 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Dividends/December 2002 Message from the Board Chamber colleagues, With enthusiasm from Peter Hamelin and the Chamber, we formed a diverse group to work on those questions. Little did we know then we would be on the path to an innovative public-private effort to sustain our area's quality of life called Portsmouth Listens. Our group first concluded that any effort to do this could not be "social engineering" by a self-proclaimed elite. Rather, we should get real grass-roots involvement to define what is good (and not good) about living and working here, and make this input part of Portsmouth's master plan process. Then in follow up work, our volunteers and the city would seek out ways to measure results. We researched and learned of the Study Circles process used by more than 200 U.S. communities. Study Circles get broad citizen input through discussion and debate. Our question brought the whole plan into focus: "How do we make Portsmouth the best place to live and work for everyone?" The planning board, Mayor Sirrell, and City Manager John Bohenko and his team embraced the study circle process. How much better than public hearings...to get citizens debating what's most important for their future in small groups and use that input to make a document that not only describes what the city is today, but what we all want it to be tomorrow. To date, more than 235 local residents have signed up to be involved. We will train 20-30 facilitators to get the groups underway in mid-January. The response from the community has been exhilarating, and we hope the residents who become part of this process will bring new energy to the town, and its plans for the future. What's ahead: (1) Phase I study circles-"How do we make Portsmouth the best town to live and work for everyone?" Jan. 26-Feb. 16 We ultimately envision a Phase III where study circle participants review the finished master plan to be sure it is true to the public input, is measurable, and "gets it right" for Portsmouth's future. This would all never have happened without the dedication of co-chair, Jim Noucas, and Cindy Hayden and Dave Holden of the city, and our original group (all listed on the web site). And we had a wonderful contribution of time and talent from Mary Jo Brown of Brown and Company and her team who created our brochure which volunteers delivered door-to-door. We're off and running in what promises to be an innovative way to get a truly citizen-based master plan, and enhance the rare qualities that make this an entrepreneur's paradise. We invite you to be part of the process-visit our website at www.portsmouthlistens.org to find out how. Chamber News Chamber Rallies with Community Groups to Rescue Holidays When Pro Portsmouth fell on hard times and it looked like the Spirit of the Holidays would disappear from downtown Portsmouth, a group of volunteers stepped up to save the best of this special time for the community. Chamber Ed Committee Wins Gold Circle Award New Hampshire Partners in Education recently awarded the Chamber's Business/Education Collaborative Committee with yet another Gold Circle Partnership Achievement Award. JoAnn Hodgdon, a committee member from Portsmouth Computer Group; and Pamela McArtney, technical/career education director at Portsmouth High School, accepted the award on behalf of the committee at ceremonies held Nov. 13. Chamber Launches School Education Programs Those who would like to volunteer for the mentorship for "Flat Stanley" program, may contact Jennifer Quinlan at (603) 436-3988 or jquinlan@portsmouthchamber.org for more information. 2nd Tourism Summit Planned for March 12 Chamber Events TechConnect 2002 The day featured several presentations and addresses including comments by New Hampshire Governor-Elect Craig Benson and George Bald, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development. Presenters included Ann Moschella, Lonza Biologics and Dr. Bill Trumbull, dean of research at UNH; and Zeus Kerravala, Yankee Group, with a look at the future of network integration. Another first at this year's TechConnect was the unveiling of the eCoast Monitor, an index of high-tech health in the eCoast. The report, created by Taylor Research & Consulting Group, was presented by the company's principal, Scott Taylor, with supporting research from Dr. Ross Gittell, a respected economist and professor at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore School of Business. For a copy of the presentation, visit www.ecoast.org. Breakfast Forum with the New UNH President The new president of the University of New Hampshire visited Portsmouth Nov. 20 to talk about the future of the state institution and to connect with the Seacoast business community on supporting the school's expanding academic programs and infrastructure. The breakfast, part of the Fleet Speaker Series, was held at Yoken's Restaurant & Conference Center. Dr. Ann Weaver Hart spoke for 40 minutes to an audience of more than 150 about her philosophy and proposed plans. "We are working very hard at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics at being more engaged in the business community," Hart said. "We learn from you which issues are driving the business community in the Portsmouth-Seacoast area." One of her priorities, she said, is to improve communications between the school and local businesses so that both benefit from the wealth of talent and expertise resident in both communities. Along those lines, she invited audience members to investigate the use of interns to augment their employee base and to provide a learning experience for those students preparing to enter the workforce. She also offered the school's research capability as a way to help address business-related challenges, and give students an opportunity to study real-world issues. Holiday Auction Gala Bargain shoppers turned out in force Nov. 21 for the Chamber's Holiday Auction Gala. Nearly 250 Chamber members and guests attended the annual fundraiser which was sponsored by Portsmouth Regional Hospital, supported by Kinkos, Lollipop Tree, Federal Savings Bank and International Office