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Dividends-February 2005 President's Message My first four months leading your Chamber have been busy and fulfilling. The opportunity to be involved in so many issues that matter to our members and the community is an exciting privilege. A recent week included meetings at the Pentagon in Washington regarding the future of the Shipyard and in City Hall concerning downtown parking initiatives. In between I was able to share the many exciting things going on in the regional economy as Sean O'Kane, the Commissioner of the Department of Resources Economic Development spent the day in Portsmouth. There are few places around where you can enjoy such a variety of opportunities. The quality of the support that the Chamber receives from the community is unparalleled. I personally value the relationship that we have with the City, its elected officials and staff and look forward to building on that. There is a lot ahead of us, and the quality of these relationships will be critical to our ability to work together on good solutions to the many opportunities we will be facing. I continue to be grateful for the high level of skill and energy that the Chamber Board, staff and volunteers bring to the table every day. Working with such gifted individuals is what makes my job the best in Portsmouth. Now that I have had the opportunity to evaluate the Chamber and its issues, I will be calling on the talents of the board and staff, our members and other community partners to assist me in further evaluating how we can improve what we do on behalf of our members. We will be sharpening our focus on the businesses that we are in, solidifying our community partnerships, clarifying our branding and image, and improving our internal efficiencies and systems. A core group of Board members will spearhead this process. I am very excited about what this group will be able to accomplish working in concert with the staff. We will also be looking to involve our members and other partners who have the expertise and energy to contribute to the many projects, large and small, that will come out of this organizational review. Reporting to you on the progress of these efforts will be the focus of this space in the months ahead. As I report to you here on our work, I encourage you to let me know what your ideas and concerns are. Call or email me at the Chamber (603) 436-3988, ext. 16 or email dingram@portsmouthchamber.org. Or better yet, please stop me when you see me around town, and let me know what is on your mind. Your chamber committees continue to work hard on behalf of the Chamber and the community. Politics continue to be a focal point, and the Government Affairs Committee has been exceptionally busy. The legislative workshop and reception, next month's healthcare summit, their work tracking legislation that impacts our members and a two day mission to Washington by 11 members of the committee, highlight their efforts. All members of the Chamber are encouraged to participate in the workshops and to share their concerns with members of the committee, Chair Tim Fortier of the McLane Law Firm, or me. Your interests are our interests. Much attention has been given lately to the future of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. As has been well chronicled, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process is much different than in years past. We continue to encourage businesses and individuals to join the Seacoast Shipyard Association, and write in support of the Yard. The congressional members from Maine and New Hampshire, and their staff, have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes for a long time. That work will continue in the months ahead. Our active and public support of their efforts will be critical as we move through 2005. Visit www.saveourshipyard.org for more information. The Business Development, Tourism, Ambassador, and eCoast Technology Roundtable committees are equally busy. All of them are developing exciting and value added programs for our membership. It is great to see the work they do. As we plow (literally, it seems) through winter, don't forget to take the time to enjoy the unique charms of the region at this time of year. With the recent snows you don't have to travel to enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing. A morning cup of hot coffee or tea has never tasted better at your favorite downtown shop. Our arts venues are hopping with theater, dance, and music. And outstanding dining experiences for every taste and budget are waiting for your enjoyment. Have you been part of the Portsmouth Experience recently? I especially hope to see you at our Winter Dinner Dance, which will be held Feb. 18 at the Sheraton Harborside. The evening will feature the music of the 21-piece Compaq Big Band, gourmet dining and most important, the chance to just have some fun with your friends and neighbors, and celebrate the unique pleasure of living in this wonderful place. Join us!
Chamber News State Health Leaders to Chamber members will get an opportunity to connect with the state's health care leadership at a special Health Care Summit set for 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Friday, March 4 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. The summit, organized by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee, was created to educate members on the issues, trends, opportunities and strategies available to the business community. Key speakers for the summit will include NH Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny and Charles Baker, president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Representatives from New Hampshire's community of health insurers will also provide information and talk with attendees. "We hope to present information on trends in health care with an eye toward giving business owners the tools they need to make educated decisions about insurance programs for themselves and their employees," said Dick Ingram, Chamber president. "We encourage members to participate and learn about their options." The summit is open to the entire Seacoast community, however, those interested in attending should RSVP as seating is limited. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers which includes breakfast. For more information on summit or to RSVP, contact the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10, or email info@portsmouthchamber.org. Tourism Summit Returns to This year's Tourism Summit at the Wentworth by the Sea will be packed with practical information and networking opportunities for Chamber members connected to the Seacoast Region's tourism sector. The event, underwritten by Public Service of NH, is set for 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., March 16. Chuck Doleac, chair of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Centennial Committee, and Peter Bowman are the featured breakfast keynote speakers. They will talk the history of the treaty, this summer's activities and how Seacoast businesses can benefit from participating in the celebrations. Their presentation is a part of the Bank of America Speaker Series. Jud Hale, editor-in-chief of Yankee Magazine, the keynote luncheon speaker. Hale one of New England's quintesential native sons, will talk about history, tradition, work and the yankee way of life. Hale, the 12th editor of the Farmer's Almanac since its establishment in 1792, has been called highly entertaining by many national figures and has appeared regularly on such television programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Planned sessions for the summit include: Internet Marketing: Attracting Prospects to Your Website, Better Together: Telling Our Story, Creating Vacation Packages: Payoffs & Procedures; and Thinking About Talking About Marketing: An Open Discussion of Ideas. Admission to the summit is $40 for members of any Seacoast-area Chamber and $45 for nonmembers if paid before March 11. Late registration is $50 for Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers. Admission for the breakfast keynote presentation only is $15 for Chamber members and $18 for nonmembers. To sign up, call the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10 or contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org. Marketing Campaign Most The Chamber invites members to help reach more than 1.5 million people through a new marketing plan and promotion campaign sponsored by the chamber's tourism committee. "The NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development has invested $10,000 for the promotions through its Joint Promotional Program (JPP) and we want to make sure our members get their fair share of the marketing opportunities this grant money provides," said Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager. "Together we can ensure that the Seacoast has a presence across a wide range of media this Spring." Hubbard said the marketing plan includes representation at the American Bus Association Market Place, New England Sales Mission to Canada and the New England Meeting Industry Conference & Exposition in Boston. The Chamber will also be placing ads in the Yankee Travel Guide, Yankee Magazine and National Geographic Traveler. "This is probably the most aggressive campaign the Chamber has ever undertaken," said Hubbard. "In addition to the national publications, we've also set up ads in major Northeastern and Canadian newspapers and radio including The Boston Globe, the Boston Business Journal and on The River 92.5 FM." Hubbard said one ad has already hit the streets and is generating more than 300 queries a week from prospective visitors. "When people call we send them our award-winning Guide to the Seacoast and refer them to our website where we hope to post a 30-second destination video so visitors can "experience Portsmouth" before they come," Hubbard added. "If our members tried individually to promote their businesses in all these areas, it would cost them more than $30,000!" said Hubbard. "Through this marketing program, our members can select the programs and the benefit level that best suits their budget and together we can do what we could never afford individually. So far 14 members have helped raise more than $15,000 toward the $20,000 needed. We invite our other tourism-related members help us reach our goal. The Chamber thanks the following members that have already contributed to the campaign: Anchorage Inn, Best Western Wynwood Hotel, the Black Heritage Trail, Coachman Inn, C&J Trailways, Fox Run Mall, The Music Hall, Paddy's-An American Grille, Regal Limousine, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, Seabrook Greyhound Park, Sise Inn, and Strawbery Banke Museum. To learn more about these advertising and promotional programs, or to participate, contact Hubbard at (603)436-3988, ext. 17 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org. Chamber Hosts Shipyard Impact Press Conference More than a dozen media from around New England gathered at the Chamber Jan. 20 for the annual Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Economic Impact Press Conference. As he had done 13 times before, former shipyard Commander Capt. Bill McDonough outlined the shipyard's economic impact on the Seacoast communities of southern New Hampshire and Maine, and made a plea for financial support for the Seacoast Shipyard Association. The association is currently fighting to save the 200-year-old naval base from the coming Base Realignment and Closure process. McDonough said the shipyard employed 4,803 people in 2004 representing a payroll of more than $318 million, up $34 million from 2003. He added that the shipyard could close as early as 2008 if Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld names PSNY in the preliminary list of closure recommendations expected to be released in May. "There's no doubt the loss of the shipyard will have a tremendous impact on the Seacoast community," he said. "It surprises me that more people and businesses haven't stepped forward to help us in the fight." According to McDonough, is that the SSA is projected to run out of funding in May-the very time they will need to step up lobbying efforts and political pressure following the closure announcement. The Chamber continues to work with business leaders throughout the region including the Greater York Chamber of Commerce, and civic and political leaders to secure the future of the shipyard. Those Chamber members and Seacoast citizens interested in supporting the SSA's activities may obtain more information at www.saveourshipyard.org. An SSA membership ranges from $25 for individuals to $1,000 for businesses with more than 250 employees. Those interested may also contact the SSA at (603) 433-1157 or email seacoastshipyard@comcast.net.
Calendar Legislative Conference & Reception 1-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 7 Make your voice heard at the Chamber's first Legislative Conference and Reception, a free, half-day conference designed to explore and discuss significant issues affecting the Seacoast and its businesses. Winter Dinner Dance Mark your calendar today for a first-class, midwinter experience guaranteed to help shake those winter blues-it's the Chambers first- ever Winter Dinner Dance. Mid-Day Meet Networking 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Feb. 18 In response to member input, the Mid-Day Meet program will be growing in 2005. The venue has moved to a new location to make room for more people, and the date and time have changed to make it easier for participants to connect. "The new format will make it more comfortable for those who have never been to a networking function to interact, but still works for the seasoned networking expert," said Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager. The conversation is facilitated 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. Those interested should contact Griffith to RSVP at (603) 436-3988, ext. 14 or ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org. Business After Hours at Radici The Chamber invites the Seacoast community to its February Business After Hours, set for 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24 at Radici Ristorante Italiano. Don't miss this chance to sample the menu of one of Portsmouth's premier eateries. Expect an evening of culinary delights and bottled refreshments topped off by a garnish of local Italian-style hospitality. So make plans to mange to your heart's content, network with friends and colleagues, and take a chance at winning a valued door prize at this gathering that is sure to melt the winter blues with a little Mediterranean heat. Cost is $5 and a business card for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Year of Growing Sales 8-10 a.m., March 10, Apr. 14 and May 12 Make plans today to take advantage of the Chamber's 2005 Business Development Seminar Series entitled, "Year of Growing Sales: The Art of Selling in the 21st Century." 4th Annual Tourism Summit 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 16 This year's Tourism Summit at the Wentworth by the Sea will be packed with practical information and networking opportunities for Chamber members connected to the Seacoast Region's tourism sector. The event is underwritten by Public Service of NH. Yankee Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jud Hale will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Hale one of New England's quintesential native sons talk about history, tradition, work and the yankee way of life. Hale, the 12th editor of the Farmer's Almanac since its establishment in 1792, has been called highly entertaining by many national figures and has appeared regularly on such television programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. To sign up, call the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10 or contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org. Meet Your Ambassadors Doreen Austin, consultant, Administaff, Inc. Responsibilities: Sales consulting with small/medium businesses providing solutions for HR and benefits needs. Austin joined the Ambassador Committee to meet people, support the community and get to know the Seacoast area better. Phone (direct line): (781) 565-2849 o Marc Bouchard, owner and president, CM IT Solutions of the Greater NH Seacoast. Responsibilities: Running and growing his own business. Bouchard joined the Ambassadors "to become more involved with the chamber and meet more people." Phone (direct line): (603) 778-8700 o Email: mbouchard@cmitsolutions.com Rebecca (Becky) Dominguez, marketing manager and innkeeper's assistant, York Harbor Inn. Responsibilities: Print and web-based advertising and marketing initiatives, public relations, special events and directly assisting the innkeeper in all facets of running this family business. She joined the Ambassadors to get involved in the Seacoast business community and to directly and indirectly assist other individuals and businesses in their overall success. Phone (direct line): (207) 363-5119, x292 o Email: becky@yorkharborinn.com Jonah Fernald, owner/proprietor, Portsmouth Rent & Ride, and past chair of the Ambassador Commitee Responsibilities: Everything under the sun. Phone (direct line): (603) 433-6777 Jim & Maryann Flatten, owners, Portsmouth Fast Signs. Responsibilities: All of them. Phone (direct line): (603) 436-7054 o Email: james.flatten@fastsigns.com/405@fastsigns.com. Jill Jarvis, loan officer, Gateway Funding. Jarvis joined the ambassador committee because she enjoys networking and volunteering. Phone (direct line): (603) 433-1712, ext. 232 o Email: jjarvis@gateway-funding.com Al Johnson, senior major market account executive, Sprint PCS. Responsibilities: To develop and grow the company's existing wireless customer base. Johnson joined the Ambassadors to meet more people and to support the Chamber as an active member. Phone (direct line): (603) 661-0593 o Email: alan.johnson@usunwired.com Marilyn Johnson, real estate agent, Hall-McGee, LLC. Responsibilities: To serve as a buyer's broker for those looking for real estate in the Seacoast. Phone (direct line): (603) 436-6636 o Email: mjohnson47@comcast.net. Celeste Cloutier Ledoux, CPA, owner, Seascape Construction & Landscape, LLC Bill Maloney, chief talent officer, Organizational Productivity Institute (OPI Consulting) Responsibilities: Employee selection assessment, management development, leadership coaching and 360-degree feedback assessments. Maloney joined the Ambassadors to meet local business leaders, enhance networking opportunities, and support business initiatives. Phone (direct line): (603) 475-4235 o Email: WMaloney@opi-inc.com Dr. Barry F. McArdle, DMD, cofounder, Seacoast Esthetic Dentistry Association [SEDA] Christy McKinney, independent consultant, Arbonne International. Responsibilities: Many people are looking to work from home and get out of the rat race, yet earn a professional income. McKinney shows people how to start their own home-based business and helps them achieve success in a short period of time. She joined the Ambassadors to communicate members' needs to the Chamber by listening to what the members have to say, relaying their concerns and helping to make the changes necessary to meet the member needs. Phone (direct line): (603) 659-3042 or cell phone (603) 969-9080 o Email: Christy.mckinney@comcast.net Kevin Powell, adjunct faculty, University of New Hampshire. Responsibilities: Lecturer. Powell, who also managed Radici for a short stint, joined the Ambassadors to help grow awareness for the business community about the GPCC and all it has to offer. Phone (direct line): (603)969-2497 o Email: kpowell@unh.edu Sarah Robillard, assistant banking center manager, Fleet Bank (now Bank of America) | |
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