Dividends-April 2004

President’s Message
Peter Hamelin
Chamber President

As you read through the April edition of Dividends, you’ll see that your chamber has a full agenda for the next several months. So I just wanted to touch on a few of the highlights and invite you to participate.

Our next Fleet Speaker Series program is one of the most popular events of the year–the State of the City Breakfast Forum with Portsmouth City Manger John Bohenko, Superintendent of Schools Lyonel Tracey, Police Chief Michael Magnant and Fire Chief Chris LeClaire. We also are expecting Mayor Sirrell, School Board Chair Kent LePage and other city officials to be there. This is a perfect opportunity for you to come and learn what’s happening, and ask to questions about issues that affect your business, so I hope to see you there.

Your B2B Expo and Resource Fair is coming up on April 27. Last year we sold out of booths and the educational portion was a huge success, so if you haven’t signed up yet, get with Nicole Wohl, our events manager, right away. Even if you decide not to exhibit, please join us for the resource fair and learn how to partner with your peers to build your own business, and visit with representatives of more than 75 businesses who will be offering their products and services during the Business After Hours/Expo segment of the program.

On the first Sunday in May, pack up your family and join us downtown for the Fleet Children’s Day celebration. Last year 30,000 people spent the day in the living room of our community, searching Market and Deer streets for Tigger and the Cookie Monster, getting their picture taken with Winnie the Pooh, eating ice cream, learning about bike safety and a whole bunch more. Check out www.proportsmouth.org for all the sticky details.

In June, we’ll be hosting the Chamber’s two biggest fund-raisers of the year! The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Bank of New Hampshire Golf Tournament and the Annual Dinner. The tournament will be moving back to the Portsmouth Country Club. I love the Portsmouth Country Club–the grass, the views of Great Bay, the history. The committee has been working up a bunch of special surprises for you, so if you want to play, don’t delay–or you may be spending your whole day at the 19th hole.

Once again we’ll be returning to the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa June 2 for our Annual Dinner. I am really excited about this year’s event. Along with the traditional Business, Citizen and Volunteer of the Year Awards (have you nominated anyone yet? Now is the time.) we will be joined by the COO of the Boston Red Sox, Mike Dee. Mr. Dee just turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers to be their president so he could stay in Boston to be part of history when the Sox win the World Series this year! Did you see Curt Shilling on Wednesday!!! Then get ready to kick off Summer June 12 at the 27th Market Square Day–a celebration of arts, downtown business and our community! Whew I’m getting excited just writing about it!!

While we plan to have a lot of fun this Spring, there is also some serious business at hand as we work to address issues that will have a major impact on our community for years to come. One of the most immediate and pressing concerns is the effort to save the Shipyard–please read the cover article written by UNH student and intern Susan Palmer. The business community has been called on once again to step up to the plate and work side by side with Capt. Bill McDonough and the Seacoast Shipyard Association to support the 4,600 men and women who live in our community and work at the Shipyard. These are well paying, skilled, meaningful jobs that we need to protect if we hope to sustain our economic diversity and our quality of life. The SSA needs your support to effectively make its case to the government–including, but not limited to, your heart, your hands and your resources. To get involved, please contact Ginny Griffith, our business development manager.

Later this month, the leaders of seven local chambers of commerce will meet with the leadership of the Workforce Housing Coalition. The goal is to create a Business Leadership Council that will be charged with the task of creating housing for your employees. If you have issues or concerns you’d like me to bring to the table, please let me know.

This time of year, it’s easy to catch a case of Spring fever and miss the many opportunities available to you as a member. Please fight the urge and make a point to join us for some good practical business education, some networking, community advocacy and some fun. You’ll be glad you did. Enjoy.

Chamber Joins Fight to Save
the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
eCoast Members to Contribute
Action-Oriented Web Site

Communities around the country are gearing up to save their shipyards in the wake of expected defense cuts set to take place in 2005. Along with other shipyards, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s future is in jeopardy once again. The Chamber leadership recently joined the governors of New Hampshire and Maine to kick off the "Save the Shipyard" campaign and plans are underway to take a lead role in forming a taskforce to support the effort.

Congress has authorized the Department of Defense to evaluate the Navy’s needs and make a recommendation to close one of four shipyards that currently maintain and refuel nuclear- powered submarines. Former shipyard commander, Capt. William McDonough, said the Shipyard has reason for serious concern and that he hopes that the same amount of passion to keep the shipyard alive in 1995 will return.

To support the campaign, the Chamber’s eCoast Technology Roundtable has volunteered to create a website, according to Ginny Griffith, the Chamber’s business development manager. "Several businesses have stepped forward to handle various aspects of the website such as hosting and graphic design, among others," said Griffith. The site will be located at www.saveourshipyard.org in the near future.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is considered to be one of the region’s greatest resources employing more than 4,000 people from 38 communities in three states, and contributing more than $200 million to the Seacoast economy.

