Concord Chamber Of Commerce Names 2021 Citizen Of The Year

CONCORD, NH — Jim Snodgrass, a Concord nonprofit leader has been named the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Citizen of the Year.

Incorporated in 1919, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances the quality of life in the Capital Region.

The Chamber will honor the Concord nonprofit leader at its 102nd Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year Award event on Wednesday, November 3 at the Grappone Conference Center.

The Chamber says all are welcome to attend this in-person celebration of Snodgrass's positive impact on the Greater Concord community.

Snodgrass has served as Executive Director at Second Start for 47 years, proving time and time again to be instrumental in providing educational opportunities for all members of the capital region community.

"Everything Jim has done has been to give back to the people of Concord and surrounding areas," says Chris Blanchard, of Implied Networks LLC.

Under Snodgrass' leadership, the organization quickly grew from a handful of part-time staff offering a few adult classes and minimal childcare to the robust organization it is today.

This key organization now serves adults, job-seekers, at-risk youth, and Concord's New American communities.

Snodgrass moved the organization out of a church basement and into the West Concord Firehouse until the organization could expand even further into the historic Garrison Elementary School.

Expanding the organization physically has allowed Second Start to offer robust childcare services, spanning from infant care to afterschool programs for grades one through five.

Snodgrass established the Alternative High School program to support older children who were not successful in a traditional school setting.

Second Start also works closely with schools through its substance misuse prevention programs.

But Snodgrass didn't stop there. He established the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, which have grown and adapted as Concord has become more diverse. Between 2012 and 2014, this program's enrollment surpassed all other adult classes combined.

"I did not know how to speak or write English. It was very difficult for me to look for a job and try to improve my future in this country," said an ESL student in a statement. "Second Start is a blessing in my life. Now I feel like my fears are gone and my freedom is here."

"Jim has made a critical impact on the Greater Concord community," said Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce President Tim Sink. "This award represents the Chamber’s highest honor, and we are thrilled to recognize such a worthy recipient."

The Chamber's 102nd Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year award event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. P

The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by a plated dinner, and culminates in the Citizen of the Year presentation ceremony.

Register online at concordnhchamber.com/key-events or call (603) 224-2508.