Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce

Comfort Keepers
30 Bank Street
Lebanon, NH  03766
603-448-1121

Our Business of the Year was founded in 1962.  After discovering an enthusiasm for the lumber industry after building their own home, and armed with retail experience from his work in Montgomery Ward’s plumbing and heating department, as well as a business degree from Bryant College in his background. Our honoree was determined to start his own company in which manufacturing would key a role.  Manufacturing would enable the company to keep costs low for builders, all the while delivering top-quality goods and services at lower prices for consumers.

Shortly after opening a retail shop the company began manufacturing roof strusses, wall panels, door units, kitchen countertops, and operating a custom planning mill.  Throughout the years the company has grown to include operations in Claremont, West Lebanon, Dover, Walpole, Meredith, Hampton and Middleton, N.H. and Rutland and Ludlow, Vermont.

In September of 2010 the company worked with Habit of Humanity in Charlotte  Vermont to build the first modular Passive House in the United States.  The project was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum rating.

The details matter to the company. Relationships matter to them. The Company exists to build community, not only of in terms of buildings, but, more importantly in terms of people.

And community they have built.  When the Lebanon Police Department needed a shelter for their K-9 Unit they came to the fore to supply the materials for the shelter.  When West Central Services need a dock for their annual Paddle Power fund raiser they came to the fore. When the Lebanon Schools needed support for the new lighted football field and the Lebanon Little League needed support to carry on their activities they were there also.

There was never a Boy Scout who was doing his Eagle Project for Community Service  that they was turned away from our honored business. Providing building supplies, paint, nails, lumber, personnel and total support to their project

So it is with great pride that the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce presents its 2010 Business of the Year Award to LaValley Building Supply.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2010

                                              Nellie Russell

Short in stature but strong in will our 2010 citizen of the year is a lifelong resident of Lebanon. Her 91 years of service in the community has been remarkable.

Known as the “Captain” the Pie Lady” for her various charitable efforts our distinguished citizen’s stamina is remarkable.  For over 20 years she captained the lunch servers at the Upper Valley Senior Citizens Center, always asking the guest if things were going well, how the family was and of course if they had enough coffee.

Her true devotion to her faith brought her to Chair “Martha’s Ministry” at Sacred Heart Church here in Lebanon. In this capacity she organized a committee who would serve lunch after funerals held at the church. Participating members really appreciated her assistance in this time of mourning.

She got the name “Pie Lady” as a volunteer with the Alice Peck Day Auxiliary which holds an antique show twice a year as fund raiser for the hospital. She organized a committee who would call community people to bake pies for the show. As a result the auxiliary has contributed hundred of thousands of dollars to the hospital for equipment that did not necessarily fall within their budgets. Our citizen has been doing this project for over 20 years.

If that was not enough she has been an active participant in the Lebanon Fire Department Auxiliary, serving coffee to firefighters while fighting fires. In addition she has worked on Red Cross Blood Drawings as a volunteer registrar.

All the while supported by her husband Romeo a volunteer fire fighter himself.

It is with great pride that the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce presents this year’s “Citizen of the Year” to

                                              Nellie Russell

When: Dec 8th through Jan 1st, 2011.

Time: 10 am – 10 pm

“Come visit the Common Man Inn and Restaurant, 21 Water Street, Claremont, NH, to support regional non-profits. Groups have been working hard decorating themed Holiday Trees that are prominently displayed in and around our property. Stop by to enjoy the sights and sounds of this festive season and vote for your favorite tree.”