 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Dividends-June 2005 President's Message The Chamber board and staff met together for a retreat late in May. We used this extremely productive retreat time to recommit ourselves to the mission of the Chamber and identify specific goals and actions for us to accomplish on your behalf. This high- energy, four-hour session accomplished much in a short amount of time. It also reminded us of the work ahead that must be done in order for the Chamber to better serve you and the community at large. I will write more on the outcomes of the retreat in future messages, but let me focus on one outcome now. We reasserted that one of the key roles that the Chamber plays is to be an advocate, "the voice" of the business community in this region. We are committed to lead locally and regionally. We are developing strong relationships with our elected officials at all levels of government, and are committed to thoughtful and articulate advocacy on your behalf. Let me offer two examples of how we fulfill that role; the first has been well chronicled. Our involvement in the efforts to "Save the Shipyard" has been extensive. The leadership of these efforts has been shared by many, including the Seacoast Shipyard Association, other local Chambers, in particular the Greater York Chamber, our congressional delegation and their staffs, the Governor's office and local representatives in Concord, businesses, shipyard employees and many others. A prime example of what can be done when strong leadership is applied to build broad collaboration was the recent "Welcome Rally" organized to leave an impression on the BRAC commissioners who visited the shipyard June 1. The visit and presentations inside the yard were extremely well received by the BRAC commissioners. Beyond that, the public welcome set the standard for what community support is all about. To say that the event was an overwhelming success does not do it justice. Members of the national media and the BRAC staff made it clear that nowhere else in the country had they experienced anything like what greeted them in Portsmouth. The BRAC commissioners were profoundly impressed, as was everyone involved with the day. Thank you to everyone who turned out and showed why Portsmouth is the #1 facility of its type in the nation. Now we're preparing to present our case July 6 in Boston. Visit www.saveourshipyard.org to find out more details as they become available. A second example is our continuing efforts to support meaningful reform to the state's health care legislation. This work has had both public and more "behind the scenes' elements to it. It culminated recently with a vote in the House on SB 125, the bill that has evolved to correct the problems that resulted from SB 110. Many members have reported health care premium increases that vary widely and that range up to 240 percent. You may recall our Health Care Summit in March that delivered timely analysis of the issues. Later in the legislative session, I testified at committee hearings on health care proposals. Now, as the legislative session winds down, the Chamber has been urging legislators to pass SB 125. You can see the letter that was sent to key legislators on this issue on the Chamber web site at www.portsmouthchamber.org/uploads/sb125endorsement.pdf. The Chamber joined the Business and Industry Association, the New Hampshire High Tech Council and other chambers in urging the passage of this legislation. Your Chamber will continue to take the lead on the important issues. Workforce housing and infrastructure needs are two that will be prominent in the months ahead. As always, I encourage to share your thoughts and concerns with me. Our goal is to help you succeed by working on issues with broad impact and providing educational opportunities . One way we will help address these issues is through the joint Chamber/Business and Industry Association roundtable discussion scheduled for July 19. See Page 3 for details. Programs like the Year of Growing Sales series, sponsored by Federal Savings Bank and the Business Development Committee, continue to help us meet your business education needs. We take our work seriously here in Portsmouth, but we also know how to enjoy ourselves. A large and enthusiastic crowd of golfers (and those who claimed to be golfers….) enjoyed the Chamber's annual golf outing. This year's event was held at the Links at Outlook and was spectacular. Thanks are due to the committee, chaired by Vicky Gray and Dave Bickford, who did such an excellent job in making the day possible. Thanks as well to Jeff Maldonis and his crew at the Links, and to our major sponsor, Danversbank for their part in such a terrific event. Later this month we hold our annual dinner meeting at the Seacoast Science Center. I hope you will join us there for a celebration of Portsmouth. The committee has some terrific entertainment lined up and you will not want to miss out! Also coming up on July 9 is the Portsmouth Harbour Trail Road Race. The event is part of the Seacoast Road Race Series, and you can get all the information online at www.portsmouthchamber.org/roadrace2005.cfm. It will be a great race event and we are looking for both runners and volunteers, so mark your calendar to join us for a fun morning. Summer is here. I hope you take time to enjoy the season and the special place that is Portsmouth and the Seacoast Region. Everyone at the Chamber is here to help you make your days special. See you around town!
