Judy Stokes, Karl Stone, Torene Tango-Lowey, Ann Venard2005 – Glenn French, Mikey Duprey2004 – Peggy Evans, Vivian Villemure, Margaret Venator, Jan Ott, Marilyn Beaulieau, Pam Lorimer, Gerry Steinberger2003 – Lucille Carrier, Bill Congo2001 – Kiko Statires, Bill Xzachor, Betty Gagne, Dot Kahn, Ron Brown2000 – Bill Petersen, Andy Gagnon, Ruth Godfrey, Rich Leeds

2014 SPECIAL AWARDS

Industry AwardJennifer Tockman

Lake Sunapee RegionChamber of Commerce

Benefactor Award& Rookie Award

Pip Adams

Center Manager of the YearVirginia Drew, NH State House

Rookie AwardBrenda Urban

Rookie AwardDiane LaBelle

It’s Always Sunny in New Hampshire Award -

Judi Window

To honor Judi and commemorate her service to the Granite State Ambassadors as its first and longtime Chief Executive, the “Judi Window It’s always Sunny in New Hampshire Award” is established to be given annually to the person who best exemplifies the enthusiasm, energy, and positive outlook that Judi personifies.

KUDOS AWARDSPip AdamsTim AdamsRuth Toff AnsellBrenda Clark, Hobo RailroadDon and Mary Jean ChaputLorraine CharronYvonne CoteHarriet CoxRaymond CroteauDotti CypherMoe DemersMichelle DemirjianVirginia DrewWhite Mountain MikeySharon EbolTony EvansSue GeyerAnne Hatin

100 Hours

Pip AdamsVangie ChristonPaul HentschelDiane LaBelleSharon LohnesBurt LohnesJean OberlanderRichard PounderRonald RickerJohn SchmidtAlice SenecalMary TauscherLiz ThomasDoug ThomasBrenda UrbanGretchen Ziegler

250 Hours

Pip AdamsViolet AndersonMartha ClarkTom DudmanSheila DudmanHoward GreenAnne HatinJoyce HeinrichVicki HentschelCharlotte Kersbergen

500 Hours

Don CoxRichard HatinKathleen KozakRoz WeizerSamuel McDonaldMary Ann RupertBob SpoerlAnne HatinMaryellen McGrathBrenda Urban

1000 Hours

Dotti CypherKaren JordanHowie WheelerPatty MasonLois BostonSonya ClayRaymond CroteauNancy DaskalLeo GlasheenDuncan MacIntyre

2000 - 5000 Hours

Lorraine Charron (3000)Harriet Cox (2000)Marilyn Kelley (2000)Yvette Smith (2000)Judi Window (2000)

SERVICE HOURS AWARDS

Richard HatinJoyce HeinrichPaul and Vicki HentschelEileen HerringLinda IannitelliKathleen KozakDiane LaBelleJudy LaiElise MerrickJan MoeJim and Bonnie MorganCarolyn O’BrienMichael RenzulliMary TauscherJennifer TockmanBrenda UrbanVivian VillemureRoz Weizer

Howie WheelerJohn WheelerGloria Wood Lorry Young

250 Hours continued

Helen MartinMaryellen McGrathJim MorganRon PingelKathryn SegretiRose ShajenkoGloria WoodDiane LaBelleLiz ThomasBrenda Urban

In Memory to Those Who Passed This Past Year.

Sandy Haught, Red River Theatre Class of 2013

Barbara Constable, Winta Class of 2001

Carol Cox, Kancamaugus Class of 1998

Yvette Smith, First-in-the-Nation Class of 1999

Ruth Tolf Ansell, Endowment Manager, NHGSA Board of Directors

Annual HoursPaul Lacourse (728)Brenda Urban (549)Howie Wheeler (507)Dotti Cypher (495)Steven Jordan (487)Richard Russell (480)

Awards

Service Award - Kathleen KozakCommon Man Inn & Spa Class of 2010

The Service Award is given to the GSA that serves the GSA program volunteering their time with enthusiasm. They are someone who shares their training expertise with others while still continuing to learn about the state of New Hampshire through GSA special events, tours, and specialized trainings. Kathleen Kozak always has a positive and enthusiastic attitude. She goes above and beyond volunteering in Tilton as well as at most events in her region. Kathleen brought her master gardener skills to Tilton’s annual sweepstakes event planning and designed beautiful flower arrangements. Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge about New Hampshire to share with visitors and volunteers alike.

Hospitality from the Heart - Judy LaiSt. Mary’s Bank - America’s Credit Union Museum Class of 2008

This award is given to the GSA who spends endless hours trying to go unnoticed and gives generous contributions to other GSAs from their warm heart. There are people in this world that quietly reach out every day… and they make a big impact. You don’t need a large voice, booming vocal cords, or have to rush into a room to make a difference. Judy Lai reaches people all the time as a Granite State Ambassador with her quiet and soft way. Her impact has been felt for years at the Manchester Welcome Center and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. She serves hours upon hours with various GSA volunteers. She answers questions in a calming and reassuring manner that is receptive to those who need assistance. Her service is steady and true and she makes a difference to our state’s many visitors, as well as those who serve with her. Her kindness is brightened with a smile and her eyes gently reach out to reassure those who are lost or need help.

