 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Dividends-June 2004 President's Message It is with a heavy heart and a shaky finger that I type my last message to you as president of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. I announced last week that I will be stepping down at the end of July to focus my full attention on a private business that I have been involved in since July of last year. I have been in my current post since March of 2001. At that time, I came over from Pro Portsmouth. I was so excited for this new challenge and responsibility. To serve the city in which I live and play. The city that was a saving grace, which gave me a chance and a home. When I lacked direction, and was unsure of my abilities and just confused in general, I would go to the New Leaf Bookstore, Prescott Park and the Elvis Room. I worked part time at the Rosa, and got lost in the local music scene. I fell in love with Portsmouth and its people. There is an energy here that I can't explain, but its deeper than the beautiful buildings, the quaint shops and the restaurants. For me it's the natural landscape, it's the history. I can close my eyes and see the horse and buggies lined up in Market Square, and most of all, the people. It's always been a place where it didn't matter what kind of car you drove, or what street you lived on, where your degrees came from or what private club you're a member of. What matters is what non-profit you volunteer for, what passion or dream you are working toward, and how you treat your neighbors, fellow residents and visitors. My most sincere hope is that Portsmouth will continue to be that type of community. As I prepare to move my energy, work and home to Newmarket, I would like to stay involved in the initiatives that we have worked on together: supporting our arts and cultural community, and advocating for public transportation and workforce housing. This region is growing, and we have created a desirable location for folks to move to and visit, but let's make sure that everybody can do it. And most of all, I want to make sure that we put our quality of life first, so we can live in peace with healthy debate-always working to secure a better future. You are so fortunate to have a board of directors that is passionate. I will miss our monthly meetings with 20 leaders sitting around the table-all with a focus, all working for your business and our common goals. It is truly an amazing group of people and I thank them for their trust, patience, guidance, sense of humor and friendship. The Chamber staff, my colleagues, my friends and your best allies, are the most dedicated, hard working team I know. I will miss them greatly. You can depend on them to keep the ball rolling while the board searches for my replacement. Diane Burch, our office manager, is gearing up for the visitor season. She has organized our front line staff while supporting our board and the entire team-all with a smile and a new pair of shoes! Bob Bordeleau, who is constantly reminding our members about the importance of getting involved in the chamber, is working on our budget for 2004-2005 and making sure that our programs and initiatives are relevant to your business. Marge Hubbard, our tourism manager, has worked with our board to create one of the most dynamic and forward focused committees in the state. She continues to work for balance between our quality of life and the growth of our tourist industry. Ginny Griffith, our business development manager, has hit the ground running; managing the eCoast and sparking new life and new initiatives for the group. She has also jumped right in the middle of the fight to save the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Kendra Frangos, our membership manager, has been working hard with our Ambassador Committee to serve your business. She is also working to evaluate Coastline Magazine in an effort find out how that piece can best serve the region and your business. Kendra will also serve as interim president after my departure. She is a leader and all trust and respect her. Our Events Manager Nicole Wohl is simply amazing. She has worked hard to balance our public image with our fundraising goals and has stepped up the level of our events. She is always looking for new and innovative ways to help you grow your business. Barbara Massar has been working hard to create festivals through Pro Portsmouth that all can get involved in and be proud of. Look for some exciting events this summer that will make Portsmouth pedestrian friendly, bring more arts to the public arena and give you a great reason to bring yourself and family downtown! And Tom Cocchiaro, our communications manager, just reached a milestone at the Chamber-10 years of service. Tom's job is more then 9-5, 40 hours a week. It is an everyday commitment that involves supporting the membership and the efforts of every member of the staff. Tom puts in all his work behind the scenes, never looking for the limelight or attention. He is a true community activist and we all owe him a great deal of gratitude for his service. So as I walk to lunch today to our beautiful downtown, I will be grateful for my time here, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to working with you all on the continued health of the seacoast region.
Chamber News Portsmouth Mayor Wins Chamber Citizen of the Year Honors Elegance, energy and excitement was the name of the "game" for the Chamber's 2004 Annual Dinner held June 7 at the Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel and Spa. Nearly 300 Chamber members and guests attend the event which featured Red Sox COO Michael Dee, the introduction of new officers and board members, and the all important annual awards. The softspoken Dee charmed the audience with compliments about his New Hampshire seacoast experiences and his personal goal of connecting fans outside of Boston to the Red Sox- a team Dee said really belongs to New England. Following his presentation, Dee treated fans in the audience to player news and a locker room full of Red Sox memorabilia that were sold off in a surprise live auction. Some of the items included signed jerseys, balls, bats and priceless package that started a bidding war that escalated to $2,650. Gregg Corson, Global Technical Talent; and Shari Young, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, took turns upping the antie to the cheers of the audience. Corson eventually held out to win the four VIP dugout seats, player introductions, a limo ride courtesy of Great Bay Limousine, and a personalized tour inside the Green Monster. During the evening's proceedings, Robin Whittaker, Isles of Shoals Steamship Co., was welcomed as new chair of the board, and several new board members were introduced: Victoria Gray, Bank of NH; Alison Pyott, formerly of the Seacoast United Way and Renee' Riedel, Two International Group. Outgoing board members Joshua Cyr, Harbour Light Strategic Marketing; and Jon Dufour, Tyco Telecommunications were also recognized.
