The Northeastern University Center for Family Business recently held its 12th annual awards program celebrating family business success.
2018 applicants represented a wide range of industries from all across the state, with a combined 1,186 years in business. Some finalists have even reached the fifth generation, a feat accomplished by less than three percent of family businesses.
Held in Northeastern's East Village Hall, the ceremony began with opening remarks from Dunton Family Dean Raj Echambadi.
Honors included:
Marshall Paisner Award for Small Firms
First place: R.W. Holmes Realty (Wayland)
Second place: Fairbanks Energy Services (Hingham)
Third place: Henry Camosse & Son (Worcester)
James F. Molloy, Jr. Award for Medium-Sized Firms
First place: Massa Products Corporation (Hingham)
Second place: GraVoc (Peabody)
Third place: Dion's Fine Wine, Spirits, Craft Beer (Waltham)
Thomas E. Moore Award for Large Firms
First place: Seaman Paper Company (Gardner)
Second place: Hub Folding Box (Mansfield)
Third place: John Nagle Co (Boston)
Presented by Middlesex Savings Bank in conjunction with the Center for Family Business, the Award for Community Involvement was presented to PK Walsh Hair Solutions for Women (Norwood). The award was created to acknowledge a company that has had a notable positive impact on the local community.
An “Unsung Hero” certificate of special recognition and citation was given to Driveways by Heap (Hanson) to commend the company's selfless act of kindness shown to a local family in need earlier this year.
The Employee Appreciation Award and $1,000 honorarium was given to Chris Wright of New England Label (Andover). Sponsored by Marshall Paisner, the Employee Appreciation category rewards an outstanding non-family member whose dedication and loyalty have contributed to the company's growth and overall success.
The Northeastern University Center for Family Business created the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards to honor family businesses across the state. For the last eleven years, recipients of the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards have been selected by a panel of independent judges based on the following criteria: business success, positive business and family linkages, multi-generational family involvement, contributions to the community and industry, and innovative business practices or strategies.