The New Hampshire Retail Association is proud to recognize two deserving leaders with their prestigious annual awards. Senator Birdsell, representing District 19, is this year’s Legislator of the Year. Sergeant Carl Root, of the Rochester Police Department, is the 2023 Law Enforcement Partner of the Year.
Each year, the NH Retail Association honors one legislator who displays a deep understanding and appreciation for policies that affect the retail industry. The honorary Legislator of the Year exhibits a strong commitment to retail-friendly policy, which may vary from monumental singular legislation to a multitude of legislation that demonstrates their industry support.
In 2022, Senator Birdsell was the prime sponsor of SB355, requiring online marketplaces to disclose certain information to consumers, better known as the INFORM Act. Senator Birdsell worked tirelessly and garnered bipartisan support in the Senate where the bill passed unanimously. While the bill ultimately did not make it to the Governor’s desk, Senator Birdsell remained engaged in the issue and was prepared to renew the fight until the bill was adopted by Congress and signed by President Biden.
Senator Birdsell has been a tireless advocate for the NH Advantage, worked diligently to reduce business taxes, and established business-friendly tax policies that have led to outstanding business growth in the state of New Hampshire. She also continues to be a strong supporter of first responders and mental health, serving as Chair of the Commission to Study Incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in First Responders. “Senator Birdsell has advocated for policies and laws that maintain and advance New Hampshire’s strong retail climate and actively worked to oppose restrictive legislation. The Retail Association is grateful for all of her efforts on behalf of the business community,” stated Curtis Picard, President, and CEO, of the New Hampshire Retail Association.
Awarded annually, the NH Retail Association’s Law Enforcement Partner of the Year award recognizes an outstanding member of the law enforcement community who has gone above and beyond to help retailers and successfully opened the lines of communication between retailers and law enforcement. It is with great honor that Sergeant Root is recognized for his expert investigation skills that have resulted in thwarting the effects of organized retail theft in the greater Rochester area.
Sergeant Root began his career in law enforcement in 1993 with the New City York Police Department, where he served 26 years, before retiring from his position of Detective Sergeant in 2019. In 2019, he and his family relocated to New Hampshire where he emerged from retirement and was hired by the Rochester Police Department. After a year of being in the role of Patrolman, he was promoted to Detective, where he served in that rank for two years. During that time, he investigated numerous crimes, ranging from retail theft to homicide.
In August of 2022, he was promoted to Sergeant and he presently serves in the Patrol Bureau of the Rochester Police Department. Serving in his current assignment, he stresses the importance of combatting organized retail theft to the younger career officers and helps convey the widespread impact that it has on everyone. Additionally, he assists the seasoned patrol officers overseeing their work for best practice techniques while ensuring that cases are processed to the Investigative Bureau faster – with the goal of successful prosecutions. Chief Gary Boudreau commented, “I am thrilled and honored that Carl was chosen for this award, he is an asset to the Rochester Police Department and the community.”
Lawmakers and retail industry partners will gather on February 16th at the 57th Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Retail Association for formal celebrations and in-person recognition. The Annual Meeting will be at the Holiday Inn in Concord starting at 11 am.
About the New Hampshire Retail Association
The New Hampshire Retail Association is a statewide, non-profit trade association representing more than 350 businesses, from small independent retailers to large national multi-store retailers. Formed in 1966, the New Hampshire Retail Association serves as the voice of retailing in New Hampshire and concentrates on preserving the state’s strong retail climate. Our mission is to advocate for, promote and support New Hampshire retailers. For more information on the New Hampshire Retail Association, check our website, email us, or call our offices at 603-225-9748.