 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Dividends-May 2004 President’s Message This month we have the honor and pleasure of welcoming two leaders to our community. The first is a welcome home event. On Wednesday, May 19 at the Fleet Speaker Series Breakfast Forum we will feature George Bald, the new executive director of the Pease Development Authority. George has had a long a successful career in service to the public and the Seacoast business community. He has been the mayor of Somersworth and the economic development director for the City of Rochester. He was also the director of development at Pease during the years that they experienced the most growth and development, and most recently, he lead New Hampshire’s Department of Resources and Economic Development during difficult economic times. Everyone I have spoken to is thrilled that George is coming back to the Seacoast. I am confident that with his vision, his ability to work with everyone across political and social lines, and his amazing work ethic that he is going to make Pease a world-class business center. On Thursday, May 27th we will be on the stage of the historic Music Hall in downtown Portsmouth to welcome their new Executive Director Patricia Lynch. From her biography and initial contact with the community and press, we are going to be in for some good times at the Music Hall. She has a great resume, extensive involvement with local organizations and a record of getting communities involved with the arts. She has said that she will not outline her vision or any goals until she has a chance to meet the artists, public and businesses of the seacoast. So here’s our chance to speak with her directly and let her know how important the Music Hall is to everyone and how vital it is to our economic success! The Chamber’s Board of Directors recently took two positions that I wanted to talk about. One was to support Public Service of New Hampshire’s Northern Wood Project. We supported the project for two main reasons which align with our strategic goals for positive economic development and the enhancement of our quality of life. PSNH will be investing $70 million into the project creating jobs for our waterfront workers and a $20-million regional impact. They will also support New Hampshire businesses that use and promote healthy forestry practices. We feel the project is a step in the right direction in regard to cleaning our air and using renewable resources to provide our energy. They have some hurdles to jump, but they seem dedicated to making this project beneficial to local citizens, the local economy and the environment. The Board also voted to support the extension of the one-way toll initiative at the Hampton Tolls. While they were very sensitive to the concerns of officials in the towns of Hampton, Hampton Falls, Seabrook (and other communities along U.S. Route 1), they felt that the short-term increase of traffic on that road will decrease and that one-way tolls will get people moving quicker through both the north and south-bound lanes. This will improve New Hampshire’s image and encourage more visitation to the Seacoast. They also felt that both passenger automobiles and trucks would choose not to get off to save money when the inconvenience of both the traffic and time would hinder their travel plans. In addition, the Board saw great benefits to everybody in the region not having 6 miles of traffic backed up sending emissions into our local environment. Our position has always been for the state to add an EasyPass system. We will continue to make this position known and push to speed up the process. And don’t forget that Friday, May 21 is Bike to Work Day in the NH Seacoast! Seacoast Area Bike Routes (SABR), the Greater Portsmouth Transportation Management Association (TMA) and the Seacoast Metropolitan Planning Organization are planning activities for Portsmouth and other communities, including a pair of Bike Commuter Breakfasts in Market Square and at Lonza Biologics at Pease Tradeport. The breakfasts will be an opportunity for bike/ped commuters to stop for a delicious light breakfast donated by local businesses, and register for a raffle of prizes donated by local bike shops and other businesses. This is a great way to stay in shape, unclog our roadways and work toward a healthier future. You can get more information about the day at www.seacoastbikes.org. Chamber News Chamber’s Annual Dinner Invitations are in the mail for this year’s annual dinner which will return to the Wentworth by the Sea–A Marriott Hotel & Spa June 7 for a "grand slam" of an evening. Gates open at 5:05 p.m. This year’s program will feature Mike Dee, COO for the Boston Red Sox as well as the traditional annual awards recognizing the citizen, business and volunteer of the year. This is the 130th anniversary of the seacoast’s only remaining grand hotel, so plan to make your reservation early–seating is limited to 250. This year, members will be able to purchase tickets online at the Chamber’s