WATCH: 2015 Concord Citizen of the Year

The 100th anniversary of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary was the theme this year for the 2015 Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and Citizen of the Year Award.

Political reporters and watchers Sasha Issenberg, Steve Peoples, Peter Hamby, and Jonathan Martin, all spoke with professor Dean Spiliotes about the state of the primary and the presidential races.

The big surprise, however, was for former state Sen. Harold Janeway, D-Webster, who was shocked when named this year’s Citizen of the Year.

Robert Segal of Sanel Auto Parts described Janeway as a statesman, veteran, gentleman, and someone who had left a lasting impression on many people and organizations. Janeway, who served in the 7th District between 2006 and 2010, is a founder of White Mountain Investment and a director for the New Hampshire Charitable Trust, as well as a trustee at Milton Academy.

“Although not a native of New Hampshire, the positive impact that of his contributions to the state will certainly be felt for generations to come,” Segal added.

“Thank you,” Janeway said, visibly moved and smiling. “I am stunned.”

He said he knew that it might be him after Segal, a former chairman of the board of the Chamber, stated that the recipient was at 1958 graduate from Yale University and he said, “Uh-oh, that’s it,” while adding that he was glad that his role in town activities in Webster was mentioned.

“I just can’t thank you enough,” he said. “I’ll keep doing what I can.”