Connections - May 2013

ConnectionsMay 2013 - Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce - portsmouthchamber.org

President’s MessagePage 2

Member Feature Page 3

After Hours Wrap-up! Page 3

Calendar of EventsPage 4

Responsive Design SummitLook back at Street Life 2012Page 5

Tourism NewsPage 6

New MembersPage7

Movers & ShakersPage 8

The 30th Annual Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held on Friday June 14th at The Breakfast Hill Golf Club in Greenland, NH.

Throughout the day this year, players will have the chance to win great prizes and make wonderful memories on this championship golf course. We also have prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, and you can try your luck on our Casino Hole. During lunch we will award prizes from our raffle as well.

There are also several golf tournament sponsorships available. Our sponsorship opportunities fit any size budget.

The proceeds generated from this event will benefit the chamber program and ultimately the vitality of the Seacoast business community. Together, we support and promote local businesses, influence public policy, develop tourism, and improve the quality of life on the Seacoast.

We cannot do it without you and we sincerely appreciate your continued support.

Don’t forget to sign up to play today….there are only a few spots left! For sponsorship information or to register visit:www.birdeasepro.com/chambergolf

See you on the links!Lisa Gainty & Ray Tweedie

Can we top last year’s location?

Street.life! 2013 onFour Tree Island!

Featured Prizes- $10,000 Cash- A New Car- Weekend Getaway with rental car

A message from our PresidentI have been watching with great interest the ongoing issues surrounding the growth of the downtown district. I am excited that

folks are weighing in with their points of view. I have always maintained throughout my tenure at the Chamber that the downtown is a balancing act. Its success depends on many factors: residents, retail, dining, hospitality, arts, culture, history, business and environment and parking.

Residents give the downtown life at all hours. They made a commitment to live downtown because they love the proximity and quality of all downtown has to offer. We all should be glad they made that choice. They shop, dine and enjoy various aspects of downtown and support them. They invite guests to share our city. Those guests stay in one of nearly 2000 hotel rooms. They and other visitors who have discovered Portsmouth dine, shop and enjoy cultural events and history.

With so many quality arts and culture and history venues we are able to offer a diversified inventory of activities for all tastes and all ages. Their success is our success as arts and culture contributes over 40 million dollars to our Seacoast economy.

We have become a destination. Recent estimates have put the number of restaurant seats at over 22,000. Our population is less than 22,000 so there are more

restaurant seats than residents. While we joke about this explosive growth of dining establishments we must carefully watch where this is leading us. We are about dining to be sure but we should not be only about dining. It needs to be balanced by retail and hospitality.

Hotels are important, but they must blend in with our architecture and not just be utilitarian. Uniqueness is important; they should not look like anywhere USA. And we need spaces large enough to accommodate large meetings. Our current limit is 300 people seated. We can never be a “convention” city and we shouldn’t, but there is demand for 500 seated, that we cannot fill now or at anytime in the near future.

Retail is being challenged. Not that we do not have great retail, we do, but retail rents are beginning to impact the ability of small retailers in downtown to survive. Since our downtown is so popular and our demographic so small we have historically kept the larger regional or national retailers out. This is changing. Small retailers and especially start-ups are finding it very difficult to make their business plan work here. When they fail and are replaced by franchises or larger multi location retailers the product mix shifts away from local Portsmouth to anywhere USA. When we become like anywhere else we will lose the cachet we currently enjoy and the number of visitors will decline. That consequence affects the entire City of Portsmouth and the Seacoast. I am a resident and I hope that we can continue to grow, smartly and continue to enjoy our great city.

I know that everyone is being revved up by parking and I also know that we can solve that problem.

Parking is not THE issue it is an issue that we need to carefully deal with. Land is scarce and surface parking is very expensive. We need to efficiently park more vehicles in less space. Real estate values being what they are tells me that no one is going to donate land for a public parking enterprise, thus we should not fool ourselves into thinking that it will take care of itself, it won’t. We also do not have a lot of choice about where.

The idea that anyone will park their car at Pease or at any location that requires them to ride another conveyance or walk more than about 5-7 minutes is silly. We see people cruising around for spots every day. They spend more time cruising that it would take to walk from available spots that they have passed. The amount of time to change our parking behavior and the parking behavior of our visitors will be long and frankly we cannot wait. We will struggle with a 300 space deficit this summer and it will surely cause some consternation. Hopefully it will not hurt business. It is time to take some initial steps to solve that problem. This is only a start, remember it is not a parking problem it is an economic development problem. It is time to sit together and create a plan for our future to protect our downtown economy. We have the talent and we should make the time. The question is do we have the will.

