Sammy Snail wins "Best of Show" at NH.com Internet Awards

(Manchester, NH -- March 2, 2005) A Web site for children, Sammy Snail and Friends, was chosen as Best of Show at the Seventh Annual New Hampshire Internet Awards March 9th at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. The event was hosted by NH.com, the state's premier site for news, information and events, and sponsored by New Hampshire Community Technical College in Nashua, Ektron, PC Connection, WMUR Channel 9, and WZID 94.5.

The site, designed by Portsmouth-based Hatchling Interactive, was recognized in the Best Site for Kids category and selected as the Best of Show by all 13 judges. More than 200 sites were nominated in 22 categories representing every economic sector in the state: health care, automotive, real estate, public service, government, media, retail and service, as well as sites related to schools, kids, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and business in general. Ninety-two different designers and companies were represented in the contest.

"This year's contest was extremely competitive," said Kathy Schwartz, NH.com new media manager. "All of the sites entered were excellent and the Best of Show selection was particularly difficult for our judges. Once again, we're very proud to be able to offer this awards program for the state."

The continuing growth and success of the Internet Awards is indicative of the strong, innovative character of New Hampshire's economy and workforce, commented Schwartz.

Beyond promoting Web sites as an integral part of any company's business plan, this year's Awards also raised awareness of the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). CHaD staff members were available to answer questions and accept a donation on behalf of the NH Internet Awards to help further the hospital's use of technology in the care of their pediatric patients.