Dividends-March 2005

President's Message
By Dick Ingram

Last month I talked about how we are engaged in a comprehensive review of our work here at the Chamber. We are starting with some decisions that, on the surface, seem relatively unexciting. Like any organization that serves a public constituency, simple things like our phone system and our computer network can have a profound impact on our ability to efficiently serve our members and the public.

We have been carefully evaluating our options and are close to final decisions about a new phone system and upgrades to our computer network. In tandem, these improvements will significantly improve our ability to work efficiently and make our systems more user friendly to everyone who has occasion to call, email or connect with us. Many of you have no doubt experienced the frustrations of our now overloaded phone system. Our goal is to have our new phone system in place no later than the start of our busy season for visitors. No longer will callers hear the dead air that is far too common now. We expect to have much more control over the phone system, that will give us the ability to frequently update our messaging and other options, while being easier for the caller to navigate than is currently the case.

Similarly, upgrades to our in-house network will greatly improve the efficiency and timeliness of our internal operations and our communication with you, our members. Online registration for our many program offerings, Business After Hours networking, and other events should be a snap after these changes. While we will realize these benefits every day here in the Chamber offices, be assured that the reason behind them is to better serve you.

Many of you are aware that a group of Chamber members traveled to Washington recently and enjoyed an exceptionally productive visit. The press surrounding our visit was extensive. It earned a mention on CNN, Meet the Press, and in wire stories that appeared in newspapers across the country. The trip was also reported on extensively in our local media, including print, radio and television outlets. Our visit was a wide ranging one. We discussed international trade, the impact of homeland security initiatives on business, healthcare and social security reform, and many other topics.

Our itinerary included meetings at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, private sessions with Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, as well as Senators John McCain, Chuck Hagel and Hillary Clinton. We had meetings with our own Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu, and Congressman Jeb Bradley and we met with the staff members from our congressional delegation who have been working so hard on the Shipyard issue for a very long time. The fact that we were able to meet with such a standout group of our leaders in Washington is a reflection of the respect that our own representatives have in our nation's capitol. Senators Gregg and Sununu, and Representative Bradley clearly have the utmost respect of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

The press coverage we garnered from this trip primarily focused on our conversations about the future of the Shipyard. However it is a good thing to be able to make our case concerning the Shipyard's unique role in our national security to those we met with. Our meetings during this trip were a valuable follow-up to the trip several of us made in late January, when we met with officials in the Pentagon. It clearly helps the cause of the Shipyard when the national press notes that we were able to gain the ear of leaders such as these. I was pleased to see that those we met with were knowledgeable about the Shipyard. This demonstrates that our earlier efforts have taken root and our message is being heard in Washington.

Efforts to spread the good word about the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will continue to develop in the coming weeks. A broad group that includes political leaders, chambers of commerce, the Shipyard community and others is meeting regularly to develop plans for letter writing, rallies, press events and other opportunities for the community to show its support for the Shipyard. Business leaders are stepping forward to get involved and so are our neighbors and friends. If you have ideas that you think would help, please feel invited to contact me here at the Chamber.

So all in all, we remain busy here at the Chamber looking for ways to serve you better. This Chamber works because we have a great staff, a committed and hard working board and members that care enough to get involved and make a difference. I cannot say thank you enough to each of you. It is my privilege to work with a staff filled with such skilled and dedicated professionals. I am constantly inspired by the devoted efforts of our board members on behalf of the Chamber and the community. I am delighted every day by the opportunity to meet and serve our members and other partners in the community. Do not hesitate to let me know how we can better serve you here at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber News

Policy Group Head Guest Speaker
at April Breakfast

The Chamber invites members to the April Breakfast Forum for an eye opening view of New Hampshire, its people, critical trends and possible futures with Rick Minard, co-executive director of the New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies. The program, set for 7:30-9 a.m., April 20 at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, is part of the Bank of America Speaker Series.

The center is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that pursues data-based research on public policy matters, develops options, informs policy makers and advises them about choices for action-a free service that many state representatives will be using as discussions heat up over the coming months on the floor of the house in Concord.

