On March 19, more than 70 guests gathered at Kimball-Jenkins Estate to celebrate downtown Concord and the work of Intown Concord in the community over the past year. The evening showcased highlights of the past year for Intown Concord, recognizing the work and impact of presenting and orchestrating more than 16 community and business events that help our downtown thrive. During the year, Intown Concord works with hundreds of volunteers on community events, and operates under the support of a dedicated board and hardworking downtown merchants and businesses.  Intown Concord is very pleased with its role in working with the community, merchants and other partners, and the City of Concord to help promote and enhance a vibrant and economically healthy downtown.

At Intown Concord’s Annual Meeting and Locally Famous Art Auction, guests enjoyed a lively social hour preceding a brief Intown Concord business meeting. Intown Concord said thank you to departing board members Mark Ciborowski of Ciborowski Associates and Sean Skabo, Intown Concord Board President, of Merrimack County Saving Bank.

Officially voted onto Intown Concord’s board of directors for a three-year term were Michael Herrmann of Gibson’s Bookstore, Aryn Marsh of Live Juice, and Nathan Warecki of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green PA. The newly elected and re-elected officers for the Intown Concord board of directors are: Elyssa Paris of Zoë and Co. Professional Bra Fitters, President; Cheryl Coletti of Boston Asset Management, Vice President; Polly Saltmarsh, Treasurer; and Gerry Carrier, Secretary.

The evening was short on business but big on celebration and fun. Intown Concord board of directors member Domenic Ciavarro had the privilege of honoring several individuals and businesses with Community Impact Awards. Awardees were selected by a group of directors; they represent the commitment by organizations and individuals to help create a thriving and successful downtown and city center. This year’s Community Impact Award winners are Bob and Gena Cohen Moses, for being star downtown volunteers; Siam Orchid for Best New Downtown Face; Runner’s Alley for Best New Downtown Business; and New Hampshire Federal Credit Union for Cornerstone Business, in recognition of their generous financial support of Intown Concord and its events and programs since 2013.

Spirits were high as Sarah Chaffee of McGowan Fine Art began the bidding for unique downtown paintings featured in the7th Annual Locally Famous Art Auction. Intown Concord wants to again thank the artists and community members who created and donated beautiful paintings and one-of-a-kind fine crafts representative of Concord:  Rebecca Ackerly,  Eleanor Broussard, Sarah Chaffee,  Bryon Champlin,  Robert Dorr, Saad Hindal,  Kristin Kennedy,  Janet King,  Liz MacBride, Gary Miller,  Wayne Miller, Alison Murphy, Matt Newton,  Holly Ramer,  Mary Ruedig , Teeny Sherman,  Tony Schinella, Gail Smuda , Zachary Stith, Matt Walsh, and Rich Woodfin/Charter Trust. Special thanks to Ryan Linehan and Lee Roy Johnson of Kimball-Jenkins School of Art for hosting the painters and offering instruction.

Intown Concord’s Annual Meeting was generously sponsored by New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, Zoe & Co. Professional Bra Fitters, Hinckley Allen, Comfort Inn Concord, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, McGowan Fine Art, and Kimball-Jenkins School of Art. Visit intownconcord.org.

Click the photos above the story for a visual recap of the event.