Dividends-February 2003

President's Message
by Peter Hamelin, Chamber President

There has been a slew of articles in the Portsmouth Herald the past week about the relocation of Bowstreet Software. Bowstreet, a technology company founded in 199, grew to over 300 employees in the height of the technology boom winning millions in venture capital money and promoting the eCoast's positive image. Two years later, the company, like many of its peers, downsized to one fifth its initial size as the economy softened and the VC money dried up. Bowstreet was a great community partner and we are sorry to see them leave Portsmouth and the State of New Hampshire. They made a business decision and we wish them all the best.

Some people believe that Bowstreet's move to Massachusetts marks the symbolic end of the eCoast and the end of high-tech development in the region. Nothing can be further from the truth. Even during this economic downturn, many high-tech companies and entrepreneurs are preparing for the upturn. You only have to look as far as Bowstreet's original founders to see that the greater Portsmouth area is still the place to grow a new company and prosper. They decided to stay in Portsmouth and start a new company, Swingtide, which is growing and recently announced a new product line.

In at last year's TechConnect in October, the Taylor Research and Consulting Group presented the first in a series of semi-annual reports called the eCoast Monitor. They surveyed over 400 local tech companies to gauge how CEOs, investors and company executives felt about the future of high-tech in our region. The report has three main goals: (1) to encourage the growth of a strong technology business community on the Seacoast, (2) to assist in marketing this region to technology companies and workers from other areas of the country, (3) and to assess the economic impact of technology on our region's economy. The first report provided some encouraging news showing New Hampshire as the first New England state likely to come out of the recession. It also showed that over 48 percent of eCoast companies are planning growth and hiring new employees in the next year, 45 percent of respondents anticipate revenue growth in fiscal year 2002 and that 78 percent of technology executives rated the seacoast excellent or good when it comes to the business climate. You can find the report in its entirety at www.ecoast.org/uploads/ecoastmonitor.ppt.

Here are some other encouraging signs that the eCoast is alive and well: attendance at our monthly networking events has risen sharply including visits by company reps from other looking for info on New Hampshire, and the eCoast initiative has attracted a board of directors made up of executives from leading companies in the area, including Bottomline, Lonza, New Market Software and other major employers. This talented group of business people remains dedicated and focused on the overall economic health of the seacoast region and the State of New Hampshire.

We admit, there's a lot of work still to be done, so let's all get together and work toward the future. Be assured, we don't intend to rest on our laurels. We will continue to promote our high quality of life and business friendly atmosphere as top reasons for companies to relocate and retain their business with us. When the economy was at it's peak, this concentration worked well, as it has in other parts of the country like, Austin TX, San Francisco and Seattle, Wash. Times are changing, and if we hope to compete, we need to continue finding creative ways to market our region, and to work closer with the state of New Hampshire and our political leaders. In the near future, we will be holding meetings with business leaders from all industries, economic development specialists and our legislative delegation. We see these meetings as ways to create a consistent message and hopefully work toward a business culture dedicated to building a stronger Portsmouth region and state presence. As always, if you have ideas, feedback or questions, please call me at (603) 436-3988, ext. 16.

Chamber News

Chamber Directors Weigh In on Federal Building
Board Members Ask Feds to Consider
New Vision for Facility

The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors weighed in Jan. 30 on government plans to renovate the McIntyre Federal Building in downtown Portsmouth. Based on extensive conversations and input from the Chamber membership, the group unanimously supported the position of Portsmouth city officials, the Historic District Commissioners and members of the Portsmouth Advocates concerning the proposed renovations.

In a letter to U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu, and U.S. Representative Jeb Bradley, Peter Hamelin, chamber president, asked the legislators to explore a new vision for the property currently housing the federal offices at 62 Daniel Street. "We see this key location in our central business district being much better utilized as a multi-use development with opportunities for additional workforce housing, increased parking, and increased retail and office space," he said.

The group also felt that returning a large property to the city's tax roles would generate revenue that could be used for key services, police, fire and resident services. And that having federal offices in the center of downtown could increase the potential risk for acts of terrorism in our central business district creating security-related issues that would affect business and the day-to-day routine of people living in Portsmouth and the Seacoast region.

The letter went on to say that moving the federal building would provide an opportunity to improve the growth and long-term health and vitality of a growing city, and strengthen a vital cog in the state's economic engine.

