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Mike Perrier, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Roswell James, President of the Board
The evening of the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year awards was a great success!
The event kicked off with guest speaker Dan MacNeil of Our Town Earth
proclaiming “Life was not a box of chocolates, sometimes I didn’t like what
I ended up with, so I would pick again. If life deals you a hand that you are
not content with, you have the opportunity to take another card. Create
opportunities, learn to take chances, and make dreams reality.” This was
just the beginning of what would be a wonderful night.
There was a lively panel discussion covering ‘The Media and Your Business’
with two guest panelists, Pamela Scott Crace from Progress Media Group, and
Steven Proctor from the Chronicle Herald. Both panelists answered questions
from our members and gave great insight into the world of publicity. This portion
of the event was moderated by EDN’s very own Archie Gillis.
The final part of the evening – the presentation of the Entrepreneur of
the Year Award – brought tears to many in attendance. There were six
great nominees: Tracy Sheffield, Terry Stewart, Danielle Bordage, Sue
Chessell, Nancy Marshall, and Mike Perrier. Each entrepreneur had a unique and
inspiring story that was artfully delivered by EDN’s Vice President, Nicole Smith.
Winner of the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award is Mike Perrier. Mike has
owned and operated Perrier’s Concrete Homes for the last nine years, and was
thrilled to accept the award. Before beginning his business, Mike made his living
working as an aluminum window and door technician. He then moved on to teach
construction at Amherst's School for the Deaf. Mike continues to be active in
advocating for the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing.
Mike took care to establish solid working relationships with customers, contractors
and suppliers. After accepting the award, he reflected “When I built my first house,
there were mistakes; I didn’t make very much money on that house. But I persevered; my first year in business, I built one house. Today I am booked in
advance all year long.” Truly a story of success and inspiration, Mike Perrier is a
testament to hard work, perseverance, and living your dream.
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