Dividends Newsletter-July 2003

President's Message
by Peter Hamelin,
Chamber President

Your Chamber of Commerce has just gone through a period of intense work, and as I take a moment to reflect on the past six months I would be remiss if I did not thank you our members, our volunteers, and our loyal supporters. We thank you for investing both your time and money, knowing its not only going to help your business but also strengthen our economy and secure our economic future.

Thank you for supporting us as we created a partnership with Pro Portsmouth. By joining forces, we were able to bring you Fleet Children's Day, Market Square Day, and in cooperation with the Downtown Business Association and the City of Portsmouth, the first "Summer in the Street"- a pilot program to create a pedestrian friendly environment in our central business district. With renewed energy and focus, we look forward to bringing the community more beneficial celebrations and programs that support our local merchants, residents and visitors alike.

Thank you for your feedback and the support of three new initiatives and for your assistance in finding common goals to tackle our common challenges. The three initiatives were spurred on by a series of roundtable discussions with George Bald, commissioner of the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, and Ross Gittell, UNH Whittemore School of Business. Following is an update on our progress.

Jennifer Quinlan, your business development manager, has been working with Kelly Whalen and Paul Young from Calypso Communications to create a PR and marketing campaign to better assist in telling the Greater Portsmouth story. By meeting with business and community leaders and actively soliciting your feedback, we will create a campaign focused on the additional press presence that will come with the Presidential Primary season. And a plan that all can use when working to gain new business and qualified employees.

We are working with Mr. David Choate, from Grubb & Ellis, Coldstream Real Estate Advisors, to locate a site for a UNH entrepreneur extension campus in downtown Portsmouth. According to Gittell, "the main intent of the proposed UNH Entrepreneurial Campus Extension is to bring the resources of UNH closer to businesses and the community in Portsmouth. The objective is to provide the networking power and expertise of UNH faculty and students to the Portsmouth business community. This would add to the attraction/marketing of downtown Portsmouth. It would also be of significant benefit to UNH students and faculty at WSBE who would use the Portsmouth business environment as a "learning laboratory." The UNH Portsmouth Extension would be a "lively meeting place for faculty, students and businesspersons, with working meetings and seminars." We are very excited for this project and the future connection with UNH.

The third initiative is to bring Richard Florida to New Hampshire. Florida is the author of The Rise of the Creative Class. Check out his website at www.creativeclass.org. He has garnered much attention and applause about the new economy and the type of communities that potential businesses and employees are seeking out. His research is extensive. If you would like more info, or to get involved, please contact me.

Thank you too for supporting our two biggest fundraising events of the year. Both our golf tournament at the Ledges, and our annual dinner at the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel were sell outs. The proceeds will go directly to supporting you.

In closing, I would like to thank you for supporting one another. As we continue to move forward in uncertain times, we know that doing business with each other will strengthen our community, our families and our well-documented quality of life. And when you get a chance, I ask you to please thank Jon Dufour, our outgoing chair. He has given much to the Chamber setting a course that was focused on your business and the health of this organization. We believe that we accomplished both goals with honest hard work, listening to your needs, staying focused on promoting the sound economic growth of the Greater Portsmouth region and serving as the "Voice of Business for a Vital Community."

Chamber News

Market Square Now Home to
New WiFi Hot Spot

Chamber Works with Members
to Offer Wireless Info Service

Residents and visitors alike may now cruise the Internet in Market Square thanks to a new WiFi wireless service eminating from the Chamber's downtown information kiosk.

The "hot spot," which went live June 20, is a cooperative venture of the Chamber and several hi-tech members including Port City Web, BayRing and Scott Campbell & Associates.

According to co-founders Erik Crago, Port City Web; and Scott Campbell, Campbell & Associates, the Market Square WiFi service was established to promote wireless Internet usage and awareness, give visitors easy access to local information, and provide an opportunity for employees to work outside the office. "We also thought it would be a nice way to contribute to the community while promoting the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the eCoast," said Campbell. "Not to mention, it's always nice to get outside during the summer, and this was the only way we could do that and still get our e-mail."

Wi-Fi (short for wireless fidelity) is the commonly used term for 802.11-based wireless technology. Those who'd like to tune in to the hot spot will need a suitable PDA or laptop rigged for wireless operation.