Doug Bates

A Few Words from the Guys at Flylight

There’s a new web design company in town, so come on and pull a chair up. We’re a small team of motivated guys who specialize in building killer websites and applications. We do high caliber work and we do it smart and fast. We are Flylight Media, and our names are Marc, Pete, and Aaron.Now that we’ve been introduced, let us tell you a little bit about how we do what we do. While we can’t actually disclose our secret sauce, we can tell you that it works and we have clients that will attest to that. Until very recently we were a 100% referral-based business. Our business model developed from a real need created by new and disruptive trends in web technology-we know that it is no longer enough to simply have a web presence or a pretty website, and we know that web design should flow from concrete objectives, not vice versa.When we’re not immersed in our work, we have hobbies that range from inventing craft cocktails to playing live music to restoring

Member Feature - Flylight Media

Marc & Petevintage Volkswagens. Our combined knowledge is eclectic to say the least. Honestly, we’d make a pretty darn good Jeopardy team (if they allowed teams on Jeopardy).Flylight Media is proud to be a new Chamber member. As part of an effort to get involved in our community, we are offering free one hour web strategy consultations to any Chamber member during May and June. Whether you need to generate more leads, build and maintain relationships, or make it easy for customers to access your site from a mobile device, we can help you prioritize your goals and craft a comprehensive web strategy that is tailored for your business.Take advantage of this opportunity to help your business grow by filling out the form on our homepage at flylightmedia.com or by sending an email to [email protected].

Ask for the Client Guy or for a cucumber and mint mojito.

- The guys at

Kat

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3. May 2013 ~ Connections

Business After Hours

Northeast Credit Union

Ribbon Cutting

100 Borthwick Ave., Portsmouth, NH

12 Portwalk PlacePortsmouth, NH

Seacoast Spine & Sports Injury Clinic

Calendar

New Member OrientationWed., June 129:30a-10:30a

The Chamber 500 Market St., Portsmouth

Join us for a step by step session on how to get the most out of your membership. Meet the

Chamber staff and learn ways to utilize them as marketing

partners. RSVP to [email protected]

Mid-Day Meet

Friday, June 7 11:30a-12:30p

This networking event is a great opportunity to meet other

professionals in a smaller setting. Held on the first

Friday of every month and open to members and non

members with a business card. FMI: The Chamber at 610-5514

Cafe Nostimo72 Mirona Rd., Portsmouth


Business After HoursThursday, May 23 - 5pm-7pm

Portsmouth Gas Light

- Savory Snacks- Raffles- Music

- Networking!

64 Market StreetPortsmouth

Friday, May 10th

See Page 6

Shop Portsmouth Live Free & Play! May 31st

Business Development Series: The Path to a Successful Business

The next seminar in our Citizens Bank Business Development Seminar will feature a panel of five different local business owners from different industries to share their challengers and successes with Chamber members. Business owners will answer a list of questions and then open up to a question and answer format. This line-up you will NOT want to miss!This is a FREE EVENT! Our panel includes:

Wednesday, May 15 8AM - 10AMThe Sheraton Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth

Brian CarolanPresident /FounderCMH Wealth ManagementNorth Hampton, NHcmhwealth.com

Donna DownesOwnerEdible ArrangementsPortsmouth, NHediblearrangements.com

Deb WeeksOwner

The Green MonkeyPortsmouth, NH

thegreenmonkey.net

Jay McSharry, OwnerDos Amigos, Red Door, Jumpin’ Jays, Moxy, Vida CantinaPortsmouth, NH jumpinjays.com

Keith BamfordOwner/CEODaystar Newington, NHdaystarinc.com

Renee PlummerOwner

Two International GroupPortsmouth, NH

twointernationalgroup.com

Register at: http://bdcpanel.eventbrite.com/

Photos by Mark Miller

eCoast Responsive Design UN-ConferenceThursday, June 6 - 8am-4pm

Redhook BreweryShare your experiences and learn from your peers at eCoast’s unconference. There’s nothing traditional about this event. The day-long summit will feature speakers, round-table discussions, and informal chats with people like you, decided by you, all on the day of the event. Propose a topic you’d like to learn more about, a presentation you’d like to share, or a problem you can’t quite seem to solve. Be ready to talk, help others, and learn from the collective experiences of the professionals in the area.

- Bring your ideas for discussion topics or even your own presentations (30 min), and pitch them to the group

- The schedule and topics are voted on by the group

- After two keynote speakers, a schedule for the remainder of the summit, derived from the group’s collective voting, is unveiled

- Attendees present, engage one another in discussion, and collaborate on the topics they chose!

Register at


In case you forgot about our little annual dinner last year, Street.Life!.. here is a reminder! We closed down Pleasant Street had fantastic food, entertainment and an award ceremony with about 500 of our closest friends. It was all for the love of Portsmouth.

Our location for Street Life 2013 has just been announced. We will see you at Four Tree Island this summer! Up to 600 lucky guests will get the best seats that Portsmouth has to offer.

Stay tuned for more information!

