Dividends-October 2003

President's Message
by Peter Hamelin
Chamber President

I know I'm not alone when I say October in New England is my favorite time of year. I love the cool mornings, fresh air and the great sleeping weather. The sounds and sights at soccer and football fields all over the seacoast, the leaves that slowly turn our landscape into an explosion of colors. This October is also turning out to be a special year as our beloved Red Sox make a trek toward a World Series Championship. I look forward with anticipation as Pedro Martinez takes the mound tonight to start the playoffs.

Another sign of fall has been both the City Council and Presidential candidates walking our neighborhoods, our downtown's and our coffee shops trying to earn our vote. On the local level, we will be hosting a candidate forum at 7:30 a.m. October 15th at Yoken's. This will give you an opportunity to meet and hear from this years' candidates, to find out their positions on such important topics as workforce housing, the future development of the McIntyre Building, property and business taxes, maintaining a livable and workable community for all, and how they will support our local business community.

It's hard to believe that the primary is still four months away. With the amount of campaigning being done by the democratic presidential candidates, and money that is being raised by all the hopefuls, you would think the vote was going to happen tomorrow. But again, we have a great opportunity to meet these folks one on one, to look into their eyes and judge for ourselves what type of person they are, and what type of president they would make. There are a lot of major issues facing this country and the business community; like skyrocketing healthcare costs, a tiring infrastructure, continued negative job growth and a lack of clear vision for the future. It is time that we held both parties and all governments accountable for how they spend OUR money.

Last week the Chamber's board of directors and staff journeyed to the Browne Center at UNH to hold our annual new board orientation and retreat. It was gorgeous September day at a gorgeous location and we accomplished much. We learned that we are all working from a common place, that place being a love of the Greater Portsmouth area and deep belief in taking action to maintain and enhance all that we have. It was a great sight to see people from different industries, different views, staff and board alike, working together to solve problems that were thrown at us by the Browne Center staff. It was a great metaphor of how we can take what we accomplished there and bring it back to our daily work. That is, to continue to be leaders and advocates for your business, and to continue to tackle the tough challenges like healthcare, the shortage of workforce housing, finding short- and long-term solutions to the Little Bay Bridge traffic bottleneck and enhancing the Portsmouth experience for residents and visitors alike.

August 31st marked the end of our fiscal year here at the Chamber, and we are proud to announce that we have met our budget and have even managed to generate a small surplus. We owe this success to you, our members, who continue to believe in our programming, who financially support our events and publications, who volunteer time and resources to a committee or initiative, who advocate membership to your colleagues, and most importantly, who do business with fellow members.

As I think back over the last 12 months, the thing that sticks out in my mind is our volunteers-the people who work side by side for the benefit of our community, each other's businesses and the health of your Chamber. It was volunteers and sponsors who stepped up to help us revive Pro Portsmouth and the events that are so vital to our community. Volunteers and sponsors made it possible for the staff to bring you a series of events focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in a soft economy, and to buy cooperative advertisements in regional and national publications. Thank you, and you know who you are, for everything you do to support the Chamber and this community.

As we move into our new fiscal year we are asking that you continue to support your Chamber so that we can help grow your business and maintain what we all agree is the essence of why we choose to live and work here-our natural environment, our history, our culture and each other.

Chamber News

'Creative Class' Guru to Visit Seacoast Oct. 14
Richard Florida Expected to Talk About Role of Artists, Writers

The Chamber invites the community to a special forum with Richard Florida from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Oct. 14 at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. Florida is the author of the best-selling book, The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure Community and Everyday Life. Currently in its 10th printing, the book has stimulated an international debate about the causes and consequences of economic growth.

Florida will talk about the role of artists and writers in the economy, and how Portsmouth can differentiate itself and its "creative class" from Boston, Portland, Burlington and other culturally centered New England communities.

"As Portsmouth and the surrounding Seacoast communities continue to grow and prepare for the region's economic future, we feel that Mr. Florida's philosophies and research align with our road map for keeping our arts community vibrant, attracting educated qualified employees for our businesses, attracting clean, well-paying industries; protecting our natural environment and maintaining our high quality of life," said Peter Hamelin, Chamber president.

