Announcing our 2020 Businesses of the Year
1/15/2020
Twice a month, Grace Limousine and Shuttle Driver Kris McMurrow pulls a sleek black van up to Wilson Elementary School in Manchester and a group of clambering elementary schoolers pile in for the 10 minute ride downtown.
When the van reaches CCA Global Partners, the excited kids hop out to spend the next hour meeting with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters as part of BBBSNH's workplace mentoring program. Later, when Kris drops them back off at school, he pulls away with a "toot-toot" of the horn, as requested by the kids.
"I just love it," says Kris. "They're always ready to go, they've been in school all day, but they're all so well-behaved and I enjoy seeing them every time."
Meanwhile in Exeter, another group of excited kids spends every other Wednesday afternoon visiting Exeter Hospital to see their Bigs at a new workplace mentoring program launched earlier this fall.
BBBSNH is pleased to announce that these two companies, Exeter Hospital and Grace Limousine and Shuttle, are our 2020 Businesses of the Year. They will be honored at our upcoming Big Dreams Dinner on March 20 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Nashua, along with our Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year. The event will also feature a panel discussion on workplace mentoring and our new Bigs in Badges initiative.
"Building our workplace mentoring program is one of the key priorities outlined in our new five year strategic plan," said BBBSNH CEO Stacy Kramer. "These programs offer workforce development in the state by bringing kids to local companies, allowing them to experience a workplace environment while having fun and connecting with a mentor.
"Both Grace Limousine and Shuttle, and Exeter Hospital have been long-standing partners and supporters, and they've been integral to establishing and growing our workplace program."
Grace has provided transportation for BBBSNH's workplace program in Manchester for five years and is a financial supporter of BBBSNH.
Michael Campbell, owner of the company, said: "As a father of two young boys, I can't think of a cause that catches my heart more than one whose aim is to support children who don't have the guidance and encouragement they need to get through to the next phase in life. Grace is so proud to support such a noble cause, and to help provide these children, their mentors, and BBBSNH with the resources to continue for filling their mission."
Before launching a workplace program this fall, Exeter Hospital supported BBBSNH for several years with grant funding through a youth suicide prevention program, and regular event sponsorships.
For more information about the Big Dreams Dinner, including how to register to attend, please visit give.bbbsnh.org/big-dreams-2020.