Greater Meredith Program honors community, board members at annual meeting

MEREDITH — The Greater Meredith Program hosted its 2023 annual meeting at Church Landing on Jan. 11. Students from GMP and Inter-Lakes Middle/High School’s Career Partnerships Program welcomed guests at the door and GMP President Lynn Leighton presented a welcome address.

The organization welcomed guest speaker Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the New Hampshire Department of & Economic Affairs, who spoke about community collaboration and the impact on NH communities. He also talked about the importance of supporting local businesses and exploring future workforce development and workforce housing in the Granite State.

Mike Griffin, GMP executive director, shared highlights and goals for 2024, shining a spotlight on GMP’s committee volunteers.

Treasurer Dick Pendergast gave the 2023 financial report. The board of directors also presented awards. The 2023 Board Member of the Year honor was awarded to Bill Gartner, Design Committee co-chair. The 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Carol Gerken, Fundraising Committee member. The 2023 Outstanding Business Support Award was presented to The Inn at Mill Falls for continued support and donations to town beautification efforts. The 2023 Community Spirit Award was presented to the Meredith Veterans Memorial Committee.

GMP also gave Special Recognition Awards to Andy Lane (10 years), Ted Fodero (15 years) and Jeanie Forrester (20 years), directors who stepped down from the board in 2023.

The GMP thanked Kelly Chapman, who has served as a board alternate for many years and given generously. The board welcomed four new members unanimously voted in for Jan. 1, 2024, each for a three-year term: Becky Fuller, Maxfield Real Estate; Lindsay Weiner, Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Michelle Brown, Meredith Bay Corporation; and Tracy Johnson, Cascade Spa at Mill Falls.

Leighton also said Natalie Taylor, Artisan Eyewear, has stepped into the role of board secretary. Marilee Sundius of Sundius Design contributed to the annual meeting’s slideshow presentation. Sundius serves as an active member for both the GMP Promotions and Fundraising committees.

For more information, visit greatermeredith.org.