In the letter, Hamelin urged the state's federal representatives "to capitalize on this unique opportunity by working with the city of Portsmouth to plan for a long-term vision of Portsmouth." "We hope you join with us in appreciation of what this crucial and strategic property could do for downtown (consider what Pease has done for Portsmouth and the State of New Hampshire) while at the same time securing the safety of our residents and visitors," said Hamelin.

As of press time, the government has halted plans to renovate the federal building and is meeting with chamber and city officials to discuss options.

Business Info Fair Part of
April B2B Expo Program
Pre-Expo Workshop to Provide
Guidance, Info for Entrepreneurs

The Chamber's business development committee is hard at work organizing a business tools and information fair set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 29 at the Comfort Inn next to Yoken's Restaurant and Conference Center. The session, entitled (Re) Position Your Business, and will provide critical information to help both new and established business succeed. Underwriter for the fair is Citizens Bank.

The program will feature a panel of well-known and well-regarded business leaders with a "veterans" look at how strong businesses can build an excellent foundation during tough economic times, practical information on how you can best identify your customer base by examining your market niche, and how best to sell products and services to that customer base.

Cost will be $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. A networking lunch is included in the registration fee - as is admission to the B2B Expo that begins at Yokens at 4 p.m. that day.

For more details, or to register, contact Jennifer Quinlan, the Chamber's business development manager, at (603) 436-3988 or
jquinlan@portsmouthchamber.org.

Plans for 2003 Golf
Tournament Underway
Rainbow Movers Signs
On As Marquee Sponsor

With temperatures still below freezing and more than two feet of snow on the ground, it's hard to visualize those warm spring days on the links, that is, of course unless you're a member of the Chamber's golf tournament committee.

Members of that group met Jan. 30 to talk about this year's competition which is set for June 2 at The Ledges in York. Following last year's tournament, a number of members expressed an interest in sponsoring the 2003 event. Rainbow Movers was the first to come to the table and is the marquee sponsor of this year's tournament. International Office Suites also stepped up last week to support the event as cart sponsor.

Members of this year's tournament committee are: co-chairs Dave Bickford, Public Service of NH; and Victoria Gray, Bank of NH; and committee members Justin Gray, Hybrid Corp Merchandising; Karen McElwain, York Harbor Inn; Suzanne Thompson, First National Bank of Ipswich; Jack Sullivan, The Ledges; and Rhonda Bellissimo, All Wireless.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for members interested in participating in the tournament. They are lunch sponsor, $750; breakfast sponsor, $500; entertainment sponsor, $250 and tee and green sponsors, $100 per hole.

For more information, contact Nicole Wohl, events manager, at (603) 436-3988 or nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org.

Portsmouth Names Board for
Arts & Culture Agency
Chamber's Tourism Director,
Members Part of New Group

The Chamber's Tourism Manager Marge Hubbard and several Chamber members were recently named as directors of Portsmouth's new arts and cultural agency. Chamber members on the board are: Chris Dwyer, RMC Research; Felice Fullam, Pro Portsmouth; Sara Hamilton, Harbour Light Productions; Patsy Lorentzen, Ballet New England; Drika Overton, Portsmouth Percussive Dance Festival; and Lars Trodson, Seacoast Newspapers.

The agency's role is to preserve and enhance those distinct and unique cultural assets that set Portsmouth apart from other communities, and to promote public appreciation, participation and support for the the contribution that arts and culture make to the economic vitality and quality of life in the Portsmouth area.

Guided by the city's cultural plan, the board is exploring effective ways to market Seacoast artists and investigating space for a city art center.

C&J Trailways Hosts
Boston Visit for GSAs
Group Gets Orientation of
Airport, Big Dig, Tunnels

A C&J Trailways bus, driven by President Jim Jalbert, transported 25 Granite State Ambassadors from the seacoast and around the state to Boston for a "Taste of the Town" in Bean Town's financial district. GSAs volunteer their time to greet Seacoast guests at the C&J Trailways terminal and other locations throughout the area, offering local and statewide information to travelers.

Following lunch, C&J drivers Mario Izzo and Bill Herman gave the group a narrated a two-hour tour of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Copley Square, and Kenmore Square. GSAs also visited South Station's new bus terminal, saw renovations at Logan Airport, viewed the progress at the Big Dig, and drove through the Ted Williams tunnel.

