Award recipients recognized for their exceptional work helping businesses access capital.

From left to right:

Earle Rosse, Service Credit Union (accepting for David Weed) Bond Deal of the Year

Adam Johnston, Cambridge Trust (accepting for Jerry Bazata) CAP Lender of the Year

James Key Wallace, Executive Director NHBFA

Jim Lynch, Claremont Savings Bank, Loan Participation of the Year

Christine Bascetta, Walden Mutual Bank, Loan Guarantee of the Year

Sue Perry, Union Bank, Community Impact Award

Concord, NH – October 13, 2023 – The New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (NHBFA) is pleased to announce the honorees of this year’s Granite State Awards, a testament to their outstanding contributions in assisting Granite State companies in accessing vital capital for business growth.

For the third consecutive year, the NHBFA has celebrated the dedication and achievements of five exceptional lenders in New Hampshire who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to leverage BFA programs, facilitating loans that have been instrumental in driving success for local businesses.

James Key-Wallace, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, expressed his gratitude, stating, “These outstanding lenders have tirelessly helped New Hampshire businesses to thrive. The Granite State Awards honor their critical role in creating jobs and boosting our economy. Working with the BFA, our local businesses can secure the capital necessary to grow and provide high-quality jobs for “Granite Staters”.

The celebratory event was held at the Factory on Willow in Manchester, where the following lenders received well-deserved recognition:

1. David Weed of Service Federal Credit Union received the award for “Bond Deal of the Year” for the $72,500,000 New Balance Athletics project in Londonderry, set to create 250 new jobs.

2. Sue Perry of Union Bank was honored with the “Community Impact Award” for her instrumental role in securing financing for Foster’s Crossroads in Twin Her efforts will help rebuild this historic marketplace in New Hampshire’s North Country, ensuring that the local community has access to essential groceries and supplies.

3. Jim Lynch of Claremont Savings Bank received the “Loan Participation of the Year” award for his role in supporting Montshire Packing in North This transaction safeguards a critical meat processing facility for local farms, preserving local control and operations.

4. Jerry Bazata of Cambridge Trust was recognized as the “CAP Lender of the ” CAP, which stands for Capital Access Program, helps small businesses access loans of up to $500,000. Bazata’s outstanding contributions led to the successful closure of 14 CAP loans amounting to $1,794,000, supporting 124 jobs across the state.

5. Christine Bascetta of Walden Mutual Bank received the esteemed “Loan Guarantee of the Year” award for her exceptional work with Rustic Her efforts played a pivotal role in supporting a significant new contract with a national retailer, resulting in substantial growth for Rustic Crust who employs over 130 people in Pittsfield.

About the NHBFA:

The New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (NHBFA) was established with the aim of fostering economic development and employment opportunities in New Hampshire. The NHBFA achieves these objectives by collaborating with New Hampshire’s banking, business, and economic development sectors to expand the availability of credit in the state. The NHBFA’s diverse customer base includes manufacturers, small and medium-sized businesses, high- growth industries, healthcare providers, and nonprofit educational and cultural organizations.

For more information about the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, please contact the BFA at 603-415-0190 or visit their website at NHBFA.com.

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