President's Message
by Peter Hamelin

This past Sunday if you were anywhere close to downtown Portsmouth, then you were witness to one of the best days of the year. It was Fleet Children's Day. An estimated 20,000 people attended, many riding in four-wheeled strollers, faces painted with a fistfull of balloons. It was hard not to believe that this is what really matters in life-a day when we can bring smiles to our friends, business colleagues, neighbors and family, and when the biggest decision of the day is chocolate or vanilla. We thank the City of Portsmouth and Fleet for their continued support of this special day-and the hundreds of volunteers who gave of their time to make this event such a success. The Chamber/Pro Portsmouth partnership has now produced two successful events and we are working toward presenting Market Square Day June 14, working with the Downtown Business Association and the City on a street closing pilot program, and creating a long-term vision for events and programs that will maintain Portsmouth as a vibrant, progressive location for both residents and visitors to enjoy. We also understand that a healthy downtown ripples out to every business throughout the region. If you have any questions or ideas, or want to get involved, I urge to contact Barbara Massar, our director of downtown events, at bmassar@portsmouthchamber.org or (603) 436-3988, ext. 21.

I want to also update you on the progress of two top priorities that you, our members, have asked us to work on.

Transportation - The good news is that the State of New Hampshire has put together a regional advisory task force to deal with the expansion of the Little Bay Bridges. The bad news is that the estimated time to complete the project is 2014. Yes, 11 years from today if everything goes as planned. With Pease estimating another 5,000 jobs and continued growth in the region, and the lack of workforce housing we currently have, I hope you will agree that this is a troubling timeline. Already employers have spoken loud that this is a major issue. We will continue to lobby for a quicker process both at the state and federal level. If you feel the same way, I urge to get involved-write a letter or make a phone call to your representative and let them know that this is an important issue that affects our potential for future economic growth and our quality of life. In the meantime, we need to continue to support alternative means of transportation like ridesharing, the bus system, and biking or walking to work. While we're on that subject, SABR will be coordinating bike/walk to work day May 15th. I hope you will join us on two wheels or by foot that day-I'll be doing my part. For more information, please log on to www.rpc-nh.org/biketowork.htm. We challenge everyone to participate-it's good for you and good for all.

Healthcare - This is quickly rising to the top of everyone's agenda, from the upcoming presidential candidates to our state government and local businesses. All are trying to grapple with the rising costs; trying to bring more healthcare providers to the state to increase competition and hopefully lower our rates. Senate Bill 110, which is in the House of Representatives, was designed to do just that, but folks on both sides of the aisle have issues. Proponents say the changes will make the state's small group market more attractive to companies that currently do not offer group health insurance here and encourage firms to offer basic health insurance plans with lower coverage and/or higher deductibles. It may also increase the number of younger and lower-risk individuals opting to purchase insurance. Critics warn that the change from community rating to experience rating will lower rates for some groups, but will result in higher rates for others, particularly those with older members, those with an employee who suffers a catastrophic illness, or groups in the North Country or Seacoast where health costs are known to be higher. It will also affect sole proprietors who would not be able to get group coverage under the current proposal. We would like to hear from you on how this bill will affect your business so that we can best formulate our position. For more info check www.nhbia.org/marquee.htm.

I also wanted to let you that we are still seeking nominations for Business and Citizen of the Year, so if you know of any worthy candidates, please let us know. And don't forget, get that bike out for May 15th and get riding to work!

Chamber News

Chamber's Annual Dinner Travels
to the Wentworth By The Sea June 25

Nominating Committee Announces
New Slate of Directors, Officers

This year's annual dinner is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in years as the Chamber makes plans to return to the newly renovated Wentworth by the Sea Hotel- A Marriott Hotel & Spa, for a nostalgic gala celebration.

This year's program will feature the elegance, music, cuisine and ambiance of the hotel's glorious past, so those intrigued by the era should plan to sign up early as seating is limited to 250. Invitations are expected to go out by the end of May.