The pilot program is scheduled to continue through mid November. For more details on the Market Square hotspot, visit www. portsmouthwifi.org.

Seacoast Chambers Expo
Set for Sept. 10 in Hampton

The 15th Annual Seacoast Chambers Business Expo is set for 4-8 p.m., Sept. 10, at Seacoast United Soccer Arena, located at 311 Winnacunnet Road in Hampton, NH. The new venue features parking facilities and convenient access off Route 95.

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

The event is underwritten by Public Service of NH and co-sponsored by D.F. Richard Energy, Feliciano Limousine LLC, Northeast Credit Union, Sir Speedy of Portsmouth, TTLC Internet, Unitil Energy Systems and York Telephone & Computer. Supporting sponsors are NH Business Review, Clear Channel Communications, NH Air National Guard and the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED).

For more information or to sign up as an exhibitor, contact Nicole Wohl at (603) 436-3988 or via email at nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org. Details, including admission options and an expo application, are also available at www.portsmouthchamber.org/seacoastchambersexpo.cfm.

Chamber's Dinner Features
Citizen, Business, and
Volunteer of the Year Awards

Nearly 400 members and guests turned out June 25 at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel to honor the Chamber's annual award winners, to welcome the new slate of officers and to view a short video feature on the history of the Wentworth.

This year's dinner featured a return to the earlier days of the 20th century complete with an antique car shuttle service, complimentary mint julep refreshments, courtesy of Harbour Light, and the elegant ambience of the newly restored Wentworth.

The Chamber also welcomed John Tabor, Seacoast Newspapers as new chair of the board, as well as several new directors: Tim Fortier, McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A.; Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects; Jay Levy, State Street Discount; Fred Palazzolo, Ocean National Bank; and Steve Wrenn, Clipper Consulting.

This year's citizen of the year is a quiet man who prefers working in the background, according to friends and colleagues who say he has been "making a difference" in the Seacoast community for many years.

Jim Noucas, with Noucas & Keenan Attorneys at Law, was recognized for his leadership in organizing the Portsmouth Listens effort and his "tireless efforts" on behalf of Seacoast young people. Portsmouth Listens is a collaborative effort to help shape the future of Portsmouth by providing an opportunity for citizens to have input for the city's Master Plan.

He has served as a member of the Greater Portsmouth Educational Partnership Committee for more than a decade and Chairman of group since 1997. "A tireless leader," said Hamelin, "he coordinates the GPEPC Annual Celebration of Excellence in Education, which involves hundreds of hours putting together and distributing the nomination forms, assembling the selection teams, developing and publishing the program, and any other administrative detail that need to be covered."

Noucas was also the major force behind three school community efforts including the Safe and Respectful Schools program, balancing student enrollments in Portsmouth elementary schools and the school redistricting process which was a major success.

Citizens Bank won honors as this year's Business of the Year for, as Chamber President Peter Hamelin said, "stepping up to the plate during these challenging economic times." He added, "this year's recipient has committed time, financial resources and it's people to support a diverse group of organizations and our community as a whole. They have certainly had a major impact on the success of these groups and the people that make our community a better place to live and work."

Citizens' has supported a number of community organizations over the year. The bank made a major contribution to the Pease Child Care Project which helped to create an affordable child care center at Pease International Trade Port, supported Homeward Bound, a Housing Partnership homebuyer education program, sponsored the 4th of July Celebration of America at Strawbery Banke Museum, and underwrote a series of Chamber business development workshops that supported the needs of more than 300 participants.

Citizens Bank was also lauded for its ongoing support of Pro Portsmouth. "Regardless of the season, they have always been a group that says yes when asked to partner in events such as Market Square Day, Snowflake Festival and First Night," said Hamelin. "As an underwriter of Market Square Day 2003, they affirmed the mission of Pro Portsmouth which is to support the arts, culture, history and community of the Seacoast. We are grateful that their generosity helped make the day a reality.

This year's Volunteer of the Year award went to Jack Santos, formerly of Bowstreet, former chair of the eCoast Technology Roundtable and now president of TMI Advisors.

Santos was recognized for the key role he played in redefining the mission of the eCoast Technology Roundtable and serving as its chair during the assessment and transition process.

