Striving to Achieve the Very Best!
‘Karen and Jay celebrate the pursuit of excellence!'
We have a choice in life. We can settle for a passing grade. To do ‘OK,’ and make sure we get by. Or we can set our sights high – to attempt to do our very best – and pursue true excellence. The decision on which path to choose is up to each and every one of us. And, while it’s perfectly acceptable to choose either path, there is a special exhilaration, a zest and a feeling of being truly alive when we reach deep down and muster up the resolve to do our very best in the pursuit of excellence.
Choosing to pursue excellence instead of settling for mediocrity can profoundly transform your life. One of the most immediate effects of striving for excellence is an improved sense of self-worth. When you commit to challenging yourself and pushing your boundaries, you experience a surge in pride and confidence. This growth fosters a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-esteem and motivates you to pursue even greater achievements. The more we actively seek excellence, the more we train ourselves to believe in our inherent capabilities, leading to a positive feedback loop of growth and realization.
In addition to personal development, pursuing excellence has the power to elevate the performance of those around us. When individuals demonstrate a commitment to high standards, their enthusiasm and dedication can be contagious. This is particularly evident in collaborative environments, such as teams in sports or workplaces, where one’s pursuit of excellence can inspire others to elevate their own efforts. When you witness the drive and passion of your peers, it ignites a collective spirit that fosters increased motivation and commitment to improvement. This synergy creates a thriving environment where everyone pushes their limits, resulting in heightened performance and shared success.
The journey towards excellence is not just about the end goals but also about the enriching experiences gained along the way. The process of striving for excellence is filled with valuable lessons, challenges, and personal growth. Engaging in this effort often exposes individuals to their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to grow and fortify their skills. It is in the moments of struggle and perseverance that true character is built, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the satisfaction that comes from overcoming obstacles. This exhilarating aspect of the pursuit adds richness to life, making each step of the journey as rewarding as the ultimate outcome.
Ultimately, the pursuit of excellence can manifest in various arenas, including business, politics, sports, the arts, and personal life. Each domain provides unique challenges and opportunities for individuals to strive for greatness. Whether it's a team working towards a championship, a business aiming for industry-leading innovation, or an artist seeking to express their vision, the choice to pursue excellence can catalyze significant progress. By embracing this path, individuals not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to uplifting the morale and aspirations of those around them, fostering a culture that champions achievement and inspires future generations to reach their highest potential.
I urge you to embrace the pursuit of excellence. In so doing, I think you will find that it makes all the difference! It can put exhilaration, excitement and joy into your life – and in so doing, can bring a positive energy and a wonderful sense of fulfillment.
Celebrating Excellence in New Hampshire's Business Community
New Hampshire is home to a vibrant and thriving business community, where excellence is celebrated through a range of prestigious awards. These honors recognize outstanding leaders, companies, and community contributors who go above and beyond to strengthen New Hampshire's economy and enrich its communities.
From the NH Business Review's Business Excellence Awards and NH 200 list to the Business and Industry Association’s (BIA) Lifetime Achievement Award, NH Magazine’s Best of NH, and local Chamber of Commerce awards, the Granite State shines as a beacon of excellence in New England and beyond.
NH Magazine’s Best of NH Awards nhmagazine.com/best-of-nh further elevates this culture of excellence by showcasing the state’s top businesses, services, and experiences across multiple categories. Known for celebrating everything that makes New Hampshire exceptional, the Best of NH Awards focus on businesses that offer unmatched quality, dedication, and innovation. Each year, residents and readers vote for their favorite restaurants, retailers, and service providers, creating a list that reflects the community’s highest standards. This public recognition celebrates not only the winners' commitment to quality but also their role in enhancing New Hampshire’s unique and vibrant culture.
The NH Business Review's Business Excellence Awards www.nhbr.com complement this tradition by honoring leaders across diverse industries, from healthcare and technology to real estate and education. These awards spotlight the achievements of individuals who drive growth and innovation while committing to community involvement. Winners are not only recognized for their professional successes but also for their contributions to New Hampshire through philanthropy, mentorship, and sustainable practices—qualities that define excellence in business and beyond.
Similarly, the NH 200 list highlights the state’s most influential leaders, celebrating those who set the standard for vision and integrity. This annual compilation of New Hampshire’s top executives, entrepreneurs, and public officials shines a spotlight on individuals who have made a profound impact across the business landscape. Being featured in the NH 200 affirms one's dedication to excellence and influence in their field, marking them as role models within and outside the state.
The BIA Lifetime Achievement Award www.biaofnh.com honors individuals who have left a lasting legacy of excellence and leadership over their careers. Awarded to those whose work has significantly shaped New Hampshire’s business environment and community welfare, this accolade celebrates visionaries who help the state flourish. These leaders remind us of the power of sustained dedication to economic growth, social progress, and community well-being.
