2-1-1 NH Partnership Receives Award

A new system in NH that connects people in need with essential health and human services is the recipient of the Business and Industry Association's 2008 New Hampshire Advantage Award. This award, now in its third year, honors individuals, businesses or organizations for their extraordinary work on a specific initiative, event or project that helps
preserve New Hampshire's special character and quality of life.

The 2-1-1 New Hampshire Partnership is a collaboration of nonprofit organizations, the state, corporations and volunteers who worked to develop an easy and efficient way to link NH citizens with essential government and community services. As of this past June, callers from anywhere in the state could dial 2-1-1 and be connected, at no charge, to an information and referral specialist. The system's primary function is to act as a clearinghouse for information about local and state government services and charitable programs and initiatives. For example, a mother of an autistic child may call 2-1-1 to find services available in her area.

2-1-1 NH is an initiative led by the United Way of New Hampshire, an organization that represents 10 United Ways across the state. Other partners include the Citizens Bank Foundation, the Endowment for Health, Exeter Hospital, Major General Joseph K. Simeone (ret.), New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Public Service of New Hampshire, and the state.

Representatives from the partnering organizations will accept the award at the BIA's annual dinner to be held Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. The event also features the presentation of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award to former New England Telephone executive Patrick Duffy. Bert Jacobs, co-founder and chief
executive optimist of Life is good Inc., will deliver the keynote address.

Tickets for the dinner are available by calling 603.224.5388 x116 or visiting acteva.com/go/nhbia. Tables of 10 are $1,000 and individual tickets are $110.