Dividends-December 2005

President's Message
by Dick Ingram,
Chamber President

Throughout my professional life, December has always been one of the busiest times of the year. At the same time, and in the midst of the "busyness", it has often provided some unusually nice moments of quiet and reflection. This helps make it a season of anticipation, as I am sure that it is for many of you. Whether it is the festive holidays that fall at in December, the coming New Year, or the mere change of seasons to winter, I always relish this time of the year. It is a time to celebrate family, community, and the accomplishments of the past year. It is also a time to look ahead to the promise of "what's next".

Certainly Portsmouth is alive at this time. There is Christmas shopping, downtown festivities, the Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke, First Night Portsmouth (that is right "First Night" is back, so check out www.proportsmouth.org for details!), holiday performances at our many arts venues, and so much more that makes this a great place to be in December.

And while we are at it, let's celebrate the joys of walking in Portsmouth. Pardon me a curmudgeonly moment, if you will. Perhaps it is the all too frequent debates about downtown parking recently (or maybe it is my doctor's recent pointed reminder about the benefits of exercise), but I have to tell you, we really need to get the discussion away from where we are parking and start talking about what we are enjoying when we walk around Portsmouth.

This is a great city to walk in, both downtown and beyond. We sometimes forget that walk-ability is part of our charm. Advertising campaigns from years past have attempted to pick up on that, and they are equally true today. Where else can you get 400 years of history in the space of a 10-minute walk? Where else can you enjoy such a variety of unique shops and restaurants--especially this time of year? So many wonderful neighborhoods? Such a diverse array of music, theater and art? Waterfront beauty and coffee-shop charm?

It is a good thing when we walk around our city. This is true whether we live and work here, or are just visiting for the day. When we walk, we discover those things that slip by us when we are behind the windshield of a car. We see the care with which our shop owners prepare their window displays. We hear the music that invites us into so many different places. We see the smiles and laughter of friends relaxing over coffee, or a meal. We hear the conversations of people who love Portsmouth.

I am as guilty as anyone. I often drive around town when I should be walking. I don't say that just because of the money that walking more will save me on gas or because of the sound advice I received from Doctor Paul (see above!). When I drive I miss out on things. Most of all I lose opportunities to stop in and hear from you when I am walking by your door. So look for me to be stopping by from time to time. And I hope that you will join me in talking, not about where we are parked, but about all the great people I meet and new things I see when I am enjoying Portsmouth on foot.

Congratulations to Mayor Steve Marchand and the new City Council. I look forward to working with them in the coming year. The Chamber will be an active voice for the business community as we make the most of the opportunities in front of us. Our work on behalf of local businesses will not be confined to City Hall. The legislature reconvenes in January, and it seems like the work in Washington is never ending. The Chamber will be your voice wherever it is needed.

Whether the issue is healthcare, housing our workforce, transportation improvements, city budgets and infrastructure projects, or helping your business be more successful, look to us for leadership and support. Put us to work for you.

If we didn't see you at the Chamber's Holiday Auction, I hope that you will join us at our festive Holiday Wine Tasting on December 21st. We will be donating a portion of the auction proceeds to Area Homecare, the Chamber member nonprofit selected to benefit from this year's event. We will also be determining the lucky winner of our inaugural $10,000 Cash Bash. If you don't have your ticket for this holiday prize yet, tickets are available by calling the Chamber. And if you plan to go to the Holiday Winetasting, you can get in free if you have a Cash Bash ticket.

So in these busy and exciting times, let's be sure we enjoy the blessings of this season. Take advantage of the many charms of the region. Enjoy our community celebrations. And I hope that we see each other walking around this special place we call Portsmouth. Happy Holidays!

Chamber News

New Online Profiles Designed
to Generate Opportunities
Chamber Adds 'Connexions'
and Interest Info to Database

Streamlined communications and better business connectivity are just two benefits of a web-based profile system that will soon help the Chamber staff accommodate member preferences and facilitate referrals.

The program is actually made up of two parts; the Member Interest and Business Connexions profiles. The interest profile allows members to indicate their interests in seven major areas including participation in special events, networking, seminars and workshops, advocacy activities, community involvement and support activities, committee work and sponsorship. The Chamber staff will then use that information to send targeted communications to members interested in particular programs and opportunities.