Suites, and hosted by Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth. Chamber members and local businesses contributed nearly 300 items for the event which grossed more than $22,000. The bidding was hot and heavy at times with some items, like a 5-day stay in a French castle and an Outward Bound Professional adventure for 10 edging over the $2,000 mark. "Our members and bidders were really generous this year considering the economic climate," said Peter Hamelin, the Chamber's president. "We are fortunate to have so many people that care about the Chamber, our program of work and our community." Some other high-ticket items included a 3-hour charter cruise from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co., airline tickets for two from Southwest Airlines, and an inventory of more than $10,000 in jewelry from SummerWind Jewelers. Five percent of the "net" proceeds from the event will be awarded to a Chamber-member nonprofit at the Dec. 18 Holiday Winetasting at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. The Chamber thanks all contributors and participants for a highly successful auction, and Auctioneer Walter Liff, of Action Auctions #2449, for donating his services for evening. Calendar Snowflake Festival & New Year's Portsmouth Throughout December in Downtown Portsmouth Plan to spend some time in Portsmouth during the holidays to enjoy a wealth of entertaining and cultural events. Some of the special events and activities planned throughout December include the Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade (Dec. 7), Strawbery Banke's Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 7,8,14,15), Open House at the Button Factory (Dec. 7 & 8), special Portsmouth and jazz versions of the Nutcraker at the Music Hall, a family caroling cruise aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton and presentations of The Sound of Music at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre Dec. 13-Jan. 12. The Chamber thanks the following members for making this year's celebration possible: Citizens Bank, Service Federal Credit Union, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, Fox Run Mall, Harbour Light Productions, Pro Portsmouth, Atlantic Media, SPNEA, Seacoast Science Center, Cuzin Richard Entertainment, Ram Printing, Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, WERZ, Tugboat Alley, Bow St. Inn, Alie Jewelers, Attrezzi and Portsmouth Rent & Ride. Holiday Wine Tasting 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18 The wine experts of Horizon Beverages will present the wines and answer your questions throughout the evening. And, new this year, a special tasting area for the Glenmorangie Distillery of Scotland.The evening will also feature the the presentation of a cash grant to a Chamber-member nonprofit organization. Cost for this event is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. ? 4th Annual eCoast Birthday Bash 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 Don't miss this chance to celebrate the successes of the eCoast at an event that will be filled with fun, networking and a post-holiday payload of special and unique doorprize gifts. The eCoast Technology Roundtable has a number of surprises planned for the evening including a special invitation from Muddy River to stick around for the evening's entertainment. For more on the birthday bash as plans develop, and monthly eBrew and Roundtable activities, surf over to www.ecoast.org. ? Legislative Issues Breakfast The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee invites you to a special breakfast forum on the Chamber's legislative agenda for small business in 2003. The forum will feature a panel discussion of business issues and an overview of the committee's proposed lobbying efforts centered around tax policy, health insurance, transportation, and affordable housing. Panel guests include Gregory Smith, chair of the government relations department of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, PA; Timothy Fortier, government relations advisor from McLane; Dave Juvet, NH Business and Industry Association, and other political figures. Business After Hours 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28 You're invited to join us at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Watering Hole for a winter fiesta that is sure to warm your heart! The staff at Margaritas has a fun, festive event planned for Chamber members and guests. Enjoy an evening of networkiing in an atmosphere bursting with colors, sounds and the warmth of Mexico. And mingle with all of your friends over tables overflowing with some of the Seacoast's finest Mexican fare and of course the restaurant's signature salt-rimmed refreshments. You'll even have a chance to win some hand-made treasures from Mexico or round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines to any of their destinations. So mark your calendar today for a special winter evening at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, where everyday is Mex to the Max! Business Development Workshops The Chamber will kick off the New Year Jan. 14 with the first in a new series of Citizens Bank Business Development Workshops. The free workshops are geared toward helping small and medium sized businesses address common issues. Each session will include panel of knowledgeable local business people, who will provide practical information designed to help Chamber members increase their bottom line. All workshops are scheduled to be held at the New Hampshire Community Technical College which is located at the Pease International Tradeport. Pre-registration is required and a networking continental breakfast will be served. Scheduled workshops include: Marketing 101 with Jim O'Donnell, Jaguar Consulting, Jan. 14; Workshop (subject to be determined), Feb. 11; 2003 Business Resource Fair, March 18; Commercial Real Estate-Should You Buy or Lease? With Michael Kane, The Kane Co., April 8; and Designing a Harmonious Workspace with Caroline Parent, Eye Feast Art, May 13. Movers & Shakers Exchange City New England, soon to be a Portsmouth-based business learning center for 5th and 6th-grade students