Derry Londonderry Chamber Names Both Citizen, Business of the Year

From the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce:

The Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the 2013 Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year Awards. Each of these awards is presented annually at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Business Meeting. The common thread is that winners are individuals who have made significant contributions in their community and have proven longevity and commitment to the betterment of society. In keeping with that tradition, the awards will go to: Citizen of the Year – John R Michels (Londonderry, NH) and Business of the Year –Amphora Restaurant (Derry, NH). 

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made contributions in some of the following areas: outstanding leadership, civic pride, exemplary vision, community contributions, religious activities, charitable/non-profit programs, educational programs and/or has enhanced the environment of this community. 

John R Michels: John Michels was known to so many, not only in his home town of Londonderry but the Greater Derry and Manchester areas as well. Folks from Londonderry loving referred to him as the "Town's Attorney" though he was not. Mr. Michels did however practice law alongside his wife Nancy in their Londonderry based firm, Michels & Michels. 

Mr. Michels was a very active member of the Derry Londonderry and Manchester Chambers of Commerce. He served as Town Moderator in Londonderry for years and most recently served as School District Moderator and Assistant Town Moderator. John also served as State Representative for two terms, Constitutional Convention delegate for two terms and a sponsor of the successful Equal Rights Amendment and the Right to Know Amendment. He was the Campaign Director for the New Hampshire Primary for President Gerald Ford, as well as the New England Regional Campaign Director of the Presidential Race. Sadly, Mr. Michels lost his battle with leukemia this past February, but has left his mark on all who knew him. 

Mr. Michels' service to his country and his community took many forms: He served as First Lieutenant QMC, 29th Civil Affairs Company with the United States Army and served in Vietnam; He was a State Representative for two terms, Constitutional Convention delegate for two terms and a sponsor of the successful Equal Rights Amendment and the Right to Know Amendment; He was the Campaign Director for the New Hampshire Primary for President Gerald Ford, as well as the New England Regional Campaign Director of the Presidential Race; He served as Town Moderator (Londonderry) for years and at the time of his death was serving as School District Moderator and Assistant Town Moderator. He served as a member of the Londonderry Sewer Commission and at the time of his death was also serving on the LondonderryInternational Exchange Committee. 

He was a very active Member and Director of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Access Greater Manchester project as well as a Director of the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce serving on the Government Connections Committee, as well as serving on the Hiring Committee which selected the new Executive Director last fall.

Sadly, Mr. Michels lost his battle with leukemia this past February, but has left his mark on all who knew him.

Amphora Restaurant: Amphora’s cuisine has been a special treat to patrons since opening their doors, providing authentic Greek fare and outstanding customer service.  This award, however, is not strictly about the food…but the compassion, dedication and good citizenship of Peter Tsoupelis (owner) and his volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Relay For Life of Derry and Londonderry for the past four years.   During that time Peter has donated his time and food to cater the Survivor Reception/Dinner at the Relay For Life.  To give you an idea of the magnitude of this contribution, the group has recognized an average of 150 cancer survivors during each of the last four Relays, and the Survivor Dinner includes the Survivor and their primary caregiver. 

Peter has donated a complete meal and his time; he brings his grill and cooks the dinner on site at the Relay, taking time away from his paying customers in order to bring something special to those impacted by cancer.  He feeds them body and soul.  That he has done all this throughout the years of economic downturn, with no thought to personal gain, is nothing short of amazing.  Peter has also signed on to continue this tradition at the 2014 Relay for Life next June. 

Peter doesn’t limit his community service to the Relay for Life.  Other organizations and events he supports with unselfish generosity include: Community Caregivers of Greater Derry, The Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, Derry Parks and Recreation Senior Citizens events, Volunteers in Education, St. Thomas Aquinas School, and he’s started "Charity Nights at Amphora," where he'll donate a percentage of the nights’ sales to a charitable organization.  He is also a member of the DerryLondonderry Chamber of Commerce and hosted a Business After Hours at his restaurant this summer.

If his community service wasn’t enough, Peter has truly brought the Greek culture to our area.  He loves to educate and inspire patrons with exposure to Greek art, music and, of course, delicious cuisine.

It might be said that you can tell the true success of a business by its employees, and especially by employee turnover.  This is another facet of business in which Peter and Amphora truly shine.  His employees are dedicated, loyal and seldom leave except to go to college.  Why?  In his words, he treats employees like family.  He has been known to help out employees who are in need and support them in other intangible ways.  One of his employees received the Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 business scholarship.  Caroline even brought her family there to celebrate after graduation, which speaks volumes to employee loyalty.

Peter Tsoupelis has brought more than fine Greek dining to Derry; he has brought a restaurant that truly embraces its role as a community business.  Again, in his own words, “I work here, I live a mile away, and so I want to bring integrity into all I do here in the restaurant and in the community.”  And from his website, “We understand that we have a responsibility to participate, to help our neighbors, and we're committed to that philosophy.”  Peter Tsoupelis and Amphora Fine Greek Dining truly Set the Pace for businesses in our community. 

This year, the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, with Citizen of the Year Award sponsor Citizen’s Bank and Business of the Year Sponsor Public Service of New Hampshire, are very pleased to present these most prestigious awards to John Michels and Amphora Restaurant. The presentations will take place on October 10th at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration. The Festivities will be held at The Atkinson Resort & Country Club in Atkinson, New Hampshire and will begin with cocktails and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m.  Dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m., with the presentation of awards immediately following. Tickets are $50 per person, with tables of 8 available. For additional information or to purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber Office at 432-8205. Visit us www.GDLChamber.org for details and winner bios.