Hunt’s Photo and Video
Retailer of the Year
From L to R: Richard Yagjian, Scott Farber, RAMAE Chairman Rick Segel and Michael Mitchell.
Established in 1889, Hunt’s Photo is a true Massachusetts institution. What originally began as a photo and drug store, transformed fully in the 1990’s away from the pharmacy business to focus solely on the photo and video line. As New England's largest retailer of photo, video and digital imaging products, Hunt’s ensure that “every client feels comfortable with their purchase and confident in its use.” Catering to students, hobbyists, and photo and video professionals, Hunt's Photo helps customers choose the right equipment for all of their imaging needs.
Hunt's makes personal service part of every purchase. As a major supplier to the consumer, professional, educational and government markets, Hunt's maintains a well-stocked inventory of photo, video and digital imaging equipment from every major manufacturer.
A family business, a Malden Center drugstore run by pharmacist Solomon Farber and his sons, Hunt's began building its camera business during the 1950s under the visionary leadership of Solomon's son, Jack. As interest in photography grew and small neighborhood pharmacies disappeared, Hunt's began shifting its emphasis away from the pharmacy business and into the business of cameras and accessories. By 1992, the pharmacy closed and imaging equipment became Hunt's primary focus.
Led today by Jack's sons, Scott and Gary, Hunt's proudly serves a diverse audience of individual, corporate, educational, and government clients as one of the country's largest retailers of photographic, video and digital imaging products. Hunt's 30,000 square foot flagship store in Melrose is truly a sight to see, and after visiting the store and talking to the employees, it’s easy to see how this great retailer is able to compete, and thrive, against their national and online competitors.
www.huntsphotoandvideo.com
Chianti Tuscan Restaurant & Jazz Lounge
Restaurant of the Year
Richard Marino and son Luke.
For most of the past two decades, Chianti’s Tuscan Restaurant and Jazz Lounge in Beverly has been a hidden jewel of the North Shore. But today, with outstanding food, jazz entertainment, service and ambiance, Chianti’s is no longer hidden. This downtown Beverly anchor today represents a well-known, high quality destination for a night out at affordable prices. Open seven nights a week, with six nights of live jazz, Chianti’s is beginning their 20th year in business. In 2007, Chianti’s owner Rich Marino expanded their footprint and added to their restaurant by opening the jazz lounge. Beverly has a long history as a jazz destination on the North Shore, and Chianti’s now fills a void left 25 years ago after Sandy’s Jazz Revival closed their doors. Award winning food and drinks with outstanding service in a romantic setting creates a unique experience which can be extended for hours by staying on to hear quality jazz musicians. Word of mouth promotion, as well as a quality website boosts the visibility and success of this high quality Italian restaurant and jazz lounge.
http://chiantibeverly.com/
Jaho Coffee Roasters & Tea Merchants
Rookie of the Year
Anil Mezini and Nikoletta Jaho with Rick Segel.
Jaho Coffee Roasters and Tea Merchants is a unique combination of European and Asian influences. Owner Anil Mezini grew up in Albania and traveled throughout Italy experiencing the most flavorful roasts and brews that Italy to offer. He then made his way to the US to attend Salem State University. While there, he participated in an exchange program that took him to Japan. He became interested in the Tea Market and continued his travels all over Asia. He also became intrigued with the method of syphon coffee. He brought back not only the syphon process of brewing coffee and his love of tea, but combined it with the peaceful and tranquil environment of a slow paced life. It is evident in the décor of the coffee house that no detail was overlooked. While upscale, it looks like a cross between an apothecary and a chemistry lab. He continues to be one of only two coffee shops in the US that uses this method. Located in Salem, at Pickering Wharf, Jaho has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
www.jaho.com
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
Advertising & Promotion
Goodwill President and CEO, Joanne Hilferty with Rick Segel.
Countless families and individuals benefit from Goodwill every year. Whether it’s the ability to buy used clothing or household items at the store or receive job training for individuals with barriers to employment, they are definitely a business that gives back. But how does a company like this increase revenue? Unfortunately, part of their increase is a sign of the economy. However, the rest comes from hard work and a new advertising campaign. They have a new branding campaign called the “I Will” campaign. The idea is that everyone feels connected and committed using “I Will” to make them feel involved. Whether it’s used by a donor, following the signs for “I Will Donate” or “I Will Help,” by a volunteer working at their Thanksgiving dinner, the “I Will” campaign has made a difference. Their stores are being redesigned with new floor plans and fixtures. Signage is consistent with the campaign and new price topper signs include their motto of “independence and dignity through work”. Their flagship store on Harrison Avenue in Boston is one of the three stores that have already completed the renovations and with sales increasing there is definitely, a much deserved, “I Will Succeed” feeling.
www.goodwillmass.org
Watson’s Candies
Community Service
Michael and Virginia Griffin with Rick Segel.
Watson's Candies was founded in 1932 by Douglas and Doris Watson in Walpole, MA. Current owners, Virginia and Michael Griffin purchased the business some 24 years ago and have carried on the long tradition of perfecting the art of making the gourmet, hand-dipped chocolate, preserving all of the original recipes. However, over the years they have added a new key ingredient to the mix, community service. The Griffins, years ago, adopted Longview Farm, a residential program for emotionally disturbed boys ages 10 to 17 years old. What started as simple donations of candy and sweets around the holidays, quickly evolved into full work programs for the boys in the store. As Virginia would say, “Everyone has to start somewhere…many of my family members have worked in the store and the boys are no different.” In past recognition of her work with Longview, Virginia has been named The Friends of Christopher Columbus’ Person of the Year and The Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers Volunteer of the Year.
vineyard vines
Creative Concepts
Alison Neal and Andy Baum.
In 1998, brothers Shep and Ian Murray started vineyard vines® on Martha’s Vineyard, selling quality ties representing the finer places and things in life. Since then, vineyard vines® has grown into a true Massachusetts success story, expanding beyond Martha’s Vineyard and ties to 19 retail locations in 11 states across the country offering an entire line of clothing and accessories. While offering quality products and exceptional customer service has clearly played a significant role in the company’s success, its creative and innovative marketing efforts are what set vineyard vines® apart. Whether touring the country in a custom patchwork-covered Suburban, sponsoring and hosting various charitable events, or maintaining a daily blog detailing event information, product previews and behind-the-scenes stories and videos from the company and customers alike, vineyard vines® raises the bar for creative concepts in retailing.
www.vineyardvines.com
New England Fine Living
Visual Display
From L- R: Susan McIntire, Carole Smith, Linda Calder Smith, Ben Davis, Shannon Calder, and Brandon Caramiello.
New England Fine Living (NEFL) was originally just a website created in 2005 by Linda Smith as a place to share her finds and inspiration while traveling around New England and other parts of the world. This "New England" based e-magazine and lifestyle site, was created to inspire those who love to decorate their New England style home, enjoy beautiful holiday and party decorations, learn about entertaining options, wedding ideas, and possibly find just the right item that they have been looking for and dreaming about.
Last year, NEFL moved into a historic property on Main Street in Middleton to offer customers a place to view and purchase quintessential New England new and “pre-loved” home decor, furniture and gifts in a charming and ever evolving display. Whether you are a business owner looking update your businesses’ visual presentation, a residential client needing the expertise of a licensed interior designer or just looking for help planning the perfect party, a visit to NEFL will not disappoint.
www.newenglandfineliving.com
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