Chamber of Commerce Awards Businesses, Citizens

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday recognized businesses and a citizen for their contributions to the community.

The organization handed out its annual "Business of the Year" awards in the following categories to the following businesses:

• Manufacturing/Technology: Cobham Antenna Systems, which is currently its facilities in Exeter and adding more than 100 employees
• Education/Nonprofit, 25 or more employees: YMCA Camp Lincoln/Southern District
• Education/Nonprofit, fewer than 25 employees: New Outlook Teen Center, which is going to be on a new public television station in Exeter
• Real Estate/Construction/Engineering: THA Architects, LLC
• Health Care, 25 or more employees: Exeter Health Resources
• Health Care, Fewer than 25 employees: SeaCare Health Services
• Business Services: Natural Images by Allie
• Tourism/Hospitality: Hampton Inn & Suites Exeter
• Retail Wholesale: Foss Motor, Inc.
• Financial Services & Insurance: Edward Jones Investments-Robert Ortins

The chamber also handed out the following awards:

• Lori Breard Achievement in Leadership Award: Jon Ring
• Exeter Area Citizen of the Year: Cleo Gastonguay

Castonguay is president of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Exeter. According to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Board of Directors, who nominated Castonguay, it is through his efforts – reaching out to various businesses in the community and coordinating their resources – that the new Lincoln Street building for the society became a reality.

The chamber said Castonguay exemplifies community spirit, kindness, local business practice and the art of volunteerism is ingrained deep within his soul.  Castonguay has also been involved in many other organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, the Exeter Christmas Parade; Feed my Lambs Program and Red Cross Disaster Relief. 

Ring, an active Chamber member and chairman of its board, was awarded for his high level of professionalism, leadership, and integrity, the chamber said.