Dividends-February 2004
Guest Message
Tim Fortier, Chair,
Government Affairs
Committee
In a move strongly approved by its board of directors, the Chamber last year reactivated its government affairs program. Dormant for several years, the current Government Affairs Committee is supported by a core group of six to 10 active members who have been busy reviewing and researching nearly all of the 620 bills filed in the 2004 Legislative Session. They've identified 40 bills of interest to Chamber members.
It is very difficult for most chambers of commerce, including the Greater Portsmouth Chamber, to fully invest and participate in the governmental and political affairs of our State. Chambers often lack the necessary staff and resources to have an effective presence at their state capitols. New Hampshire's business community contributes nearly one third of all revenues to fund State government and yet plays a very limited role in overseeing how these public funds are spent. Moreover, our elected and appointed officials are our "silent business" partners and yet we pay very little attention to their activities and votes both here in Concord and in Washington.
Government plays an important role in our business lives and it is for this reason that the Chamber is seeking to improve its advocacy role in Concord. In its simplest form, the role of the Chamber in government affairs is to "Effectively advocate the views of members by making those positions known to legislators and regulators at the federal, state, and local levels." This involves knowing what issues are important to Chamber members, and developing a process to communicate those issues and positions to elected and/or appointed officials and other decision-makers. As such, there are at least two essential components in implementing this government affairs program effectively- involving and educating Chamber members, and educating legislators and other decision-makers.
Involving & Educating Chamber Members-Involving Chamber members in government affairs efforts requires not only communicating with them regularly to obtain their views and to keep them informed on pertinent legislation and regulations, but also enlisting their voice and active participation throughout the government affairs effort. In 2003, the Chamber surveyed its membership and found that affordable housing, healthcare and education funding were among the members' top concerns and priorities. These priorities have been the committee's focus in our legislative involvement to date.
How the Chamber communicates its positions, both internally and externally, is extremely important. To a large extent, the Chamber's success with its government affairs program will be determined by its communication to members and others.
To this end, the Chamber recently unveiled a new government affairs section on its website. You can find at it http://www.portsmouthchamber.org/govaffairs.cfm. This comprehensive section offers online "help" and provides members with tools for getting more involved in the Chamber's government affairs program, including information about New Hampshire's legislative process and how to communicate effectively with your legislator. You can also find links to local, state and federal government resources, as well as links to our Congressional delegation and our local state delegation.
In addition, the Government Affairs Committee has resurrected an electronic version of the Chamber's PolicyWatch Newsletter. The newsletter is underwritten by McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, PA, and will provide members with periodic updates of legislative activities and other political happenings. You can read the first edition of the Chamber's PolicyWatch by visiting http://www.portsmouthchamber.org/uploads/policywatchjan2004.pdf.
Educating Legislators and Other Decision-Makers-Ensuring that lawmakers, regulators and other decision-makers are fully informed of the Chamber's positions is also critical. One way to educate lawmakers on areas of interest and concern to the Chamber is for members to better engage in dialogue with local representatives. Building upon and maintaining good working relationships with your local delegation may create "Chamber" advocates for you in Concord. Legislators are always eager to serve their constituents, including business interests. In all likelihood, many of them have probably never been asked to help.
There are several ways for the Chamber to communicate our positions and message to the state legislature. A personal appearance before legislative committees is the best way to make a clear public statement on the needs and interests of the Seacoast business community. Rarely, however, do chambers have time to make an appearance in Concord. A letter of support or opposition is another, less time-intensive form of communication. Either way, the Chamber needs to seize these opportunities to demonstrate to its members that it is working on their behalf.
This statement is important because it stresses the importance of all groups - the Chamber, local city government, and State legislators - to work as one team to advance the overall goals and objectives of the greater Portsmouth region. The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee includes the city's Economic Development Director Nancy Carmer, and among others, Representative Terie Norelli who serves as the liaison from our local state delegation. Communicating this "team" perspective, and engaging city officials, Chamber members, and your local state representatives in your government affairs program, is a positive step toward fostering relationships and a "community development" approach to problem-solving.