The Business Connexions profile grew out of the Chamber's former Big Fish Little Fish Program. The program was designed to encourage the region's major corporations to look locally for products and services, and to facilitate meetings between purchasing agents and vendors. During that process, the Chamber's Business Development Committee discovered there were certain qualifications and background indicators major buyers were looking for before they would accept proposals. The Connexions profile gives members a chance to provide that specialized information online where potential buyers may use it to find a good match for their needs.

"BDC members and the staff have put a lot of time and thought into developing a set of powerful business development tools," said Noel Graydon, board director and chair of the BDC. "We encourage members to take the time and complete these profiles so we can help them generate business and provide opportunities for involvement."

Members may now complete their individual interest profiles online through the Chamber's member login link located at www.portsmouthchamber.org/about.cfm. However, a username and password is required to edit or enter information. Those that don't remember, or have, their login information may contact Katie Goodspeed at kgoodspeed@portsmouthchamber.org or (603) 610-5527.

The staff is currently finalizing the format for the Connexions profile which is expected to go live sometime in January. An overview and instructions for completing the profile will be available online at that time.

For more background on the new profiles, visit the overview page at www.portsmouthchamber.org/profileoverview.cfm.

Pro Portsmouth Unveils
Holiday Activity Brochure
Volunteer Slots Still Open for
First Night Portsmouth

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. invites Chamber members and the community to pick up a copy of their new Snowflake Festival Brochure. The guide features a comprehensive listing of many holiday activities including craft fairs, theatre shows, musical performances, food and wine tastings, shopping specials and various New Year's activities including the return of First Night Portsmouth.

Copies of the brochure are available at theatres, museums, shops and the Chamber. The brochure schedule is also available online at www.proportsmouth.org/snowflakefestival.cfm.

The festival will conclude with the First Night Portsmouth celebration Dec. 31. First Night buttons are available at Hannaford's Islington St. store, the Chamber and online at www.proportsmouth.org. A corporate button program is also available for businesses of all sizes.

This year, PPI is offering the traditional pinned passes for adults "and children" in two custom sizes. Cost of the adult button is $10 through December and $15 the day of the event. Cost of the smaller children's button is $1.

Volunteer slots are still open for those who would like to support First Night activities. Some of the volunteer areas include volunteer headquarters staff, logistics, decorations, sign-posting, house manager, stage manager, button checkers and sales people, floaters and errand runners, next-day cleanup. Volunteers receive a free button to all activities, and those who work more than two hours, get a First Night sweatshirt sponsored by the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel.

For more details on First Night Portsmouth, volunteering and the entertainment schedule, visit www.proportsmouth.org or email info@proportsmouth.org.

Chamber Working Florida/
NH Tourism Partnership
PDA & Chamber Reps
Travel to Florida for Meeting

Representatives from the Pease Development Authority and the Chamber boarded an Allegiant Airlines flight for Orlando/Sanford International Airport Authority Nov. 7 to draw business and leisure travelers to Portsmouth and New Hampshire.

George Bald, PDA executive director, Bill Hopper, newly appointed Pease Airport director, and Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager met with Larry Dale, president and CEO of the airport and his staff, as well as representatives from Orland Sanford International, the firm that manages the terminal. "The group discussed how the airports can learn from one another's successes and work together for mutual benefit," said Hubbard. "The Sanford team also provided an extensive tour of the airport's two terminals, private jet hangers and facilities."

In the two days following the meetings with Orlando/Sanford, Bald and Hopper attended the American Aeronautics Business Association conference while Hubbard met with representatives from the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau, Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sanford/Seminole County Chamber of Commerce. Ideas discussed included contacting Orlando-based newspapers, periodical travel editors and writers, and travel agents to encourage promotions to area residents for weekend or week-long trips to Portsmouth and New Hampshire in the winter to ski and in the summer to escape the heat.

As a direct result of the trip, the PDA and Chamber are working on a promotion with the Orlando/Sanford Airport Authority involving two tickets to the Patriots vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 17 which will be given away through a promotion on radio stations in Daytona, Orlando and Tampa. Added to the package are two nights at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel, dinner at the Portsmouth Brewery and car rental from National/Alamo Car Rental. Other joint promotions are under discussion.

$10,000 Cash Bash
Tickets as Holiday Gifts
Program Offers Chance to
'Give Big' to Employees

"With just 22 shopping days until Christmas, there's still a chance for members to create a little holiday excitement for their employees by picking up a few tickets for our $10,000 Cash Bash," said Katie Goodspeed, the Chamber's member services manager. Goodspeed said that while a lot of people are picking up tickets for themselves, some are buying them to give to employees as a "kind of holiday gift." She said that some members have purchased a single ticket for several employees with the idea of splitting the prize money among them should they win.