Minard is currently researching issues revolving around the wave of senior citizens that will tax the state's healthcare and social services over the next two decades, and how it will impact other critical issues facing New Hampshire. He plans to talk from a recently published paper called Shifting the Load which is centered on "how communities have been trying to deal with high property taxes for relatively low income people," and other issues. He will also hit on the statewide property tax, the budget crunch in Concord, the relationship among towns in the state and the financial interplay between all those elements.

Since joining the center in 2000, he has researched corrections, local governance and education finance issues. His intent is to get the audience to think about how current trends might play out in the future, given a few assumptions chosen by "rolling the 'issues and outcomes' dice." "I hope to engage audience in the discussion," he said, "it's more fun and people will get more out of it."

Cost of the continental breakfast is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling (603) 436-3988, ext. 10 or via email at info@portsmouthchamber.org.

Cast Your Vote for
this Year's Annual Awards
Nominations for Citizen, Biz and Small Biz Due April 29

Although this year's annual dinner is still several months away, the Chamber board urges members to forward nominations for citizen, business and small business of the year. Deadline for submissions is April 29. Winners will be announced at the annual dinner set for late June at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel.

Nomination guidelines are currently available on the Chamber's website at www.portsmouthchamber.org/annualawards2005.cfm.

Citizen of the year nominees must be adult residents of the Seacoast areas of New Hampshire and Maine with activities centered in those areas. Business of the year awards are given to Chamber member businesses deemed most deserving of recognition for community service and involvement. Criteria includes leadership within the community, generosity relative to community relations, corporate giving and business ethics.

For more details, contact the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10.

Chamber Touts Seacoast
at ABA Show in Chicago
Local Tourism Reps Connect with 40 Bus Tour Operators

The Chamber's tourism manager and members of the tourism committee traveled to the midwest at the beginning of February to drum up some interest among bus companies. Marge Hubbard, tourism manager; Billie Tooley, Strawbery Banke's corporate development manager; and Jane Dodge, Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites general manager, all represented the seacoast of New Hampshire at the American Bus Association Marketplace in Chicago.

Their mission was to promote Portsmouth and the Seacoast as a destination for tour operators. To that end, Hubbard and Dodge each booked individual appointments with more than 20 tour operators who are interested in bringing groups to the area.

"It was very exciting to talk with the tour operators," said Hubbard. "Most of them knew about Portsmouth and some had been here, although most simply used it as a pass through "break" for lunch or a brief stop. Almost all were delighted to hear about what Portsmouth has to offer. I put together some suggested itineraries which laid out a whole day of activities; these were very well received. Generally, tour operators have their trips planned for the upcoming season, so it may be 2006 before we see any results from our efforts, but I believe that many will seriously consider adding Portsmouth to their tours."

The trio also met with additional tour operators at various events during the five-day annual conference. "One evening, New Hampshire joined with the other New England states to host more than 100 tour operators that bring groups here," said Hubbard. "That gave us even more opportunities to talk with prospects."

New Seacoast Guides
Set to Arrive March 16
Ad Campaign Creating Wider Interest for Guide

This year's aggressive ad and radio campaign is generating a wider audience for the Guide to the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine scheduled to arrive at the Chamber March 16.

The popular award-winning publication now features easy-to-read icons for most amenities and services, web site addresses for those who'd like to find out more about specific members, and an easier-to-handle set of maps listing advertiser locations, trolley stops and other municipal services.

More than 110,000 will be delivered this year and thousands have already been earmarked for potential visitors responding to ads in Yankee Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, the New York Times, Boston Globe and Boston radio. The guides will also be distributed locally at hotels and restaurants, and at 18 travel information centers across New Hampshire and southern Maine.

Those Chamber members who would like copies of the guides for visitors may pick them up at the Chamber or contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988, ext, 17 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org.

Chamber Events

eCOAST CELEBRATES 6 YEARS OF LOCAL HIGH-TECH SUCCESS-Nearly 200 members of the Seacoast high-tech community and event sponsors turned out Feb. 3 to celebrate the eCoast's 6th anniversary and continued success. The celebration, postponed from January, was held at the Press Room in downtown Portsmouth. Throughout the evening, local tekkies reconnected and enjoyed an expanded menu of bar snacks put on by the Press Room--not to mention the traditional birthday cake sponsored by Harbour Light Strategic Marketing. eCoast Technology Chair George McQuilken welcomed the group with an entertaining recap of the year and read a proclamation from the new New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch. Lucky door prize winners for the evening were Carol Hague, Good Leads, and Chris Garecki, Cisco, both picked by a gift certificate to Clayhill Farms; Phil Decker, Mesmer & Deleault, PLLC, won a Mass High Tech directory; Scott Sherman, Allstate, and Paul McAskill, The Compass Points; both drew a case of Smuttynose brew; Paul Bergamo, Liberty Mutual, walked away with UNH hockey tickets, and McQuilken drew the $100 cash door prize. The Chamber thanks Liberty Mutual, Tidal Media, Mass High Tech, Good Leads and Harbour Light for sponsoring this year's celebration.

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE & RECEPTION-Health care, saving the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and changes to social security and other benefits took center stage at the Chamber's first day-long Legislative Conference and Reception. The event, held Feb. 7 at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, was underwritten by Public Service of New Hampshire and sponsored by Ocean National Bank, Pierce Atwood and the McLane Law Firm. Throughout the conference more than 100 Chamber members learned about the intricacies and issues surrounding Senate Bill 110, the move to amend that bill which has been so controversial and detrimental to Seacoast businesses, social security and tort reform, and discussions in Washington about simplifying the nation's tax system. Lead speaker for the morning session was Leslie Ludke, a health care policy analyst for the NH Department of Insurance. She said that under SB110, the ratio of highest to lowest premiums has gone from 3.2 to 1 to 12.5 to 1, meaning that in some areas of the state, the insured are paying considerably more for relatively the same coverage-the Seacoast is one of those high cost areas. Ludke explained that the intent of the bill was to introduce more competition and healthcare choices within the state-a goal that has yet to be achieved. She added that program costs are based on risk so those businesses with a high proportion of older or less healthy employees are being particularly hit hard. While state Senators Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, and Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth are pushing to repeal or amend SB110, Ludke cautions that any changes should should preserve access to affordable coverage for "high risk" groups, avoid pushing the low risk groups out of the marketplace, promote rate stability, foster competition among insurers, reduce barriers to carriers wishing to enter the market and ensure a broad choice of products. Hassan and Clark said that high costs are causing people and businesses to drop out of the healthcare market and noted that the uninsured population of the state has grown from 90,000 to more than 130,000 over the pass several years. The two senators are working to partner with Vermont and Maine to increase the size of the employee pool thereby reducing overall healthcare costs. U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley also made an appearance at the reception to talk about issues being discussed in Washington.

FIRST ANNUAL WINTER DINNER DANCE-The Chamber turned back the clock 60 years Feb. 18 for a nostaligic winter dance party that had guests hoppin and boppin to the tunes of the big band era. The event was sponsored by the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel and C&J Trailways which underwrote the band's performance. Coaxed on by the brilliant brass of the Compaq Big Band, more than 100 Chamber members and guests hit the dance floor and relaxed to old favorites made popular by big band leaders like Glen Miller, George Gershwin, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and more. The winter "fun raiser" was the first-ever of its kind organized by the Chamber, and from the comments of those who attended, won't be the last. In addition to the entertainment, the Sheraton Harborside added a touch of class to the event with generous helpings of its best cuisine and refreshments, and an atmosphere that complemented the evening's retreat to a bygone era. A contingent from the Portsmouth Ballroom also added to the dance floor action with a group of their dancers in training. "This was meant to just be a really fun evening," said Nicole Gregg, the chamber's events manager. "And thanks to the band and the Sheraton, I think we achieved our goal."

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT RADICI-Even with the threat of a blizzard, more than 150 Chamber members and guests crowded into Radici Feb. 24 for a mid-winter evening of networking, Mediterranean hospitality and cuisine. Restauranteur Jay McSharry and his staff pulled out all the stops for the crowd eager to be surrounded by a decor filled with art and photography from the warmer Tuscany countryside. Some lucky Chamber members walked away from the event with more than a sunny disposition and sated appetite courtesy of fellow Chamber members who provided door prizes for the evening. Marc Bouchard, CM IT Solutions and a Chamber ambassador, won a framed photo of Italy taken by popular local photographer Deb Cram; Joni Tammany, The Woodhouse Day Spa, picked up a gift certificate to Little Louie's Fish House in Dover (another of McSharry's ventures); Gail Bradbard, Cabot House Furniture, drew up a dinner-for-two gift certificate for Radici; and Sylvia Yardino, Coldwell Banker, won a gift certificate to Jumpin Jays Fish Cafe.

Calendar of Events

Year of Growing Sales Seminar
Make Plans to Attend
This Practical Business Workshop

8-10 a.m., 8-10 a.m.,
Wednesday, March 10
NH Community Technical College
Pease Int'l Tradeport, Portsmouth, NH

Take advantage of the Chamber's 2005 Business Development Seminar Series to improve your business and grow sales. The three-seminar series, underwritten by Federal Savings Bank and sponsored by the Chamber's Business Development Committee, will be held: from 8-10 a.m., March 10, Apr. 14 and May 12, at the New Hampshire Community Technical College.

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

The session will start with one or two local experts who will provide a practical, 30-minute "how-to" workshop on the session topic. The first segment will be followed by clients of the experts who will share how they successfully used the strategies discussed to grow sales.

The first session will show attendees "How your business can attract, motivate and retain great salespeople." Featured speakers include local experts Bill Maloney, chief talent officer, Organizational Productivity Institute, Inc.; and Cliff Hurst , a consultant for Key Partners, Inc. Client presenters are Brian Bonenfant, business development manager, Silicon Graphics, Inc. (OPI); and Michelle Raber, Agent, State Farm Insurance (Key Partners).

Cost of each session in the series is $10 for Chamber members, and $15 for non members. To register, please contact the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 10 or email info@portsmouthchamber.org.

4th Annual Tourism Summit
Mark Your Calendar Now
For a Day of Enlightenment

7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,Wednesday, March 16.,
Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel & Spa
Route 1B, New Castle, NH

This year's Tourism Summit at the Wentworth by the Sea will be packed with practical information and networking opportunities for Chamber members connected to the Seacoast Region's tourism sector. The event is underwritten by Public Service of NH.

Yankee Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jud Hale will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Hale one of New England's quintesential native sons talk about history, tradition, work and the yankee way of life. Hale, the 12th editor of the Farmer's Almanac since its establishment in 1792, has been called highly entertaining by many national figures and has appeared regularly on such television programs as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

For more summit details, visit www.portsmouthchamber.org/tourismsummit2005.cfm.

Mid-Day Meet Networking
Hone Your Communication Skills and
Network at the New Mid-Day Meet

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

Mark your calendar to attend the March Mid-day Meet. "The new format will make it more comfortable for those who have never been to a networking function to interact, but still works for the seasoned networking expert," said Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager. The conversation is facilitated to make it easy and fun to learn about other participants and those with whom they do business. Attendees will also get a chance to share their business stories and who they'd like to do business with. Those interested should contact Katie Goodspeed to RSVP at (603) 436-3988, ext. 27 or kgoodspeed@portsmouthchamber.org.

Business After Hours
at the Stage Neck Inn

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24
Stage Neck Inn
100 Stage Neck Rd., York Harbor, Maine

Situated along York Harbor's most prized stretches of beach, the Stage Neck Inn has long been considered "one of the finest hostelries in Southern Maine," according to Down East Magazine. But don't take their word for it, instead, join us for an atmospheric evening of fun and networking by the sea--not to mention an opportunity to pick up some valuable and unique door prizes. The staff of the Stage Neck has a special evening planned including a menu of their finest cuisine presented with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

Business After Hours at
Bank of New Hampshire

5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 6
Bank of New Hampshire
333 State St., Portsmouth, NH

The Chamber invites the Seacoast community to its April Business After Hours, set for 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 6 at the Bank of New Hampshire in Portsmouth. The branch staff has a fun evening planned including a tasty menu, refreshments and a post-holiday treasure chest of door prizes, so mark your calendar for an entertaining winter's eve out.
Cost is $5 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.. H eBrew

eBrew
Join the Crew Driving the Seacoast
High Tech Revolution
at this Monthly Networking Event

5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 7
The Press Room
Daniel St., Portsmouth, NH

Join us for the monthly eBrew at The Press Room on Daniel St. in Portsmouth. The event is open to the employees and guests of all local high-tech businesses and the local business community. The Chamber thanks The Press Room for helping to make this event possible. For more on the monthly eBrew and Roundtable activities, surf over to www.ecoast.org.

 Movers and Shakers

Grubb & Ellis|Coldstream Real Estate Advisors, Inc., a leading provider of integrated real estate services, recently represented Frisbie Memorial Hospital and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in the execution of a long term lease for 7,300 square feet of medical office space at 200 Route 108 in Somersworth, NH. The tenant for the property is the United States Veteran's Administration. The VA will use this new satellite facility to provide primary medical care and outpatient specialty care to veterans throughout the Strafford County and Seacoast areas.

Ten local bands joined together Feb. 20 at the Portsmouth Elks Lodge to benefit the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross. "The money raised from this concert will go to support local disaster relief," stated George Chiavaras, organizer of the event. "Initially we were thinking of tsunami relief, but we know that there is a lot of need right here in our own community and decided to support the Great Bay Chapter", stated Chiavaras. The Great Bay Chapter serves 39 cities and towns along the coast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. The Chapter is responsible for providing disaster preparedness and relief to the 260,000 residents who live in their service area. For more details, visit www.greatbay-redcross.org.

The Kane Company has been named the exclusive agent of a 263,750 square-foot "flex" space building, situated on 32.65 acres at 100 Domain Drive, in the Stratham Industrial Park. The fully air-conditioned facility is currently being strategically marketed to a variety of manufacturing/high-tech users. Features of this property include 60,625 square feet of first-class office space, 158,125 square feet of manufacturing area, 45,000 square feet of warehouse, 2,250 square feet of raised floor, data center, a full-service cafeteria, a backup generator and a 700+ employee parking lot. For more on the company, visit www.netkane.com.

Piscataqua Savings Bank recently continued its support of the Children's Museum of Portsmouth by sponsoring the museum's second-floor project area. "Piscataqua Savings has supported the museum in so many ways since the day we opened in 1983," said Denny Doleac, the museum's executive director. "Under the leadership of Jay Gibson, the bank has a real community focus and is always willing to help when it comes to families and education. By sponsoring the project area this year, Piscataqua Savings ensures that creative, hands-on learning activities are available to visitors every day." For more on the museum, visit www.childrens-museum.org.

The National Student Nurses Association of New Hampshire Community Technical College in Stratham recently donated and boxes of school supplies to Next Generation Daycare. Student nurses put out boxes at the college and asked friends and family to donate items to help the daycare, a service of New Generation, Inc. "We are thrilled with the donation, and the children are so excited to dig in and create with all the new supplies," said Ivelisse Roy, daycare director. "We were recently licensed by the State as a preschool program-the supplies will be a great help to our success." For more on New Generation, visit www.newgennh.com.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recently announced that the $1.2 billion pledged worldwide since the tsunami was sufficient to meet the costs of the entire Red Cross tsunami relief program. Approximately $1.2 billion has been given or pledged by donors to Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies around the world. Due to the generous financial contributions from public, foundation and corporate supporters, which now amounts to $236.2 million, the American Red Cross will no longer engage in new fundraising activities for tsunami relief. For more on the local Red Cross, visit www.greatbay-redcross.org.

Rumbletree recently received four communicator awards for television and radio spots created for Public Service of New Hampshire. Rumbletree submitted two entries for radio and two for television and all four garnered the highest award given the Crystal Award of Excellence. The spots were part of the "Reliability by Design" campaign that is currently running. The agency's work was recognized along with such national companie

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