Chamber News Chamber to Welcome New Officers and Directors at Dinner The Chamber recently announced its new slate of board officers and nominees who will be presented to the membership at the 2005 Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration set for June 23 at the Seacoast Science Center. Proposed officers are: Michael Kane, president, The Kane Company, board chair; John Lyons, Lyons Law Offices, P.A., vice chair; and Fred Palazzolo, Granite State Development Corp., treasurer. The four nominees to the board are: Diane Devine, vice president of marketing for High Liner Foods (USA), Inc.; Kathleen Lewis, community relations manager, Public Service of NH; John Machulski, director of engineering at Lonza Biopharmaceuticals; and Noel Graydon, vice president of commercial lending, Citizens Bank. The Chamber thanks George Toscano, Toscano & Ardito, P.A., outgoing long-time treasurer; John Tabor, Seacoast Newspapers, immediate past chair; and Dave Bickford, Public Service of NH, for their many contributions to the Chamber and its members over the last six (or more!) years. Devine is an executive with over 20 years in the marketing and advertising of consumer packaged goods. She is currently vice president of marketing for High Liner Foods where she provides strategic leadership and direction for the seafood company with national sales of over $125 million. Graydon is responsible for new business development and for the management of a portfolio of middle-market relationships in Portsmouth, N.H. He manages all internal and external aspects of his clients' relationships including the coordination of credit and non-credit services for clients. Lewis represents PSNH as a community resource and is responsible for building strong relationships with community leaders, business organizations and government officials in about 70 communities in PSNH's service territory from the Seacoast to the White Mountains. Machulski is responsible for the engineering function at Lonza's Portsmouth, NH facility, including both capital projects and operational support through plant engineering and maintenance. For more in-depth profiles on the Chamber's board of directors, offers and new nominees, visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/index.cfm. Marketing Seminar for Creative Businesses The Chamber will join ArtSpeak this month in sponsoring a special marketing seminar entitled Creative business strategies: the art of promotion & public relations. ArtSpeak is the City of Portsmouth's Cultural Commission. The education program, funded in part by the NH State Council on the Arts, is scheduled for 9-11 a.m., June 22 at the West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St. in Portsmouth. "Artists and creative businesses are often small businesses that single-handedly conceptualize, produce, and market their own works," said Beth Shepard-Rabadam, ArtSpeak coordinator. "Even though small business owners often need to "play all the instruments in the band," they may not be expert in every one. So we've put this program together to fill in the gaps." The session will feature panel discussions with local experts from the Portsmouth business community and breakout group sessions. Guest speakers are Susan Fader, principal, Ditto Editions; Jackie Abramian, president, JA Associates PR / Marketing Consultancy and owner of Haley Farm Gallery; Elizabeth Edwards, editorial director, Calypso Communications and a literary artist; and Steve Steiner, Integrated Development Corporation. Fader will lead off the morning with a talk called "How to promote your art and feel good about it." Fade will also moderate the panel of local experts. Abramian will talk about "Growing your business: it's all about public relations." Edwards will speak about "What's your angle? Messaging that differentiates your business and your art." And Steiner will address the topic "The Internet: your storefront on the world's main street." After the panel, each speaker will join a breakout discussion, so participants may ask one-on-one questions. Admission is free, however, preregistration is requested. To sign up, call 603-610-7222 or email info@art-speak.org. Chamber to Partner with BIA on Legislative Agenda The Chamber will join with the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association July 19 to present a business issues roundtable. The discussions, organized by the BIA, are the first step in what will become an annual process to establish a proactive legislative agenda for the BIA at the state house in Concord and with state regulatory bodies. The Chamber will host a regional roundtable for local businesses from 9-10:30 a.m., July 19 at the offices of Pierce Atwood, LLP which are located at 101 International Dr., Ste. 350, at the Pease International Tradeport. The agenda for the roundtable discussions will be simple and straight forward, according to BIA President Jim