Portsmouth Mayor Evelyn Sirrell won honors as the 2004 Citizen of the Year. Sirrell was recognized for her lifelong commitment to the citizens of Portsmouth and her leadership in a number of areas organizer of the coalition addressing the school funding issue, as chair of the Citywide Neighborhood Association and as a proponent of ArtSpeak, the city's new entity dedicated to supporting the arts.
Harbour Light Strategic Marketing received the Business of the Year Award for their longstanding service to the Chamber and the community. For more than seven years now the company has supported the Chamber's Internet hosting and design needs (much of it pro bono) and the needs of many other nonprofits in the area. In fact, during his remarks, Chamber President Peter Hamelin said it would be easier to name the organizations the group hasn't helped than to list those that have benefited from Harbour Light's generosity. Many company employees also serve in leadership roles for charitable groups outside the office including Pro Portsmouth, Sexual Support Services, Kittery Foreside, eCoast Technology Roundtable, the Portsmouth Peace Treaty 100 Anniversary Committee and WSCA, the new Portsmouth community radio station-to name just a few.
Jon Dufour, general manager of Tycom Telecommunications and a past chair of the Chamber board, won recognized as Volunteer of the Year. Dufour was praised for the role he played in recreating the eCoast Technology Roundtable, for his work in hammering out the Chamber/Pro Portsmouth partnership and his contributions to the operational and fiscal success of the Chamber over the past three years. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors who "stepped up to the plate" to insure the success of this year' dinner. Reverse the Curse Sponsors-Public Service of NH, Citizens Bank, John Lyons Law Firm, Ocean National Bank and Port City Web; Grand Slam Silver-Bank of NH, Ernst & Young, Federal Savings Bank, Irving Oil, McLane Law Firm, Ocean Properties, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and Seacoast Newspapers; and Fan Sponsors-C&J Trailways, CBRichard Ellis, Martini Northern, Martin's Point Healthcare, Northland Forest Products and the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel; and In-Kind Sponsors-Adcetera Graphics, FastSigns, Portsmouth Copy and Blueprint, Kate Parker Designs, and Ralph Morang Photography. A special thanks to Mass AV, New Heights and Great Bay Limousine and Martignetti of NH for their contributions to the evening. eCoast WiFi Opens New Hotspot in Prescott Park Back by popular demand, the eCoast Wi-Fi Project (formerly the Portsmouth Wi-Fi Project) relaunched its free wireless Internet service to downtown Portsmouth and expanded free wi-fi access to Prescott Park and the slips of the municipal marina. The group kicked off the new park service May 26 with a "cable cutting" ceremony led by Portsmouth Mayor Evelyn Sirrell. The city is providing space in the marina office for the equipment. Originally launched on June 23, 2003, the Market Square hotspot is housed in the information kiosk maintained by the Chamber; it is believed to be the first public-access chamber-sponsored hotspot in the country. In its inaugural year, the pilot project attracted more than 600 tech-savvy locals, businesspeople, students, visitors-and even presidential candidate Joe Lieberman. Also new for this year, wi-fi users will now be greeted with a "welcome window" when they pick up the hotspot signal. This window appears in the user's web browser to display local weather forecasts and acknowledge the project's sponsoring firms. To log-on, wi-fi users will take a short survey on their basic demographic information and wi-fi usage; the user will then get a password with which to log onto the network. Like the kiosk hotspot, the Prescott Park access point uses IEEE 802.11b technology and has an effective range of about 300-500 feet. BayRing Communications, a Portsmouth-based CLEC, will provide broadband connectivity for each hotspot. Single Digits of Exeter will provide the wireless equipment and hotspot management software. Erik Crago of Port City Web will provide web site, survey, and database hosting and Scott Campbell of D. Scott Campbell & Associates will provide marketing and public relations support. The Chamber of continues to house the downtown hotspot in its information kiosk, and provides logistical and publicity support. All equipment and services are donated, allowing this to continue as a free service to the community. More information on the eCoast Wi-Fi Project will be available at the kiosk and wi-fi news and information will be also available at www.ecoastwifi.org. Project participants encourage feedback which may be e-mailed to wifi@ecoastwifi.org. Chamber Unveils NewCooperative 'Lure Piece' Over the past three years the six New Hampshire Seacoast Chambers have joined together to produce a tourism brochure aimed at getting New England travelers to visit the area. This year, thanks to your Chamber staff and a Joint Promotional Program grant and revenue from Seabrook Visitor Center brochure rack rental sales, the "Lure Piece" is being used to entice Granite State travelers to the Seacoast. More than 25,000 were packaged with New Hampshire Magazine's June issue which goes to subscribers throughout New England and across the county. The full-color rack piece contains brief descriptions of Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Portsmouth, Somersworth