Windsor Brooks Business of the Year Award
Awarded annually to a Greater Monadnock Collaborative member business in good standing, this award honors the legacy of Windsor Brooks (1915–2002).
History
A longtime Keene business leader, Windsor entered the family business, Goodnow’s Department Store on Main Street, after returning from service in World War II. He was known for his forward-thinking approach and belief that businesses thrive through collaboration. In the early 1980s, when the Colony Mill Marketplace opened, he welcomed it as an expansion of downtown rather than a threat, championing the idea that businesses working together strengthen the entire community.
Windsor was also deeply committed to civic engagement. He helped found the Keene Community Chest in 1952, whose red feather symbol became associated with its community fundraising efforts. This organization later became what we know today as Monadnock United Way. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce, which is now the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber. His leadership extended to numerous nonprofits, including Monadnock Family Services and Cheshire Medical Center.
The first Windsor Brooks Business of the Year Award was presented in 2002 to Granite Bank.
The Windsor Brooks Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that demonstrates:
- Strong community involvement and a commitment to service reflected in its mission, vision, and/or values.
- Successful and healthy business operations.
- Goods, services, and/or strong employment opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents of the Greater Monadnock Region.
- Leadership within its industry or the region.
Businesses are eligible to receive this award once every five award years.
The selection committee is comprised of award recipients from the previous five years. The winner is chosen from businesses nominated, based on evidence given of the following weighted criteria. At its discretion, the selection committee may request clarifications or supplemental information.
Community Involvement (high weight):
- Includes community involvement and service in its mission, vision, or values.
- Has a formal strategy for community involvement.
- Provides paid time off for employees to participate in community service and/or has employees, including principals, who serve on nonprofit boards.
- Supports the community through significant contributions of money, goods, or services.
- Has highlighted participation in up to three projects of significant value to the community.
- Demonstrates that its participation in the highlighted projects was instrumental to their success.
Success and Health of the Business (medium weight):
- Appears to be meeting its financial objectives over time.
- Provides goods or services essential to a good quality of life for residents of the Greater Monadnock Region.
- Is a strong employer for residents of the Greater Monadnock Region.
- Is a recognized leader within its industry or the region.
Impression (low weight):
- Conveys a strong overall impression through the nomination materials.
- Contributes to the Greater Monadnock Collaborative through board service, provision of speakers, financial sponsorship, or other support.
- Has a strong reputation as a good business.
We recommend that you type your answers in advance and paste them into the online nomination form fields, so you don't lose your answers in the event of a computer glitch or power/internet outage. Download this form as a Word document to type your answers.
Please submit your nomination here: 2026 Business of the Year Nomination Form
1. Contact Information
a. Business Name
b. Address and Website
c. Name of Chief Executive/Owner
d. Business Contact Person's Name, Email Address, and Phone Number
e. Nominating Person's Name, Email Address, and Phone Number
2. Business Information
a. Form of business (i.e. sole proprietor, privately-held, publicly-held, government agency, etc.)
b. Type of business/industry (i.e. healthcare, manufacturing, banking, etc.)
c. Number of years in business
d. Number of years as a member of GMC Regional Chamber (and its predecessors if applicable)
e. Cite the organization’s mission statement
3. Service to the Greater Monadnock Region
a. How is community involvement reflected in the company's culture?
b. Describe the company’s involvement in the Greater Monadnock Region – discuss contributions/in-kind support/sponsorship of community-oriented activities.
c. Highlight up to three examples of special projects benefiting the community that the company has undertaken in the last year.
d. Describe the participation of employees in community service activities – discuss volunteer services, membership on committees, participation in organization, government institutions etc.
4. Summary
a. What is special or unique about this organization that merits recognition as the 2026 GMC Business of the Year?