Final Thoughts-The state legislature can move in fast and furious ways at times, and by design, this requires a Chamber with great flexibility in its responsiveness. The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee has been granted a certain amount of latitude in strategizing its legislative agenda for the Chamber. Due to the acceleration of decision-making in Concord, we must all recognize that there may be incomplete information or analyses available for this committee's review. This may sometimes cause conflicts over public positions and uncertainty on issues from time to time. Those realities cannot be overlooked or underestimated. However, it should not stop the Chamber from trying to implement a long-term government affairs program that encourages member involvement and successfully promotes and protects the Chamber, its business community, and the economic vitality of the greater Seacoast region. (Tim Fortier is an advisor with McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A.)
Chamber News
Chamber Working to Speed
Up Little Bay Bridge Project
Sen.Gregg to Propose Significant
Federal Transportation Grant
Over the past several months, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce leadership has been working to address issues that impact the region's economic development. One of the most pressing issues is the traffic bottleneck on the Little Bay Bridge that connects the Greater Portsmouth area to the towns of Dover, Rochester and beyond.
This fall, the chamber convened a forum with state Commissioner of Transportation Carol Murray to gather facts about the bridge widening, a $117 million project now slated for 2011-12. Murray said transportation needs in New Hampshire are outgrowing the state's ability to fund them, but obtaining earmarked federal transportation funds could help. Chamber President Peter Hamelin and John Tabor, chair of the Chamber's board of directors, met recently with U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), NH Gov. Craig Benson and representatives from the state's department of transportation to see what could be done to shorten the project timeline.
During the meeting with Sen. Gregg, Tabor and Hamelin outlined the economic impact of continued traffic congestion on Rte 16. "With job growth at Pease scheduled to double to 12,000, and the continued growth of business throughout Strafford and Rockingham counties, we felt this project should be moved up in the New Hampshire 10-year highway plan," said Hamelin. "Sen. Gregg agrees with our position."
"We were pleased that Senator Gregg was aware of the traffic congestion and safety issues associated with the Little Bay Bridge and that he agreed to review federal funding opportunities to help expedite the project on behalf of the Chamber," Hamelin said in describing the meetings. "We are confident from our meetings with the state DOT, that the federal funds Sen. Gregg is working to obtain will be met with a strong state commitment to this project."
"We would like to thank our Executive Councilor Ruth Griffin for her leadership and strong commitment to this important project," said John Tabor, this year's chairman of the Chamber board. "She has helped us put together the right people to move this project forward- a project we believe is critical to the future health of our region and the State of New Hampshire."
B2B Expo for 2004 to Feature
Education Program, Contests
Booth Signups Now Underway,
Discounts for Early Registration
The Chamber is now taking booth registrations for this year's B2B Expo which is set for April 27 at Yoken's Restaurant and Conference Center and the Comfort Inn. Underwriter for the expo is Public Service of NH. The business after hours part of the program is sponsored by Ocean National Bank.
Like last year's expo, the day-long event will feature a business resource fair from 1-4 p.m. The seminar sessions will focus on how to make the most of partnerships. The expo and business after hours will run from 3-7 p.m.
New at this year's expo is a "most creative way to draw attendees to your booth competition" for exhibitors and a "trade show bingo" contest for attendees. The top three "creative" exhibitors will have a chance to win valuable prizes including a radio advertising package from Clear Channel Communications. Bingo winners will be entered in a drawing for a full computer system donated by Portsmouth Computer Group. The expo will also feature dozens of other door prizes, great food, educational workshops and unlimited networking.
To register, fill out the application enclosed in this issue of Dividends, or contact Nicole Wohl, the Chamber's events manager, at (603) 436-3988.
Chamber Leadership Elects Grella to Board
Ocean Properties Executive
Involved in Tourism
The Chamber's leadership recently voted to elect Lisa Grella, Ocean Properties, to the board of directors. Grella has actively supported a number of Chamber activities over the past several years and currently serves as chair of the tourism summit committee. The group is currently putting the finishing touches on this year's program scheduled for March 10 at the Wentworth by the Sea-A Marriott Hotel & Spa.
