Dividends-July 2004

Message from the Chair
by John Tabor,
Chamber Board Chair

Here's a farewell column on behalf of myself and Peter Hamelin as we both step down from our posts - I as chair and Peter as president. The search for a replacement for Peter is going well - six strong candidates, some local, some regional, are set for first interviews in August.* In keeping with our baseball theme at the annual dinner, I'll use quotes from the famous Yogi Berra as guide to our farewell.

"The future ain't what it used to be" - Yogi.
The chamber went from pure business advocacy under Peter to advocating for quality of life in Portsmouth. The chamber was the first to realize that Portsmouth attracts startup and growing businesses because it is a great place to live, and this key asset does not happen without mindful tending of our arts, culture, history and way of life. Discussions started by the chamber resulted in Portsmouth Listens Study Circles, in which citizen input had a major impact on the city's next 10-year master plan.

Forums of CEOs in the area told us three other key issues to work on: affordable housing, rising health care costs and widening the Little Bay Bridge. We're pleased to report a commitment from Sen. Judd Gregg to seek $30 million in federal funds in the next federal highway bill to advance the Little Bay Bridge widening - a result of the chamber's efforts. We also held forums on SB110, the new state health care legislation. We did not make much headway on the tough, tough housing issue, but as Yogi says, "it ain't over 'til it's over."

But in all, the future is different thanks to the chamber's work.

"You can observe a lot by watching." - Yogi.
While many chamber executives are big talkers, Peter was a big listener. Modest and genuine in style, with a sense of humor, Peter had a way of making friends throughout the community. Revitalization of our Downtown Business Association began with Peter's friendships with Paul Sorli, Peter Egelston and others. Rebuilding of our Government Affairs Committee, and giving it the keen Concord know-how of Tim Fortier and others, happened the same way. Precisely because he cared about Portsmouth and the Seacoast, he listened and shared dreams about its future with many people of all walks of life. Sharing those dreams happened with much listening and learning, and were wonderfully free of ego on Peter's part. I like many others will miss his genuine approach.

"Never answer an anonymous letter" - Yogi.
Not all our days were free of controversy. Navigating the eCoast through the tech downturn in 2001 was difficult, and not without some disagreements. But over time this group remains part of the chamber, and thanks to the efforts of Jack Santos, Steve Wrenn, George McQuilken and Ginny Griffith of the chamber staff, our technology community still has a place to gather, network, hear great speakers, and participate in venture capital summits. More than $8 million in angel investor money has gone to work in eCoast businesses. As this sector of the economy grows, we feel confident the eCoast Technology Roundtable, as an organization, will provide more value than any other technology association north of Boston.

"It's so crowded nobody goes there anymore" - Yogi.
When the recession hit, and the local crowds dwindled, it was tourism that saw us through. The crowds we see today are a major factor in the local economy and the chamber plays a big role. The office fields dozens of calls a day from visitors. Peter and Marge Hubbard helped improve our web site for members and visitors, continued to support the Harbour Trail, and got the word out through the Northeast about our area.

"When you see a fork in the road, take it" - Yogi
Peter's fork in the road came when he had the chance to restore the Stone Church in Newmarket as a great local music venue. For me, it comes at the end of six years on the board in service to a great staff and wonderful board colleagues. Farewell to Peter, we wish him well; hail to the president-to-be and I'll see everyone around town.

* Our search committee consists of incoming chair Robin Whittaker (Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.), Josh Cyr (Harbour Light Strategic Marketing), Michael Kane (The Kane Company), Renee Riedel (Two International Group) and Lisa Destefano (Destefano Architects).

Chamber News

Chamber Provides Tour Guide
Service for COAST Trolley

The Chamber, the City of Portsmouth and the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) recently partnered together to make riding the downtown summer trolley more interesting and entertaining.

This year, Chamber tour guides are riding the trolley alongside passengers, and spotlighting Portsmouth's rich history and cultural offerings with entertaining commentary. The narrated rides are offered Thursday through Sunday and also include information on Portsmouth's museums, theatres, events and more. "The program was not meant to compete with our members who provide tours," said Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, "but as a face-to-face advertisement spotlighting the many historical and cultural amenities our city has to offer. "Our tour guides give riders just enough information to hopefully entice them to visit our historic homes, museums, theatres and shops."