In preparation for the event, the Chamber has selected members of the Seacoast's "creative class" to create a brief biography and a display introducing themselves, their work in our community and why they've chosen this region. These unique pieces will be on display at the event from 9:30-10 a.m. at the Seacoast Rep.

The event is underwritten by Public Service of NH, Ocean National Bank and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The Chamber organized the forum which will be hosted by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Refreshments will be provided by The Genip Tree.

Those who'd like to attend should RSVP by Oct. 10 by contacting the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce at (603) 436-3988 or info@portsmouthchamber.org.

New Program to Connect Big Fish, Little Fish
Keeping Business Local Focus of New Initiative

The Chamber's business development committee is inaugurating a new program to promote local business and connect larger organizations in the Portsmouth area with the local vendor community.

Called the Greater Portsmouth Business Forum, the goal of the program, according to Jennifer Quinlan, the Chamber's business development manager, is to encourage local purchasing and economic growth.

"Committee members plan to meet with 'Big Fish' companies and determine which categories of services and products they are willing to purchase locally," said Quinlan. "The Chamber present the opportunity to the membership and set up one-on-one meetings with businesses that can provide products and services for the selected 'Big Fish' categories. 'Little Fish' companies will also be asked to submit a form indicating which of the requested products or services they offer including a pitch detailing their competitive advantage.

The first forum is expected to take place in mid-November. The forum will consist of 10-minute interviews with each vendor that meets "Big Fish" requirements. An email will be sent out to the membership once the "Big Fish" company, and meeting date, have been identified.

For more information, contact Jennifer Quinlan, jquinlan@portsmouthchamber.org.

FIRST Robotics Program Gaining Momentum
Organizers Looking for Local Supporters, Mentors

As part of its ongoing commitment to grow a new generation of tech-saavy future employees, the Chamber's eCoast Technology Roundtable's Technology Recruitment, Retention & Education Subcommittee
is working to bring Dean Kamen's FIRST Robotics Competition Program to the Seacoast.

The First Robotics Competition is an annual design competition that brings professionals and young people together in teams to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The competition is a program of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by New Hampshire inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen. The program inspires students to take a look at further studies and careers in engineering, technology and science.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School is the first local school to respond to the partnership with the eCoast Technology Roundtable and has already retained approximately $2750 in donations from the local high-tech business community including Pixel Media ($1000.00), Ecora (250.00), Bernier Insurance ($250.00), Sylvan Learning Center ($250.00) and the eCoast Technology Roundtable ($1000.00). The basic entry fee and kit for a rookie team is $5000 with an expected operating budget of $10,000 for first-year entrants.

The University of New Hampshire School of Engineering has donated CAD and robotics training as well as the assistance of graduate and undergraduate students who will serve as mentors for the STA Team. Other Chamber member businesses will also be providing mentors including Liberty Mutual, M23D, Multimedia Systems, Portsmouth Computer Group, Hitchcock Staffing and Harbour Light.

For more information, or to get involved, contact JoAnn Hodgdon, PCG (603) 431-4121 ext.18 or JoAnn Rohde at 742-3206.

Chamber to Host Lunch Networking Sessions
New Member Program Gets Underway Oct. 16

If getting to know people at big events is a little overwhelming, the Chamber now has something for you-the Mid-Day Meet Networking Lunch. The first monthly session is set for noon to 1 p.m., Oct. 16 in the Chamber conference room.

"Some of our members asked if we could arrange some alternative networking opportunities that were more structured than a breakfast forum or business after hours," said Kendra Frangos, the Chamber's membership manager. "So our Business Development Committee suggested putting together a networking lunch program."

During the one-hour session, attendees will learn some networking tips, get the chance to present their one-minute commercial and network with others in the group.

Frangos said the program will also feature expert help for those who'd like to formulate an "elevator pitch" before the lunch session. "When members sign up for a session, they can request a meeting with me or Paul McAskill, a member of the BDC and president of Compass Point Coaching," said Frangos. We'll preview their pitch, provide feedback and help them to fine tune their commercial."

Space for the sessions is limited, so those interested should contact Frangos to RSVP at (603) 436-3988 or kfrangos@portsmouthchamber.org.

Holiday Auction Gala Set For Nov. 12 at NE Center
Members Encouraged to Support Major Fundraiser

Members and guests searching for unique holiday gifts should not miss this year's Holiday Auction Gala set for 4:30-9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the New England Center in Durham.

