Photo: Business Leader of the Year Clement Kigugu delivers acceptance remarks at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards. via Derrick Loughlin, DL Photos
Over 150 community professionals, leaders, and residents celebrated Concord’s 2024 Pinnacle Award recipients on June 4th at the Grappone Conference Center. The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards Luncheon to recognize the following outstanding businesses and leaders:
· Small Business of the Year: Feathered Friend Brewing
· Business of the Year: Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
· Nonprofit Business of the Year: Fellowship Housing Opportunities
· Business Leader of the Year: Clement Kigugu, Overcomers Refugee Services
Enthusiastic applause welcomed each award recipient, who were introduced by Chamber Board Chair, Larry Haynes, with a synopsis of their accomplishments and community impact.
Feathered Friend Brewing was recognized for its exemplary community impact and inclusion efforts. This south end brewery has become a staple for many locals and hosts events, and owner Tucker Jadczak was accoladed for his generosity in donations and support services. Jadczak gave an emotional acceptance speech, thanking his parents and reflecting on the challenges of opening a bar during a pandemic, and congratulating fellow recipient Jim Rosenberg, Partner of Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. and Chair of its Criminal Defense Practice Group.
Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. was honored for scaling into one of New England’s most prestigious law firms, with Haynes highlighting their support of numerous Concord nonprofit organizations and their firm-wide Month of Service initiative. The award was accepted by Rosenberg—after embracing friend Jadczak—who praised Concord as a tourist destination and business-friendly city and pledged continuous support to Shaheen & Gordon’s (now nationwide) clientele.
Fellowship Housing Opportunities was honored for its admirable efforts to support those in the Concord community facing housing insecurity and mental health challenges. Accepting the award were Ben Dion, Director of Development, and Herb Carpenter, Executive Director—who delivered their acceptance speech. Carpenter thanked the crowd and community for their dedicated support during challenging times for nonprofit organizations, as well as their staff.
Clement Kigugu of Overcomers Refugee Services accepted the award for Business Leader of the Year and gave a moving recount of his experience immigrating to America with limited resources. He thanked his wife, six children, and his church community—of which he is a Senior Pastor. Kigugu also gave thanks the Concord community for their welcoming attitude and willingness to help, and proclaimed he proudly calls New Hampshire his home.
The event also recognized the Concord Young Professional of the Year, Moriah Billups of Concord Hospital Trust—complete with her own fan club—and the W. Grant McIntosh Volunteer of the Year, Yvon Gagnon of Granite State Ambassadors. The Chamber extended special thanks to the presenting sponsors, Business NH Magazine and Eastern Bank. Additional support was provided by the Grappone Conference Center, ConcordTV, DL Photos, and Speedy Printing & Copying.
Incorporated in 1919, New Hampshire’s state capital chamber of commerce—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce—develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances quality of life in the Capital region. As largest chamber in the state, it is deeply invested in the local community and dedicated to shaping competitive economic development strategy, advocating for policies and projects that benefit the region, and promoting Concord as a culturally vibrant visitor destination. For more information, please visit concordnhchamber.com.