Only 400 tickets are available for the Cash Bash which actually features five cash prizes: a $10,000 grand prize, $1,000 for second, $500 for third, $300 for fourth and $200 for the fifth prize.

Tickets may be purchased at the Chamber's main offices at 500 Market St. in Portsmouth, or via phone with a credit card by calling (603) 610-5513. Cost is $100 per ticket. Proceeds will go toward Chamber programs and services.

The Cash Bash drawing will be held Dec. 21 during the Chamber's Holiday Wine Tasting at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. Guests who buy a Cash Bash ticket get in free. Those with other questions may contact Goodspeed at kgoodspeed@portsmouthchamber.org or (603) 610-5527.

Chamber Events

Lunch with the
Canadian Ambassador

Those who attended the luncheon with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S Frank McKenna were treated to an entertaining and sometimes comical look at the history of Canadian/U.S. relations including the cultural differences and similarities between the two nations. The event, part of the Bank of America Speaker Series, was held Nov. 4 at the Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel. McKenna began his remarks by saying the U.S. and Canada didn't always enjoy warm relations citing an incident that took place during the Aroostook "lumber war" of 1839 in Northern Maine. Although nearly 100,000 Canadian and U.S. forces squared off across the border anticipating a bloody conflict, a measured bout of diplomacy defused the situation leaving just two casualties in its wake: a pig from the United States that wandered across the border and got shot in Canada and a cow from Canada that got shot in the United States. "Because Canadians and Americans know and generally respect each other, because of our geographic proximity, shared history, economic ties, and, yes, even sheer necessity, there can be no doubt that we will continue to be the closest of friends and the friendliest of competitors," he said. On a more serious note, he went on to say to more than 140 guests that Canada is the United State's biggest economic partner and ally representing more than $500 billion in bilateral trade annually. From a more local prospective, Ambassador McKenna said that in 2004, nearly $2 billion in products and services traveled back and forth across the border between Canada and New Hampshire alone. However, he said, that economic prosperity stands to lose ground if the U.S. enacts pending legislation that requires travelers to have passports to cross the border-especially in regard to tourism. He urged the audience to apply political pressure to their representatives to head off what he feels would be a serious economic blow to both countries given nearly 600,000 border crossings a day between Canada and the U.S. For more on the Ambassador's visit, stop by the Chamber library at www.portsmouthchamber.org/library.cfm.

Business After Hours
at Regal Limousine

More than 150 members and guests from the Hampton and Portsmouth Chambers converged on the home of Regal Limousine Nov. 2 for a post-Halloween joint Business After Hours. Owners and brothers Paul and Dick Ford pulled out all the stops for the evening that featured live entertainment, scrumptious vitals, and a troop of 12-foot great pumpkin characters that made you feel like you were in a Tim Burton movie--a trusted source said the "garage giants" took Paul an entire week to build. Throughout the evening members of both Chambers got the chance to meet one another and enjoy the culinary art of Ron Jillians Catering, not to mention, the oldies music of singing duo Jim & Carrie. The holidays also came early for a number of guests who left the venue as doorprize winners. Gary Dodds, candidate for U.S. Congress and husband to Cindy Dodds of Graphic Details, won the 50/50 raffle taking home more than $300 in the deal; Valerie Wilson, Off The Wall Promotions; Lyn-Dee Halenar, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.; and Bill Maloney, Strategic Talent Management; all won $75 gift certificates good at Belman Jewelers; Tim Sweeney from the Forbes Marketing Group picked up a six-hour limo charter courtesy of Regal; Mark Kasper, Seacoast Living, won a gift certificate good at Saunders at Rye Harbor; and George Thirsk, Rockingham Community Action, drew a "monster" gift basket filled with chocolate from Lindt Chocolates.