and Rochester as well as a calendar of events and detailed listings for accommodations, dining, shopping and services. Local Carpenter Adopts Downtown Info Kiosk More than 20 years of wind, rain, ice and snow have taken their toll on the Chamber's downtown information kiosk-something local carpenter Jeff Green couldn't help but notice. Although many volunteer groups have helped to clean and paint the structure over the years in an effort to stave off the signs of aging, the rot finally made its way to the surface this winter. "I'm a regular at the coffee shops in Market Square and pass by the kiosk all the time," said Green. "Seeing it fall apart a little at a time seemed a shame (it's such a neat structure) so I volunteered to give it a facelift and keep it fixed up. I think giving a little of yourself to improve the community is what being a citizen is all about." Green said a soon as the weather improves a little, he'll be peeling off the rest of the cellophane tape left by poster hangers and giving the wood a fresh coat of paint. He invites other downtown regulars to join him if they feel compelled to pitch in.
Chamber Events BREAKFAST FORUM WITH GEORGE BALD Nearly 150 Chamber members and guests turned out May 19 for a special breakfast forum to welcome George Bald back to the Pease Tradeport as executive director of the Pease Development Authority. The breakfast, a part of the Fleet Speak Series, was held at Redhook Ale Brewery. "I've only been back for about a week now so I can't say much about my plans for the future of the tradeport, what I can say, though, is that we plan to continue the development of our three major areas-the airport, the tradeport's business community and the division of ports and harbors," said Bald. Bald said a critical priority for the PDA will be the "airport side of the house" where he hopes to enlist another airline to add to PanAm's offerings. "I've already talked with PanAm and they don't see it as competition, but as increased visibiliy for the area," said Bald. Bald also encouraged members of the audience to pass on any leads they may have about businesses interested in moving to the area. "Every single person in this room is responsible for economic development," he said. Bald said that even a small tip can have great impact referring to a phone call he took while director of development for the PDA in the early 1990s. The call came from someone with a tip that Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Group might be looking for more space--just a few months later, the well-known corporate giant moved it's subsidiary to Portsmouth. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE MUSIC HALL Nearly 200 chamber members and Music Hall patrons rubbed elbows at last month's business after hours held May 27 at The Music Hall. Throughout the evening, the two groups mingled in the lobby downing a fair amount of popcorn, pizza and other theatre food and refreshments-all served up by the Music Hall's entertaining staff. Visitors also got the chance to meet the Music Hall's new Executive Director, Patricia Lynch, and view a trailer of the season's upcoming shows and performances. Lynch welcomed guests and ran down her vision of the theatre's future. She said she was also open to any suggestions and ideas the community may have to improve the Music Hall and its offerings. Doorprize winners were Sherry DaBiere, Watson, Bosen & Lemire, P.A., Michael Emerton, Michael Emerton Media Consulting Services; Wynne Levine, Key Partners, Inc.; Patricia Lonergan, Solari Salon & Spa; and Derek Drinon, Derek Drinon Digital Photography who received a wide range of prizes from Music Hall passes to gift baskets. ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT It was a picure perfect day at the links for more than 130 golfers who took part in this year's Bank of New Hampshire Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The event was held June 4 at the Portsmouth Country Club. The Kane Company team of Brent McCloud, Chad Kageleiry, Michael Kane and Jeff Carr ended the day with a two under par 68 to win this year's competition. They were followed in second by the Harbour Light team of Bill Savoie, Mark Richards, Gary Lorsinger and Kevin Rattenberg. Third place finishers were Portsmouth Hospital players Bill Schuler, Harry Cheverie, Jeff Newberg and Doug Dimes. Jack Sweeney, High Speed Communications, won a Cobra putter in the putting contest sponsored by Lee Hecht Harrison. The Chamber thanks the following sponors who made this year's tournament possible: Marquee Sponsor, Bank of NH; Cart Sponsor, Irving Oil; Driving Range Sponsor, Fox Commercial Financing; and tee and green sponsors the 100 Club, American Express Financial Advisors; Baker, Newman & Noyes, LLC; Enterasys Networks, FastSigns, George Venci, Law, PLLC, Georgia Pacific, Hesser College, Irving Oil, the Lollipop Tree, Northeast Credit Union, Pacific Therapies, PayChex, Public Service of NH, Sea-3, Inc., Seacoast Mazda, Staff Hunters and Tyco Telecommunications. The Chamber also thanks the members of the golf tournament committee for their hard work and commitment. They are: Victoria Gray, Bank of NH, and Dave Bickford, Public Service of NH, cochairs; Nick Drinker, Lee Hecht Harrison; Everett Eaton, Bank of NH; Valerie Dyer, PayChex; Jim Flatten, FastSigns; Carol Irving, Lollipop Tree; Todd Maxon, Hybrid Merchandising; and Ellen White, Federal Savings Bank.