The Silent Auction preview will get underway at 4:30 p.m. followed by the Business After Hours from 5-9 p.m.

Nestled in the woods of Durham, the New England Center will add a special ambiance to this year's Holiday Auction which will feature more than 300 unique and hard-to-find bargains donated by Chamber members-not to mention, fun, food and networking in a festive holiday atmosphere. The program will also feature silent and live auctions, officiated again this year by Walter Liff of Action Auctions #2449. Admission to the event is $5 per person. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will go to a Chamber-member local nonprofit agency.

The Chamber is currently in the process of soliciting donations for this year's auction and looking for volunteers to help create this popular annual fundraising event. All contributors become part of a catalog that includes information on donating businesses as well as full descriptions of the auction items.

Chamber members interested in contributing to the auction, and harnessing its marketing and visibility benefits, may contact Nicole Wohl, the Chamber's events manager, at (603) 436-3988 or nwohl@portsmouthchamber.org. For a preview of this year's items, vist the Chamber's website.

Chamber Events

SEACOAST CHAMBERS BUSINESS EXPO- More than 100 businesses and organizations from around the state showcased their products and services at the annual Seacoast Chambers Business Expo, held Sept. 10 at Seacoast United Soccer Arena in Hampton, N.H. Exhibitors included business support services, food and lodging, and consumer products and services. Visitors to the expo explored vendor offerings, checked out business competitors, networked and job-hunted. Guests also sampled complimentary hors d'oeuvres from some of the area's best restaurants, including Cardinal's Country BBQ and the Remember When Diner from Rochester, NH; Crescent City Bistro and Thai Sweet Pepper from Dover, NH; Galley Hatch Catering from Hampton, NH; the Cliff House Resort & Spa from Ogunquit, Maine, and the Stage Neck Inn and the York Harbor Inn from York Harbor, Maine. Underwritten by Public Service of NH, the Expo was a cooperative effort of the Dover, Exeter, Hamptons, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth and York Chambers of Commerce. The event was co-sponsored by D.F. Richard Energy, Feliciano Limousine LLC, Northeast Credit Union, Sir Speedy of Portsmouth, TTLC Internet, Unitil Energy Systems Inc. and York Telephone & Computer. NH Business Review and Clear Channel Communications were the Expo media partners, and the NH Air National Guard remains a partner of the Expo, along with the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED).

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE GOVERNOR'S HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST- It was a perfect fall night for more than 60 Chamber members and guests who turned out for the September Business After Hours at the Governor's House Bed and Breakfast in Portsmouth. Owners Bob Chaffee and Barbara Trimble spent the evening showing guests around the unique property filled with decades of memorabilia and original art. The 100-year-old Georgian colonial house was once the residence of New Hampshire Gov. Charles Dale who lived there from 1930-1964. Guests spent some time outdoors under a stand of cedars near the inn's tennis court networking and enjoying a menu of hors d'oeuvres created by Julie Dunfey Catering. Local brew was provided by Redhook Brewery and Citizens Bank sponsored a tasty selection of wines. Some lucky visitors also walked away with cash winnings and a restaurant goer's treasure box of gift certificates to some of the Seacoast's finest establishments. Marc Carbonneau, Ocean National Bank, picked up a $30 gift certificate for the Flower Kiosk; Gary Bowmar, from the Wren's Nest Village Inn, picked up a gift certificate for dinner for two at Pesce Blue; Mark Syracusa, Apple Painting and Restoration, won a gift certificate for merchandise or a cruise aboard Tugboat Too from Tugboat Alley; Katherine Taylor, Secure Planning, Inc., picked up a gift certificate for dinner at 43 Degrees North; Paul Gibbs, Drew Mortgage Associates, picked up a dining gift certificate for Lindbergh's Crossing; and Terry Coyle, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, won a gift certificate for a stay at the Governor's House. This month, the evening's activities also included a 50/50 cash raffle to raise money to send Nicole Wohl, the Chamber's events manager, to a national conference on event planning. Winner of the raffle was Kathy Scannell from Bonney Staffing. The Chamber thanks the owners of the Governor's House Inn for an excellent fall evening out and attendees who participated in the raffle.

