SHAHEEN TO ACCEPT “NEW ENGLANDER OF THE YEAR” AWARD

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) will accept the New England Council’s “New Englander of the Year” award Tuesday at a ceremony in Boston. The award honors residents of New England for their leadership and impact on the region’s quality of life and economy. 

“I am honored to receive this award and to have the opportunity to address the New England businesses community about my work to spur economic growth and help our region stay competitive. I’ll continue to look for opportunities to make New Hampshire and New England great places to do business,” said Shaheen, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee. “I am grateful to the New England Council, which plays such an important role in helping to inform Congress and the public about issues that are critical to New England’s economic future.”

“Senator Shaheen has truly been a trailblazer in U.S. politics, and counts many ‘firsts’ on her impressive resume,” said New England Council President & CEO James T. Brett.  “The Senator has been a strong advocate for the state of New Hampshire, but she also understands the importance of working with fellow New Englanders on both sides of the aisle on issues that impact our entire region.”

First presented in 1964, the annual “New Englander of the Year” awards have been presented to U.S. Senators and Representatives, cabinet secretaries, CEOs, leaders of non-profit organizations, and other leaders who have contributed to the region.  Last year’s recipients were Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Northeast Utilities Chairman Charles Shivery. 

The award will be presented at the organization’s 2011 Annual Dinner in Boston Tuesday night. 

The New England Council, the country’s oldest regional business organization, is an alliance of businesses, academic and health institutions, and public and private organizations throughout New England formed to promote economic growth and a high quality of life in the region.