The Seacoast Shipyard Association is hoping to raise $150,000 from the business community. The state of Maine has already contributed $50,000 and New Hampshire has pledged to match that amount. The City of Portsmouth recently voted to contribute $10,000 and is urging local businesses to join the fundraising effort. Money will be used to support public awareness and lobbying efforts.

The strategy team, made up of other Seacoast Chambers, the Seacoast Shipyard Association and civic leaders, will meet April 30 to begin evaluating plans. Those interested in supporting the SSA’s efforts through contributions or volunteer work may contact Griffith at (603) 436-3988, ext. 14, or email ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org.  (Written by Sue Palmer, UNH Communications Intern)

"State of the City"
Breakfast Set for April 21
City Leaders to Talk About
Budget, Safety, Education

The Chamber invites members and local citizens to the "State of the City" Breakfast Forum scheduled for 7:30-9 a.m., Wednesday, April 21 at Yoken’s Restaurant & Conference Center in Portsmouth. The breakfast is part of the Fleet Speaker Series.

Portsmouth City Manager John Bohenko will kick off the presentation with an overview of challenges facing the community including background on the status of the statewide property tax, the city’s budget, and mass transit and traffic issues. He will be followed by Portsmouth Police Chief Michael Magnant with a report of crime statistics for 2003, including a 2004 forecast and a brief overview of department programs including underage drinking enforcement, education programs and future challenges. Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Lyonel Tracey and School Board Chair Kent LaPage will discuss the Beacon Light of Education Award, the Portsmouth High School building project, dedication of PHS outdoor track, the Portsmouth Middle School building project and review the department’s drug and alcohol policies and procedures. And Portsmouth Fire Chief Chris LeClaire is expected to talk about public safety issues and challenges facing the department.

Cost of the breakfast is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending should RSVP by contacting the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13 or info@portsmouthchamber.org.

After several months of batting around ideas for this year’s annual dinner, Co-Chairs Jay Levy, Renee’ Reidel and other committee members feel they’ve come up with a homerun.

The word is that this year’s dinner, slated for June 7 at the Wentworth by the Sea–A Marriott Hotel and Spa, will feature guests from New England’s favorite baseball team–the Boston Red Sox.

According to Nicole Wohl, the Chamber’s events manager, the committee has secured Mike Dee, Red Sox COO, and possibly a star or two, so mark your calendar today and look for the invitations the first part of May.

This year’s program will also feature the traditional business meeting (voting on new board members and officers, business matters, and recognizing the outgoing and incoming chairs) and the annual awards for the Citizen, Business and Volunteer of the Year. Nomination forms were emailed to Chamber members April 8. Those who would like to vote, but who did not receive the email, may download the nomination form from the homepage of the Chamber’s website at www.portsmouthchamber.org.

For more details, contact the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13.

Bank of NH Signs on as
Golf Tournament Marquee
Slots & Sponsorships Filling
Up Fast for June 4 Event

Bank of NH took the lead this year in underwriting the 21st Annual Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.

This year’s competition, set for June 4 at the Portsmouth Country Club, is nearly sold out including many of the major sponsorships. According to Nicole Wohl, Chamber events manager, there are only a handful of tee and green sponsorships left.

More than 120 golfers are signed up for the day, which will feature barbecues, raffles and a chance at the coveted Championship Cup. The Chamber thanks the following major sponsors for their support of this year’s tournament: Bank of NH, marquee sponsor; Irving Oil, Cart; Global Technical Talent, 19th Hole; Ernst & Young, breakfast; Fox Financial, driving range; Lee Hecht Harrison, putting green; Seacoast Mazda, hole-in-one car prize; and Ocean Properties & Pan Am, golf getaway for four to Myrtle Beach, S.C. raffle prize.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BALSAM’S STEVE BARBA

Rising from a lowly golf caddy to president and managing partner of the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Steve Barba is a shining example of entrepreneurship and perseverence in action. He shared a series of entertaining anecdotes and lessons from his life story with guests at the March breakfast forum which was held at the Wentworth by the Sea–A Marriott Hotel and Spa in conjunction with this year’s tourism summit. The breakfast was a part of the Fleet Speaker Series. New Hampshire Magazine’s Business Person of the Year for 2003, Barba had originally planned to teach English after he finished college, but was offered an opportunity to manage the Balsams because of his experience as a longtime summer employee at the resort. At the time, Barba said the Balsams had experienced a long period of decline brought on by a vicious cycle of budget cuts, poor maintenance and employee layoffs. He said the turnaround came when he focussed on what guests wanted and started providing it. Today, more than 85 percent of the resort’s business comes from repeat guests who come to enjoy the Balsams experience which includes a scenic setting, a world-class golf course, miles of hiking, downhill and cross country skiing trails, but most importantly, the constant pampering and attention of the Balsam’s staff. "We make everyone feel that they are our most important guest," said Barba. "It’s a strategy that works well for every business."