Another key aspect of the annual dinner is to recognize those who have contributed to the organization's success as members of the board, or as one of the Chamber's annual award winners. Proposed officers are incoming chair John Tabor, Seacoast Newspapers; Robin Whittaker, Isles of Shoals Steamship Co., vice chair; George Toscano, Toscano & Ardito, P.C., treasurer; and Jonathan Dufour, Tyco International, Ltd., immediate past chair. New proposed board members are: Fred Palazzolo, Ocean National Bank; Tim Fortier, McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton; Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects; Steve Wrenn, Clipper Consulting Group and chair of the eCoast Technology Roundtable; and Jay Levy, State Street Discount.

For more background on this year's group of board nominees, visit the Chamber's online library at www.portsmouthchamber.org/library.cfm.

This year's dinner and program would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and member businesses who have contributed many in-kind products and services. 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 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) Irving Oil, LifeSize Graphics, McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A. and the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel; and (Special Focus) CB Richard Ellis, Flextronics, Harbour Light, International Executive Services, Martini Northern, Portsmouth Rent & Ride, Redhook Ale Brewery and Tyco International, Ltd. 

eCoast Tech Roundtable Renovates
Prescott Park Arts Festival Stage

Work Crew Turn Out
to Support PPAF Needs

While most Seacoast citizens took advantage of the bright sunny weather for long walks and yard work May 3, members of the eCoast Technology Roundtable decided to get some sun and exercise with a little community service.

More than 40 techies turned out last Saturday to resurface the Prescott Park Arts Festival stage in anticipation of the coming summer performance season. It took just over 4 hours for the group to strip off the old weather-beaten plywood, replace it with waterproof, 50-year particle board and prime it with a couple of coats of tough paint.

"We are thrilled the roundtable chose to help us with this daunting project," said George Hosker, Jr., PPAF executive director. "While Peter Pan won't spend a lot of time on the new stage this summer, I'm sure the other performers will really appreciate it."

According to Jennifer Quinlan, the Chamber's eCoast liaison, the project grew out of the Roundtable's interest in finding a community volunteerism project. Craig Fogg, an eCoast member, noticed that the stage at Prescott Park needed to be resurfaced when his daughter Larissa performed in a dance concert last summer. Fogg made a proposal to the eCoast board and the group agreed that this would be a perfect partnership and a way for the eCoast to contribute to our local arts community. Paul Bergamo of Liberty Mutual, and Lori Hitchcock, Hitchcock Staffing, both eCoast board members, teamed up with Fogg to make the project a reality.

The Chamber and Roundtable thanks the many volunteers who came out to help and the following businesses for their contribution of food and materials for the project: Ecora, Liberty Mutual, Peavey Hardware, Tri-Rent-All, FA Gray, Ricci Lumber, Bagel Works, Portsmouth Gaslight Company, Joe's New York Pizza, Smuttynose Brewery, Caffe Kilim, Goldie's Deli, The Wellington, Poco's Bowstreet Cantina, Portsmouth Brewery, Me & Ollie's, The Press Room, The Ferry Landing, Molly Malone's, Stonewall Kitchen, Seacoast Coca-Cola and Harbour Place.

Members Encouraged to
Take Online Survey

Results Will Drive Program
of Work for New Fiscal Year

In an effort to improve service to members, the Chamber has put together an online survey that will be used to develop future programs, products and services.

The 19-question survey may be found on the Chamber's web site at www.portsmouthchamber.org/survey and takes roughly 5-10 minutes to complete.

As an added incentive for members to participate in the survey, Attrezzi, Pesce Blue and the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company have donated raffle prizes. Those prizes include cooking classes at Attrezzi, dinner for two at Pesce Blue (up to $50), and a party cruise for 10 aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton.

The Chamber plans to draw winners the first week in June, so those interested in the prizes should complete the survey as soon as possible. Those who do not wish to enter the raffle may complete the survey anonymously. All responses will be kept confidential. The Chamber will release the results online as soon as the surveys are tabulated.

Those with questions may contact Tom Cocchiaro, the Chamber's communications manager, at (603) 436-3988 or email tcocchiaro@portsmouthchamber.org.

Chamber Site Lauded
as Best in State for Tourism

Judges Liked Site's Content,
Feel and Visual Design

Gov. Craig Benson joined New Hampshire's Internet community March 13, to celebrate the Granite State Web sites that had earned the title "best" in 20 categories, including a "best of show."

