About NH Granite State Ambassadors

About: We are over 1800 strong since 1996. Our professional GSA certification program not only leaves our graduates with our “Its Always Sunny in New Hampshire” attitude, it gives our volunteers and industry friends a broad overview of the state’s industries and its recreational resources with presentations from over 20 speakers from around New Hampshire.

Our professional GSA volunteers collectively serve an average of 20,000 hours and passionately assist well over 100,000 guests to our state each year at over 20 visitor information centers and 20 special events. They are true New Hampshire Information Specialists.

Mission: The Granite State Ambassadors program is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the informational needs of guests and residents of the State of New Hampshire through in-depth training and active participation of our certified Ambassadors.

Our Core Values: We believe in volunteerism, participation, and cooperation.We believe in training and demonstrating the essence of NH Hospitality.We believe that the following two themes define this “essence”:

            Citizen Responsibility: A belief that individual citizens can and will take responsibility for our future.

            Living Landscape: A strong attachment to the environment of the state, including both its natural resources and its built environments.

In short, we believe that New Hampshire will only be a good place to visit if it continues to be a good place to live. Visitors will come only if we work proactively to retain our scenic open spaces, rich historic and cultural attractions, and livable communities, as well as the social structure that values individuals and permits them regular opportunities to pitch in and make a difference.

Award-Winning Organization

2022 – Volunteer Service Award in Volunteer Champion Category Awarded at Volunteer NH’s Spirit of NH Awards

2018 – Volunteer Service Award in Group Category
Awarded at Volunteer NH’s Spirit of NH Awards

2015 – NH Travel Council “Tourism Person of the Year” Awarded by the NH Travel Council to Board Chair, Gretchen Ziegler

2012 – “Volunteer Champion Award” – For volunteerism at its best. Awarded by Volunteer NH
2012 – “2012 Top 20 Businesses in NH” – Awarded by New Hampshire Herald

2009 – “Profile Award” – In recognition of strength and character based on contributions to the state in preserving New Hampshire’s heritage, culture, resources, traditions, and history. Awarded by Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund

2007 – “Governor’s Commendation” – For 10 Years of Service to New Hampshire. Awarded by NH Resource & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald for Gov. John Lynch

2004 – “NH Business of the Year” – Tourism/Hospitality. Awarded by Business NH Magazine and the NH Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

2004 – “Granite Pineapple Industry Leader” – Awarded to Bill Petersen, GSA President by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for his tourism leadership in the city of Manchester

2003 – “Most Valuable Volunteer(s)” – National Award – Nominated by NH Lodging & Restaurant Association. Awarded by American Hotel & Lodging Association

2003 – “Yankee Barn Raiser” – Awarded to Bill Petersen, GSA President by Yankee Magazine for his service as president of GSA Inc. and to the state of New Hampshire

2000 – “Very Best Volunteers In NH” – Awarded by NH Magazine and voted for by the residents of New Hampshire

1997 – “Tourism Person of the Year” – Awarded to Judi Window, GSA Managing Director by the NH Travel Council for Development of the Granite State Ambassadors Program