Mr. Steer Meats Named Business of the Year

The Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the 2012 Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year Awards. 

Each of these awards is presented annually at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Business Meeting. The common thread is that winners are individuals who have made significant contributions in their community and have proven longevity and commitment to the betterment of society. In keeping with that tradition, the awards will go to: 

• Citizen of the Year – Janet Conroy (Derry); and
• Business of the Year – Christopher George | Mr. Steer Meats (Londonderry).

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made contributions in some of the following areas: outstanding leadership, civic pride, exemplary vision, community contributions, religious activities, charitable/non-profit programs, educational programs and/or has enhanced the environment of this community. 

Janet Conroy: Ms. Conroy proudly refers to herself as “FF”. This is because she has been the “First Female” time and time again. She has blazed a trail for women in the Greater Derry area for more than 30 years, setting an example through her roles as a community supporter, public figure, civic leader and volunteer.

Ms. Conroy’s “Book of Firsts” began in 1976 when she was the first woman elected to the Town’s Board of Selectmen (later also becoming the first woman re-elected to the post). She was also the first woman to serve as the Board Chairman. Strong interests in the town also led Ms. Conroy to serve Derry as a state representative for more than 12 years, a library trustee for two terms, and as a Board Member of the Marion Gerrish Community Center.

Ms. Conroy was also the first woman to lead the Southern NH Planning Commission and the initial lady to become a member of the Derry Village Rotary. You’d think she had plenty to do with all of these firsts, and a great run in town politics, but Janet did not stop there. She utilized her knowledge of local politics and became a reporter for the Derry News at a time when there was much change in the town.

Ms. Conroy is still involved in town and continues to volunteer at the Marion Gerrish Community Center. She was recently honored by Rep. Phyllis Katsakiores with a certificate of appreciation from the town at her 80^th birthday party. For her dedication to, and profound love of the Derry Community, we thank her with this award.

The Business of the Year Award is given in recognition of a business or organization in the Greater Derry Londonderry community that has demonstrated some of the following: outstanding leadership and contributions to growth of the business community, community pride, employee relations, support of education within the community, ability to adjust and overcome adversity, and community service minded.

Christopher George | Mr. Steer Meats: Mr. Christopher George is the owner and founder of Mr. Steer Meats, which opened its doors in Londonderry in 1975. Much has changed for the company in 37 years, including the traffic on Route 102, the size and location of the establishment and the number of product choices available for purchase (including the marinated meats, which he was the first to offer back in 1980). More importantly, several things remain the same, including outstanding customer service, highest quality meats and a caring staff common in such family owned (and run) businesses. Mr. George is the third generation to work in the business and proudly notes, “My son and daughter both work here with me, and one day this business will belong to them.”

Despite a challenging economic climate, Mr. George relocated from his 2,000 square foot shop on Route 102 to a brand new facility across the street on Buttrick Road, tripling the size to more than 6,000 square feet of retail space. He also has plans for a retail mall of food establishments which will include the existing Barb’s Beer Emporium, a coffee shop and Café and a restaurant or sports pub.

Ask Mr. George about his “keys to success” and he will tell you that quality products at a fair price, outstanding customer service and a well maintained establishment have been a constant. In addition, Mr. George and his staff build relationships with the customers and always give back to their community. Each year Mr. Steer Meats provides donations of food and services to the American Legion, the Daniel Webster Council (Boy Scouts), Londonderry Rotary, The Derry Boys & Girls Club, military servicemen returning to Hanscom Air Force Base, ALERT and Moore Mart, just to name a few. Mr. George is more than deserving of this award, and we thank him for all that he has done to serve his community.

This year, the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, and Citizen of the Year Award sponsor Citizen’s Bank, are very pleased to present these most prestigious awards to Janet Conroy and Christopher George. The presentations will take place on October 25th at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner. The Festivities will be held at The Promises to Keep in Derry, New Hampshire and will begin with cocktails and a silent auction at  5:30 p.m.  Dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m., with the presentation of awards immediately following. Tickets are $50 per person, with tables of 8 available. For additional information or to purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber Office at 432-8205.

Submitted by the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.