website. Online sales start May 15. Another key aspect of the annual dinner is to recognize those who have contributed to the organization’s success as members of the board of directors. Proposed officers are incoming chair Robin Whittaker, Isles of Shoals Steamship Company; Michael Kane, The Kane Co.,vice chair; George Toscano, Toscano & Ardito, P.A., treasurer; and immediate past chair, John Tabor, Seacoast Newspapers. New proposed board members are: Victoria Gray, Bank of New Hampshire; Alison Pyott, United Way of the Greater Seacoast; and Renee’ Reidel, Two International Group, LLC. Pyott is the director of community impact for the United Way and was instrumental in helping the organization transition its core strategy from fundraising to community problem solving. Reidel vice president of marketing for Two International Group at the Pease Tradeport and has been active with the Chamber on several committees including the annual dinner committee. She is also active with the Portsmouth Rotary where she has served in a number of capacities. Gray, a commercial lending agent for Bank of NH, has also had a long history with the Chamber most recently as chair of the golf tournament committee. For more detailed background on the nominees, visit the Chamber’s website library at www.portsmouthchamber.org/library.cfm. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the annual dinner. For more information, see the related article on Page 3, visit the Chamber’s website home page and click on the annual dinner event link, or contact Nicole Wohl at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11, or email nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org. New PDA Director to Speak The Chamber invites members and local citizens to meet George Bald, the new incoming director of the Pease Development Authority, at this month’s breakfast forum set for 7:30-9 a.m., May 19 at the Redhook Ale Brewery. The breakfast is part of the Fleet Speaker Series. Before moving to Concord as the NH Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bald served as development director for the PDA where he was instrumental in recruiting some of the tradeport’s anchor industries like Lonza Biologics, Bergon Steel and Redhook Brewery. He is expected to talk about his ideas for the future of the tradeport and the Division of Ports and Harbors. Bald was also instrumental in the expansion of the Route 16 industrial park and the development of the Malley Farm Industrial Park while mayor of Somersworth, and as Rochester city manager was credited with helping the city create over 1 million square feet of new manufacturing space and 4,000 manufacturing jobs. Cost of the breakfast is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. Those interested in attending should RSVP by contacting the Chamber at (603) 436-3988, ext. 13 or info@portsmouthchamber.org. Sponsorships Available There’s still time for those Chamber members who’d like to reach the hundreds of business leaders who’ll be attending this year’s annual dinner June 7, and ride the pre and post publicity wave of the event. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors who have already "stepped up to the plate" of what promises to be one of the most entertaining programs ever: Reverse the Curse Sponsors–Public Service of NH, Citizens Bank, John Lyons Law Firm and Ocean National Bank; Grand Slam Silver–Ocean Properties, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and Seacoast Newspapers; and Fan Sponsors– Martini Northern, Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel, CB Richard Ellis; and C&J Trailways. Available sponsorship levels include the World Series Sponsor (Platinum, $5,000), which includes 10 seats, two Red Sox tickets, company name and logo on program and top written recognition in all promotional items including the Chamber’s newsletter, dinner program, news releases and verbal acknowledgement at the podium. The other levels are: Reverse the Curse, (Gold, $2,500), includes four prime seats; Grand Slam, (Silver, $1,500), includes two dinner tickets; Fan ($500); and Ticket Holder ($125). Those interested in sponsorship should contact Nicole Wohl at (603) 436-3988, ext. 11 or email nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org. Enjoy the Great Outdoors The Chamber and the Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes invites members to ‘think different’ about transportation and bike to work May 21. Last year more than 180 riders took part in Bike Commuter Breakfasts around the Seacoast and SABR has even more planned for its second annual event. According to SABR, physical activity like cycling saves employers 5-12 percent in medical costs per year; and that physically fit people are absent an average of two fewer days per year than people who are not physically fit. They said companies that encourage cycling for transportation also promote a healthier work force, improve employee morale and demonstrate company concern for the environment by supporting clean