Grella has been with Ocean Properties since 1998. Her duties involve the formation, organization and maintenance of all Ocean Properties corporations, limited liability corporations and partnerships, which acquire and retain commercial real estate assets throughout the United States. She is also responsible for retaining and maintaining direct bank relationships for commercial loans, reviewing and distributing financial operating statements, maintaining and acquiring licenses and permits for hotels and other commercial properties, and the management of a database of real estate assessments.
Before signing on with Ocean Properties, Grella served as the real estate paralegal for the law firm of Taylor, Keane, et al. She has more than 15 years of paralegal (primary real estate) experience.
Tourism Summit 2004
Packed with the Practical
NH Business Person of the Year to Kick Off Event
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, underwritten by Public Service of NH, is set for 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., March 10.
Steve Barba, president and managing partner of the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, will kick off the day as the breakfast keynote speaker. Barba, a long-time New Hampshire tourism pro, recently won recognition as Business New Hampshire Magazine's Business Person of the Year for 2003. He will be joining the group to talk about his experience in the field, and tips for effectively marketing the region's wealth of attractions, historic places and cultural amenities. His appearance is part of the Fleet Speaker Series.
Planned sessions for the summit include: Technology Can Work For You!, featuring a panel of local experts that will discuss all the innovative things businesses can do with existing equipment; Building Bridges Between Businesses, a spin-off from last year's popular packaging session; Thinking Outside The Box to Attract Residents, and Tourists to your Business, filled with creative marketing and strategic ideas to attract locals in the off season as well as during peak tourist season; and planning ahead to get the most out of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Centennial Celebration which is scheduled for August-September of 2005.
During lunch, Paul Hartgen, executive director of the New Hampshire Restaurant Lodging Association; and keynote speaker, Karen Ida Peterson, managing director from Davidson, Peterson & Associates, will provide a look at the current state of the tourism industry and insight into future trends.
Admission to the summit is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for nonmembers through March 5, and $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers after March 5. Admission for the breakfast keynote presentation only is $12 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.
To find out more, or to sign up, visit the tourism summit pages on the Chamber's website at www.portsmouthchamber.org/tourismsummit2004.cfm or contact Marge Hubbard, the Chamber's tourism manager, at (603) 436-3988, ext. 14 or email mhubbard@portsmouthchamber.org.
Big Fish Little Fish II
Draws 84 Applicants
Timberland Meets with New
Group of Contract Hopefuls
Timberland hosted the Chamber's second set of Big Fish Little Fish interviews Jan. 22 at its headquarters in Stratham. More than 40 of the 84 applicants won an opportunity to meet with Timberland staff and introduce their products and services.
The Chamber's business development committee initiated the program to encourage local purchasing and economic growth, and to support members. The program was created to connect larger organizations in the Seacoast area with local businesses that can provide needed products and services.
Many of the applicants who participated in the program expressed how Big Fish Little Fish provided them a valuable opportunity: "Thank you so much for making this happen," said Buffi Robbins, TMS Architects. "A member of our firm visited Timberland yesterday and met with the facilities director. He was able to introduce him to TMS Architects and left some further information for his review. Sounds like a really good program!"
Steve Chaisson, Allegra Print & Imaging, said "thank you again for allowing me to participate in this morning's event. This effort is a great step forward to benefit small businesses like ours, and I look forward to participating again in the future."
And Michele Cross, Yokens Conference Center, said "thank you for creating an opportunity for our company to meet with Timberland today. I hope that the Big Fish Little Fish is an ongoing program that will create many beneficial relationships for all."
"We are presently 'fishing' for our next Big Fish and will let members know as soon as we 'hook' one," said Ginny Griffith, the Chamber's business development manager. Chamber members interested in shopping for their products and services closer to home may contact Griffith for more information at (603) 436-3988, ext. 14 or email ggriffith@portsmouthchamber.org.