Mallets & Palates Holiday Auction
and Food Tasting

This year's popular bidding bustle, underwritten by Business NH Magazine, turned over a new bough in 2005 with a new venue, a new focus and a new name-the Mallets & Palates Holiday Auction & Food Tasting. More than 150 bidders attended the evening soiree Nov. 17 at the Frank Jones Center which featured more than 100 silent and live auction items, a banquet of fine food and treats from a dozen of the seacoast's top restaurants and caterers and a chance to fill holiday wish lists. Participating eateries included Clay Hill Farm, Edible Arrangements, the Flatbread Company, Portsmouth Gaslight Company, Saunders at Rye Harbor, The Governor's Inn, the Dunaway Restaurant, the Blue Mermaid, Three Chimneys Inn, the Dolphin Striker and the Victory 96 State Street. Local Realtor and sometimes comedian Joe Shanley presided over the furious fanning of paddles that accompanied the announcement of many great deals. Ten percent of the proceeds from the evening will go to support Area HomeCare & Family Services, Inc., a nonprofit member of the Chamber. Net proceeds from the evening will be used to support Chamber programming and member services. The Chamber thanks the many members who contributed to this year's event and members of the auction committee who helped to make the program possible. They are, Chairperson Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects; Carolyn Cloutier, cochair, TD Banknorth; Bob Beliveau, Best Buy for Business; Patrick Burns, Online Communications; Cathy Clark, Infinite Imaging; Brendon Kerton, Infantine Insurance; Rick LaFleur, Norton Financial Services; Claire Ramsey, Dr. Carmen Santana, DMD; Shawn Shapiro, Port City Chiropractic; Jennifer Slade, Attrezzi/Grubb & Ellis; and Ellen White, Federal Savings Bank. The Chamber also thanks Fuze Communications for their collateral design and marketing support for the program and Gentle Giant Movers for their logistical support in loading and hauling auction items, and materials to and from the auction.

Chamber Calendar

Holiday Events in Downtown

Starts at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2
Downtown Portsmouth

Looking for things to do during the holiday season? Check out the 2005 Snowflake Festival Brochure which highlights the many activities, performances and holiday happenings that make Portsmouth a destination for the month of December.

During the Snowflake Festival, Pro Portsmouth produces two of its annual events - the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 and First Night® Portsmouth Dec. 31.

Copies of the Snowflake Festival Brochure are available at local museums, shops and the Chamber. Information on First Night® Portsmouth, and the Snowflake schedule of events is also available online at www.proportsmouth.org.

Mid-Day Meet Networking
Connect and Network
at the Mid-Day Meet

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
Two International Group
1 New Hampshire Ave., 3rd Floor,
Pease Int'l Tradeport

Mark your calendar to attend the December Mid-day Meet. The conversation is facilitated by volunteers to make it easy and fun to learn about other participants and those with whom they do business. Attendees will also get a chance to share their business stories and who they'd like to do business with. There's also a "lightning round" where almost anything goes. The networking forum usually draws more than 30 people, so come early to get a seat. Those interested should contact Katie Goodspeed to RSVP at (603) 610-5527 or kgoodspeed@portsmouthchamber.org.

Holiday Winetasting
Get a Headstart on Ringing in a Little
Holiday Spirit at this Food & Wine Festival

5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21
Sheraton Harborside
250 Market St., Portsmouth, NH

The Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel will once again host what has become one of the most popular holiday events of the year. Mark your calendar today for an elegant evening of wine, entertainment and some of the Seacoast's finest hors d'oeuvres, desserts and specialty dishes prepared by the Sheraton's world-class troupe of chefs.

Throughout the evening, Horizon Beverage will showcase a number of premier wines from around the world that are "built" to suit even the most discriminating palates. The evening will also feature the presentation of a check to Area HomeCare for 10 percent of the proceeds from the Mallets & Palates Holiday Auction and Food Tasting held Nov. 17 at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth. The Chamber's $10,000 Cash Bash prizes will be announced at the event.

Cost of the event is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are encouraged but not manditory. Those interested in making the most of the evening should come early.

First Night Portsmouth

4 p.m.-Midnight, Saturday, Dec. 31
Downtown Portsmouth
Market Square

Pro Portsmouth and the Chamber invite the Seacoast community to downtown Portsmouth for the month-long Snowflake Festival and the return of First Night Portsmouth. This year most of the popular holiday activities return, many of which may be found in the Snowflake Festival brochure that is available at the Chamber and many downtown merchants.
There are only two places left in New Hampshire that celebrate New Years as a partner of First Night International, said Barbara Massar, executive director of Pro Portsmouth, and Portsmouth is one of them. The other is Wolfeboro, N.H.