air alternatives for commuting. For more details, literature or registration forms for Bike to Work Week, visit www.seacoastbikes.org or call (603) 433-6777. All employers are encouraged to make this information available for employees. Chamber Events STATE OF THE CITY BREAKFAST–Nearly 100 Seacoast citizens gathered April 21 at the Yoken’s Restaurant & Conference Center for the State of the City Breakfast Forum. The forum, part of the Fleet Speaker Series, featured guest speakers Portsmouth City Manager John Bohenko, Superintendent of Schools Lyonel Tracey, Chair of the Portsmouth School Board Kent LaPage, Police Chief Michael Magnant, and Fire Chief Chris LeClaire. All speakers had good things to say about the continuing partnership between the city and the Chamber. They also talked about the effects of the statewide property tax, the municipal budget, school construction, public safety issues, and future challenges. Peter Hamelin, Chamber president, opened the forum by thanking city officials for their continued support of the Chamber through a recently approved $40,000 economic development grant. In his comments, Bohenko said that the city is a sound economic investment and remains economically stable despite the nation’s fluctuating economy. He added that his 2005 budget proposal will include a 1.2-percent tax rate increase over the current rate and the allocation of $1 million for capital improvements and increases in the municipal budget. New projects for the upcoming year include the Portsmouth High School and Middle School renovations, 20 new units of retirement housing, and working to improve workforce housing, parking and underage drug and alcohol abuse. (By Sue Palmer, UNH Intern) B2B EXPO & RESOURCE FAIR 2004–More than 70 exhibitors and a steady stream of business browsers got the chance to hook up April 27 at this year’s B2B Expo and Business After Hours. This year’s event, underwritten by Public Service of NH, featured a most-creative booth competition, tradeshow bingo and an opportunity to get professional help in a number of areas including web site critiques. Winners of the creative booth contest were The Tavan Company, first place, Accent Magazine in second and Harbour Light in third. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for helping to make the expo possible: Ocean National Bank, Adecco, BayRing, Clear Channel Communications, GSBI Insurance Group, Harbor Light, Hybrid Merchandising, Internet & Telephone, Portsmouth Computer Group, Under the Sun Marketing and Waste Management. "The Business Resource Fair was a huge success and left those attending asking for more," said Ginny Griffith, the Chamber’s business development manager. During the half-day workshop, underwritten by Public Service of NH and presented by the Chamber’s business development committee, attendees tapped into the knowledge and resources of local member businesses to discover how to grow their businesses by partnering with employees and competitors, and how to increase sales. The Chamber thanks Moderator Peter Egleston, Portsmouth Brewery; Single Digits, Daystar Computer, York Telephone, Calypso Communications, Dover Auto World, Portsmouth Al a Carte, Seacoast Repertory Theater and Arts Rochester for their contributions to the program. CHILDREN’S DAY 2004 -Despite the threat of rain, the weather held out May 2 for the more than 30,000 parents, children and relatives who turned out to enjoy the 14th Annual Fleet Pro Portsmouth Children’s Day. The day-long Spring fling featured a wealth of activities for children including the traditional arrival of their favorite movie and cartoon characters aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s M/V Thomas Laighton; river cruises, bicycle rodeo, face painting; slap shot, hula hoop, and toss contests, pottery classes, raffles and more. There was also some special entertainment provided by Ballet New England, Wayne from Maine, Mad Science and others. "It’s always a thrill to see the excitement and anticipation in the eyes of the children who come to the event," said Barbara Massar, Pro Portsmouth executive director. "We are so lucky to have willing sponsors and volunteers who make it all possible. It’s a great day for families and a great tribute to Portsmouth." Pro Portsmouth and the Chamber thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions to this year’s event: Fleet, title sponsor; Seacoast Coca Cola, carnival games sponsor; Public Service of NH, map sponsor; Treehouse Toys and ASCA, Pleasant St. Stage; 98.7 The Bay, media sponsor; Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. and supporting sponsors Ad Cetera Graphics, Favorite Foods, Moe’s Italian Sandwiches, Portsmouth Copy, Portsmouth Pizza Factory, Subway of Portsmouth, The Bay/WTSN, and the Chamber. "We also thank the many local businesses who contributed raffle prizes and who sponsored our cartoon characters," said Massar. Movers and Shakers Heartwood Media, Inc., an award-winning video and new media production company, recently