Chamber names Police Chief Anthony Colarusso Citizen of the Year

posted on: 12/19/2016; updated: 12/24/2016

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce this week announced the recipients of its annual awards, including Dover Police Chief Anthony F. Colarusso, Jr., who was named Citizen of the Year.

During a press conference at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Roland Lapointe of DF Richard, Citizen of the Year award underwriter, said of Colarusso, "Chief Colarusso is described by many as a man of integrity, professionalism, and dedication. Letters of support highlight his communication style as personable, direct, honest and inspiring of trust. He is a true leader, with an outgoing positive attitude and deals with his constituents in a fair, honest and transparent way. He balances a friendly and approachable demeanor with steadfast leadership."

The Chamber also named Toby Arkwell Volunteer of the Year.

"Toby’s volunteerism knows no bounds," said Jim Brannen of Federal Savings Bank. "He is that person that so many of us call on when you need someone quick to help out but don’t have a lot of time for extensive explanations or even thanks. He is a doer with a big heart and warm personality.”

The Chamber also handed out awards to HAVEN for small non-profit of the year; Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for large non-profit of the year; Bank of New Hampshire for large business of the year; and Belknap Dental Associates for small business of the year.

"These annual awards are a testament to the individuals and businesses that make Dover a great place to live, work and visit," said Chamber Board Chair Christine Sieks. "The 2017 recipients were selected from many worthy nominations submitted to a committee of chamber business and community Leaders."

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards gala on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at the Red Barn at Outlook Farm in South Berwick, Maine. For more information or tickets, visit dovernh.org.

The chamber’s recognition task force, who selected the 2017 winners, consisted of Delise West of Human Resource Partners; Cristine Sieks of Townsquare Media; Kelly Glennon of Federal Savings Bank; and Doug Glennon of Glennon Consulting.

The awards underwriters are DF Richard, sponsor of the Citizen of the Year Award; Fairpoint Communications, sponsor of the Large Business of the Year Award; Eversource, sponsor of the Small Business of the Year Award; Federal Savings Bank, sponsor of the Volunteer of the Year Award; and The Federal Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, sponsor of the Non Profit of the Year Awards.