A Legacy of Community Leadership and Philanthropy

Beyond his business achievements, Joe Berry’s most enduring legacy lies in his extraordinary commitment to community service and philanthropy. For over four decades, he quietly but consistently supported dozens of local organizations, serving on countless boards and committees while maintaining his characteristic preference for working behind the scenes.

Joe’s community contributions were vast and varied. He was instrumental in major infrastructure projects including the Ham Arena and North Conway Community Center, working tirelessly to organize donations while making substantial personal contributions to both projects. His support extended to healthcare through annual contributions to Memorial Hospital Foundation, education through his backing of local schools and the White Mountain Waldorf School, and the arts through his longtime support of the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse, Arts Jubilee, and Art In The Park.

Champion of Environmental Conservation

A passionate conservationist long before it became commonplace, Joe served on the boards of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust and Conway Lake Conservation Association for decades. He was an annual supporter of the White Mountain Nature Conservancy, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, and Mount Washington Observatory. His environmental stewardship was evident in his development practices—he famously frustrated contractors in the 1970s by refusing to allow unnecessary tree removal during construction at Attitash, helping preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Village Revitalization Pioneer

Recognizing North Conway Village as the heart of the region, Joe led by example in maintaining its vibrancy. During the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1990s, when many storefronts became vacant, he purchased buildings on Main Street and rented space to local businesses at significant discounts, focusing on “keeping the lights on” rather than maximizing profit. He transformed the old gas station across from Eastern Slope Inn into the Station House, now home to eight local businesses, and was instrumental in creating both the Connie Watson Davis Park and converting a run-down building into greenspace near the train tracks.

Dedication to Youth and Athletics

An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Joe co-founded the MWV Soccer Club and served as a volunteer with the MWV Ski Team for decades. He served on the Attitash Race Team board for 12 years and annually supported numerous youth programs including Bartlett Junior Nordic Program, Kennett High School’s Project Graduation and Key Club, and the Red Parka Pub Challenge race.

A Different Kind of Business Leader

Joe’s approach to business was marked by his commitment to his employees and community. Over his 40-year career, he provided full-time, year-round employment to over 100 people with exceptional benefits and never implemented layoffs despite weathering multiple recessions. His reputation for paying contractors within 10 days of receiving invoices made him a trusted partner throughout the region. Every commercial tenant renting from Joe was required to join the Chamber of Commerce, with dues paid on their behalf.

Recognition and Awards

In recognition of his extraordinary impact, Joe was honored as a White Mountain Treasures recipient by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2019—an award given to individuals who dedicate a lifetime of time and talent to the betterment of the Valley. Most recently, in 2024, he was awarded the Bob Morrell Award for Civic Entrepreneurship by the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council for his ongoing contributions to the region’s economic and community development.

True to his character, Joe approached all his community work with humility, believing that doing the right thing was its own reward. His legacy is one of quiet leadership, generous philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to making the Mount Washington Valley a better place for all who live, work, and visit here.