completed a video for "Breakfast With the Best", an annual event celebrating the best companies to work for in New Hampshire. Heartwood Media, Inc. helps organizations to define their image, products and services and communicate their value through video and new media. For more information, visit www.heartwoodmedia.com. Langdon Place of Portsmouth is currently renovating its independent and assisted living retirement community. The project is expected t be completed in June. Reservations are now being accepted for their suites, one and two bedroom apartments. For more information, call (603) 431-2530, ext. 26. Seacoast Harley-Davidson/Buell, a 58,000 square foot Harley-Davidson dealership located on Route 1 in North Hampton, NH, recently announced its Annual Customer Appreciation Days set for May 15-16. The event will include free food and entertainment. For more information call (603) 964-9959 or visit www.seacoastharley.com. Calypso Communications, marked a 21-percent growth increase in 2003 with more than a dozen new clients. Based in Portsmouth, NH, Calypso Communications provides domestic and global organizations with a full array of communication services, including public relations consulting, speech writing and preparation, annual reports, crisis management, web design and development, and graphic design and print services. For more, visit www.calypsocom.com OfficeTeam, a specialized administrative staffing firm for administrative professionals, recently developed a national survey that shows executives view steady temporary experience as equivalent to full-time work. The survey includes responses from 150 executives with the nation’s 1,000 largest companies including human resources, finance, marketing, information technology and operations departments. For details, visit www.officeteam.com. Ambit Engineering, Inc., a civil engineer and land surveyor company located in Portsmouth N.H., recently donated a $100 scholarship to Evan Glynn of South Berwick. Glynn was named Marshwood High School Trig-Star Champion for 2004. Trig-Star is a competition held to determine the most highly skilled high school students in the country at the practical application of trigonometry. John Chagnon of Ambit Engineering was the local contest sponsor. For details, visit www.acsm.net/trigstar/index. Jewett Construction recently completed construction of a new 61,000-square-foot full- service commercial lumber yard in Raymond, N.H. for Jackson Lumber & Millwork. Emanual Engineering, of Stratham, NH, partnered with Jewett on the designing and building of the lumber yard. Jewett’s project manager Mike Wissler and project superintendent Steve Sousa oversaw the project. For details, visit www.jewettconstruction.com. The Lollipop Tree, Inc., a specialty food manufacturer located in Portsmouth, N.H., recently announced the addition of a new pepper jelly to its specialty food line. Wasabi Lime Pepper Jelly is made of limes and wasabi. For more information visit, www.lollipoptree.com. Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal Shop, located in Portsmouth N.H., recently gave away free wedding gowns to overseas active-duty military brides as a thank you to U.S. soldiers. The bridal shop has also relocated to 775 Lafayette Plaza, in Portsmouth. For more on the bridal shop, call store owner Janice Wood at (603) 431-5454. Toscano & Ardito, P.C.’s President Lawrence J. Ardito, CPA, ABV, was recently appointed chairman of Caritas Holly Family Hospital Foundation. Ardito is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. Martini Northern, Inc. recently completed construction on Murkland Hall, a 35,000 square foot building at the University of New Hampshire. The 7.5 million-dollar restoration spanned over an entire academic year. Martini Northern is a northern-based division of A.J. Martini, Inc, a service-oriented general contractor and construction manager in the public and private sectors of the marketplace. Lavallee/Bresinger Architects provided the project design for Murkland Hall. For more information visit www.ajmartini.com. Stonewall Kitchen, recently announced that Jim Stott, the co-founder and co-owner of Stonewall, appeared on the nationally syndicated shopping network, QVC in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 20, 2004. Stonewall Kitchen is a local award winning manufacturer of specialty foods located in York, Portland, and Camden, ME, Chestnut Hill, MA, North Conway and Portsmouth, NH. For more information, call 1-800-207-JAMS or visit www.stonewallkitchen.com. Smoke-Free New Hampshire Alliance (SFNHA) is actively recruiting anyone interested in working to reduce the harms of tobacco use in New Hampshire and across the country. SFNHA is a privately funded, statewide alliance of community coalitions, non-profit organizations, and individuals that advocate various public policy changes. For details, contact the policy manager, Rob Werner, at (603) 641-8866. The American Lung Association of New Hampshire, recently announced it’s Clean Air