Some of the highlights of his tenure included the creation of a vision, mission, goals and objectives for the roundtable, the unveiling of a new website for the eCoast packed with features and news highlighting, the development and release of the eCoast Monitor-a Taylor Research and Consulting Group report of hi-tech health in the region.

"He has proven to be a committed, wise, balanced, knowledgeable and unbiased leader of the technology sector," said Hamelin. "He has also been an excellent role model and friend to eCoast members as well as the Chamber staff."

The Chamber thanks the following for stepping up to make this year's dinner one of the most special events in decades: (Platinum) Ocean Properties, MassAV and Elite Computer Solutions; (Gold) Bank of NH, Citizens Bank, Ocean National Bank, Portsmouth Regional Hosptial, Public Service of New Hampshire, and Signature Title Corp.; (Silver) Comcast, Ernst & Young, and Seacoast Newspapers; (Bronze) McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A., Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, Flora Ventures, IES Design, Irving Oil, and LifeSize Graphics; (Special Focus) Anthem Blue Cross, CB Richard Ellis, Flextronics, Harbour Light, Martini Northern, and Portsmouth Rent & Ride; Redhook Brewery and Tyco International, Ltd; and (In-kind) Byrne & Carlson Chocolatiers, the Seacoast Science Center and The Lollipop Tree.

Chamber Welcomes
New Membership Manager

The Chamber recently welcomed Kendra Frangos as its new membership manager. Frangos takes over from Caroline Marshall who recently left the area to pursue a master's degree at Cornell University. She served three years at the Chamber.

Frangos comes to Portsmouth from Tyco where she served as a senior marketing and communications manager at the corporation's Exeter facility. A 10-year veteran at Tyco, Frangos worked in a number of capacities from developing training programs and creating in-house software user manuals, to planning industry conferences and managing an employee communications program for a global staff of 4,700.

"I'm really excited to be part of the Chamber team," said Frangos, who feels the Chamber has a positive impact on the Seacoast Region. "I look forward to meeting with our members and helping them get the most out of their investment. We have a lot to offer and it's my job to make sure that everyone gets the fast, personalized attention they need to grow and prosper."

Frangos holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor's degree in business management from New Hampshire College.

Chamber Events

Market Square Day Unqualified Success
Under New Chamber/
Pro Portsmouth Partnership

A regular visitor to Market Square Day probably noticed very few differences in this event made possible by the new Chamber-Pro Portsmouth Partnership. Except, that is, more open access to the sidewalk and downtown shops and more local artisans and vendors--a deliberate move supported by the boards of both organizations. According to Barbara Massar, MSD organizer and the Chamber's director of downtown events, the day was an unqualified success for both visitors and downtown shop owners, many of whom set up shop on the sidewalk to entice the the thousands of passers by who flooded into the city center. "We're trying to bring Market Square Day back to its original roots," said Massar. "It's a festival that promotes and supports local businesses, craftspeople, and entertainers, not just in Portsmouth but all over the Seacoast. I think we accomplished that this year," she said. More than 1,300 runners participated in signature 10K Road Race and more than 80,000 visitors enjoyed the traditional home grown entertainment, cuisine and culture. The Chamber and Pro Portsmouth thank volunteers and the following sponsors for helping to make the day possible: New Hampshire Tobacco Prevention & Control Program, Oakhurst Dairy, Ocean Properties Ltd., Port City Nissan/Suzuki, Service Credit Union, Hannaford, Powerade, Citizens Bank Foundation, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Liberty Mutual, andThe Bay, 98.7 FM.

Business After Hours with the
Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.