The downtown loop provides convenient service from Market Square to many of the City's downtown attractions, including the John Paul Jones House, Strawbery Banke, Prescott Park, the City's outdoor pool and Peirce Island. The service also offers stops at free public parking lots around the city so that visitors and residents have easier access to shops, restaurants and other destinations.

The downtown trolley operates seven days a week and makes stops every 30-minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (no service between 2:30 and 3 p.m.).

Trolley fares are 50 cents for hop-on passengers and 25 cents for seniors and disabled individuals. Children under 5 ride free. A three-day pass, good for unlimited rides, is available for $2 and may be purchased at the Market Square kiosk as well as downtown area inns and hotels. To request a free schedule call (603) 743-5777 or download information at www.coastbus.org.

COAST is a public, non-profit transit system, and has proudly served residents of the Seacoast since 1982 with safe, affordable transit service. COAST vehicles travel over 400,000 miles annually.

Seacoast Guide Ad Sales
for 2005 Now Underway

Advertising sales will get underway in late August for the 2005 issue of the Seacoast's most comprehensive visitor guide which features expanded printing and distribution throughout New England, listings spotlighting local attractions, accommodations, dining, shopping, services and function facilities.

"Every year we find new ways to use the Guide to sell the Seacoast," said Marge Hubbard, chamber tourism manager. "This year we continued to increase our distribution in response to guide requests generated by our state-supported advertising in major national publications like the Boston Globe and The New York Times. We're excited about the response and already have plans to increase our tourism marketing efforts in 2005."

Guide advertisers get a number of additional benefits beyond the initial listing. Advertisers are prominently featured in the Guide map, and eligible for other tourism program discounts.

For more information on Seacoast Guide advertising, or advertiser benefits, call Hubbard at (603) 436-3988 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org.

Seacoast Chambers Expo
Set for Oct. 28 at Pease

The 16th Annual Seacoast Chambers Business Expo, entitled "Bridging the Seacoast," is set for noon to 7 p.m., Oct. 28, at the Pease International Tradeport.

The expo is a cooperative effort of the Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth and York Chambers of Commerce.

This year's expo has been totally reinvented, according to organizers, with the focus on member-to-member sales and promotion. The show will also feature a keynote luncheon, workshops and the awarding of seven grand prizes throughout the day. More than 3,000 members and guests from the Seacoast chambers are invited to attend.

The event is underwritten by Public Service of NH and co-sponsored by D.F. Richard Energy, Feliciano Limousine LLC, Northeast Credit Union, LifeSize Graphics, TTLC Internet, Unitil Energy Systems and Lightship Telecom.

Those interested in participating must be a member of a sponsoring chamber. Booth space is limited and rates run from $350 for a single booth to $600 for a double.

For more information or to sign up as an exhibitor, contact Nicole Gregg at (603) 436-3988 or via email at ngregg@portsmouth
chamber.org. Details, including admission options and an expo application, are also available at www.seacoastexpo.com.

New Web Interface Allows
Members to Edit Biz Info

In mid July, the Chamber opened a whole new world to members who can now edit their business information on the Chamber web site and take advantage of expanded marketing opportunities.

Members should have already received a letter with the instructions and passwords necessary to access their business information on the Chamber's web site. The letter also provided an overview of expanded services which include the ability to list business descriptions, special promotions, product and business pictures, menus, coupons and pricing.

"We can now offer members a great deal more online marketing punch at a bargain cost," said Kendra Frangos, the Chamber's membership manager. "For what it used to cost for just a link, you can now have your own mini web site on the Chamber's pages-and we get upwards of half a million hits a month from nearly 150,000 unique users-so the chances visitors will see your information is pretty strong. But don't take our word for it-the system allows you to track hits from your link on our site."

Although all members have access to their basic business information, expanded listings are only available to those members who maintain a link on the Chamber's web site. Cost of the link is $100 a year which helps offset the cost of maintaining and improving the web site. Those with web links are also elevated to the top of the list within their business categories.

Those interested in finding out more about the benefits of expanded listings may contact Diane Burch, the Chamber's administrative manager, at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13 or via email at dburch@portsmouthchamber.org.

eCOAST Technology Forum

Steve Mills, IBM's senior vice president of software, appeared as the inaugural keynote speaker in a new series of technology forums aimed at bringing high-tech leaders to the eCoast. The forum, held June 16 at the N.H. Community Technical College drew nearly 50 guests who listened as Mills talked about the trials and tribulations of IBM as it worked through a "traumatic" realignment of the company's culture and corporate goals-something he said had to happen if IBM was to survive as a viable technology leader. The change involved moving away from solely offering hardware to larger corporations, to meeting the software needs of small to medium businesses-a quest to which IBM has devoted more than $14 billion. Mills also said that a company needs to be more concerned with its customers rather than its competitors. "You need to let your customers rub your nose in what you do and then take that back and do something with it," said Mills. "Our success ultimately depends on how good we are at making a product that is cost effective, easy to use and one that meets the operational needs of our clients. George McQuilken, an eCoast Technology Roundtable board member, forum organizer and sponsor, said the purpose of the series is to introduce the eCoast community to movers and shakers in technology, and to showcase the eCoast community to tech leaders.

Business After Hours with the
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.

It was all warm breezes, sunshine and blue seas June 19 for more than 250 Chamber members and guests who boarded the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton for a sunset cruise along the river to Great Bay and back. During the voyage guests relaxed, networked and enjoyed a smorgasbord of savory treats and desserts served up by Galley Hatch Catering and Mahalos. Some lucky visitors left the gangway with more than a refreshing experience thanks to ISSC staff who provided door prizes for the cruise. Doreen Austin, Adminstaff, won the grand prize of the evening-rental of the entire fantail section of the M/V Thomas Laighton for a party cruise; Michelle Hopper, e Things, picked up a party cruise for four; Bicycle Bob Shouse, Bicycle Bob's Bicycle Outlet, drew an historic cruise round the Isles of Shoals; Bob Good, Good Leads, won an Isles of Shoals Walkabout Tour; Pat Ford Gibbons, Sail Amaryllis, drew a gift certificate for an Isles of Shoals Stopover Tour; and Tonya Dalhaus, FNX Radio Network, drew an evening cruise for two. The Chamber thanks the ISSC crew for an enjoyable evening on the water.

9th Annual Harbour Trail
5k Roadrace & Kids Fun Run

The Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K Road Race celebrated its 9th year with a field of more than 300 runners who turned out July 10 at the Portsmouth Middle School for what is becoming one of the most popular races in New England.

Casey Carroll, 32, from Dover, N.H., finished the 3.1-mile course in 16 minutes, 30 seconds to take the men's overall first-place title. He was followed by John Mercer from Laconia, N.H. in second with 17.27 and Jim Marchese, Eliot, Maine in third with a 17:50. Staci Prinz, 35, from Rye, N.H., won the women's overall competition with a time of 19:00. She was followed by Beth Lindquist, Kittery, in second with 20:02 and Masha Isaeva, Portsmouth, in third with a 21:00. Team winner in this year's race was the Cullinane Team in first place with a total time of 58:43. They were followed by the Rochester Runners in second with 1:02:14; third, Coastal Athletic Association, 1:04:32; and fourth, the Seamarsh Striders, with 1:06:07. The oldest Portsmouth runner was Peter Loughlin, 59, and the youngest, Ben McKenny, 9 yearsold.

The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for helping to make this year's race one of the most successful ever: Marquee Sponsor: Access Sports Medicine; Team Sponsor: Paddy's-An American Grill; Media Sponsor: Seacoast Newspapers; Fun Run Sponsors: Countrywide Home Loans and Portsmouth Regional Hospital; and Patron Sponsors: Bournival Kia, Centrix Bank, Fox Run Mall, Hannaford, the Lollipop Tree, PFG NorthCenter, Portsmouth Rent & Ride, Ricci Lumber Supply, Stonewall Kitchen, Timberland and the Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel & Spa.

Chamber Calendar

eCruise

5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 18
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Market St., Portsmouth, NH

The eCoast Technology Roundtable invites the region's high-tech community to join them for the 5th Annual eCruise set for 5:30-7 p.m., Aug. 18 aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. Boarding begins at 5 p.m. The cruise is a special event of the monthly eBrew, hosted by the Roundtable, which brings the region's technology community together for networking in a social setting each month. This year's Captain's-Level cruise sponsors include Liberty Mutual and PIXELMedia.