Calendar Business After Hours Come Aboard for a Summertime 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 24 Cast off your cares and come aboard June 24 for a Business After Hours cruise aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. The crew is working on what is shaping up to be one of the most unique networking opportunities of the season, so mark your calendar and plan to rock the boat which will be loaded with menu of great food and refreshments. Since the boat's capacity is limited, please R.S.V.P to the Chamber by calling 436-3988, ext. 13. Deadline for signup is June 21. Harbour Trail 5K Road Race 9 a.m., Saturday, July 10 The Chamber members and the local community to participate in the 8th Annual Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K Road Race and Kid's Fun Run set for July 10. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Chamber's program of work including the Portsmouth Harbour Trail, tourism initiatives and other economic development activities. The race is underwritten by Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics and sponsored by the Fox Run Mall, Ocean Properties, Paddy's-An American Grille, Portsmouth Herald, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Countrywide Home Loans, Stonewall Kitchen, and Timberland. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group, to the oldest and youngest Portsmouth finisher and the top three teams. The race will begin at 9 a.m. starting at the Portsmouth Middle School on Parrott Ave. in Portsmouth. The Kid's Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $12 per person if prepaid by June 25 and $15 afterward up until race day. Registration for kids is $5 for the first child and $3 for each additional child per family. Custom designed commemorative T-shirts will be given to the first 300 5K entrants. The race is USATF-sanctioned. Mid-Day Meet Noon-1 p.m., Thursday, July 15 & Aug. 19 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 about 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, July 22 Once the exclusive retreat of the eCoast tech crowd's monthly eBrew, Paddy's is planning to open its doors to the entire Chamber community July 22 for an evening of fun, networking, great food and games. Open for a year now, the All-American Grill features some of the Seacoast's best dining, a sports bar reminescent of the Cheers pub, and a billiards hall filled with atmosphere and top-of-the-line equipment. Those who attend will also get a chance to win a basketfull of doorprizes donated by fellow Chamber members. So join us to sample some of the best hospitality around and find out what the rest of us have been missing over the past year. Cost is $5 and a business card for members and $15 for nonmembers. 5th Annual eCruise Isles of Shoals The eCoast Technology Roundtable invites the region's high-tech community to join them for the 5th Annual eCruise set for 5:30-8 p.m., Aug. 18 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.
Movers & Shakers Jewett Construction, recently completed construction of a new 28,000-square-foot warehouse and manufacturing facility for weapons manufacturer Sigarms located in Exeter, NH. The design was provided by Bruce Ronayne Hamilton Architects, of New Ipswich, NH. The project was overseen by a Jewett building team led by Mike Wissler, Deney Morganthal, and Carlos Rosario. For details, visit www.jewettconstruction.com. The American Lung Association of New Hampshire (ALANH) was recognized in March by its national office for efforts in holding asthma walks in New Hampshire. The asthma walks are aimed at educating people about asthma and raising funds for research. This fall ALANH will hold walks in Manchester, Stratham, and Weare. For details call Ms. Martin at (603) 669-2411, or visit www.nhlung.org. The Sadler Insurance Agency, Inc. recently designated Carrie B. Morgan as a certified insurance counselor. Morgan is a commercial account executive for Sadler. Sadler Insurance is a Nashua, N.H.- based insurance agency providing risk management and financial services to families, business and industry. For details visit www.sadlerinsurance.com. Calypso Communications, a Portsmouth, N.H.- based public relations company, was recently awarded first place in the "Best Health Care Site" category at NH.com's Sixth Annual New Hampshire Internet Awards. The award is given to web sites that excel at marketing healthcare and that effectively inform, educate, and assist consumers. The winning site, which was created and developed in partnership with Brigham Pendleton Design, won for Calypso's Exeter-based client, Vasculart, a vascular and restorative surgical practice specializing in cosmetic and therapeutic vein care. For details visit www.calypsocom.com. The University of New Hampshire recently received a patent for the "GlycoTrap," which separates carbohydrates from other tissue compo
| |
  Sponsored By:
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
© Copyright 2008 Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce
Web Site Designed by Harbour Light Productions
Web Site Hosted by Tidal Media Group .