This month, Meet A Senior’s Anita Hickey talks with Mark Coen. He is the owner of Page Belting Co., a small business. Mark currently serves as a Concord city councilor.
How did you decide to come to Concord?
In 1969, I was stationed in New Castle with the U.S. Coast Guard. It was the end of my tour of duty, and I needed to decide if I wanted to return to my hometown of Tulsa, Okla., or stay in New Hampshire. Tracy, my wife, was from Concord, so the decision to live here was easy.
After graduation from college, where was your first job?
I interned at Swenson Granite in Concord. After I completed my internship, David Swenson offered me employment with his new company, Swenson Building Granite Co. My position was a salesman for the organization.
In 1992, after 17 years with Lawson Products Inc., I accepted a position as vice president of sales for Page Belting Co. Eight years later, I became general manager. In 2000, I purchased the company and am now the owner of a very old New Hampshire business. Page Belting Co. is a company that manufactures belting for power-driven machinery since 1868.
As a 40-year resident of Concord, what is your opinion of our community?
Concord was an exceptional city to raise our two daughters. They had access to a superb education, sports, friendships and a wonderful quality of life. One thing that I have always noticed about Concord is the exceptional quality of our neighborhoods. You can drive by a certain area of our city and see buildings that are in desperate need of repairs. Later you might return to the area and you will notice that someone has purchased the property and is in the midst of renovating it. One can feel safe in any area of our city. Concord residents are fortunate that we are a community that cares and (people) are willing to help one another.
What influenced you to run for elected office?
I had spent time on boards and committees and working with nonprofits, so I felt that I could contribute to being a member of our city council. My first attempt at elective office was running for ward councilor over 20 years ago. I was unsuccessful and lost the ward council election. When the at-large councilor seat was open, I decided to try again. I felt that my background would be useful in the fiscal management of our city.
What is your vision for our city in the next 10 years?
(My) first priority is continuing the good quality of life for citizens . . . but still keep the tax rate as low as possible. We must keep in mind that we have a commitment to provide and plan for $34 million towards retirement costs. . . . Concord is fortunate because about 350 citizens give their time on boards and advisory committees.
With your busy schedule do you have a chance to enjoy a night out in our city?
A night out in Concord has much to offer. We have great restaurants, great entertainment, and a lot of fun things to do. The citizens of Concord should get out and support the fabulous entertainment that our city offers.
