Concord?s Longest-Serving Mayor Named 2023 Citizen Of The Year

CONCORD, NH ? Merrimack County?s most prominent business organization has named Concord?s longest-serving mayor its citizen of the year for 2023.

Mayor Jim Bouley, who announced several weeks ago he would be stepping down after eight terms as mayor and more than two decades on the council, will be feted as Citizen of the Year on Nov. 1 by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce at its 104th annual meeting and award dinner, the org said Thursday. He received ?an outpouring of support for his nomination? from family and friends, local and state political and business leaders, and others.

Bouley was commended for shepherding the Main Street renovation project to fruition, building relationships between government, business, and civic leaders, and many other initiatives, too many to mention. The mayor was also the first leader in the city to work to create a winter shelter for the homeless by negotiating to use space at the Tobey building, raising money, and requesting phones from Walmart to assist volunteers ? something most people do not know, the chamber said.

?I can unequivocally testify to his commitment to utilize every available opportunity to improve the community for all of its residents, businesses, and visitors,? City Manager Tom Aspell said, speaking of his two decades working with Bouley.

Trieste Philbrook of Mariner Wealth Advisors said, ?There is no better time to recognize someone who has worked tirelessly to better our community.?

Michael Dennehy, Bouley?s long-time lobbying partner, called him a tireless advocate for the city.

?From transforming Main Street to building goodwill across the entire community, Jim has arguably been the most successful mayor the city has ever seen,? he said.

Bouley said he was ?honored? to receive the award.

?I love Concord, and when I accept this award, I will be doing so not just on behalf of myself but on behalf of all those in city government, community leaders, my dear family and friends who gave us much, if not more in service of this special city,? he said. ?Thank you to the Concord Chamber for all you do and will continue to do.?

The Chamber?s 104th Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year award event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. Presented by Merrimack County Savings Bank, the celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a plated dinner, and culminates in the Citizen of the Year award ceremony. Tickets are $95.

All are welcome to attend the celebration by registering at concordnhchamber.com, emailing events@concordnhchamber.com, or calling 603-224-2508.

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