Chamber Events
eCOAST 5TH ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH
More than 200 tekkies, representing companies from around the eCoast, turned out Jan. 8 at the Press Room in Portsmouth to celebrate the high-tech hub's 5th anniversary. The event, sponsored by Public Service of NH and BayRing, featured the customary birthday cake, sponsored by Harbour Light; a N.H. Senate proclamation recognizing eCoast accomplishments and its importance to the region, read by local Sen. Burt Cohen; and a host of door prizes donated by Chamber members and supporters. During the evening, the group talked about past successes and about plans for the future. Steve Wrenn, chair of eCoast Technology Roundtable, said the group's New Year's resolution is to continue making the region entrepreneur friendly, to help local businesses incorporate technology into their operations and to support new startup ventures.
BREAKFAST FORUM WITH STONEWALL KITCHEN FOUNDER JIM STOTT
Jim Stott, one of the two founding partners of Stonewall Kitchen, traveled to Portsmouth Jan. 18 for an entertaining look at his company's rise to one of the most recognized purveyors of delectible jams and condiments in the country. The breakfast, held at Yoken's Restaurant & Conference Center, was a part of the Fleet Speaker Series. Stott talked about the partner's early days working from his grandmother's 25-foot square cottage in Hampton where the duo cooked up their signature confections. To this day, the company's products still retain Jonathan King's handwritten labels and Stonewall Kitchen's "curley cue" logo which Stott said King took from a page decoration in an old book. "We didn't have a lot of business savvy in the beginning," said Stott. "But we were lucky enough to connect with the people who did have the skill and expertise to take us to the next level. Stott said their business took off after winning a prestigious national culinary competition and has continued to grow in popularity-even Martha Stewart was taken by the dynamic duo featuring them and their products five times on her television show. Both Stott and King started their business in the early 1990s selling jam from a fold up card table at the Portsmouth Farmer's Market. Over the year's, their annual earnings have grown from $25,000 the first year to more than $25 million in 2003. Their advice for budding entrepreneurs, "work hard, follow your dreams, do what you love and don't give up."
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE SISE INN & MIDDLE ST. BAPTIST CHURCH
Braving a bone chilling evening, more than 150 Chamber members and guests turned out for one of the more unique business after hours programs. The first stop was a visit to the Middle Street Baptist Church where Rev. Vivan Martindale and his flock made everyone feel welcome in what is one of Portsmouth's historical treasures-the Pierce Mansion. While at the church, guests were treated to tours of the mansion and tasty platters of hors d'ouevres served up by the Library Restaurant. From there, the group sidled over to the Sise Inn, just next door, to finish off the evening in style with refreshments by Smuttynose Brewery and more culinary treats courtesy of Attrezzi and Belle Peppers. Guests at the event were also treated to an enviable collection of doorprizes including gift certificates to some of Portsmouth's finest eateries. Janet Hand, Profile Bank, picked up a gift certificate to Blue Mermaid; Bill Maloney, OPI Consulting, drew a meal at Dos Amigos; Paul Pudloski, Griffin & Pudlowski, P.A., picked up dinner at the Library Restaurant; John G. Miller, Quick & Reilly, won signage from Sign-A-Rama; Joseph Winter, TeleCheck Services, Inc., drew a meal at the Oar House; Sean Fitzgerald, Centrix Bank, and Marilyn Johnson, Hall McGee Realtors, walked away with conference room rentals from the Sise Inn; and Bob Forbes, New England Language Center, and Gale Merrigan, Smuttynose Brewing Co., won subscriptions to
Accent Magazine.
Movers and Shakers
Jewett Construction Co., a general contractor and construction management firm located in Raymond, N.H., recently broke ground in Dover for a 35,000 square-foot development called Jewett Commercial Park. The office and shop units, designed by T.F. Moran, are expected to be completed this fall. Jewett Construction specializes in commercial, industrial, municipal, institutional, and multi-family projects throughout New Hampshire, Maine, northern Massachusetts and Vermont. For more information about the firm, please visit www.jewettconstruction.com.
Exeter Fine Crafts recently selected Barbara King as its February Artist of the Month. King is recognized for her weaving technique, which she uses to create original sterling or fine silver contemporary jewelry. The artist also fashions "one of a kind ribbon-like bracelets and chokers" weaving glass beads within silver chains. To see an exhibit of King's work, visit the shop located at 61 Walter Street in downtown Exeter. For more information call (603) 778-8282, or visit www.exeterfinecrafts.com.
The American Lung Association of New Hampshire recently announced its winter schedule of Freedom From Smoking Programs and the development of a "quit kit." Both are designed to ease smokers through the quitting process. The eight-session program is available in Manchester, Franklin, Rochester and Nashua, N.H. Certified facilitators and a group-support atmosphere help participants remain smoke-free during the program. For details, call (800) LUNG-USA, or visit www.nhlung.org.
Attorney John E. Lyons, Jr., a member of the Portsmouth School Board and a director with the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, was recently appointed to sit on the state board of education. Approving Lyon's new position were Gov. Craig Benson and the executive council. Lyons is a principal with Lyons Law Offices and handles individual and business trial court needs.
The American Lung Association of New Hampshire recently partnered with Wander Wear of Ashland, Mass. to create a parent locator tag designed to help identify kids who may become separated from their parents. Two dollars from each locator purchased by families who hold the ALANH's 2004 Children's Fun Pass will be donated to ALANH. Tags may be ordered via the Wander Wear web site using special order code ALA04. Visit www.nhlung.org for more information.
The Lollipop Tree, a Portsmouth-based specialty food manufacturer, recently announced the addition of a new Hot Fudge Sauce to its line of complements. The "addictive and intense" chocolate flavor is made with Valrhona cocoa and Belgian chocolate, according to the store staff. Currently, the hot fudge sauce is the fifth flavor among the company's line of complements. For details, visit www.lollipoptree.com.
The Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors recently received a $1.22 million security grant from the Transportation Security Administration which will be used to fund two Port of New Hampshire projects. The proposed grant will allow the Division of Ports and Harbors Market Street terminal and passenger/baggage screening facility to meet its federal mandate for port security compliance.
The New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects, recently awarded TMS Architects, Portsmouth, N.H., with three architectural awards. The awards included an Excellence in Architecture Award for their work on the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and Fowles' News Stand in Newburyport, Mass. TMS also won a People's Choice Award for the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel. For details, visit www.tmsarchitects.com.
Prescott Park Arts Festival recently welcomed Craig Faulkner as its artistic director. Faulkner will oversee all productions held during the festival season, and the Prescott Park Arts Festival Children's Academy. The festival will officially welcome Faulkner at a special fundraiser set for March 13 at the Rye Surf Club. Faulkner said his mission is to encourage widespread participation of all ages in collaborative, community-wide art experiences, and involve all local arts organizations in the Prescott Park Arts Festival. For more information, call the Prescott Park Arts Festival at (603) 436-2848 or visit www.artfest.org.
Area Home Care and Services, Inc., recently announced several employee promotions. Gordon McCollester was promoted to president and CEO; Judy Taylor moved up to senior vice-president and chief financial officer; and MaryJane Harris was promoted to vice president of client services. Area Home Care provides non-medical services to Seacoast elderly and the disabled. Within the past year, the agency provided over 120,000 hours of service to 800 elderly. For details email
gmccollester@areahomecare.org
Banknorth Group Inc., headquartered in Portland, recently announced that earnings for 2003 increased 17 percent over the previous year to $350.8 million from $298.6 million in 2002. The company operates bank divisions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. For more information please visit www.banknorth.com.
The NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation, NH Charitable Foundation, and the NH Forum on Higher Education are soliciting help from the business community to create a central online database that lists scholarships free to all students in the state. The NHCF requests that those businesses currently providing scholarships complete a survey at www.nhheaf.org/corpscholarshipsurvey by Feb. 15. For more information or clarification on the program, contact Kelly A. Clark, executive director of the NH Forum on Higher Education, at Kclark@nhhigheredforum.org.
Kane Management Group, LLC, a property management arm of The Kane Company, recently welcomed new property manager Ron Richer. Richer brings a wealth of facility management experience to the leading commercial and industrial real estate services company in New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northern Massachusetts. For more details, visit
www.netkane.com.
Lonza Biologics, Inc, the world's leading contract manufacturer of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and recombi
