HAMPTON — Valerie Laker, manager of the two New Hampshire Stores on I-95 in Hampton at both the northbound and southbound rest area locations, was awarded the "Pride of New England" Award at the recent Boston Gift Show. This program recognizes retailers in the New England states for their excellence in customer service, creative merchandising and community involvement. Laker was one of six retailers chosen for this award from a nominating pool of more than 40 stores throughout New England.

The two New Hampshire Stores are owned by the nonprofit organization New Hampshire Made, a membership-based marketing organization that created the "New Hampshire's Own: A Product of Yankee Pride" brand-identity program for New Hampshire's small businesses.

The New Hampshire Stores' unique location on I-95 is due to a cooperative agreement between New Hampshire Made and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission that operates retail outlets at both Hampton rest areas. The first New Hampshire Store opened at the northbound rest area in 1999 and the southbound store opened in 2001.