throughout New England, recently received support from Dell, Hewlett Packard, Liberty Mutual Group and Wendy's. Dell and HP will provide 50-60 computers augmented by printers, servers and IT support from Liberty Mutual Group. Wendy's will provide an initial pledge of $50,000 and proceeds from two annual coupon book fundraisers which will net Exchange City close to $300,000 by the winter of 2003. Wendy's is expected to continue annual support for up to 10 years. For more on the Exchange City Program, visit www.exchangecity.org. The law firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green recently announced the opening of offices in Boston. According to firm officials, the new office, along with existing offices in Manchester and Concord, will strengthen and expand the firm's ability to provide legal services to clients with operations and interests throughout New England. Three new attorneys will staff the Boston office. They are: Marcia Recalde, Internet and ecommerce law; Kerry T. Scarlott, intellectual property and international matters; and Mark Ventola, employment law, litigation and general business representation. McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A. recently hosted an exhibit featuring the works of student artists at Portsmouth High School. Participating students were Allison Doyle, Ashley Gallagher, Randi Gravelle, Crystin Lebel, Kate MacDonald, Ashley O'Brien, Hannah Pittman, Julia Samuels, Jim Welch and Justin Whittet. The Lollipop Tree, a specialty food manufacturer located in Portsmouth, recently added a new product to its food line-the Pancake Mix and Syrups Collection. The collection features a buttermilk pancake mix, real New Hampshire maple syrup and wild blueberry syrup. To find out more, visit the company at www.lollipoptree.com. Exeter Fine Crafts recently selected Shirley Mensch as its November Artist of the Month. Mensch is recognized for her hand-carved and painted whimsical animals, snowmen and Christmas figures carved out of eastern white pine. To see her work, visit www.exeterfinecrafts.com. D. Scott Campbell & Associates, a marketing & PR consultancy based in Portsmouth, N.H., is pleased to announce that Alpha Equity Research has retained DSC&A to manage its marketing and public relations efforts. A leading independent provider of research to institutional money managers since 1994, Alpha Equity Research is experiencing a surge of interest in its services due to recent Wall Street scandals. DSC&A will provide press release and media kit development, clipping services, marketing collateral production, and consulting services to the firm. Quest Chiropractic Center recently announced the opening of a satellite clinic at 60 Rogers St, Manchester, N.H. Approximately 30 percent of the clinic's patients travel to Portsmouth from Manchester and surrounding towns. The Portsmouth office will remain open Monday, Thursday and Friday, and the second Saturday of each month as the primary clinic offering full upper cervical diagnostic and treatment services. The Manchester clinic will be open each Tuesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-6 p.m.. For more information, check out www.discoverNUCCA.com or call (603) 427-1100. The Wentworth By the Sea Resort recently announced that it will reopen in the Spring of 2003 as a premier Marriott hotel, conference center and spa, restoring the historic hotel to the prominence it enjoyed for a century after opening in 1874. A meticulous restoration project will complement new construction to restore one of America's last remaining grand hotels. The renovated landmark will feature 164 guest rooms and suites, 17 bi-level extended-stay suites, indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor cafe and more than 10,000 square feet of function space. To find out more, visit www.wentworth.com. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association recently recognized Favorite Foods, Inc. of Somersworth at their 88thAnnual "Stars of the Industry" Dinner and Award Ceremony at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. Jeffrey Barstow, president of Favorite Foods Inc., was chosen by his peers to receive the Allied Member of the Year Award. This award is bestowed upon a member of the NHLRA and someone who supports the hospitality industry and its concerns on national, local and state levels. The member selected must have shown strong community and charitable involvement during the past year as well as having provided leadership in the industry while maintaining high professional standards. Favorite foods Inc.has specialized in servicing the unique needs of the independent foodservice operators in seacoast New Hampshire for the past 15 years. Jewett Construction of Raymond, N.H. recently completed design and construction of a two-story, 14,000 square-foot building in Exeter. The building, which houses the Exeter Decorating Center, features a showroom, four offices, five bathrooms and an elevator. Project managers for the center were John Jarnagin and Dick Keller. Martini Northern, a construction firm specializing in educational, institutional and corporate projects, recently broke ground for a 10-classroom addition to Chester Academy which is located in Chester, N.H. The 15,000 square-foot addition is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2003 and will increase the schools capacity to 780 students. Brown & Company Graphic Design of Portsmouth recently welcomed Bill Bradley, Jr. as its marketing director. Bradley will work to market the award-winning company's strategic design services, and establish and develop client relationships. The new marketing director comes to Portsmouth from New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility where he was interim director for the past two years. Warren's Office Supplies of Springvale, Maine, recently welcomed Linda Johnson as inside sales account manager with the company. Johnson w
| |
  Sponsored By:
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
© Copyright 2008 Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce
Web Site Designed by Harbour Light Productions
Web Site Hosted by Tidal Media Group .