Movers & Shakers

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage recently recognized a number of employees who have reached milestones. Susan Fuller and Sheree Castgonguary earned their E-PRO designations and Barbara Ade, was awarded the GRI designation. Mary Williams, managing broker for the firm, also announced the addition of several new associates to the company's Bow Street office. They are: Joan Dawley, Madelyn Philbrick, Pam Kirby and Robin Simard. For more, visit www.nemoves.com.

Joseph A. DiBrigida, Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green, was recently elected president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of New Hampshire. The organization, of which DiBrigida was a founding member, was formed to promote high standards of religious, social and ethical ideals within the profession and the spiritual welfare of its members, and to safeguard the legal and moral rights of all people.

The Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation recently announced the results of its 2003 scholarship awards. The local nonprofit gave out more than $185,000 to 114 seacoast students from Somersworth, Dover, Exeter and Portsmouth. The recipients ranged from adult students returning to school to graduating high school seniors majoring in such studies as fine arts, engineering, music, nursing and construction management. For more, visit www.nhcf.org.

DeStefano Architects was recently honored with a Preservation Award of Excellence at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Portsmouth Advocates. The firm received the honor for its residential renovation and addition project at 27 Austin Street in downtown Portsmouth. For more on the company, visit www.destefanoarchitects.com.

Portsmouth Computer Group recently held a customer appreciation cruise aboard the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company's M/V Thomas Laighton. More than 100 guests participated in the cruise that featured hors d'oeuvres and door prizes contributed by PCG and its vendors. PCG thanks all those who attended and the many Chamber members who are regular clients.

Paul Hamblett, broker/owner of RE/MAX Coast to Coast, has earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation in recognition of his experience, knowledge and expertise in the luxury home market. As an agent who works in the million dollar plus residential market, Hamblett is a founding guild member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

Bruce Mast, president of Bruce Mast Associates, Inc., recently welcomed Michael F. Scarponi as a partner in the Exeter-based human resources firm. Before joining BMA, Scarponi was CEO of his own firm helping for-profit and not-for-profit organizations across the country with strategic planning, change management, and organizational and board development. For more on BMA, visit www.bmaleadership.com.

Jewett Construction of Raymond, N.H., was recently honored by the Safety & Health Council of New Hampshire with a Perfect Safety Record Award for 2002. According to Jewett representatives, the company has not had a lost-time accident in more than six years. For more, visit
www.jewettconstruction.com.

The American Lung Association of New Hampshire recently kicked off its limited "Lung Bear" fundraising and awareness campaign. The Teddy Bears, sporting a no-smoking badge, are currently on sale. The proceeds from the sale of the 8-inch-tall bear will support a wide range of lung health services in the state, according to Dr. Michael D. Weil., president and CEO of the ALA of New Hampshire. For more details, visit www.nhlung.org.

TTLC Internet and IT Solutions recently opened a Help Desk which provides expert technical assistance at an affordable price, according to Stephen Viel, COO and co-founder of TTLC. "Even companies with as few as 1-5 employees can get help from MicroSoft-certified experts whenever they need it. And they don't even have to be a TTLC customer to sign up." For more details, visit www.ttlc.net.

The Lollipop Tree, a specialty food manufacturer based in Portsmouth, N.H., recently announced the addition of new salad dressings to its lineup. They are: Ginger Poppy Seed, Honey Roasted Garlic and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette. For more on the Lollipop Tree's offerings, visit www.lollipoptree.com.

Federal Savings Bank recently announced a free education series geared to teach high school and college students good financial habits including a session on How to Prepare a Personal Budget, which will run from 6-7:30 p.m., Oct. 7 at the bank's main branch at 633 Central Avenue in Dover. The seminar is being offered free of charge. Attendees will receive take-home materials, light refreshments, and will be entered in to a drawing for a $100 EE Savings Bond. For details, visit www.fsbdover.com.

Calypso Communications LLC, one of New England's leading public relations, marketing, and graphic design agencies, today announced the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to serving growth-oriented public and private companies in the public utility (electric and water), power production and optimization, natural resource recovery and management, and environmental protection and conservation sectors. The new division, called Calypso Environmental, LLC, will also be headquartered in Portsmouth and will provide focused strategic consulting, public and media relations, and production services to at least a dozen major energy and environmental sector clients.  For more visit www.calypsocom.com.