Threatening rain gave way to a clear blue sky June 19 as more than 230 Chamber members and guests boarded the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton for a sunset cruise along the coast. The evening also featured a smorgasbord of savory treats and desserts prepared by Foster's Downeast Clambake, Muddy River Smokehouse, Galley Hatch Catering, Bananas, Genip Tree and Cookies by Design. Some lucky visitors left the gangway with more than a refreshing experience thanks to the generosity of Chamber members who provided door prizes for the cruise. Cesar Ahumada, RPF Associates, won a lunch at the Three Chimneys Inn; Sara Beth Elliot, Foster's Daily Democrat, picked up a free pass for a Reggae Cruise with ISSC; Weld Butler, Harbor Advisory Corp., drew a guided kayak tour courtesy of Portsmouth Kayak Adventures; Rachel Grogan, Coldwell Banker, won tickets to the Seacoast Repertory Theatre; Shelly Britton, Pony Pals, picked up a Harley model; Jennifer Marcelais, Soul Oyster Web Studios, drew a Star Island Stopover, courtesy ISSC; Greg West, Greg West Photography, won a Lighthouse Tour from ISSC; Terry Coyle, Outward Bound drew tickets to Eddie Palmeri at The Music Hall; and Natalie Theodore, The Inn of Hampton & Conference Center, and Allen Gilbert, Ram Printing, both won tickets to Easy Rider at The Music Hall.

8th Annual Portsmouth Harbour
Trail 5K Road Race & Kids Fun Run

The Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K Road Race celebrated its 8th year with a field of more than 330 runners who turned out July 12 at the Portsmouth Middle School for what is becoming one of the most popular races in New England. Dan Verrington, 41, from Bradford, Mass., finished the 3.1-mile course in 15 minutes, 37 seconds to take the men's overall first-place title. He was followed by Todd Hanson from Portsmouth in second with 16:24 and Patrick Ard, Kingston, N.H. in third with a 16:46. Aenslee Tanner, from Portsmouth, won the women's overall competition with a time of 19:32. She was followed by Beth Lindquist, Kittery, in second with 16:21 and Michele Sopher, Stratham, N.H. in third with a 20:39. Team winner in this year's race was the Coastal Athletic Association in first place with a total time of 53:28. They were followed by the Rochester Runners in second with 1:05:05; third, Stonewall Kitchen, 1:15:06; and fourth, The Yellow Darts, with 1:21:05. Kid's winners were Taylor Tarr, (2-4 year-olds), Eliot; Hallie Bletzer, (5-6), Hampton; Calvin Johnson, (7-9), and Merideth Sother, (10 plus), from Stratham. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for helping to make this year's race the best ever: Marquee Sponsor: Portsmouth Herald; Supporting Sponsors: Alie Jewelers, O'Natural, Ricci Lumber, Hannaford Pic 'n Pay Supermarket, Stoneyfield Yogurt, Citizens Bank, BagelWorks, Harbour Light and Runner's Alley.

Calendar

Joint Business After Hours with
The New England Center and
Portsmouth Rent & Ride

5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 29
New England Center, Durham, NH

Enjoy a summer evening getting acquainted with your peers and sampling the best of the "simpler life" at the New England Center/Portsmouth Rent & Ride Business After Hours. The adventure begins as visitors enter the surrounding woods of Acorns Dining Room Where they will receive a trail map that will lead trekkers through an assortment of culinary delights and libations. Portsmouth Rent and Ride, co-sponsor, will give guests a chance to check out many entertaining "outdoor" adventure opportunities. At each trail stop, visitors will pick up tickets which will give them a chance to win dining gift certificates, guided tours, gift baskets, clothing and the grand prize--a yellow Whistler Kayak by Current Designs valued at $850!! So mark your calendar today for a trip to "Where Outdoor and Indoor Adventures Meet!"

Cost is $5 and a business card for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

The New England Center is located at 15 Strafford Avenue, on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham. To find out more about the co-hosts of the July Business After Hours, visit www.newenglandcenter.com, www.acornsrestaurant.com & www.portsmouthrentandride.com.

Fourth Annual eCruise

6-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21
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 fourth annual eCruise set for 5:30-8 p.m., Aug. 21 aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. 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.

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 just before 6 p.m. The cruise will return to the dock by 8 p.m.

Register today at www.ecoast.org or by calling the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce at (603) 436-3988.

Business After Hours
at the Links at Outlook

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28
Links at Outlook Golf Club
Route 4, South Berwick, Maine

Join us for a visit to the Outlook Farm and one of New England's true links-style courses, designed by nationally known architect Brian Silva in the Scottish tradition. Jeff Maldonis and the staff have a fun evening planned including a little friendly competition and a sampling of their best cuisine and refreshments. Don't miss this evening of fun and networking out on the farm.