"The ambassadors are vibrant and enthusiastic individuals whose contributions play an integral role in supporting the quality of life we enjoy," said Jalbert. "C&J Trailways sponsored the familiarization tour to give insight into how travelers access the Seacoast Region from not only Greater Boston, but also from points beyond. The tour also provided the attending Ambassadors with a unique insight into how Greater Boston was changing in light of the Big Dig and the redevelopment of Logan Airport."

A Seacoast GSA since 2001, Diane Monti was impressed with C&J and the tour. "C&J fits the advertising....take the bus and leave the driving to us...no hassle, enjoy the coffee, newspaper and view," said Monti. "Having grown up in the 'old Boston', it was fun to see the 'new Boston' via the new arteries and tunnels."

The Seacoast Granite State Ambassadors (GSA) Program is a cooperative project of all six Seacoast chambers. For more information about the Seacoast Granite State Ambassadors program, or to become a GSA, contact Kellie Spinney, Seacoast Regional Manager at (603) 801-0260 or kelliespinney@cs.com.

Chamber Events

eCoast Celebrates
4th Anniversary

More than 250 members of the high-tech community turned out Jan. 9 at Muddy River Smokehouse to celebrate the eCoast's 4th birthday. Throughout the evening, the group socialized, networked and celebrated last year's list of achievements. Over the past year, the eCoast has seen a lot of change including the formation of the eCoast Technology Roundtable Board of Directors in May, the renovation of the eCoast website, the creation of the eCoast Monitor (a measure of high-tech health in the region), and the presentation of the first-ever eCoast Award given to Ecora Software in October.

Some members left the event with birthday mementos of their own. Brigham Pendleton, Brigham Pendleton Design, won the grand prize of the evening, a computer system contributed by Newcore Asset Services. Other winners were Karen Finogle, Ecora Software, who won cross-country ski rental from Portsmouth Rent & Ride; Charles E. Caldwell, Next Quarter, picked up Music Hall movie tickets for four courtesy of Prexar; Nick James, RBC Dain Rauscher, drew a pound of M23D special blend coffee and an Ecora t-shirt; Peter A. Nieves, Hayes Soloway, and David Barker, Human Capital Software Solutions, Inc., won gift baskets, and Barry McArdle, Chamber ambassador and local dentist picked up tickets for four to a Music Hall movie. The event was sponsored by Ecora Software, Harbour Light Productions, M23D, Muddy River Smokehouse and Newcore Asset Services, Inc.

Marketing 101 Workshop
Draws Full House

Nearly 100 members and guests eager to find out how to improve their marketing efforts converged on New Hampshire Technical College Jan. 14 for Marketing 101, the first free business development workshop of the new year. During the morning-long program, attendees heard from a team of local marketing experts on how to get free media coverage, write for the press, plan and execute radio and television advertising, and use their web sites to generate publicity and profits. Presenters for the seminar, part of the the Citizens Bank Business Development Workshop Series, were: D. Scott Campbell, D. Scott Campbell and Associates; Kristie Janes, Business Marketing Innovators; Lori Martone, MediaLink; Dan O'Donnell, Fifty6; and James O'Donnell, president of Jaguar Consulting. All the speakers urged attendees not to sacrifice their marketing efforts during slow economic times, but rather maintain a constant presence in anticipation of "the upturn." "Even in times of recession, companies need to remain focused on promoting themselves, said Campbell. "Through steady marketing efforts-despite the economic times-businesses persuade potential customers they will be around-no matter what-building confidence that translates into sales." To contact any of the speakers, visit the Chamber's online library at www.portsmouthchamber.org/library.cfm.