The Gove Group Real Estate, LLC recently moved to 70 Portsmouth Avenue in Stratham, NH. The company specializes in residential real estate in the Seacoast and surrounding area from new construction and resales, to condominiums, multi-family, active adult communities, land development, and relocation services. For more, visit www.thegovegroup.com.

The Kane Company recently announced the appointment of Stephen Schaefer to general manager. Schaefer brings 20 years of consulting and senior management experience, along with a strong interest in enhancing organizational cultures, systems and efficiencies. For more on The Kane Company, visit www.thekaneco.com.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and Watering Hole plans to reopen Oct. 14 after a month of renovation and remodeling. Shawn Joyce, Margaritas president and CEO, invites Chamber members to the "new" restaurant which is getting a new kitchen and equipment, a handicap accessible bathroom and a total redo of the dining room, lounge, bathrooms and the entire outside of the building. "It is all about customers, employees and community," said Joyce, "and we want to give them a great place to enjoy and say WOW!" While the restaurant is closed, Portsmouth store employees will serve at the other 15 Margaritas restaurants across New England. The company will also pay the remainder of its employees while they work in a community service capacity with NH State Parks, The Music Hall, the Salvation Army, and other local nonprofit organizations. For information on the official grand reopening, visit www.margs.com.

The United Way of the Greater Seacoast invites Chamber members to submit their list of holiday needs for the 2003 Guide to Holiday Giving and Volunteering. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 8. Each year the United Way hears from individuals, companies, schools, faith based groups and service organizations that want to help others in their community with donations and volunteering at the holiday season. The guide is meant to help both donors and agencies in need connect. The guide will be in hard copy and as a PDF file on the United Way website. For details, visit www.uwgs.org.

International Office Suites and Business Center recently introduced Vital Design, a creative marketing and design company, to its menu of services. Vital Design specializes in logo design, corporate collateral, web development, and flash and power point presentations. For more, visit www.vtldesign.com.

Calendar

Richard Florida Forum--
Join Us to Hear the "Creative Class"
Guru Talk About How Portsmouth
Can Grow Its Cultural Base

9:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14
Seacoast Repertory Theatre
125 Bow St. Portsmouth, NH]

Join us to hear Richard Florida talk about how Portsmouth can grow its cultural base. Florida is the author of the best-selling book, The Rise of the Creative Class: And How It's Transforming Work, Leisure Community and Everyday Life. Currently in its 10th printing, the book has stimulated an international debate about the causes and consequences of economic growth.

Florida will talk about the role of artists and writers in the economy, and how Portsmouth can differentiate itself and its "creative class" from Boston, Portland, Burlington and other culturally centered New England communities.

The forum, underwritten by Public Service of New Hampshire, Ocean National Bank and the NH Charitable Foundation, will also feature a biographical display by members of the Seacoast's "creative class."

The event is free and open to the public, however seating is limited. Contact the Chamber to RSVP by Oct. 10 at (603) 436-3988 or info@portsmouthchamber.org.

Breakfast Forum with
Portsmouth City Council Candidates

7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15
Yoken's Restaurant
Route 1, Portsmouth, NH

Chamber members will get the chance to meet this year's group of Portsmouth City Council hopefuls at the Candidate's Breakfast Forum set for 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Yoken's Restaurant and Conference Center. The forum is part of the Fleet Speaker Series.

Join us to hear the candidates outline their visions for the city over the next two years and beyond. Don't miss this premier opportunity to ask questions about issues that affect your business and quality of life.

This year's slate of candidates are: Jack Copeland, Charlton M. Dobson, Wayne M. Doherty, Thomas G. Ferrini, Joanne Grasso, Alex Hanson, John J. Henriquez, John Hynes, Jeffrey Landry, Steve Marchand, Laura C. Pantelakos, Ned Raynolds, Evelyn Sirrell, Bill St. Laurent, Strider Sulley, and Harold Whitehouse, Jr.

Admission to the forum is $12 for Chamber members and $ 15 for nonmembers. Those interested should R.S.V.P by contacting the Chamber at (603) 436-3988 or info@portsmouthchamber.org.

Business After Hours at the Wren's Nest

5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23
Wren's Nest Village Inn
3548 Lafayette Rd.

Sponsored By: