Dividends-January 2005

President's Message
by Dick Ingram

The beginning of the New Year finds us heading into a busy time at the Chamber. It is also the time of year when things political tend to take up much of our attention. Your Chamber is committed to being a strong voice on behalf of the business community and for sustainable economic development in the Seacoast region. We will be front and center at City Hall, in Concord and in Washington.

We benefit from a strong and supportive relationship with City government here in Portsmouth. An example of that involves the ongoing effort to preserve the future of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Financial and strategic support from the city helps the Chamber sustain the work of the Seacoast Shipyard Association (SSA), our public relations efforts supporting the Shipyard, and our work with our congressional delegation. We are grateful for this valuable relationship, one that benefits our members, neighbors in the community and everyone in the entire region.

You can expect to see more about the shipyard in the local press in the coming weeks and months. Regular press releases and opinion pieces will be submitted to the local, regional and national press. We are working closely with our congressional delegation to make certain that no stone is left unturned in the effort make the case that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is the premier facility of its type in the nation and that it deserves the confidence and support of the Department of Defense and our political leaders. Please join us in this effort. Every letter to the editor, every phone call, every membership in the SSA makes a difference. We are doing everything that we can to ensure that this vital cog in the regional economy is part of the future of the Greater Seacoast. Together we can make it happen.

The Chamber staff and Government Affairs committee is also working hard to offer some valuable programs early in the year. Our annual Legislative Conference will be on Feb. 7 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. More details are elsewhere in this newsletter and you will see that we have expanded the agenda to provide even more opportunity to interact with our government leaders. Since healthcare costs continue to be a hot topic we are also offering an in-depth Health Care Summit so mark your calendars for March 4. You will not want to miss this information packed discussion.

This Spring we will join together with the other Seacoast Chambers to host Governor Lynch for a "State of the State" breakfast forum. Details are still being finalized as we go to press with this newsletter, but you will be hearing about them shortly. We look forward to welcoming our new governor to the Seacoast and working with him, our local delegation and other legislative leaders to solve the challenges of health care costs, funding our educational system, regional transportation needs and workforce housing.

Since outreach and services to our many visitors is a mainstay of the regional economy, March will also see the return of our Annual Tourism Summit on the 16th. This popular event is once again being held at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and promises to give you the information you need for your business to make the most out of the region's year round visitor and tourist economy.

Many of you have had the pleasure of talking with Katie Goodspeed over the last several months. Katie originally came to the Chamber to work as an intern during her graduate studies. When Kendra Frangos left for her maternity leave, we were pleased that Katie was able to stay with us and take over as the interim membership manager. Kendra returns later this month and we are pleased that Katie will continue to stay on and work with Kendra on member services and development.

Please be aware that, even with this exciting news, for the next month or so, our staff resources will be a little tight. Kendra will be returning part time on January 20th and move back to full time status in mid February. Katie is currently fulfilling some long standing plans to travel in Southeast Asia and will be back with us on February 21st. In the meantime, you can always call me at any time, but especially when Kendra may not be back to her full schedule yet.

I am very excited about the prospects for the Chamber, it members, our community partners and the regional economy in 2005. I continue to marvel at the many skills, high level of professionalism, and boundless energy of the Chamber staff. They are a privilege to work with. Equally so, we are blessed with numerous volunteers who make our programs and events high- quality and high-impact. The board of directors sits at the top of that volunteer list. I count my self lucky to have such excellent partners to work with on your behalf.

Please call me at any time with your ideas, thoughts and questions. The Chamber exists to serve its members and we are proud to do so.

Chamber Takes Lead Role in
Save the Shipyard Campaign
Local Leaders Plan Awareness Activities and Trip to Capitol

There are just five months to go before the Base Realignment and Closure Commission submits its base closure recommendations and local officials say time is running out to make an impression on the group before they go behind closed doors at the end of January. Local leaders will be going to Washington to talk to the group Jan. 25-27.

To that end, regional economic and civic leaders are stepping up efforts to protect the economic lifeblood and the proud tradition of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. And your Chamber is leading the effort to shore up local and regional support as a recognized voice of the Seacoast business community.

"We realized that we as leaders in the community need to do all we possibly can to fight to keep this valuable and efficient facility not just alive, but expanding to meet new challenges", said Dick Ingram, Chamber president. "To sit by and not act to preserve the outstanding quality of life here on the Seacoast just simply isn't an option."

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of roughly 400 facilities undergoing a review for possible closure. "No one disputes that they do the best work of this type in the world and they do it consistently under budget and ahead of schedule," said Ingram. "In the private sector excellence like this is rewarded with more work, not less."

Over the next several weeks, the Chamber will be enlisting business and civic leaders to generate public attention, and explain the impact of the Shipyard on the regional economy and the social fabric of the community.

For more information on the effort, contact Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager, at (603) 436-3988, ext. 14, or ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org. Information may also be found at www.saveourshipyard.org.

GAC Organizes First Ever
Legislative Issues Conference
HB 110 Discussions & Dialog with Local Reps Head Agenda

Make your voice heard at the Chamber's first Legislative Conference and Reception, a free, half-day conference designed to explore and discuss significant legislative issues affecting the Seacoast region and its businesses. The program is set for 1-6 p.m., Feb. 7 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel.

The afternoon program, underwritten by Public Service of NH, and sponsored by Ocean National Bank, Pierce Atwood and the McLane Law Firm, will feature three sessions: a workshop on Senate Bill 110--its impact on Seacoast businesses and proposed amendments; introductions and comments from state representatives; and an informal reception organized to promote dialog between lawmakers and the local business community.

The SB110 workshop will feature Leslie Ludtke, health policy analyst with the New Hampshire Department of Insurance, who will provide an overview of the resulting impacts of Senate Bill 110 on the State's business community, especially small businesses.

The second workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet their "silent business partners." Portsmouth's elected representatives will share their legislative agendas with the business community and also to discuss other significant public policy issues under consideration by State lawmakers in Concord. The day will end with a reception.

For more information visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/legworkshops.cfm.

To RSVP, or for more information, contact Nicole Gregg at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11 or ngregg@portsmouthchamber.org.

Winter Dinner Dance
Joins Chamber Calendar
New Event Designed to Help Shake Winter Blues

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.

The event, set for 6 p.m., Feb. 18 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, will feature the 21-piece Compaq Big Band, dancing and a three-course serving of some of the Seacoast's finest cuisine and a cash bar-Cocktail hour sponsored by the Sheraton. Theme for the program is celebrating "The Portsmouth Experience."

The evening will start with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. That will be followed by dinner from 6:30-7:30 and dancing till 10:30 p.m.

The Compaq Big Band, sponsored by C & J Trailways, is a 21-piece jazz ensemble dedicated to providing high-quality big-band music to audiences across New England. The band features the live power of five saxophones, five trombones, five trumpets, bass, drums, guitar, piano, and a feature vocalist.

Cost of the event is $75 per person or $750 for a table of 10. For more details, contact Nicole Gregg at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11 or ngregg@portsmouthchamber.org.

Chamber Hosts European
Travel Representatives
Group Plans to Promote Portsmouth as Premier Stop

The Chamber recently hosted 15 travel industry representatives from the United Kingdom and northern Europe for a whirlwind tour of the area and its many amenities. The group included representatives of airline and tour companies including Virgin Holidays, Icelandair and British Airways. The purpose of their visit was to experience Portsmouth and the surrounding region so that they can promote the area as a premier visitor destination to travelers from the United Kingdom and Europe. The tour was arranged by the Saunders Hotel Group.

The Chamber hosted the group as part of its ongoing efforts to promote visitors to the Seacoast region. The group was feted by the Oar House Restaurant and the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel during their stay. Chamber staff members also provided a personalized tour of the Portsmouth Harbour Trail and the area's many attractions.

"Visitors to the area play an important role in sustaining the economic vitality of the region," said Dick Ingram, Chamber president. "Recent estimates indicate that some $650 million is spent locally each year by visitors drawn to Portsmouth's unique charm."

Members in or serving the tourism industry are invited to participate on the Chamber's tourism committee. For details, contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988, ext. 17 or mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org.

Year of Growing Sales
Series To Start in March
Seminars Designed to Share Best-in-Class Practices

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."

The three-seminar series, organized by the Chamber's Business Development Committee, will be held: from 8-10 a.m., March 10, Apr. 14 and May 12, at the New Hampshire Community Technical College.

According to members of the BDC, the seminars are tailor-made for small to medium-size businesses throughout the Seacoast. The purpose of the series is to share practical, best-in-class sales practices and tools that attendees can implement to take their sales and businesses "to the next level."

The three sessions will focus on people, "How your business can attract, motivate and retain great salespeople;" process - "How to generate, identify and qualify sales leads;" and technology tools (pre and post sales) - "How technology can support your sales team and enhance the sales process."

The BDC is in the process of identifying and selecting the best available resources for each session. Chamber members interested in presenting a workshop at any of the sessions, and who are willing to identify and recruit a best-in-class client/user company, should send an outline of their subject matter for consideration to ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org or fax to (603) 436-5118. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 19.

Cost of each session is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. To register, contact Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager at 603-436-3988 x14 or email ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org.

SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL

The Chamber, in partnership with Pro Portsmouth, helped to usher in the holiday season with this year's Snowflake Festival which started with the traditional downtown holiday tree lighting Dec. 5 and continued through the month with a promotion of downtown merchants, and the city's arts and cultural communities.

A special brochure, produced by Pro Portsmouth, spotlighted a holiday calendar chock full of special programs, downtown shopping suggestions and a chance to vote in the annual holiday decorating contest. A host of downtown merchants went out of their way this year to help make the city a more festive and magical place to visit during December.

Attrezzi took top honors in this year's competition which was judged primarily on the opinions of customers who cast their votes in return for discount coupons in participating stores. Second place winners were Cool Jewels and Kennedy Studios. Runners Alley and Chrisrial won honorable mentions.

"We really appreciate the spirit of our downtown merchants in making this year's Snowflake Festival more special," said Barbara Massar, executive director of Pro Portsmouth-the festival and competition organizer. "I would especially like to thank all the prize sponsors who contributed incentives for the competition. They are: Serendipity, Tugboat Alley, Chrisrial & Co. Fine Jewelry, Kennedy Studios, Cool Jewels, Worldly Goods, Portsmouth Candle Company, Stilletto, Colby's, Southwest Airlines and Harbour Trail Guided Tours." The Chamber and Pro Portsmouth also thank the City of Portsmouth for bagging the parking meters-a gesture that made the experience more pleasant for holiday shoppers. For more information on Pro Portsmouth, Inc. events, visit www.proportsmouth.org.

HOLIDAY WINE TASTING

More than 300 guests turned out for this year's Holiday Winetasting held Dec. 15 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel. This year, guests were entertained by the cast of the Seacoast Repertory Theatre's Beauty and the Beast as they sampled table after table of the Seacoast's finest cuisine and some of the state's finest wines-not to mention a collection of special holiday scotch, vodka and spirits provided by distilleries from around the world.

From gourmet seafood platters, fine pastries, and jumbo shrimp to other seacoast specialties from the kitchens of their world-class chef staff, the Sheraton captured the attention and the appetites of guests who spent the evening connecting with friends and business contacts. The Chamber also used the evening to recognize the winner of this year's nonprofit benefit drawing taken from the proceeds of the Holiday Auction Gala held in November at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel.

A holiday windfall came early for the New Heights youth program as Chamber President Dick Ingram announced the group would receive a check for $860 which reflects five percent of the net auction proceeds. The Chamber thanks the Sheraton for its contributions to one of the community's signature events.

NEW YEAR'S PORTSMOUTH

Warm weather, entertainment and community spirit greeted nearly 3,000 people who traveled to downtown Portsmouth Dec. 31 to celebrate the coming of 2005 at New Year's Portsmouth.

Throughout the evening, young and old alike, created colorful feathered New Year's head bands, took harmonica lessons, learned origami, and grooved to the home-grown musical sounds of the Angel Band, All Together Now, the Salt River Trio, High Range, Amare Contare and more-not to forget some live theatre and dance courtesy of the Pontine Movement Theatre, New Hampshire Theatre Project, Seacoast Civic Dance Company and Ballet New England.

In Market Square, passersby stood in awe at the luminescent twin eagle ice sculptures created by White Mountain Ice Sculpture, while teens and 20-somethings "got down" at the Street Dance spun up by DJs from WERZ and WQSO-at least until the high-power, fireworks show went off at the South Mill Pond.

"We were really thrilled with this year's event," said Barbara Massar, executive director of Pro Portsmouth, organizer of New Year's Portsmouth. "We thank all our supporters and partners who helped make this year's celebration possible: the City of Portsmouth; and our sponsors, the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, Alie's Jeweler's, the McLane Law Firm, Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel & Spa, COAST Transportation, Paddy's All American Grille, Harbour Light Strategic Marketing, On Demand Imaging, 94.9 WHOM, Southwest Airlines, and Clear Channel Communications.

"A special word of thanks to our families and friends who support us and 'volunteer' for each of our events - we could not produce them without you." For information on how to become involved as a volunteer or sponsor, contact Massar at bmassar@proportsmouth.org.

Mid-Day Meet Networking
Lunchtime Mixer Evolves to
New Location, New Time, New Focus

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Jan. 21 & Feb. 18
Two International Group
1 New Hampshire Ave, 3rd Floor
Pease Int'l Tradeport

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 Banke of New Hampshire

5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 26
Bank of New Hampshire
333 State St., Portsmouth, NH

The Chamber invites the Seacoast community to its January Business After Hours, set for 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the Bank of New Hampshire in Portsmouth. The branch staff has a fun evening planned including a tasty menu, refreshments and a post-holiday treasure chest of door prizes, so mark your calendar for an entertaining winter's eve out.

Cost is $5 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

eCoast Technology Roundtable
6th Annual Belated Birthday Bash
Join Us to Celebrate the
eCoast's 6th Successful Year

5-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 3
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)436-3988, ext. or email ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org.

Legislative Conference & Reception
Join Us for a Face-to-Face
Opportunity to Meet with Your
State Representatives

1-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 7
Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel
250 Market St., Portsmouth, NH

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.

The afternoon program, underwritten by Public Service of NH, and sponsored by Ocean National Bank, Pierce Atwood and the McLane Law Firm, will feature three sessions: a workshop on Senate Bill 110--its impact on Seacoast businesses and proposed amendments; introductions and comments from local and state representatives; and an informal reception organized to promote dialog between lawmakers and the local business community.

Local state representatives invited for the comment session include Terie Norelli; MaryAnn Blanchard; Laura Pantelakos; Jim Splaine; Jim Powers; Jacqueline Cali-Pitts; and Christopher Serlin.

Invited guests for the reception include Governor John Lynch, Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin, State Senator Martha Fuller Clark, U. S. Senator Judd Gregg, U.S. Senator John Sununu and U.S. Representative Jeb Bradley.

For more information visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/legworkshops.cfm. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Nicole Gregg at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11 or ngregg@portsmouthchamber.org.

Winter Dinner Dance

Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel
250 Market St., Portsmouth, NH
5:30-10:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18

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.

The event, set for 6 p.m., Feb. 18 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, will feature the 21-piece Compaq Big Band, dancing and a three-course serving of some of the Seacoast's finest cuisine--including appetizers and a cash bar. Theme for the program is celebrating "The Portsmouth Experience."

The evening will start with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. That will be followed by dinner from 6:30-7:30 and dancing till 10:30 p.m.

The Compaq Big Band is a 21-piece jazz ensemble dedicated to providing high-quality big-band music to audiences across New England. The band features the live power of five saxophones, five trombones, five trumpets, bass, drums, guitar, piano, and a feature vocalist.

Cost of the event is $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10. For more details, contact Nicole Gregg at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11 or ngregg@portsmouthchamber.org.

Business After Hours at Radici

142-144 Congress St., Portsmouth, NH
5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24

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.

The Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 155 recently formed a partnership which resulted in a new home for the association at the Red Cross Chapter headquarters, located at Pease International Tradeport. "We are pleased and honored to host the local Air Force Sergeants Association," said Sarah Cherne, executive director of the Great Bay Chapter. "We serve the military with our Armed Forces Emergency Services Program, and so this is just a super fit for us."

Rumbletree's print ad campaign for Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) recently won both the "Best in Class" and the "President's Award" from the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) at their recent fall conference held in Boston. The campaign, called "What it Takes" showcases all the community support required for small businesses and non-profits to succeed. Rumbletree (www.rumbletree.com) has been providing clients with strategic and creative marketing solutions since 1990. The agency offers communications, advertising, design, and interactive services from offices in Portsmouth, N.H.

New Generation, a shelter for homeless pregnant women and mothers with young children, thanks the United Way and Liberty Mutual for assistance in building, painting, and pruning the grounds of the shelter, daycare, and thrift shoppe. Pam Cook, business analyst with Liberty's Portsmouth office, coordinated volunteers from five offices in Portsmouth and Dover in performing the work. This is the third year Liberty has contributed to New Generation through the Annual Day of Caring. For more on New Generation, visit www.newgennh.com.

PixelMEDIA, Inc., a full-service company offering integrated strategy, design and implementation services for Web, multimedia and IT initiatives, recently won the Web Marketing Association's prestigious "Best of Retail" Web Award for its work on the ECCO retail web site. ECCO is the U.S. branch of the seventh largest shoe brand in the world. The award recognized PixelMEDIA's development of a fully customized e-commerce storefront, and content and asset management system that was designed, developed and deployed on Microsoft's .NET platform. For more information on PixelMEDIA visit www.pixelmedia.com.

Bruce Mast & Associates, Inc., a leadership and organizational development firm in Exeter, invites Chamber members to take part in two new development programs: Leadership on the Line for frontline supervi

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