Margaritas
Business After Hours

It was wall-to-wall sombreros Jan. 28 as more than 300 visitors and guests crowded into Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Watering Hole for what has become one of the most popular Business After Hours of the year. Standing shoulder to shoulder, the crowd enjoyed a warm and festive atmosphere filled with the sights and sounds of authentic Mexican antiquities, music and a tasty menu featuring chipotle chicken, skewered beef and spicy shrimp-not to mention a constant flow of the restaurant's signature refreshment. The Margaritas staff added to the excitement of the evening with a host of doorprizes including airline tickets for two, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, a snowboard and a table full of special gifts. Michael Kasten, Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green, won the grand prize Southwest tickets. Beth Shafer, Current Events; Paul Pudloski, Griffin& Pudloski; Scott Johnstone, Vision Marketing Group; Bob Good, Good Leads; Ian Grant, Execuplanet; Frank Meanor, Watson, Bosen, Harman, Venci & Lemire; Diane Foley, Coldwell Banker; Kim Dumont, AFLAC; Rhonda Lee, MacGillivray & Lee; Allen Gilbert, Ram Printing; Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects; George McQuilken, State of NH; and Dr. Duke Lovetere, Chiropractor all won giant Margaritas glasses filled with gift certificates. Kim Jennison, New England Center, picked up a dinner for two; and Sara Beth Elliot, Fosters, and Professor Gordan Kraft, UNH, won special gift baskets.

Calendar

Free Business Development Workshop
Join Us to Hear How to
"Generate Profitable Growth in a
Changing and Challenging Economy"

8-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11
NH Community Technical College
Pease Int'l Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH

Join us for the second free business development workshop of the year entitled, Generating Profitable Growth in a Changing and Challenging Economy-Analyzing , Re-constructing, and Measuring your Business for Today's, and Tomorrow's,Growth Opportunities. The program is part of the Citizen's Bank Business Development Workshop Series.

The aim of the workshop is to give the business leader, who is setting up their business, or who has made it past the critical early years of their businesses implementation, the tools and information he or she needs to take their business to the next level, said presenter Steve Wrenn, a principal of Clipper Consulting Group and a professor at the UNH Whittemore School of Business.

For more background on speakers and workshop sessions, visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/profitablegrowth.cfm.

To register, contact the Chamber at (603) 436-3988 or via email at info@portsmouthchamber.org by 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10.
Other free programs include the Commercial Real Estate-Should You Buy or Lease? With Michael Kane, The Kane Co., April 8; (Re) Position Your Business, April 29; and Enhance Productivity: Incorporating Visual Arts into Your Workspace with Caroline Parent, Eye Feast Art, May 13.

Business After Hours
at the Portsmouth Brewery
Join Us for a Night of Frothy Fun
at New Hampshire's Original Brewpub

5:30-7:30 p.m., Feb. 27
Portsmouth Brewery
Market Street, Portsmouth, NH

Shake off the winter chill and prepare to hoist your mugs with other Chamber members and guests at New Hampshire's original brewpub. As always, owner Peter Egelston and the staff are planning an evening filled with the finest food and refreshment anywhere-not to mention the warm friendly atmosphere. Take a break and join us for this opportunity to network with a new group of potential business friends and to win valuable door prizes.

eBrew
Join the Crew Driving
the Seacoast High Tech Revolution
at this Monthly Networking Event

5-7 p.m., March 6
Portsmouth Brewery
Market St., Portsmouth. NH

Join us for the March eBrew in the Jimmy LaPanza Lounge. The event is open to the employees and guests of all Chamber high-tech businesses. The Chamber thanks sponsors and the Portsmouth Brewery for helping to make this event possible. For more on the monthly eBrew and Roundtable activities, surf over to www.ecoast.org.

Tourism Summit
Mark Your Calendar Now
For a Day of Enlightenment & Networking

7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, March 12
Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel
250 Market St., Portsmouth, NH

The Chamber's Tourism Committee will host its Second Annual Tourism Summit March 12 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel.
The one-day program, underwritten by Public Service of New Hampshire, will feature a continental breakfast followed by break out sessions which will focus on effective marketing strategies, the future of tourism, working together to promote the NH Seacoast as a destination and showing participants how to utilize local educational and business resources to develop their businesses. Anyone involved in tourism, members and non-members, is invited to attend.

New at this year's summit are a luncheon featuring a keynote speaker, a silent auction, and booths for members who would like to promote their services and/or products to tourism businesses.

Cost for this year's summit is $20 for Chamber members if paid by March 7 and $30 at the door, and $25 for nonmembers if paid by March 7 and $35 at the door. For information on the 2003 Tourism Summit, contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988 or mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org. More detailed information and an electronic copy of the program brochure may be found at www.portsmouthchamber.org/tourismsummit2003.cfm.