Some activities and performances on tap for this year's celebration include a 7:30 p.m. fireworks display at the South Mill Pond, ice sculpture at the North Church, "All Together Now" - the Seacoast's Beatle tribute band, T.J. Wheeler and The Funky River Band, the Angel Band with Celtic music, Ballet New England, the popular Harmonica Workshop with Mike and Bev Rogers and a Street Dance on Pleasant St. from 5 p.m. to midnight hosted by 96.7 FM The Wave. For more details including a complete program and map, stay tuned to www.proportsmouth.org and Foster's Daily Democrat.

Volunteer slots are still open for those who would like to support First Night activities. Some of the volunteer areas include volunteer headquarters staff, logistics, decorations, sign-posting, house manager, stage manager, button checkers and sales people, floaters and errand runners, next-day cleanup. Volunteers receive a free button to all activities, and those who work more than two hours, get a First Night sweatshirt sponsored by the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel.

For more details on First Night Portsmouth, volunteering and the entertainment schedule, visit www.proportsmouth.org or email info@proportsmouth.org.

eCoast Technology Roundtable
7th Annual Birthday Bash
Join Us to Celebrate the
eCoast's 7th Successful Year

5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5
The Press Room
Daniel St., Portsmouth, NH

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 doorprizes. Join us at the Press Room for some birthday cake and the opportunity to hook up with colleagues from the Seacoast's growing clan of high-tech companies.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for one of the entertaining events on the high-tech calendar. Those interested in sponsoring or contributing to this year's celebration may contact Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager, at (603)610-5514 or email ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org.

Movers & Shakers

Brian O'Hearn, the PGA director of using three different video teaching systems and is currently directing The First Tee of the Seacoast junior golf program. O'Hearn is available to speak at meetings of community, professional and social organizations instruction at the Sagamore Golf Center in North Hampton, N.H. offers his expertise to the Seacoast Community. During his 20-year career he has taught over 10,000 private lessons and 500 group classes. He has experience. His presentation centers on golf techniques or the mental side of the game. For details, call O'Hearn at (978)996-3846.

The Yankee Clipper Chorus, the Seacoast Area chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society presented the National Anthem Nov. 5 before the University of New Hampshire-Northeastern University hockey game at the Whittemore Center in Durham, N.H. The Yankee Clipper Chorus sings in four-part harmony a wide range of material, from contemporary music to familiar Broadway songs. Serious about their musical craft, in 2004, the Yankee Clipper Chorus was named in competition by the Barbershop Harmony Society "The Best Great Small Chorus" in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information call Harvey Lipman, vice president of marketing, at (207) 967-4022.

Bricsnet FM Americas Inc., an international software company specializing in helping companies manage their corporate real estate, recently hired Bresette + Company to promote their web-based project collaboration software, Project|Center. According to company representatives, Bresette + Company was hired because of their deep expertise in technology product management and marketing, as well as their stringent focus on building revenues through marketing campaigns designed for a direct impact on sales. For more on the Bresette, visit www.bressette.com. For information on Bricsnet, surf over to www.bricsnet.com.

The Portsmouth Comfort Inn recently swapped their old bedding for a new suite of pillowtop mattresses which have visitors raving according to Margaret Regan, the hotel's sales manager. As a result of customer satisfaction with the new sleep platforms, the hotel also offers a good deal for visitors, who'd like to get the same sleep comfort at home, through a special purchase plan. Fore more on the hotel, visit
www.comfortinnportsmouth.com.

Calypso Communications, a Portsmouth-based public relations, marketing, and graphic design agency, recently won six international graphic design awards in a field of more than 4,600 entries. MarCom Creative and the International Academy of the Visual Arts awarded Calypso two "Gold" designations in the business-to-consumer and advertising campaign categories for the agency's brochure for client First Act and its print advertising campaign for another client, Babcock Power. Calypso also secured an "Honorable Mention" for Babcock Power's 2005 annual review and four 2005 "Silver Davey" awards for Babcock Power's annual review and print ad series, for First Act's consumer brochure, and for Calypso's corporate brochure. For more on the agency, visit www.calpysocom.com.

Grubb & Ellis|Coldstream Real Estate Advisors, Inc., one of the region's leading providers of integrated real estate services, recently represented Cooper Malt, LLC, in the negotiation of a three-year lease agreement for 6,000 square feet of office space at The Cooper House, 650 Islington Street, Portsmouth to Hawthorn Publications. Vanessa Rozier of The Kane Company represented the tenant which produces magazine-style marketing collateral for the hospitality industry.

Federal Savings Bank recently sponsored the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cros

Sponsored By: