Business of the Year honors NH Industries. Their introduction to the Claremont area began with the purchase of a vacated 137,000 square foot building and additional land, purchased with a plan for future expansion. It wasn't too long before they consolidated their Lebanon, NH, Wisconsin and South Carolina operations all in the Claremont facility and hired an additional 70 employees. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of power transmission products, creating pulleys for other manufacturers like John Deer, Toro and Husqvarna, not to mention manufacturing parts for the aerospace, construction, marine and appliance industries. This year's nominator stated, “They have helped our community with many well-paying jobs in doing what our community has done best in its past ... Manufacturing. We are Makers in this community. Skills that I believe have been handed down from local generations past and have been underutilized."

Non-Profit Organization of the Year honors Claremont Maker Space for their innovation in creating a home for a lively community of imagineers that dream, create and build in a variety of crafts. The nonprofit engages the community with learning initiates that are sure to give birth to the next generation of craftsmen in the greater Claremont area. Mentors and novices have a common ground to share their visions, knowledge, and friendship. You can drop in any time of day and see quilters hovering over sewing machines, designers at 3D printers, geeks at electronic workbenches, wood crafters planing and joining their newest creations, and students and teachers huddled in classrooms.

This year's Citizen of the Year Award honors a local retiree who is anything but “retired”. Tom Liveston spent his teaching career in the classrooms of Stevens High School, as an influential instructor of physics, chemistry, electronics and computers. Now he enjoys a part time role substituting when needed and teaching science. Tomis a retired Coast Guard Reservist of 34 years and along-standing leader of Claremont's local Boy Scouts. His commitment in the community goes beyond youth development as an active volunteer at the Claremont Senior Center. On any given day you may find him caring for the maintenance of the center, cooking food, serving on the board and committees, teaching a technology class, leading the fundraising, or organizing the next "men's breakfasts," which has resulted in enjoyable experiences for both the community leaders who present and the many who enjoy the meal and company. Tom, his wife, Denise, and son, TJ, have called Claremont their family's home for 44 years.

The Young Professional of the Year Award highlights the proven leadership and community vision of Matt Mooshian. As chair of Rural Outright and volunteer state lead of the Save the Children Action Network in New Hampshire, Matt has worked with and on behalf of children, teens and community members of all ages. The person who nominated Matt stated, "Something amazing happened on a sunny day in June, when Claremont held its first ever Rural Pride celebration on the visitor's green ... people from all different backgrounds came together in the name of love and acceptance. Walking around that day, I saw so many smiling faces both young and old, familiar and new. I will always remember how I felt that day and that is in large part due to Matt's hard work and dedication."

Model Youth of the Year honors Madeline Ferland, who was chosen for her immediate and lasting impact on our community through her leadership and achievement in the classroom, on the athletic field and in our community. Madeline is vice-president of the Honor Society and president of the Kiwanis Key Club, an organization that focuses on services projects in support of Stevens High School and the community. As an example of one of many projects she is involved in, Madeline organized a six-person team through Habitat for Humanity last year,to spend a day replacing storm windows for an elderly couple in Claremont. She is in the top 10 percent of her class academically, and has earned varsity letters in volleyball and softball. Madeline is the daughter of Derek and Dana Ferland of Claremont.