Greater Concord Chamber's Names Citizen of the Year

 
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce has named William L. Chapman as its 2017 Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will honor the Concord attorney with an award ceremony at its 98th Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year award celebration on Nov. 8 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.
 
“This award represents the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce,” says Chamber President Tim Sink. “It is presented to someone who has given much of themselves to the community in many ways over their career. Bill Chapman is an outstanding choice.”
 
Chapman’s law partner a agrees, saying, “Since beginning his career at Orr & Reno more than 40 years ago, Bill has been a leader in the Greater Concord community. The breadth of his involvement and service in a myriad of local organizations is just amazing.” Those services include housing for the mentally ill, legal services for the poor, youth programs, healthcare, and the arts.
 
Chris Emond, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central NH, says, “I have known Bill since I took the reins of the Boys and Girls Club 17 years ago. He has very quietly and so substantially supported this and many other area nonprofits, often doing so anonymously. His humble nature has resulted in his incredible contributions flying under the radar screen, and that is by his choice.”
 
“Humility” and “quiet generosity” were common themes in the numerous letters of support included in the nomination. New Hampshire Public Radio President and CEO Betsy Gardella says, “Bill embodies the qualities and values that define us as Granite Staters and Americans: wisdom, curiosity, generosity, loyalty, humility and commitment.” At NHPR, Chapman served as chair of the capital campaign that resulted in the new broadcast center at 2 Pillsbury St. He remains committed to NHPR serving as chair emeritus, attending board meetings, chairing campaigns and providing pro bono legal advice.
 
David Ruedig, chair of the Concord Hospital board of trustees, praises Chapman’s long-term commitment to the hospital. “He has been a phenomenal board member since 2011, serving on the Finance, Investment, Compensation and Audit Committees. We have come to rely on him for his total commitment to this organization. We call him our James Madison.”
 
In his nearly 10 years of service as chairman of the board of trustees of Kimball Jenkins Estate and School of Art, Chapman has played a critical role helping the organization through challenging economic times. “Bill has often single-handedly helped the Kimball Jenkins Estate balance its books, navigate difficult fiscal and administrative challenges, and keep a steady eye on what is best for the city and people of Concord. I can think of no person who more deserves this honor,” says Rob Fried, executive director of Kimball Jenkins Estate and School of Art.
 
Deborah Watrous, executive director of NH Humanities for 24 years, recalls Chapman’s time serving on their board. “I relied on Bill for many things – his knowledge of nonprofit practices and finances, his legal experience and his passion for our mission. Bill brought his rock-solid commitment to ethical policies and behavior, ensuring that we applied the highest ethical standards to everything we did.”
 
Stephen Reno, executive director of Leadership NH, adds, “Were a person fresh to New Hampshire to ask me who it is he or she should meet to gain an appreciation of the values and traditions of our state, without hesitation, I would seek to make an introduction to Bill.”
 
The Greater Concord Chamber has recognized an outstanding individual from the local community with its most prestigious award for more than 50 years.
 
To register to attend the chamber’s 98th Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year Award event, visit concordnhchamber.com or call 603-224-2508. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a keynote presentation by Dr. Gary Stager and seated dinner, and culminates in the Citizen of the Year presentation ceremony.