GSA of the Year - Sue GeyerCurrier Museum of Art Class of 2010

Recognized for excellent service to the community, dedicated to the GSA mission, a GSA making a difference in volunteering at centers, providing guests a unique experience with endless spirit and enthusiasm, a help to other GSAs’ training, and mentoring with patience. In working at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Sue Geyer always meets travelers’ needs to the best of her ability. She is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the airport and is able to assist all who approach the Information Booth. In addition, she is quick to assess people’s emotional state, and can easily ease their anxiety and pick up their spirits. Sue is also adept at reaching out to fellow GSAs at social events and through luncheons she organizes on her own time. She’s always making everyone feel less like strangers towards each other and more like a family.

54 Hanover Street, ManchesterAskNH.comAlton Bay Information CenterConcord Downtown KioskConcord Region Visitor CenterDover Chamber of CommerceHampton Beach Information CenterHooksett North State Welcome CenterHooksett South State Welcome CenterManchester Downtown Information CenterManchester-Boston Regional AirportMerrimack Premium OutletsNH State House Visitor CenterPemi Valley Chamber of CommercePlymouth State University Ice ArenaSalem State Welcome CenterSeabrook State Welcome CenterTilton Visitor Information CenterWMNF - White Mountain Visitor Center

Corporate Membership

Key Partners

Partner Partner

Member Visitor Center Partners

Thank you to our Supporters

Training Class SponsorsSouthern New Hampshire University SodexoMedallion Opera House Libby’s Bistro , Mr. Pizza, Saladino’s Italian Market, Town and Country Inn and Resort, Welsh’s Restaurant, White Mountain Café and Bookstore McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Tidewater Café, The Works Bakery CaféCathedral of the Pines Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates, Charcoal Charlie’s, Inn at East Hill Farm, Monadnock Travel Council, Unbridled Chocolates

Training Class Speakers Appalachian Mountain ClubArts AliveArts Alliance of Northern New HampshireCanterbury Shaker VillageConcord Chamber of CommerceCurrier Museum of ArtDivision of Travel and Tourism DevelopmentFischer Cats BaseballGreater Manchester Chamber of CommerceHannah GrimesHillsborough Chamber of CommerceHistorical Society of Cheshire CountyLake Sunapee Region Chamber of CommerceLakes Region Tourism AssociationMariposa MuseumMcAuliffe-Shepard Discovery CenterMedallion Opera HouseMill Brook Gallery and Sculpture GardenMillyard MuseumMonadnock Travel CouncilMuddy Paws Sled Dog KennelNew Hampshire Campground AssociationNew Hampshire Department of AgricultureNew Hampshire Economic DevelopmentNew Hampshire Fish and GameNew Hampshire Made Products and ServicesNew Hampshire Motor SpeedwayNew Hampshire State HouseNew Hampshire State ParksNew Hampshire State ParksPemi Valley Chamber of CommercePlymouth State UniversityPortsmouth Chamber of CommerceRed River TheatreSanta’s VillageSee Science CenterSki New HampshireSouthern New Hampshire UniversityStay Work Play New HampshireStephanie Seacord

Stonewall FarmWhite Mountains AttractionsWhite Mountains National Forest

Perk Sponsors Boomerang Adventures Business NH MagazineFlying Monkey Performance HouseFranklin Pearce Homestead Indian Head ResortJack Daniels Motor InnJean’s PlayhouseKearsage MagazineManchester-Boston Regional AirportMassage EnvyMerrimack Premium OutletsPlymouth State UniversityShorty’s Mexican RoadhouseTanger Outlet Center – TiltonWhite Mountain Attractions

Corporate Membership,Sponsorships, Grants Bank of NHCentrix BankCourville CommunitiesEnterprise Holdings FoundationManchester-Boston Regional AirportMassage EnvyRadissonState of New HampshireTanger Outlet Center - Tilton

Special Event SponsorsTown of Bedford, NH [AMBIES]Hart’s Turkey Farm [Holiday Party]FunSpot [Holiday Party]The Common Man [AMBIES]Tanger Outlets [Holiday Party]Annalee Dolls [Holiday Party]The Marketplace at Mill Falls [Holiday Party]The Winnipesaukee Playhouse [Holiday Party]The Old Print Barn [Holiday Party]NH for the Holidays [Millyard Communications Inc.]Made In NH Expo [Millyard Communications Inc.]Rock’n Ribfest [Nashua Rotary West]NH State Home Show [NH Homebuilders Association]NH Farm and Forest ExpoPoetry Out Loud [NH State Council on the Arts]The Big E [NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development]NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Centennial Celebration

www.FlyManchester.com

NH Granite State AmbassadorsMailing Address: 241 Pine Street, Ste 1, Manchester NH 03103

(240) 621-0638 www.nhgsa.com info@nhgsa.com

Special Thanks to our Partners

2013