Cost is $5 and a business card for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

Breakfast Forum with Carol Murray,
Commissioner, NH DOT

7:30-9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9
Redhook Ale Brewery
35 Corporate Dr., Pease Int'l Tradeport

As commerce in the Seacoast grows, improving the region's transportation infrastructure has become increasingly critical. Join us to hear NH DOT Commissioner Carol Murray talk about the state's plan for the region including such issues as the proposed rail service and expansion of the Little Bay Bridge. The event, part of the Fleet Speaker Series, is jointly hosted by the Pease Tenant Association and Redhook Ale Brewery.

Cost is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing the Chamber at info@portsmouthchamber.org.

Seacoast Chambers Business Expo

4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10
Seacoast United Soccer Arena
311 Winnicut Rd., Hampton, NH

You're invited to the 15th Annual Seacoast Chambers Business Expo--one of the Seacoast's biggest business events. The Expo is set for 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Seacoast United Soccer Arena which is located at 311 Winnacunnet Road in Hampton, NH. The new location features outstanding parking facilities as well as convenient access off Route 95.

Over its 14-year history, the Expo has attracted businesses from a wide array of industries including tourism, high-tech, financial services, internet and telecommunication service providers, and others. Underwritten by Public Service of NH, the Expo is a cooperative effort of the Dover, Exeter, Hamptons, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth and York Chambers of Commerce. The event is co-sponsored by Sir Speedy Printing Center of Portsmouth, D.F. Richard, Feliciano Limousine LLC, Northeast Credit Union, TTLC Internet, and York Telephone & Computer. NH Business Review and Clear Channel Communications are the expo media partners, and the NH Air National Guard remains a partner of the expo, along with the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED).

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

Movers and Shakers

Service Credit Union is currently offering video conferencing to anyone with family members in the military. SCU has video conferencing capabilities at their Corporate Offices in Portsmouth as well as in their Overseas Division Headquarters in Kaiserslautern, Germany which would allow people to communicate between those two facilities. Interested individuals may call Nancy Layton at (800) 936-7730, ext. 309 to set up an appointment. The service is offered free of charge.

Rumbletree was recently awarded four Telly Awards for television commercials produced for the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development, including top honors for a commercial entitled "Top of the World." The agency's work was selected from over 10,000 entries which included commercials from companies such as Coca-Cola, AT&T, Nabisco, and others. Rumbletree (www.rumbletree.com) has been providing clients with strategic and creative marketing solutions since 1990. The agency offers advertising, design, and interactive services from offices in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

DeStefano Architects, PLLC, recently received unanimous approval from the City of Portsmouth Historic District Commission for its State Street Condominium Project. The new construction will replace Dow's Gulf Station on the corner of State and Middle Streets in Portsmouth. The groundbreaking is set for mid-summer. For more on the firm, visit www. destefanoarchitects.com.

The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail staff invites Chamber members to sail into autumn with them on a benefit cruise slated for 2-4 p.m., Sept. 29 aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. All proceeds from the event will support the group's trail site marker fund. Peter Michaud, from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities will narrate the trip with tales from African American maritime history on the Piscataqua. Free refreshments and cash bar. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children (12 or under). For reservations, call Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. at 1-800-441-4620. For more Information about the PBHT, call (603) 430-8472.

Andrew Sturgeon, PLS (Professional Land Surveyor) was recently named Surveyor of the Year by the Maine Society of Land Surveyors. Sturgeon is vice president and chief operating officer for AMES A/E, a 35-person architecture and engineering firm located in Bangor, Maine and Portsmouth, NH.

The Blues Bank Collective invites Chamber members to help celebrate the "The Year of the Blues" at the group's 18th Annual Portsmouth Blues Festival which is set for Aug. 18 at Strawbery Banke Museum. The festival is the main fundraiser for this award winning educational nonprofit organization. For more details, visit the BBC online at www.bluesbankcollective.org.

The Browne Center, in cooperation with partners High Performance Leadership and the New England Center, recently earned the contract for a new professional development and training institute for the Red Cross' Northern New England region. Dubbed "The Peterson Institute," the school will engage middle managers in leadership simulations, 360-degree evaluations, cases studies and other exercises based on HPL's "Action" model. To find out more information on leadership development services visit w

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