Challenge Seacoast Bike Tour held each year to raise funds and awareness on the behalf of lung health in the Granite State. This year’s event takes place on May 15-16, going from Franklin Pierce College in Portsmouth to Ogunquit, Maine on the first day. The trek ends at the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH. For details, call (603) 669-2411, or visit www.nhlung.org. The Sadler Insurance Agency, Inc., was recently recognized by N.H Gov. Craig Benson as one of the top 100 companies in New Hampshire. Sadler, located in Nashua N.H., is an insurance agency providing risk management and financial services to families, business and industry. For details, visit www.sadlerinsurance.com. The Music Hall board of directors search committee and staff recently announced the appointment of Patricia Lynch as executive director. Lynch, formerly the executive director of the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., assumes her new role this month. For details visit www.themusichall.org. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced an upcoming DOL conference set for June 11 at New Hampshire Community Technical College, in Portsmouth, N.H. The New England regional conference will cover Mastering the Skills for the 21st Century Workforce and will focus on competitive business resources and information. For more information visit www.doleta.gov/regions/re01bos/skills21Century.cfm. Portsmouth Computer Group recently announced the appointment of Stewart L. Richardson as director of operations. Formerly of Parker Hannifin Corporation, Richardson will serve as a key member of the management team. PCG is also planning a corporate move in August to a new Portsmouth location. For more information, visit www.portsmouthcomputergroup.com. Radici’s, located in downtown Portsmouth, N.H., recently announced the promotion of Michael O’Reilly, the sous chef, to executive chef. O’Reilly was previously the executive chef of Kenishi in Aspen, Colo. and has a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. As executive chef, O’Reilly will be creating the upcoming menu for Radici’s. Arte Toscana owners Brooke Savage and Paul Popple invite Chamber members to the grand opening of their Portsmouth location which is set for 9:30 a.m., May 21 at 112 State Street in Portsmouth, N.H. The art gallery will feature original paintings, sculpture, fine pottery, ceramics and jewelry from Tuscany’s most prized and accomplished artisans. Doors open to the public for the official opening day from 2-8 p.m., May 23. For more on the gallery, visit www.arte-toscana.com. Calendar of Events Breakfast with George Bald 7:30-9a.m., Wednesday, May 19 Join us May 19 to meet George Bald, the new executive director of the Pease Development Authority from 7:30-9 a.m., at Redhook Ale Brewery. The event is part of the Fleet Speakers Series. Before moving to Concord as the NH Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, Bald served as development director for the PDA where he was instrumental in luring some of area’s largest anchor industries to the tradeport like Lonza Biologics, Bergon Steel and Redhook Brewery. He is expected to talk about his ideas for the future of the tradeport and the Division of Ports and Harbors. 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 responding via email to info@portsmouthchamber.org. Mid-Day Meet Noon-1p.m., Thursday, May 20 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 abou 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, May 27 You’re invited to the Chamber’s May Business After Hours which is scheduled for 5:30-7:30, May 27 at The Music Hall on Chestnut St. in Portsmouth. The evening will feature a backstage tour of the facility, networking opportunities, door prizes and a chance to meet the Music Hall’s new executive director, Patricia Lynch. Don’t miss this special evening at one of the country’s oldest continuously operating performing arts venues. Cost of admission is $5 and a business card for member and $15 for nonmembers. Bank of NH GPCC 8:30 a.m., Friday, June 4 Signups are still open for the Bank of NH Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Golf Tournament set for June 4 at the Portsmouth Country Club. This year’s competition will feature a scramble format, a grilled luncheon cooked up by the Portsmouth Country Club and a golfer’s dream bag of special items donated by Chamber members. More than 100 Seacoast-area businesses are expected to take part in this year’s tourament which is open to Chamber members only. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The Chamber thanks the following sponsors for supporting this year’s tournament : Bank of NH, marquee sponsor; Irving Oil, Cart; Global Technical Talent, 19th Hole; Ernst & Young, breakfast; Fox Financ
| |
  Sponsored By:
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
© Copyright 2008 Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce
Web Site Designed by Harbour Light Productions
Web Site Hosted by Tidal Media Group .