Local Chambers of Commerce across New Hampshire also recognize excellence through their Person of the Year awards, celebrating leaders who inspire, uplift, and create positive change within their communities. From the Greater Manchester Chamber to the Nashua and Concord Chambers, awardees embody the resilience, community spirit, and forward-thinking leadership that are hallmarks of New Hampshire’s business culture.
Collectively, these awards celebrate excellence in all its forms, from individual achievement to community impact. Together, they highlight a shared commitment across New Hampshire to pursuing quality, fostering innovation, and building community connections. The winners of these honors serve as an inspiration, underscoring the idea that true success is measured not only by profits but by the positive impact on the state and its people.
I’ve attended many of these award ceremonies and am always amazed at the stories I hear about the level of excellence these individuals have achieved while helping so many others along the way – excellence personified!
Achieving Excellence in Every Step: The Impact of Millennium Running on New Hampshire’s Athletic Community
Millennium Running, founded in 2011 by John Mortimer and based in Bedford, New Hampshire, has set a standard of excellence in the local running community. What began as a vision to create a premier road-racing experience has flourished into a prominent organization that hosts dozens of events each year.
From 5Ks to marathons, Millennium Running has cultivated a strong sense of community and accomplishment for runners of all skill levels. These events have not only boosted the local economy by supporting small businesses and attracting participants and spectators from across the region but have also underscored the organization’s commitment to excellence in every race experience.
The organization’s dedication to excellence extends to its philanthropic mission, with proceeds benefiting causes such as veterans’ programs, local schools, and health organizations. This focus on giving back has deepened Millennium Running's roots in the community, fostering a culture that celebrates both fitness and generosity.
Millennium Running is devoted to creating a supportive environment where runners can set and accomplish personal goals. Through professional coaching, group training programs, and a store offering high-quality gear, they empower athletes to achieve excellence in their performance. Each event is crafted with precision, featuring professional timing, enthusiastic volunteers, and well-organized courses that help participants perform at their best. This attention to detail transforms each race into an ideal setting for runners to measure and surpass their previous achievements.
Goal setting is at the heart of running—whether for personal improvement, competitive success, or simply crossing the finish line of a challenging distance. Millennium Running embraces this philosophy, offering races that cater to a range of abilities, encouraging participants to set realistic yet challenging goals. For many, training for these events fosters motivation, tracks progress and celebrates milestones. Achieving excellence in running requires discipline, persistence, and self-compassion—qualities that Millennium Running inspires in all its participants. The organization’s consistent commitment to excellence has solidified its place as a staple in New Hampshire’s athletic community, inspiring countless individuals to push their limits and achieve their goals.
Millennium Running's impact goes beyond the individual; it has built a community that values health, camaraderie, and shared purpose. By celebrating personal achievements and collective efforts, the organization has not only promoted physical wellness but also enhanced community pride across New Hampshire. Most recently, their technological advancements have brought a new level of excellence to race management. Standing at the finish line of this year’s Manchester Marathon, it was remarkable to witness the precision in predicting runners' finish times and the instantaneous results. This blend of innovation and excellence continues to elevate the running experience for participants and spectators alike. You can find them at https://www.millenniumrunning.com/
Positive Profile of the Week: Fostering Excellence in the Skilled Trades: The Inspiring Mission of Steve Turner and Bringing Back the Trades
This week are delighted to highlight an inspirational leader in the Granite State - Steve Turner.
Steve is the founder of Bringing Back the Trades, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring interest in and respect for careers in the skilled trades. With a background in trade work himself, Turner appreciates the value and importance of these professions, as well as the sense of pride and craftsmanship that excellence in the trades’ demands. Observing a widening skills gap and an urgent need for qualified tradespeople, he established the organization to encourage young people to view the trades as both rewarding and viable career paths.
Under Turner’s leadership, Bringing Back the Trades has grown into a community-centered organization that offers scholarships, mentorships, and partnerships with schools and industry professionals. By connecting with local businesses, the nonprofit provides hands-on training and exposure to careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and automotive repair. Through Turner’s vision, the organization fosters an environment of excellence, where young people gain the skills, resources, and confidence needed to thrive in these essential professions.
Beyond his work with the nonprofit, Turner is an avid marathon runner, finding personal discipline and resilience in the sport. His commitment to marathon training mirrors the values of hard work, focus, and persistence that he promotes within the trades. The excellence he strives for in running serves as a constant reminder of the determination he hopes to inspire in young tradespeople.
Turner's dedication to Bringing Back the Trades has garnered widespread support, including from influential figures like Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, who is a strong advocate for skilled trades across the country. Rowe’s support, and his upcoming appearance at an event in Concord, New Hampshire, amplify Turner’s mission and underscore the importance of excellence in trade careers. Through Bringing Back the Trades, Steve Turner has become a respected figure in New Hampshire and beyond, inspiring a new generation to pursue meaningful, fulfilling, and essential careers in the trades. Please visit https://nhbringingbackthetrades.org/ for more information.
Quote of the Week: The Pursuit of Excellence
“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Marston
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