The cruise will feature a smorgasbord of tasty treats and an abundance of refreshments. According to organizers, the cruise will give eCoasters, and anyone interested in attending, an opportunity "to mix and mingle with people of like mind and industry while enjoying the essence of what Portsmouth is really about.

This event attracts technology professionals from Boston to Portland, Nashua, Concord and Manchester, and beyond. So don't miss this opportunity for fun and networking on the high seas.

The admission price, $15 for members and $20 for non-members, includes food, drinks (two complimentary brews or sodas), music, great company and the boat ride.

Space is limited, so those interested are encouraged to sign up early. Boarding will begin at 5 p.m. and the boat will leave the dock at 5:30 p.m.

Register today by contacting the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13 or dburch@portsmouthchamber.org.

Mid-Day Meet

Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19
Portsmouth Chamber
500 Market St., Portsmouth, NH

If getting to know people at big events is a little overwhelming, the Chamber now has something for you-the Mid-Day Meet Brown Bag Networking Lunch. The monthly sessions run from noon to 1 p.m., the third Thursday of each month in the Chamber conference room.
During the one-hour session, attendees will get to know other attendees and learn abou their products and services.
Seats are limited, so those interested should contact Frangos to RSVP at (603) 436-3988, ext. 18 or kfrangos@portsmouthchamber.org.

Business After Hours

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26
Victory 96 State Street
96 State St., Portsmouth, NH

Situated in an extensively restored 1820's Federal style house with six fireplaces, Victory 96 State Street has gone from a private home, an antique shop, and a computer store to one of the Seacoast's up and coming fine dining establishments. Since opening just over a year ago, Victory 96 has managed to capture the flavor of the region in every way "from its simple, inspired New England cuisine to its stylish, comfortable setting." Mark your calendar today for a savory evening out hosted by owner partners George Frangos and Chef Duncan Boyd.

Year of the Customer Seminar

8-10 a.m., Tuesday,Sept. 14
NH Community Technical College
Pease Int'l Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH

The third seminar in the Year of the Customer Series, entitled Turning the Voice of Your Customers into Exciting Products/Services, is scheduled for 8-10 a.m., Sept. 14 at New Hampshire Community Technical College. The YOTC series is sponsored by Federal Savings Bank.

Cost for the sessions, sponsored by Federal Savings Bank, will be $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For more details, stay tuned to the Chamber's web site at www.portsmouthchamber.org. For more details, visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/yotc3.cfm.

Business After Hours

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 23
Coughlin, Rainboth, Murphy & Lown
439 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH

Founded in 1993, Coughlin, Rainboth, Murphy & Lown is located in an historic Civil War era restored home at 439 Middle Street in Portsmouth. Together, the team has nearly 50 years of legal experience in all areas of civil litigation, corporate, small business and estate planning matters. Join us for a visit to their offices for an entertaining evening of networking and good times-not to mention, a few surprises from this veteran group of legal beagles. 

Breakfast Forum with
Author Joseph O'Connor

7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28
Redhook Ale Brewery
Pease Int'l Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH

The Chamber and the Seacoast United Way have joined forces to bring author Joseph A. "Jay" Connor to Portsmouth for the September Fleet Speaker Series Breakfast Forum. Connor is the Founder/CEO of The Collaboratory for Community Support where he uses his extensive leadership experience in the business, nonprofit, and public policy arenas to benefit organizations and agencies across the country.

Connor recently co-authored a book entitled, Community Visions, Community Solutions: Grantmaking for Comprehensive Impact. The book was designed to "help foundations, community funds, government agencies and other grantmakers uncover a community's highest aspiration for itself, and support and sustain strategic efforts to get workable solutions."

Connor is credited with creating a corporate environment emphasizing respect for employees through team empowerment, career development, and increased expectations.

Cost is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending may contact Diane Burch to RSVP at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13 or email dburch@portsmouthchamber.org.

Movers & Shakers

Banknorth Investment Management Group recently changed its name to Banknorth Wealth Management Group to more clearly identify the firm with the services it provides. The company provides wealth-advisory services to individuals and businesses from its 21 offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New York. For more information visit www.banknorth.com or www.BanknorthWealthManagement.com

Relyco Sales, Inc., a global provider of value-added printed materials, business equipment and forms processing software, recently announced the signing of a strategic partner/reseller agreement with NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. The company is a developer and international marketer of software and patented PaperClick™ technologies which link products, print and physical objects to targeted online data via the computer or smart handheld devices (cell phone, PDA).

