Chris Kelly Receives Norman Marsh Award at Belknap EDC Annual Meeting

Belknap EDC hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting October 24 at Lakes Region Community College (LRCC).  It was an evening of celebration as Belknap EDC reviewed its successes while looking ahead toward continuing to support Belknap County's businesses and communities. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Belknap EDC’s Norman Marsh Award to outgoing Belknap EDC Board Member, Chris Kelly of RE/MAX Innovative Bayside who retires from the Board at the end of this year.

The Norman Marsh Award recognizes an individual for outstanding leadership and advocacy that strengthens the Belknap County community and its economy. This award is given in memory of the late Norman Marsh, a local businessman and long-time Belknap County Commissioner who worked tirelessly for the benefit of the region and was instrumental in supporting Belknap EDC in its early years.

The decision to honor Chris Kelly with this award was made unanimously by Chris’s fellow members of the Belknap EDC Board and Executive Director, Justin Slattery. 

Chris has been a leader for Belknap EDC, serving as Board Chair and Vice Chair, as well as a key leader in the effort to bring many of Belknap EDC’s recent projects and initiatives to fruition.  He also serves his community in many ways including in his hometown of Meredith as a member of the Greater Meredith Program.  “Chris is a committed partner to Belknap EDC and the Greater Lakes Region,” says Belknap EDC Board Chair, Allison Ambrose.  “His positive attitude and team-based approach have resulted in countless successes for our region.” 

All attendees were treated to a cocktail hour with delicious appetizers and bar service by Bernini Pizzeria & Wine Bar, followed by the annual meeting program hosted by Belknap EDC Chair of the Board, Allison Ambrose of Wescott Law and Belknap EDC Executive Director, Justin Slattery.  Patrick Cate, President of LRCC and Belknap EDC Board Member, was the meeting’s guest speaker who shared exciting updates about the college.

“It was great to see so many reconnecting with colleagues, making new connections, and simply enjoying a nice evening with the Belknap EDC team,” says Slattery.

The event was sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank (gold sponsor), Bank of New Hampshire, Franklin Savings Bank, Cross Insurance, Northway Bank, and Wescott Law. 

For details on Belknap EDC’s accomplishments over the last year, visit belknapedc.org to view the Annual Report.

Norman Marsh Award Recipient, Chris Kelly with Belknap EDC Executive Director, Justin Slattery (Left) and Chair of the Belknap EDC Board, Allison Ambrose (Right).