NE Council to honor 3 New Englanders

The New England Council said yesterday it will give three New England residents "New Englander of the Year" honors.

Peter Meade, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, U.S. Representative Barney Frank, and James Wright, president of Dartmouth College, will all be honored.

According to the council's press release, the awards are given out annually to individuals "based on their commitment and contributions in their fields of work and leadership and impact on the region's quality of life and economy."

"We are pleased to honor these outstanding recipients," said Council President James T. Brett in the press release. "From business and higher education to public service, these honorees are some of the most influential champions of the region whose contributions are making dynamic changes in the region's landscape."

The New England Council is an alliance of large and small companies, educational institutions, nonprofit and other agencies dedicated to promoting economic development and a high quality of life in the six-state region.
(By Se Young Lee, Globe correspondent)