3RD ANNUAL TOURISM SUMMIT

Nearly 200 members of the Seacoast tourism community gathered March 10 at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel–A Marriott Hotel and Spa for the 3rd Annual Tourism Summit. The summit was underwritten by Public Service of NH and supported by sponsor Ocean Properties. The half-day program featured a number of guest speakers, exhibitors and networking opportunities designed to "build partnership bridges" among the region’s many tourism-related businesses. Steve Barba, president and managing partner of the Balsam’s Grand Resort kicked of the program with secret’s to his success. Karen Ida Peterson, Davidson-Peterson Associates, closed the event with a presentation on how to profit from the growing wave of "Baby Boomers." She said the Seacoast has a lot to offer, but to reach the Baby Boomers, local businesses will have to create a collection of packages that make planning a vacation easier for this picky crowd. "Baby Boomers want a total experience, and you have it here in the Seacoast–you have fine dining, historical attractions, water activities, unique places to stay and shop, and scenic beauty," she said. "And they don’t want to be lectured to, they are looking for unique, interesting, interactive, hands-on activities." The Chamber thanks the Tourism Summit Committe, Chair Lisa Grella, exhibitors and silent auction contributors for a highly successful event. For more background visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/tourismsummit2004.cfm.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS -YORK HARBOR INN

More than 120 Chamber members and guests enjoyed a scenic drive along the York, Maine coast on their way to March’s Business After Hours at the York Harbor Inn. Owner Gary Dominguez and his staff pulled out all the stops March 25 serving up a scrumptious buffet of Seacoast favorites and refreshments to the lively crowd who kept servers on the run all evening long. Visitors to the popular inn also got the chance to tour the recently renovated pub featuring a makeover reminiscent of the inside of a sailing ship–complete with planking and deck beams. Some lucky doorprize winners finished the evening with mementos of their visit courtesy of York Harbor and other Chamber members. Doreen Halla, Watson, Bosen & Lemire, P.A., picked up a gift certificate good at the Portsmouth Sign-A-Rama; Michael Brassard, Brassard & Ritter, LLC, won a York Harbor Inn sweatshirt; Beau Lambert, Rye Airfield, drew a York Harbor Inn Polo shirt; Kaarin Olofsson, Hall McGee Buyer’s Brokers of the Seacoast, won a dinner for two at the York Harbor Inn; Kelly Raynes, Equity One, picked up a bouquet of roses from Kate Parker Designs; and Bill Kriete, Burrows & Burrows Real Estate, LLC, drew a gift certificate for lunch at the York Harbor Inn.

The Children’s Museum, recently announced a unique outreach program called Museum to You. This program a free travelling version of the Portsmouth museum, will be travelling to the Pembroke Public Library March 30 through April 29. The temporary museum employs a variety of sensory experiences and learning styles to informally teach children about the world through age-appropriate exhibits, curricula, and programs.

Federal Savings Bank recently selected Debra Riss, of the residential mortgage department, as Employee of the Year for 2003. The award was presented by Peter Hamblet, president and CEO of Federal Savings Bank. Riss is in charge of processing the hundreds of refinancing requests that come into the bank’s branches which are located in Dover, Barrington, Durham and Portsmouth.

B2B Expo & Resource Fair
Nearly 100 Exhibitors Expected
to Participate In ‘Local’ Show

3-7p.m., Tuesday, April 27
Yoken’s Restaurant
[Route 1, Portsmouth NH]

Whether you’re looking for new products and services or a chance to scope out the competition, this year’s B2B Expo, Business Resource Fair and Business After Hours will offer something for everyone. The event, scheduled for 3-7 p.m., Tuesday April 27 at Yoken’s Restaurant and Conference Center, is a program of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for supporting this year’s expo: Public Service of NH, underwriter; Ocean National Bank, Business After Hours sponsor; Clear Channel Communications, creative booth sponsor; Portsmouth Computer Group & Under the Sun Marketing, tradeshow bingo sponsors; and Internet & Telephone, free wi-fi to exhibitors. Expo sponsors are: Adecco, Bayring, GSBI Insurance, Harbour Light, Hybrid Corporate Merchandising and Waste Management. Food and refreshments will be provided by Mahalos and Galley Hatch Catering.

Nearly 100 businesses are expected to take part in what will be the fourth in a series of business-to-business expos. For a look at this year’s