Rye, N.H.-based nonprofit recognized for its statewide impact on the skilled trades workforce

CONCORD, NH — July 9, 2026 — Bring Back the Trades, Inc. (BBTT), a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring the dignity, opportunity, and pride of America's skilled trades, has been named the recipient of the New Hampshire Advantage Award by the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA). The award will be presented at BIA's 113th Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Hotel.

The New Hampshire Advantage Award, sponsored by Bank of America, honors an individual, business, or organization for extraordinary work on a specific initiative that helps preserve New Hampshire's special character and quality of life. BIA's Annual Dinner is the state's largest business networking event, drawing hundreds of business, political, and civic leaders from across New Hampshire each year.

“I can honestly say that Bring Back the Trades has come a long way, and that is only possible because of the incredible support of our network and the hard work and dedication of our country's skilled trades workers,” said Steve Turner, Founder & CEO of Bring Back the Trades, reacting to the announcement for the award. He continued to say “I am especially proud of the team I've had the privilege to organize. Their passion, commitment, and willingness to work together have made all of this possible, and this recognition belongs to every one of them.”

Founded in Rye, New Hampshire, Bring Back the Trades works to close the gap between the demand for skilled workers and the number of young people entering the trades. The organization awards monthly scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in fields such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive technology, and manufacturing, and hosts hands-on Skills Expos and career fairs that connect students, parents, and educators with trade professionals and employers. In the past year, BBTT has expanded its reach with events across New Hampshire and Maine, including the Skills Expos in Londonderry, NH and Portland, ME, as well as its Tradeapalooza Career Fair, which featured national trades advocate Mike Rowe, and distributed six figures in scholarships to New Hampshire students in a single event.

“We couldn’t be more excited to honor Bring Back the Trades at this year’s Annual Dinner. Steve and his small but mighty team are closing the skilled trades labor gap, supporting New Hampshire's economic competitiveness, and building a pipeline of workers for the trades," said Michael Skelton, President & CEO of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire.

The Annual Dinner also recognizes individual honorees with BIA's Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Whelen Engineering. This year's full list of honorees will be announced soon.

Tickets and sponsorship information for BIA's 113th Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration are available at biaofnh.com.

About Bring Back the Trades, Inc.

Bring Back the Trades, Inc. is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Rye, New Hampshire, founded by Steve Turner. Learn more at bringbackthetrades.org.

About the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire

The Business & Industry Association (BIA) is the unifying voice of business in New Hampshire, championing a competitive business climate and a prosperous economic future for the state. Learn more at biaofnh.com.

Michael Skelton is president and CEO of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire. Visit BIAofNH.com.