Bernier, Carr is Business of Year
Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown, was named Business of the Year on Friday by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.
The engineering, architecture, land surveying and construction management firm was founded in 1970 and now employs 117 people.
Bernard H. Brown Jr., chief executive officer, said he was humbled by the selection.
"We're just tickled," he said. "There are so many fine businesses in the community that deserve recognition for all they do. In my mind, there should be multiple awards every year."
The announcement came at an award breakfast Friday morning.
Bernier, Carr & Associates also was nominated last year. This year, it beat out Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, New York Air Brake Co., Slack Chemical and Westelcom.
Karen K. Delmonico, president and chief executive officer of the chamber, said the five nominees show the depth of the business community in the north country.
"The fact that we have such strong nominees each year is really representative of the strong community we have," she said. "I'm proud that all of them are Jefferson County businesses."
The engineering firm was chosen based on its growth during nearly 40 years and contributions to the community. The engineering firm also received a proclamation from state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine. Mr. Brown credited the number of school district, municipal, medical and nonprofit projects in the works for the growth.
The firm was named to the 2008 PSMJ Circle of Excellence, by PSMJ Resources Inc., Newton, Mass., the premier consulting firm for architecture, engineering and construction.
"You are only as successful as the people you surround yourself with," Mr. Brown said. "We have attracted very talented individuals — they are our core and our strength."
The company established a scholarship at Jefferson Community College in 1998. The firm also has a summer internship for college students, which has had more than 500 participants since 1970.
The Business of the Year Award is sponsored by the Watertown Daily Times, Watertown Savings Bank, Clarence Henry Coach and Kinney Drugs.
