Cook, Couches to be Honored for Lifetime Achievement

On Oct. 28, former Sheehan Phinney Bass and Green President and Shareholder Bradford Cook; Hypertherm Co-founder and Chairman of the Board Richard Couch; and former Hypertherm Vice President Barbara Couch will accept Lifetime Achievement awards at the Business and Industry Association’s 102nd Annual Dinner, Lifetime Achievement and New Hampshire Advantage Awards Celebration presented by Eversource from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Radisson Manchester.

The Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Eversource recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership in their professions, communities and New Hampshire. Award recipients help shape their local communities and the state through their successful business endeavors, active participation in civic and town organizations, involvement in boards, and service to local and state government.

Brad Cook is head of Sheehan Phinney’s Estate Planning and Probate, Government Relations and Not-for-Profit, and Charitable and Religious Institutions practice groups. Cook’s list of professional and civic involvements is extensive. He currently serves as chair of the Warren B. Rudman Center Campaign and president of the Boys Club of New London. He is a past member of the Executive Committee of the BIA.

In 2012, Cook was named to Business NH Magazine’s 2012 Influencer Index as a “Political and Nonprofit Maestro.” In 2011, he received the Good Samaritan Award from Pastoral Counseling Services and in 2008 received BIA’s Above and Beyond Award. In 2001, Brad was recognized by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce as its Citizen of the Year. That same year, he received the Eugene M. Van Loan III Leadership Award from Easter Seals New Hampshire.

Dick Couch co-founded Hypertherm in 1968 and is currently chairman of the board. While nurturing the company to where it is today, Couch was also involved in many organizations outside of Hypertherm. After many years of service, Couch’s tenure on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association Board of Governors concluded in 2010. He is also a founding member of Ledyard National Bank in Hanover and continues to serve on its board of directors since opening in May 1991.

Barbara Couch was with Hypertherm for 30 years. She was responsible for developing the nationally award-winning programs that focus on the development and well-being of Hypertherm’s associates, which is an integral piece of the company’s mission statement. Recognized as one of the best places to work in the United States and in New Hampshire, the company’s awards include being listed #12 on the Fortune Magazine list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States and Business NH Magazine’s Top 10 Best Companies to Work For in New Hampshire.

Together, the Couches have undertaken many philanthropic endeavors, such as the HOPE Foundation and the Couch Family Foundation, and foster their generous spirit throughout the Hypertherm family through programs such as the United Way.

Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were former Elliot Health System CEO Douglas Dean, Whelen Engineering President John Olson and Public Service of New Hampshire Chief Operating Officer Gary Long (posthumously).

Tickets for the 102nd Annual Dinner, Lifetime Achievement and New Hampshire Advantage Awards Celebration presented by Eversource are $1,100 for a table of 10 or $125 per person and may be purchased online at BIAofNH.com/events. For more information, call 603-224-5388, Ext. 101.

For more information about the BIA, visit biaofnh.com/.