BLOC Awards

What is BLOC Awards?

Business Leaders of Coös

This annual event brings together business leaders, community partners, and regional stakeholders for an evening dedicated to celebrating the strength and success of Coös County’s business community. The program includes CEDC’s annual meeting, along with the presentation of the BLOC Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses and individuals contributing to the vitality and resilience of the North Country.

The BLOC Awards highlight excellence across a range of categories, including agriculture, legacy businesses, emerging startups, young entrepreneurs, and businesses owned by veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals. These awards are designed to honor innovation, long-term impact, and the individuals and organizations helping to shape the future of our region.

Community members, business owners, and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations, and later vote for outstanding businesses located within Coös County. Community members will nominate and vote for the recipients of these awards.

Categories & Descriptions

• Hero Owned Excellence Award: ​Service beyond the uniform.

  This award recognizes a business owned by a Veteran, First Responder or Healthcare worker who continues to serve Coös County through entrepreneurship. These individuals apply the discipline, leadership, and resilience learned in their service to build businesses that give back - creating jobs, supporting local schools, and proving that those who protected our communities are now the ones helping them prosper.

• Rising Young Entrepreneur Award: ​Inspiring the next generation of leaders.

  This award spotlights business owners under 40 who have made the bold choice to be "Rural By Choice." By bringing fresh energy and "scratch-made" passion to Main Street, these leaders demonstrate that young professionals can build successful careers and high-impact businesses right here at home, fostering a sense of belonging and modern Community Impact.

• Outstanding Start up Award: ​Recognizing the spark of new vision.

  Awarded to a business in its first few years of operation that has turned a "flower dream" or a fresh concept into a thriving reality. This recipient exemplifies Innovation & Creativity, quickly carving out a niche in the local market and demonstrating a high potential for long-term growth and Collaboration with fellow business owners.

• Best Agricultural Business Award: ​Celebrating the roots of our economy.

  This award recognizes a farm or agribusiness that has shown exceptional Resilience & Growth in the face of changing markets or climate. Whether through "atypical crop propagation," sustainable practices, or providing essential community services like education and live removals, this recipient proves that traditional industries can remain innovative and vital to the North Country's future.

• Legacy Award: ​Honoring the pillars of the North Country.

  This category honors a long-standing business that has served as a cornerstone of our community for decades. This award celebrates the Community Impact of a business that has not only survived the test of time but has continued to adapt, providing stable Job Creation and acting as a mentor and collaborator for the next generation of Coös County entrepreneurs.

Save the Date!

Date: Thursday, June 18 at 5:00pm

Location: 101 Mountain View Rd, Whitefield, NH 03598