Roche. " We'll ask business leaders in attendance for their opinions on top business issues facing the state and their region, how they would prioritize these issues; and their recommendations regarding how the BIA-working cooperatively with Chambers throughout the state, are brought forth for consideration as we develop our 2006 legislative agenda," said Roche. Those interested in attending should RSVP in advance by contacting the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10 or via email at info@portsmouthchamber.org. Trade Mission to Germany,Czech Republic & Ukraine NH Gov. John Lynch will lead a trade mission to Germany, the Czech Republic and the Ukraine from Oct. 8-19. The trade mission, organized by the NH International Trade Resource Center, is intended to assist state companies with exports to the three target European countries. Chamber members are invited to take part in the mission which is designed to connect NH businesses with export opportunities in a number of areas including ecommerce, computers & peripherals, environmental technologies and services, travel and tourism services, scientific and lab instruments, oil and gas machinery, telecommunications services and more. The mission will include several networking functions, country briefings, and possible networking luncheons. Participants may choose to visit one, two or all three countries. Pricing will vary for each company based on country combinations. Prior to the trip, the ITRC and overseas representatives from the U.S. Commercial Services Department, will work with prospective companies to determine market viability in each country. Those interested may contact Karen Wyman or Michelle Ouellette at the ITRC for more information at (603) 334-6074, email kwyman@dred.state.nh.us or moullette@dred.state.nh.us or visit www.exportnh.com. Deadline for registration is July 29. Chamber Events BANK OF AMERICA CHILDREN'S DAY 2005-Gray skies and the threat of "liquid" sunshine couldn't deter an army of nearly 20,000 Seacoast-area kids and parents determined to enjoy the myriad of activities at this year's 15th Annual Bank of America Children's Day held on May Day in downtown Portsmouth. The day-long spring celebration, organized by Pro Portsmouth, featured plenty of fun for kids who spent the day greeting their favorite cartoon characters as they disembarked the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton, negotiating the bicycle rodeo obstacle course, making clay creations, testing their skills at the hoola hoop or getting a facepainting. "This is really a total community event to the volunteers to the many business sponsors that make the day possible," said Barbara Massar, Pro Portsmouth executive director Children's Day comes about each year largely due to a committee of community volunteers who meet, plan and deliver this terrific event to the Seacoast. Pro Portsmouth and the Chamber thank committee volunteers who spent months coordinating all the activities for the day and members who helped make the day possible. The are: Stephanie LaLime and Mary Robles, Bank of America; Rick Bean, The Bay/WTSN; Bob Breneman and Jim Coffey, G.Willikers!; Barbara Connolly, REMAX; Andrea Daly, McLane Law Firm; Pam Kelley and Beth Ann Schmitt, Strawbery Banke Museum; Nedra Owens, Attrezzi; Becca Pawling, New Heights; Maureen Raiche, Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. and Kathleen Tutone, Treehouse Toys. Event sponsors were Ad Cetera Graphics, Alie Jewelers, Dos Amigos, Best Western Wynwood Suites, Bicycle Bob's Bicycle Outlet, Dunkin' Donuts, Favorite Foods, Golick's Ice Cream, LifeSize Graphics, G.Willikers!, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of N.E., Portsmouth Copy, Portsmouth Paper, Ricci Lumber, Seacoast Coca Cola, Seacoast Trolley Co., The Bay/WTSN and Tree House Toys. STATE OF THE CITY BREAKFAST FORUM-Things are happening in Portsmouth. That was the message from Portsmouth City Manager John Bohenko as he presented his state of the city address to more than 100 Chamber members and guests May 18. Other featured speakers included Portsmouth Police Chief Michael Magnant, Portsmouth Fire Chief Chris LeClaire and the new Superintendent of Portsmouth Schools, Dr. Bob Lister. The breakfast, part of the Bank of America Speaker Series, was held for the first time at the Community Campus in Portsmouth. Bohenko started his comments praising the strong partnership the city shares with the Chamber and the business community. He said the city would continue to support economic development initiatives in the areas of tourism and technology as well as the effort to keep the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard open. On the budget, Bohenko said he was trying to hold all departments to a 4 percent increase in operational expenditures although he feels raising that to as much as 6-percent may be necessary to meet the service needs of residents. Bohenko also previewed some of the major capital projects scheduled for the upcoming year including streetscape and resurfacing throughout the downtown area, the start of preparations for the new Sheraton Conference Center, redevelopment of the McIntyre Building on Daniel St. and planning for the 400-foot Piscataqua Riverwalk which will run from Ceres St. to Chapel St. He also touched on a number of other areas the city is working to improve like support of the arts through the Art-Speak Cultural Commission, the housing supply including senior housing, public transportation, and capital improvements to neighborhood parks. A full transcript of Bohenko's remarks and links to local newspaper coverage are available online at the Chamber Library, www.portsmouthchamber.org/library.cfm. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THREE CHIMNEYS INN-More than 100 chamber members and guest braved the wind, rain and the 5 o'clock Little Bay Bridge traffic May 26 to make their way to Three Chimneys Inn in Durham for the May Business After Hours. The staff of the historic inn pulled out all the stops to make the group feel comfortable, which wasn't hard to do when surrounded by the colonial elegance of the inn's décor and glowing fireplaces in almost every room. Throughout the evening, attendees sampled creations from Executive Chef Ted McCormack and his crew, toured the rambling facility and hooked up with some new faces from as far away as Concord. A number of guests left Durham with more than a new collection of business cards: Tim Stone, StoneHill Environmental, Doreen Austin, The Gove Group, Jim Dachos, Wintergreen Solariums, and Eric Frede, Cod Rock Media Productions all walked away with $50 dinner certificates to the inn's ffrost Sawyer Tavern; Gail Santos, Keller Williams Realty, picked up a TCI gift basket filled with a hat, mug and gift certificate; Doreen Hall, Watson & Lemire, P.A., won a $50 gift certificate good for a kayak adventure with Portsmouth Rent and Ride; and Dr. Lisa Schulman, Seacoast Esthetic Dentistry Association, drew a $50 gift certificate for framing or art at the newly remodeled Kennedy Studios. The Chamber thanks Innkeeper Karen Meyer, Director of Marketing Jennifer Lerz Neumeister and the staff for a great event. Chamber Calendar Mid-Day Meet Networking Session Two International Group Mark your calendar to attend the June Mid-day Meet. The conversation is facilitated by volunteers 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. There's also a "lightning round" where almost anything goes. The networking forum usually draws more than 30 people, so come early to get a seat. Those interested should contact Katie Goodspeed to RSVP at (603) 436-3988, ext. 27 or kgoodspeed@portsmouthchamber.org. Marketing Seminar If you're an artist or creative professional you should make plans to attend the free "Creative business strategies: the art of promotion & public relations" seminar. The program is co-hosted by the Chamber and ArtSpeak, which is the City of Portsmouth's Cultural Commission. "Artists and creative businesses are often small businesses that single-handedly conceptualize, produce, and market their own works," said Beth Shepard-Rabadam, ArtSpeak coordinator. "Even though small business owners often need to "play all the instruments in the band," they may not be expert in every one. So we've put this program together to fill in the gaps." The session will feature panel discussions with local experts from the Portsmouth business community and breakout group sessions. Guest speakers are Susan Fader, principal, Ditto Editions; Jackie Abramian, president, JA Associates PR / Marketing Consultancy and owner of Haley Farm Gallery; Elizabeth Edwards, editorial director, Calypso Communications and a literary artist; and Steve Steiner, Integrated Development Corporation. The education program is funded, in part, by the NH State Council on the Arts. Admission is free, however, pre-registration is requested. To sign up, call 603-610-7222 or email info@art-speak.org. For more on the program, visit www.art-speak.org. Annual Dinner & Awards 5:30-9 p.m. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend this year's annual dinner and awards celebration which promises to be one of the most atmospheric and unique events in the seacoast. The program is scheduled for 5:30-9 p.m., June 23 at the newly renovated Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point in Rye. The evening will feature a seaside jazz cocktail party and a sneak peak of the Prescott Park Art Festival's "Into the Woods," all presented against a the seacoast's natural backdrop of open sky, surf, flora and fauna. Join us celebrate those who have contributed to the organization's success and the community as members of the board of directors. Proposed and outgoing officers will be recognized and members will have the opportunity to meet and vote on the proposed slate of new board members. The annual dinner will also recognize this year's group of annual award winners including business, volunteer and citizen of the year. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the annual dinner. For more information, visit the Chamber's website home page at www.portsmouthchamber.org and click on the annual dinner event link, or contact Nicole Gregg, the Chamber's event manager at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11, or email ngregg@portsmouthchamber.org. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for helping to make this year's program possible: Gold: Public Service of NH, Citizens Bank, Lyons Law Offices and Seacoast Newspapers; Silver: Two International Group, The Kane Company, Seacoast Science Center, Federal Savings Bank, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital; and Bronze: CB Richard Ellis, Ernst and Young and Ocean Properties. Business After Hours with the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. 5:30-7:30, June 29 (Attendees must be onboard by 5:15) Cast off your cares and come aboard June 29 for a summertime business after hours cruise aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company 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 a menu of great food, refreshments and a Davey's Locker full of door prizes. Cost is $5 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Seating capacity is limited, so those interested in cruising should RSVP in advance by calling 436-3988, ext. 10. Deadline for signup is June 24. Harbour Trail 5K Road Race & Kid's Fun Run 9 a.m., Saturday, July 9 Now's the time to sign up for the 10th Annual Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K Road Race and Kid's Fun Run set for July 9. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Chamber's program of work including tourism and economic development activities. The race is part of the Seacoast Race Series, is open to all ages and includes men's and women's categories: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-19; Open, 20-29 and 30-39; Master, 40-49; Special Master, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and up; and team competition. Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female runners, 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. For more details call the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10, or visit the race page online at www.portsmouthchamber.org/roadrace2005.cfm. Quick, easy and free online registration is available from the link on
Movers and Shakers Joe Hunkins, ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI, of Hunkins Real Estate, Inc. in Greenland, will once again serve as federal Senate coordinator to Sen. John E. Sununu. Hunkins regularly travels to Washington to meet with New Hampshire Senators Sununu and Judd Gregg as well as Congressman Jeb Bradley and Charlie Bass. The meetings serve to update the federal delegation on current issues relating to the real estate industry and home ownership. For more on the agency, visit www.hunkins.com. Grubb & Ellis|Coldstream Real Estate Advisors, Inc., one of the area's leading providers of integrated real estate services, recently negotiated a lease for 15,000 square feet of industrial/warehouse space in Newington. The agency's Principal David Choate, represented A. A. & M., Inc. of Portsmouth in the deal. Leasing the space was American Traditional Designs, Inc., of Northwood, a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality paper crafting and home décor products servicing major craft chains and independent retailers across the country. Hutter Construction Corporation of New Ipswich, NH, recently completed the 72,000 square-foot Measured Progress Processing Building in Dover, NH, and is in the process of constructing a 75,000 square-foot corporate office building for the company. The office building is scheduled for completion in July. For more information about Hutter Construction, visit www.hutterconstruction.com. The Lollipop Tree, a specialty food manufacturer located in Portsmouth, recently announced the appointment of Eleanor Levy to the position of national sales manager. As a member of the management team, she will lead the sales department, manage sales representatives, create new opportunities for existing customers and develop new business. For more on the Lollipop Tree, visit www.lollipoptree.com. Three Chimneys Inn recently launched a Grower's Dinner Series. The special four-course, plated dinner will be served once a month in the inn's Maples Fine Dining Room. Dates, times and menus are available on the inn's website at www.threechimneys.com. Cost is $55 per person.
| |
  Sponsored By:
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
© Copyright 2008 Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce
Web Site Designed by Harbour Light Productions
Web Site Hosted by Tidal Media Group .