ROCHESTER — The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will present its “Spring Forward!” Annual Awards Celebration on Wednesday, June 1 from 5 to 8 p.m., at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom in Somersworth, N.H. Underwritten by Eversource and Service Credit Union, this elegant evening celebrates business success, and features delicious food, cocktails, awards, and entertainment. Corporate sponsors to date for the event include Breezeline, Daystar-Your Technology Partner, Laars Heating Systems Company, Profile Bank, Unitil, Waste Management, and Yankee Electric & Co., LLC.

The Annual Awards Celebration begins with Social Hour at 5 p.m.; Registration of guests is being sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union. A brief program that includes the presentations of the 2022 Business of the Year, sponsored by Index Packaging, the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year, sponsored by Eastern Propane & Oil, and the 2022 Citizen of the Year awards, sponsored by First Seacoast Bank. The evening’s Technology Sponsor is D.F. Richard Energy.

A wonderful selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a food bar will be prepared by The Oaks. Decadent desserts are sponsored by Cornerstone VNA, Monarch School of New England, and Rochester Truck. Attendees will be treated to musical entertainment throughout the evening, provided by the Nate Therrien Trio, sponsored by Hervey’s Tire Co., Inc., Norman Vetter, Inc. and Rochester Child Care Center. Photography will be provided by ImaJenAtion Photography. Making the event festive, decorations are being sponsored by Bank of New Hampshire and centerpieces provided on each of the tables are sponsored by Studley Flower Gardens, Inc.

First Seacoast Bank will sponsor a Grand Prize Raffle, where one lucky winner will take home $1,500 cash. Tickets are on sale now for $2 each or a book of six for $10. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets for this raffle can be purchased at the Chamber office or online at www.rochesternh.org.

The Annual Awards Celebration is open to Chamber members and their guests. The cost to attend is $75 per person. Tickets are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 603-332-5080 or visit www.rochesternh.org.

PORTSMOUTH – ReWild Renewables, LLC has made a $100,000 gift to The Nature Conservancy to invest in rewilding lands right here in Maine. The gift will help to conserve four unique and ecologically important pieces of land, each of which have been identified by TNC as among the highest value lands for “habitat connectivity,” “climate resilience,” and “ecosystem biodiversity.”

“ReWild is a Solar 2.0 company. As the industry matures, we are leading the way on ensuring that our company holistically approaches the fight against climate change by reducing carbon emissions and protecting biodiversity,” Principal Patrick Jackson said.

ReWild’s gift will support the protection of the following tracks:

“This gift allows ReWild to invest even further right here in Maine,” said Director of Sustainability Matt Doubleday. “On top of the high quality jobs and millions of dollars invested in the state, we have now added an investment in preserving Maine’s important, wild environment.”

WOLFEBORO — Susan “Sue” Ross, Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #165861 for MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank), has retired after 14 years of dedicated service to the Bank. Sue proudly served the community by helping individuals and families with their mortgage financing needs.

“We have been incredibly lucky to have Sue represent the Bank through all these years,” said Charlie Dowd, Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales at MVSB.  “She started just prior to the Wolfeboro branch opening in 2008 and has been essential to our growth in the area. She has made countless friends throughout her career, including coworkers, community members, business owners and realtors. While she will truly be missed here, we wish her the best of luck in her well-earned retirement.”

“I am incredibly grateful to have worked for a community bank that truly cares about the areas we serve,” said Sue. “It has been an amazing experience to help people achieve their dream of homeownership and guide others through buying a second home, land or refinancing. I look forward to enjoying my retirement in this beautiful area we are fortunate enough to call home alongside so many of my past clients, family and friends.”

Elizabeth Brothers, who was recently promoted to Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #69282, has been working alongside Sue to ensure a seamless transition and continued quality service for current and new clients. Elizabeth most recently served as the Bank’s Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Strategy Officer and has held multiple roles in mortgage lending throughout her career

Sue has received recognition throughout her career. Most recently in 2021, she was recognized for her top mortgage production, ranking #2 in Belknap County, #4 in Carroll County and #34 out of 3,000 in the entire state.

Prior to joining MVSB, Sue served as a real estate paralegal and as a real estate agent. She is a member of the Gilford Community Church, has volunteered on various committees, and plans to continue to give back to the community in retirement. She also looks forward to traveling with her husband Eston, spending time with family and friends, and playing tennis. Sue said they are planning to travel and hike in New Hampshire, Utah and Europe this summer.