Business After Hours
Join Us for an Evening at
One of the Seacoast's Newest
Fine Dining Establishments

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 27
Pesce Blue
Congress St., Portsmouth, NH

Icelandic pan-seared char, yellow fin tuna, grilled whole brook trout served with caramelized endive,crisp citrus and blood orange sauce are just a few of the entrees listed on the menu of one of the Seacoast's newest restaurants-Pesce Blue. Join us March 27 for an evening your palate is sure to remember as Business After Hours travels downtown for an evening of fun, networking and fine dining with owner Joachim Sandblicher and the rest of the Pesce Blue staff.

Granite State Ambassador Training
Chamber Looking for
Volunteers to Assist
Seacoast Visitors

April 2 & 3
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.
Market St., Portsmouth, NH

The Seacoast Granite State Ambassador Program will host its 3rd annual volunteer training April 2-3 aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. Training is free for volunteers and is provided by GSA, Inc. and the Southern New Hampshire University School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Management. The goal of the training workshop is to instruct and certify area residents and industry staff in the art of tourism hospitality. For more information, contact Kellie Spinney, Seacoast GSA regional manager, at (603) 801-0260 or kellie-spinney@cs.com. Other sponsors include the Portsmouth Gas Light Co., C&J Trailways, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, Best Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites, and the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa.

Movers & Shakers

Joe Hunkins, of Hunkins Real Estate in Greenland, N.H. and treasurer of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, recently attended the National Association of Realtors National Convention held in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, Hunkins learned about the latest in new real estate-related technologies, and leadership and education programs.

Jim Brink, chairman of the board for the Wentworth Coolidge Commission, recently announced the close of a successful season for the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth. He said the mansion hosted more than 700 visitors throughout the past year, exhibited the work of 25 contemporary regional artists and provided 10 studio art classes for budding artists-to-be. The mansion also marked another successful Lilac Festival which drew more than 300 visitors.

Karen M. Lovejoy, Ambit Engineering, recently won the Outstanding Survey Technician Award for 2002 from the New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association. Timothy Peloquin, association president; and Doug Burnell, awards committee chairman, presented the award to Lovejoy who also serves as the state's representative to the National Society of Professional Surveyors Certified Survey Technician Program.

Dr. Jerry Hyman, chiropractor, recently announced the opening of his new office at 205 Sagamore Road, in Rye, N.H. just 1/2 mile south of Foyes Corner. In addition to traditional chiropractic care, Dr. Hyman's clinic is designed to provide a wide range of exercise therapies. For more information, call(603) 436-8884.

Carol Young was recently appointed as loan servicing officer in residential mortgage lending for Federal Savings Bank. Young brings more than 22 years of banking experience to her new position. She will work out of FSB's Dover branch.

Seacoast Big Brothers Big Sisters has recently changed their name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast. The change was approved by the Secretary of State in December. According to Executive Director Dick Ingram, the change "not only makes it easier for the public to contact us, but was also a necessary step to emphasize our expanding services and the activities happening at both our Exeter and Barrington locations." For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, call the office at (603) 778-0277 or visit them online at www.seacoastbbbs.org.

Apex Consulting Services, a company offering business and strategic planning services as well as financial management assistance, recently opened an office at Pease International Tradeport. The company works with small and medium-size businesses helping owners and management define and realize goals, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and identify improvements necessary to achieve long-term success. For more information please call (603) 766-1996.

Buoyed by the support of its local, national, and international clientele, 2002 revenues at Calypso Communications grew 20 percent over last year. The Portsmouth-based agency provides domestic and global organizations with a full array of communication services including annual reviews, public relations consulting, speech preparation, crisis management, web design and development, and graphic print services.

Lorraine Curtis, PC and network specialist for Compass Systems & Programming, has just completed a full upgrade of software and networking capabilities for the law offices of Mae Bradshaw in North Hampton. Compass is an IT Staffing and Solutions company based in Exeter NH, providing technical assistance to large and small businesses throughout New England. For more information on Compass, call (603) 778-9090 or visit www.compass-sys.com.

Edward DuBois and Brett Cooper, formerly of Phoenix Offset Commercial Printers, have joined Vermillion, a printing, prepress and technology solutions company with facilities in Derry and Nashua NH. DuBois, vice president of sales, manages a newly established office located at 7 Greenleaf Woods Drive, Unit 101 in Portsmouth. For more information, call (603) 432-2547 or visit www.vermillion-inc.com.

The Lollipop Tree, a specialty food manufacturer located in Portsmouth, recently announced the a

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