The Chamber website won honors as the best tourism site in the state. The award is given for the site that offers the most outstanding package of information about activities and events in New Hampshire, and that best captures the spirit of the Granite State's unique character. The site was designed and programmed by Harbour Light of Portsmouth in partnership with the Chamber's communications department.

The actual design work was done by Rob Squier of Harbour Light with organizational input and images provided by Tom Cocchiaro, the Chamber's communications manager.

Judges chose their winners based on a number of criteria including whether or not the site achieved its stated mission, navigation and structure, content, visual design, interactivity, functionality, and overall experience.

Chamber Events

Breakfast Forum with
Southwest Airline's Camille Keith

Camille Keith, vice president of special marketing for Southwest Airlines, entertained an audience of more than 100 Chamber members and guests April 16 with a "hot pants to hot flashes" romp through her 30-year career with one of the nation's most successful carriers.

The event, part of the Fleet Speaker Series, was held at Yoken's Restaurant & Conference Center. Keith said the key to the company's long-term fortune is a culture that puts the customer first 100 percent of the time. "With us, you buy the customer service experience," said Keith. "We may be in the transportation business, but what you remember is the experience."

During her 40-minute talk, Keith shared some of her company's early attempts at getting attention and winning customer loyalty including giving away free whiskey and organizing in-flight Easter egg hunts. "In those days, she said, you couldn't afford a multi-million dollar marketing campaign, so you had to think outside the box."

Efficiency and practicality was another area where her company excels, according to Keith. They buy and operate the same model aircraft to keep maintenance and training simple, and maintain a low fare/"no frills" approach which Keith said many customers appreciate. The Chamber thanks the Sheraton for hosting Keith's stay.

B2B Expo 2003

Networking, selling and rubbing elbows with potential clients was the name of the game at this year's B2B Expo and Business After Hours. The event, underwritten by Public Service of New Hampshire, drew more than 300 visitors to Yoken's Restaurant & Conference Center April 29. Nearly 80 exhibitors particpated in this year's expo from personal investment brokers and staffing agencies to nonprofits, marketing agencies and caterers. According to many participants, this year's show provided a steady stream of high-quality contacts. Scott Stringham, owner of the Seacoast Sign-A-Rama, said he connected with several strong prospects and enjoyed getting to see what other vendors were doing. Other sponsors for this year's expo were Prexar, Town & Country Reprographics, Harbour Light, Ocean National Bank, Waste Management, and Hybrid Merchandising. Muddy River Smokehouse and Galley Hatch Catering served up some of the Seacoast's tastiest cuisine at the event.

To check out this year's group of exhibitors online, surf over to www.portsmouthchamber.org/b2bexpo2003.cfm.

(Re) Position Your Business
for Success Business Resource Fair

The marketing food chain, human resources theory, trials and tribulations of an entrepreneur, and turning charity into philanthropy were just a few of the topics discussed at this year's (re) Position for Success-A Business Information and Resource Fair.

The seminar, underwritten by Citizens Bank, was held April 29 at the Yoken's Comfort Inn, in conjunction with the B2B Expo. More than 55 people attended the day-long program that featured a seasoned team of local experts in the fields of marketing and PR, personnel management and entrepreneurship-one, an internationally known native daughter.

Katie Paine, CEO of KD Paine & Partners related her experiences as an entrepreneur and the importance of finding the right markets for your products and services. "There's a huge untapped market out there that nobody is going after," she said. "Look for niches. You'd be surprised how many there are out there."

M.L. Hannay, M.L. Hannay Associates Training and Development, entertained the audience with a look at four business behavior styles and strategies for how to interact with each one. She stressed the importance of each personality type and how businesses need all four kinds of people to be successful.

Mary Jo Brown, principal of Brown & Company Graphic Design, talked about the value of cause marketing-that is, how promote your business and brand through pro-bono service to good causes. She said that all things being equal, more than 80 percent of people will choose a company known for its philanthropy over one that is not so generous.

Serving on the entrepreneurs panel were Peter Egelston, Portsmouth Brewery; Scott Pueschel, Pierce Atwood; Lisa DeStefano, Destefano Architects; Bill Savoie, Harbour Light; and Zach Gregg, International Office Suites.

Fleet Children's Day 2003

This year's 13th Annual Fleet Chamber Children's Day was literally picture-perfect for the more than 20,000 parents, children and relatives who flocked into Portsmouth May 4 for the day-long "Spring Fling."

The first event of the new Pro Portsmouth/Chamber Partnership went off without a hitch according to Barbara Massar, former interim executive director for Pro Portsmouth, now Chamber director of downtown events. "We saw lots of smiles downtown on the faces of merchants and volunteers, as well as the kids," said Massar.

Despite a short lead-time, volunteers and local businesses came together again to create an exciting and activity packed schedule for the Seacoast's families. "A number of folks always bring a smile to our faces and we couldn't produce the event without them," said Massar.

Thanks go sponsors; Fleet, title sponsor; 98.7FM The Bay, media; Seacoast Coca-Cola; carnival games; G.Willikers!, Pleasant Street Stage; Public Service of NH, map printing; and Ad Cetera Graphics, graphic design. Raffle prizes were donated by a variety of Seacoast businesses and ranged from gift certificates and museum passes to a bicycle giveaway. Moe's Italian Sandwiches, Subway and BagelWorks also donated food for volunteers throughout the day.

Kudos also to the Children's Day committee: Chairperson Mary Robles, Fleet; Patty Singer, Fleet; Bob Breneman & Jim Coffey, G.Willikers!; Natalie Hassold, Tugboat Alley; Ellen White, Federal Savings Bank/Seacoast Kiwanis; Kathleen Tutone, Treehouse Toys; JoAnn Actis-Grande & Pam Kelly, Isles of Shoals Steamship Co.; Beth Ann Schmitt & Betsy Garrett, Strawbery Banke; Jennifer Slade, Attrezzi; Carol McClard, Citizen's Bank; Elizabeth Obrey, Pro Portsmouth volunteer coordinator and Massar.

Calendar

Breakfast Forum with
Tom Chappell, Tom’s of Maine

Join Us to Hear One of New England’s
Most Respected Native Sons

7:30-9 a.m., Wednesday, May 21
Yoken’s Restaurant
Route 1., Portsmouth, NH

Tom Chappell, the CEO and co-founder of Tom's of Maine and creator of the nationally known Saltwater Institute, will be guest speaker at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce May Breakfast Forum. The event, a part of the Fleet Speaker Series, will be held 7:30 a.m., May 21 at Yoken’s Restaurant & Conference Center.

Chappell will be visiting with Chamber members and guests to talk about "How to Grow Your Business and Still Maintain Your Ethics"--one of the lessons taught at his nationally known Saltwater Institute. The Saltwater Institute offers innovative leadership development programs, including the "Seven Intentions Program," that provides executives with new tools for creating a values-centered enterprise.

He was a recipient of the 1990 New Englander Award sponsored by the Small Business Association of New England; the 1991 Entrepreneur of the Year from CNBC; and was awarded the 1995 Socially Responsible New England Entrepreneur of the Year by the Entrepreneur of the Year Institute.

Cost is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by calling (603) 436-3988 or via email to info@portsmouthchamber.org.

Rainbow Movers GPCC 20th
Annual Golf Tournament

Green/Tee Sponsorships
Still Available

8:30 a.m., Monday, June 2
The Ledges Golf Club
York, Maine

This year’s Rainbow Movers Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will return to nationally renowned Ledges Golf Club June 2. There is already a waiting list for players, but there are still a number of sponsor positions open including tees and greens. International Office Suites is this year’s cart sponsor, and Hybrid Merchandising, the entertainment sponsor.

Sponsorship opportunities still available are lunch sponsor, $750; breakfast sponsor, $500; and tee and green sponsors, $100 per hole.

For more information, or to sign on as a sponsor, contact Nicole Wohl, events manager, at (603) 436-3988 or nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org.

Business After Hours

Come Aboard for a Summertime
Cruise on the M/V Thomas Laighton

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 19
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company
Market St., Portsmouth, NH

Cast off your cares and come aboard June 19 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, R.S.V.Ps are required. To sign up for the cruise, call the Chamber at (603) 436-3988. This event fills up quickly, so call soon. Those who don’t R.S.V.P. will be placed on a first-come, first-served standby list. Deadline for signup is June 17. Boarding time is from 5:15-5:30 p.m.

Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet

Join Us for a Nostalgic Evening
at the Reincarnated
Wentworth by the Sea Hotel

5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 25
Wentworth by the Sea
Marriott Hotel & Spa
Wentworth Rd., New Castle, NH

Join your fellow Chamber members June 25 to this year’s annual dinner and awards ceremony set at one of the nation’s most cherished grand hotels, the Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel & Spa.

Don’t miss this evening filled with nostalgic nuances from the hotel’s past including dancing and music from the Roaring 20s and the time of the Great Gatsby.

An key aspect of the annual dinner is to recognize those who have contributed to the organization’s success as members of the board or as one of the Chamber’s annual award winners. Proposed officers are incoming Chair, John Tabor, Seacoast Newspapers and incoming vice chair, Robin Whittaker, Isles of Shoals Steamship, Co. New proposed directors are: Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects; Steve Wrenn, Clipper Consulting Group and chair of the eCoast Technology Roundtable; Fred Palazzolo, Ocean National Bank; Jay Levy, State Street Discount; and Tim Fortier, McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton.

Invitations are scheduled for mailing by the end of May. For more details, or sponsor information, contact Nicole Wohl, the Chamber’s events manager at (603) 436-3988 or nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org.

Movers and Shakers

The Southeast NH Habitat for Humanity Chapter recently sent two members of its board to build houses in Buluba, Uganda. Board members Brian Anderson, Treasurer, and Brooks Stevens, fundraising chair, traveled to Uganda with 13 other volunteers to build homes for families in need of simple, decent housing. Seacoast residents, both Anderson and Stevens are employed at Liberty Mutual in Dover. To find out more about the local Habitat for Humanity work, call (603) 433-9555 or visit www.servantleaders.net.

Calypso Communications, one of the leading strategic marketing and public relations firms in New England, recently announced that it has been selected as the agency of record for the highly prestigious Lake Winnepesaukee Golf Club in New Durham, N.H. The course has drawn the admiration of professional golf experts and organizations around the country who are attracted to its design and stunning natural setting.

Harbour Light and Portsmouth's former Poet Laureate, Maren Tirabassi, teamed up recently to trade talents. Tirabassi donated a poem about a somewhat unruly dog which will become part of the agency's web site and Harbour Light designed a logo for the Portsmouth Poet Laureate program. The dog poem, according to staff, is appropriate for Harbour Light because the firm is well known locally as a dog-friendly workplace.
Harbour Light is a full-service design studio and web site hosting provider located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and has a history of pro bono support of arts and culture organizations in this community.

Attorney Phillip Decker, P.E., of Decker Law Office, was recently re-elected chair of the NH Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section. The Intellectual Property Law Section is made up of 94 attorneys who practice in patent, trademark, copyright licensing, trade secrets & other technology related law.

Sara Prindiville, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree student at the New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA), has won a merit scholarship awarded by Rumbletree. The Portsmouth-based advertising and brand development agency offers the scholarship annually to an incoming senior who has demonstrated excellence in his or her studies, and who wishes to seek a career in the arts. Prindiville will receive the scholarship at the NHIA graduation ceremonies on May 22 in Manchester.

The law firm of Devine, Milliment & Branch, P.A. recently welcomed Barbara J. Greenwood, Of Counsel; and Shelagh C. Newton Michaud, associate; to the company's Manchester office. Greenwood is a member of the corporate department where she practices in the area of health care. Newton Michaud is a member of the litigation department where she concentrates her practice in commercial litigation.

Exeter Fine Crafts has selected Marcia Herson as its April Artist of the Month. Herson is known for her contemporary and innovative jewelry created from polymer and precious metal clays. Her work includes colorful pins, necklaces, earrings and bracelets which incorporate millifore, mosaic, inlay, image transfer and engraving techniques. To find out more about Exeter Fine Crafts, visitwww.exeterfinecrafts.com.

Cabot House Furniture, located in the Vaughn Mall in downtown Portsmouth, recently welcomed Christine Rancourt to the staff as a sales and design coordinator. Rancourt is currently pursuing a master's degree in interior design at the Boston Architectural Center. Cabot Hours offers distinctive home furnishings ranging from bedding to sofas, dining rooms and patio furnishings, as well as design services.

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