-Your friends at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce

www.ecoast.org

Tourism News

Participating shops are open late, until at least 8, every Friday night through Columbus Day

Summer Kick Off Friday, May 31st 5-8pmSpecials up to 30% off!

Wrap Up PartyPopovers 8pm

www.ShopPortsmouth.org

Friday, May 10thThe Seacoast is celebrating the start of Summer by throwing a party and you’re invited! 80+ Seacoast businesses will be offering specials from open to close. www.portsmouthchamber.org/HitTheDecks.cfm

May 31 - June 2The Seacoast attractions will be celebrating the beginning of the summer season with special offerings all weekend! Save on cruises, festivals, admissions and more! Save the date and check our facebook page for specials!

We would like to congratulate these Seacoast Businesses for being spotlighted in the latest edition of Yankee Magazine!- Best Public Park Prescott Park, Portsmouth- Best Marine Science Museum Seacoast Science Center, Rye- Best Boutique Puttin’ on the Glitz, Portsmouth- Best House Charcuterie Mombo, Portsmouth - Best Raw Bar Jumpin’ Jays, Portsmouth- Best Spanish Food Cava, Portsmouth - Best Burger Rocky’s, Newmarket - Best Modern Touch Ale house Inn, Portsmouth- Best Downtown B&B Sise Inn, Portsmouth- Best Elegant Overnight The Exeter Inn


Welcome New MembersBetter Homes & GardensThe Masiello GroupReal Estate/Housing79 Congress Street Portsmouth, NH Contact: Cindi Couture(603)[email protected]

Clear Eye PhotoPhotographyPO Box 2193 New Castle, NHContact: David [email protected]

Whole Life Health CareHealth & Human Services100 Shattuck Way Suite 100 Newington, NHContact: Bob Girard603-431-6677info@mywholelifehealthcare.comwww.mywholelifehealthcare.com

Vida Cantina Dining2456 Lafayette RdPortsmouth, NHContact: Joel Harris603-501-0648joelfredharris@hotmail.comwww.vidacantinanh.com

British Beer CompanyDining103 Hanover StreetPortsmouth, NH Contact: Jason Nariniah [email protected]

NH Seacoast TVVideo Production319 Roiler Coaster Rd Strafford, NHContact: David [email protected]/waycu.com

DeStefano & Associates, Inc.Construction/Design2456 Lafayette Road, Suite 3 Portsmouth, NHContact: John DeStefano603-430-0339johnd@destefano-associates.comwww.destefano-associates.com

Planet FitnessCorporate/ Fitness26 Fox Run Rd Newington, NHContact: Hannah [email protected]

One Sky Community Service, Inc.Nonprofit/ Health & Human Services755 Banfield Road, Suite 3 Portsmouth, NHContact: Tina Holmes [email protected]

Shur Flow BeveragesBeverage Services 1931 Woodbury Ave #164 Portsmouth, NHContact: Keith [email protected]

Takeout GuysDeliver/ Food & BeverageKittery, ME Contact: James [email protected]

INSURCOMM INC.Restoration Cleaning/Consultants3510 Lafayette Rd Portsmouth, NH Contact: Natalie Boisvert603-430-7701natalie@insurcomm.comwww.insurcomm.comConnections electronic newsletter

is published monthly by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and reaches 2,000+ business people throughout NE.

500 Market StreetPO Box 239

603-610-5510f 603-436-5118

[email protected] the

OfficersShari Donnermeyer, ChairBen Wheeler, Vice ChairAnne Brown, TreasurerTim Hepburn, Past Chair

StaffDoug BatesPresidentValerie RochonTourism ManagerKatie SweetMarketing CoordinatorBriggs BuzzellMembership Manager Karen KervickAdministrative CoordinatorSamantha EngelAccountingJoan ChawziukHarbor Trail CoordinatorBea Ann KendallVisitor AssistantNewsletterEditor/Writer/ProductionKatie Sweet

Howard Altschiller, Anne Brown, Kim Buxton, Rich Chagnon, Shari Donnermeyer, Lisa Gainty, Mark Galvin, Joe Graham, Tim Hep-burn, Dan Innis, Doug Macdonald, Steve Marchand, Jay McSharry, Ken Murphy, Assiah Russell, Grant Sanborn, Betsy Scott, Mat-thew Stachowske, Ben Wheeler, Larry Yerdon, Bill Young

Directors


Movers & ShakersBaker Newman Noyes

BNN has welcomed ten new interns at 3 of its locations across New England. These students will intern at Baker Newman Noyes’ tax department during the spring 2013 semester: Erica Snyder Kristine Reynolds, Nicole Bezanson, Ryan DeCinto, Shelley Duplisea, Courtney Francis, Natasha Nuttall, Erin Abbott, Patrick Brady, and Ben Hubert.