Vitali Bondar, DDS, owner of Smile Design Center, a dental office offering general, cosmetic and implant dentistry services located in Portsmouth, N.H., was recently recognized as an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He was recognized at the Academy's annual meeting in Hollywood, Florida. For more information, call (603) 427-0043, or visit www.yoursmiledesign.com 

The Port Inn, located on the Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth, recently announced that it has received a three-diamond rating from the American Automobile Association. The rating change is a result of a major remodeling project that was completed recently at the property. The Port Inn offers traditional hotel accommodations as well as studio rooms set up for extended stay travelers. For more on The Port Inn, visit www.theportinn.com

New Generation, Inc., a shelter for homeless pregnant women and mothers with young children, recently accepted the help of three corporations that donated time and materials to help the shelter prepare for summer activities. New Generation's thrift shop, daycare and furniture barn benefited. Bell & Flynn, Inc. donated a truckload of crushed rock for Second Generation Thrift Shoppe's parking lot. Pike Industries donated a truckload of sand for the Next Generation Daycare sandboxes. Timberland volunteers spread the materials, shoveling and raking it all into place. For more information visit www.newgennh.com.

Rumbletree recently won the 2004 Advertising and Public Relations Award from the New Hampshire Travel Council for its contributions to the state's tourism industry. This year, the agency launched a new advertising campaign for the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development, which includes print, transit, direct mail, radio and collateral. The award was presented at the 28th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. Rumbletree has been providing clients with strategic and creative marketing solutions since 1990. The agency offers communications, advertising, design, and interactive services. For more on the agency, visit www.rumbletree.com.

The American Lung Association of New Hampshire, in Bedford, N.H., offers a facilitator training course for its Freedom From Smoking Program. Attendees are trained to facilitate the adult group quit smoking program, which uses a positive behavior change approach that teaches participants how to become non-smokers. ALANH works with hospitals, community centers, and worksites throughout the state to schedule Freedom From Smoking programs. For more information, contact Karen Becker (603) 669-2477, ext. 103.

Jewett Construction recently completed construction on a 7,000-square-foot building housing the Seacoast office of Precision Mechanical Contractors in Dover, NH. The building, designed by The Turner Group, includes 3,500 square feet of offices, warehousing, mezzanine space and loading docks for the Manchester, NH based mechanical contractor. Project Manager Jon Krygeris and Superintendent Dick Keller oversaw the project. For details visit www.jewettconstruction.com.

CB Richard Ellis/The Boulos Company, LLC, a commercial real estate services firm, declared that Boulder Image has leased 1,750 square feet of warehouse space at 12 Crosby Road, Suite 2, Dover, New Hampshire. Kent White of CBRE brokered this transaction on behalf of Boulder Image and Doreen Rainville of Winsorbrook Property Advisors brokered this transaction on behalf of the Landlord. For details visit www.cbre.com.

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center recently targeted first time entrepreneurs with FastTrack New Venture training in Portsmouth, NH. This course will cover such key topics as concept development, entry strategies, market research and analysis, pricing and profitability, market penetration, budgeting, and next steps. For more information, contact Sarah McLaughlin at the NH SBDC, (603) 227-0417 or email sarah.mchlaughlin@unh.edu.

The Women's Business Center recently announced that their monthly WomenBiz Roundtables have moved from the NH Tower cafeteria to Full Spectrum Wellness at Langer Place, 55 South Commercial Street in Manchester. The roundtables are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information call (603) 430-2892 or email programs@womenbiz.org.

Cabot House Furniture of Portsmouth recently welcomed several new employees to its staff. Caitlin Oberg, a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, will serve on the sales and design staff. Deidre Thompson joined the staff as an interior design and sales consultant, and Sarah Ryll will assist customers as an interior design and fine furnishings consultant. For more on Cabot House Furniture, visit www.cabothouse.com.

For the second year running, Harbor Advisory Corporation, a Portsmouth-based investment firm, was asked to contribute to Barrons' Big Money Poll. Barrons, the Dow Jones business and financial weekly, published its poll in t

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