Have something for Movers & Shakers or want to advertise in Connections? Contact Katie Sweet [email protected]

Blue Ocean SocietyBlue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is celebrating Earth Day with beach cleanups in Portsmouth, North Hampton, and Rye, NH and Salisbury, MA on April 20th. www.blueoceansociety.org

Centrix Bank announced its first quarter 2013 financial results, noting period-over-period balance sheet growth, interest expense reduction and earnings growth or the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Bank reported net income available to common shareholders of $1.7 million or $0.53 per common share (diluted), compared with $1.6 million or $0.49 per common share (diluted) for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. This represents a 9% increase in 2013 net income available to common shareholders over the 2012 comparative period.

Whole Life Health CareWhole Life Health Care is proud to announce the opening of the Whole Life Wellness Studio! We will be using our new space to hold public informational educational series and panel discussions. Anna Swan has joined Whole Life Health Care Family Practice. Anna is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has a strong reputation locally for providing exceptional care FMI call 603-431-6677.

DataRiskOver the past few months, DataRisk has in-creased its workforce by 25% and expand-ed its value added service offering to clients by adding a dedicated claims and loss control specialist. In recognition of these efforts and accomplishments DataRisk has promoted several employees. www.datarisk.com

The Music Hall MH has just announced four programs coming to its Historic Theater and The Loft for the month of June. The Historic Theater will host Carl Hiaasen on June 14, 2013 at 7:30pm as part of Writers on a New England Stage. The Music Hall Loft will present a new Writers in the Loft, featuring Steve Schirripa, on June 7, 2013 at 7pm. Please visit www.themusichall.org for more shows, tickets and times.

New Generation AuctionNew Generation will be hosting its Annual Charity Dinner Auction, this year celebrat-ing the life and legacy of New Generation’s co-founder, Ruthie Ford. The Dinner takes place on April 27th, 2013 from 5-9pm at the Harbor Events Center at the Marriott Residence Inn at 100 Deer Street in Ports-mouth. www.newgennh.org

One Commercial Real Estate One Commercial Real Estate based in Portsmouth, NH has hired Laura Farago as their newest broker. Laura spent 5 years working in the marketing departments for two global commercial real estate com-panies and has now chosen a career on the brokerage side of the commercial real estate business here in the Seacoast. www.onecommercialrealestate.com.

Ogunquit Museum of American ArtOn May 8th the Ogunquit Museum of American Art opens its doors for its 60th year. The Museum was founded in 1953 by artist, collector and philanthropist, Henry Strater. The season will commence with the exhibition Sixty Works-60 years. The opening reception is slated for May 11th from 5-7 p.m. www.ogunquitmuseum.org.

Seacoast Rep.Seacoast Repertory Theatre is proud to announce the opening of their next Main-stage Show and the second of 2013’s 25th Anniversary Season. Richard Dress-er’s Rounding Third follows hot on the heels of their highly regarded production of A Chorus Line. Grab a front row seat! The Rep is sure to smash another hit out of the park with this heart-filled baseball comedy. The show runs April 5 – 28.www.seacoastrep.org.

Music Hall Kitchen TourThe Music Hall’s 22nd Annual Kitchen Tour will feature houses across histor-ic Portsmouth and will serve as a link between historic architecture and modern day design. Stories of these houses and their kitchens will vary for each location and will hold special meaning for every person who visits. The homes are filled with local memories and the lives of many historical figures important to Portsmouth.FMI and tickets www.themusichall.org

BoldwerksBoldwerks; marketing agency was recently contracted by Anton’s Cleaners – the largest retail dry cleaner in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire – to design and launch Caring Partners Inc.’s branding and website portal, which included two subsidiary non-profit sites, Belle of the Ball, and Coats for Kids. www.caringpartnersinc.org

Piscataqua Landscaping Co, Inc. Piscataqua Landscaping Co, Inc. recently announced that it has fully merged its Tree Care Division, Suntree, into its overall corporate structure. The new name is Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service. The move was intended to allow the company to offer the broadest range of landscaping services to its clients. Chris Kemp, previous owner of Suntree is a certified and licensed arborist who is highly trained in plant health care, remains a key member of the team www.piscataqualandscaping.com

Cafe NostimoCongratulations to Cafe Nostimo for be-ing recognized as Best Greek Restaurant 2013 in The NH Magazine!

Fa La Lo For SaleWANTED: entrepreneur who wants a business that is more than a business, one that is a mission. That’s what Liz Wright and Scott Segee, owners of Fa La Lo, are looking for. After five years of working with the downtown Portsmouth shop that sells only fair trade and American made products, Liz and Scott have to sell the store for various personal reasons. Anyone interested in purchasing the shop can contact Liz and Scott at 603-431-0420, info@falalo, or on Fa La Lo’s facebook page.


Documents

Connections - May 2013