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Connections
December 2014 • Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce • www.portsmouthchamber.org
Inside:
President’s Message - 2
Events Calendar - 3
Ribbon Cuttings - 5
Tourism News- 7
Rick Dumont Images
New Members - 8
Movers and Shakers- 9
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Greater Portsmouth
Chamber of Commerce
Visit us at
500 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH
Photos courtesy of Rick Dumont Images
President’s Message
‘Tis the season to give
thanks and I want to
begin by thanking my
team, Valerie Rochon
(Tourism), Briggs
Buzzell (Membership),
Doug Bates
Terri Lane (Marketing),
Amanda Beaulieu
(Social Media and Events), Cheryl Duford
(Business), Joan Chazuik (Tours) and Susan
Middleton, Bea Ann Kendal and Elizabeth
Barcomb (Visitor Center)….. plus all our
wonderful summer staff, volunteers and
interns! Each and every one is appreciated
for what they bring to the organization. The
Board of Directors: Anne Brown, Chair;
Kenneth D. Murphy, Vice Chair; Douglas W.
Macdonald, Treasurer; Ben Wheeler, Past
Chair; Dan Innis, John Akar, Kimberly Buxton,
Lisa Gainty, Larry Yerdon, Mark Galvin, Rich
Chagnon, Joe Graham, Steve Marchand,
Mathew G. Stachowske, Eric Stinson, Robert
“Butch” Ricci, Joshua Morris, Janette
Desmond and Dan Fallon demonstrate
their commitment to the Chamber and the
Seacoast Community and work closely with
the Staff to make this Chamber responsive
to the needs of its members and community.
Last but most important are our nearly
800 members from across the spectrum:
business, service, tourism, financials,
non-profits, etc., who all see the advantage
of being connected and working together,
especially our Ambassadors and Committee
Members! You are to be congratulated for
making it all work.
You deserve to celebrate yourselves and all
that represents living, working and playing
on the Seacoast! There is no better way to
celebrate than to give gifts! Today is Cyber
Monday and you may choose to sit in your
easy (or office) chair and shop online. While
that is the trend do not forget to get up, get
out and support our local businesses, or you
can shop at the Chamber’s Holiday Auction
which is up and running with great items to
purchase. Click here to bid: https://www.
biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.
action?auctionId=222877410.
2
December 2014 ~ Connections
All items are local and you can enjoy
adding to your love of online shopping while
supporting local business. If you intend to
shop downtown, keep your eyes peeled for
the opening of the Strawbery Banke Skating
Rink. Make a day of it and check out our
newest activity for locals and visitors. Maybe
the rink will be open on Saturday, December
6 for the Christmas Parade and the start
of Vintage Christmas featuring the Annual
Candlelight Stroll, Holiday House Tours and
Holiday entertainment at the Music Hall.
Effective Dec 15 up until Jan 2, metered
parking is FREE so take advantage of this
once a year gift from the City. Need a tree?
Visit the Portsmouth Rotary Christmas Tree
sale parking lot at Philbrick’s Fresh Market.
Do not forget our great dining! You can enjoy
a holiday dinner for two, a small office party,
or a big holiday blowout at any one of the
many wonderful restaurants in and around
Portsmouth.
The Holiday event that so many of us look
forward to every year is the Chamber’s
Holiday Wine Tasting! Reserve the evening
to enjoy amazing food and samples of an
impressive assortment of wines at the
Portsmouth Sheraton Harborside from
5:30-7:30 pm on Thursday, December 18.
This event sells out so please go on line and
register:
https://secure2.chambermaster.com/
directory/jsp/events/dlg/Public_AddReg.
jsp?ccid=1659&eventid=527 .
Enjoy Christmas, go skiing but be back in
time for First Night and to welcome in 2015.
Finally, do not forget those who serve our
country and community, those who need
assistance and all the non-profits that do
wonderful things on the Seacoast. In all
cases, a donation of time and/or money will
be gratefully accepted.
Happy Holidays!
500 Market Street
PO Box 239
P 603-610-5510
F 603-436-5118
info@portsmouthchamber.org
Board of Directors:
Anne Brown, Chairperson
Ken Murphy, Vice Chairperson
Doug MacDonald, Treasurer
Ben Wheeler, Past Chairperson
John Akar, Kimberly Buxton
Rich Chagnon, Janette Desmond
Dan Fallon, Lisa Gainty
Mark Galvin, Joe Graham
Dan Innis , Steve Marchand
Joshua Morris , Robert Ricci
Matthew Stachowske, Eric Stinson
Larry Yerdon
Staff
Doug Bates
President
Valerie Rochon
Tourism Director
Briggs Buzzell
Membership Manager
Amanda Beaulieu
Social Media/Events Coordinator
Terri Lane
Marketing & Communications
Cheryl Duford
Business Manager
Susan Middleton
Visitor Services Coordinator
Joan Chawziuk
Visitor Tour Coordinator
Visitor Assistants
Bea Ann Kendall
Elizabeth Barcomb
Connections is published monthly
by the GPCC and reaches 2,000+
business people throughout NE.
To advertise in
Connections contact:
Terri Lane at 603.610.5520 or email
marketing@portsmouthchamber.org
Calendar of Events • December 2014
__________________________________________________________________________
4
Holiday eBrew
5
NEW & IMPROVED
Sponsored by Technology Search Partners
The Press Room, Upstairs
Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Wear Your Ugly Sweater!
__________________________________________________________________________
Midday Meet: Facilitated Networking
Cafe Nostimo, Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
__________________________________________________________________________
11
itizens Bank Business Development Seminar
C
Building Your Brand - Social Media and Marketing • FREE •
Limited Space Available - register today
http://bit.ly/bizdevelseminar
__________________________________________________________________________
18
Holiday Wine Tasting
Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel 5:30-730 p.m.
Get your tickets here: http://bit.ly/HolidayWineTasting
ould you like to donate to the Online Holiday Auction?
W
Contact Amanda: events@portsmouthchamber.org
This year’s nonprofit partner is Families First - www.familiesfirstseacoast.org
____________________________________________________________________________________
Register for these events at www.portsmouthchamber.org
Plan to Host a Business After Hours in 2015
Please contact Briggs Buzzell at (603) 610-5514 or email membership@portsmouthchamber.org
Save your date ASAP! Months fill up quickly.
New for 2015 - Business After Hours is free for members and their guests.
However, guests must preregister with Briggs. All other nonmembers - $10 per BAH.
December 2014 ~ Connections
3
What members are saying about the
New & Improved Midday Meet
“Being new in the community, prompted to attend a Midday Meet, I not only have made some wonderful con-
nections but have received business referrals as well. The Midday Meet has been a wonderful venue to build
relationships and improving networking skills.“ – Sara Bester, Northway Bank
“Met a member, was introduced to another networking group, met a resource at a new group, worked on another networking campaign, met another resource that became a wonderful referral source. Mission accomplished!” – Karen Wimer, Merrimack Mortgage Company, Inc.
“Always a variety of people from different professions. I’ve met both professional contacts and made new
friends at the Chamber Midday Meets.” – Dr. Angela Lambert, Ancient Traditions Natural Medicine
Business After Hours Recap • Thursday, November 20
Operation Blessing • http://www.theobnh.org
Co-Hosted by Federal Savings Bank
Operation Blessing hosted a
Business After Hours with more
than 90 Chamber members on
Thursday, November 20. Members toured their recreation
center and learned more about
Operation Blessing’s mission and
committment to our community by helping needy and
destitute families in crisis.
Please consider volunteering at Operation Blessing
this holiday season and any season. Volunteers are
especially needed on December 18, 19 and 20 (9:00
a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) You can help for an hour or for the
whole day. Holiday donations are also needed: Christmas stockings, candy canes, gift wrap, tags, and
tape. These items can be dropped off at the Recreation Center at 195 Greenleaf Ave Portsmouth NH.
Please call for details 603-988-2671.
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December 2014 ~ Connections
2024 Woodbury Avenue • Newington
Ribbon Cuttings
Bugaboo Creek Steak House
Portsmouth Sign Company
19 Nimble Hill Road, Newington
Springer’s Jewelers
100 Market Street, Suite 101, Portsmouth
December 2014 ~ Connections
5
Rock your ugly sweater at
Ebrew this week!
Mark your calendars for the
Holiday eBrew Thursday,
December 4th 5-7 p.m. at The
Press Room. Wear your favorite
ugly sweater to win door prizes!
Sponsored by Technology Search Partners
588 Wentworth Road
New Castle, NH 03854
603.422.7322 / 888.252.6888
www.wentworth.com
The Online Holiday Auction
is live! Put your bid in now
for great holiday gifts!
http://bit.ly/OnlineHolidayAuction
Online Holiday Auction will close:
Dec 17, 2014 10:00PM EST
Funds raised by the auction
support your Chamber and a
nonprofit partner, this year
Families First Health and
Support Center.
Learn more about their
mission here:
www.familiesfirstseacoast.org
A special thank you to our
sponsors Back Bay Networks
and Federal Savings Bank
Cheryl Duford joins
the Chamber as
Business Manager
Cheryl Duford joined the Chamber
team as Business Manager in September. Her experience in
operations, accounting, and customer
relations has made her a valuable asset to the Chamber and its members.
Cheryl can help you with any billing
questions, payment processing, and
payment plans. You can reach her
at 610-5515 or email at
business@portsmouthchamber.org.
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December 2014 ~ Connections
SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
You’re invited to
Winter Wassail with Us
in our
The lights are on
every
shops downtown
ay until
Thursday - Saturd
ugh
at least 8 p.m. thro
nless
December 20th (u
for your
otherwise noted)
y shopping.
stress-free holida
ter.
Many are open la
cials,
Enjoy in-store spe
treats.
holiday spirits and
BOW STREET
Tugboat Alley
STATE STREET
Pickwick’s Mercantile/
Lady Pickwick’s
Southwest Passage
MARKET SQUARE
Alie Jewelers
*Hours for these shops vary.
MARKET STREET
Federal Cigar
Flower Kiosk
Pretty Poppy*
Puttin’ on the Glitz
Solari Salon & Spa
Springers Jewelers*
COMMERCIAL ALLEY
Hazel Boutique
Visit ShopPortsmouth.org for shop hours and
PLEASANT STREET
City Shoes
Club Boutique
Stonewall Kitchen
CONGRESS STREET
Alex and Ani*
Celtic Crossing
Kilwins Chocolate & Fudge
Ten Thousand Villages*
Wear House
STRAWBERY BANKE
Pickwick’s at the Banke
details of special events.
Details at www.ShopPortsmouth.org
Tourism News
.....................................................
Enjoy our favorite Holiday entertainers
to get in the Holiday Spirit!
4:30-6:30pm – Market Square Carolers from the Portsmouth Middle School, roving about downtown Portsmouth on the following dates:
Friday 12/12: Woodwind Ensemble
Saturday 12/13: Two groups: Chorus Students and
Brass Ensemble
Friday 12/19: Two groups: Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble
Saturday 12/20: Chorus Students
Also, the A cappella duo Naughty and Nice will be performing at North Church from 4:45 to 6:15 on Fridays,
December 12 and 19. Naughty and Nice are a duo of
women who perform original contemporary folk music
throughout the year. During the holidays, they offer a
cappella holiday carols in exquisite harmony.
.....................................................
Portsmouth
In The News
Portsmouth named
one of the 25 “America’s Best Towns
for the Holidays”
by Travel & Leisure
online. Nov 2014
www.travelandleisure.com/articles/
americas-besttowns-for-the-holidays/21
WhereTraveler.com, feature on “5 Festive Events that
Capture New England’s Christmas Spirit,” Nov 2014,
listed Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth with Christmas
at the Newport Mansions, Nantucket Noel, Christmas
Prelude in Kennebunkport and Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village.
“Enchanting anyone who experiences it Dec. 2-31, the
colonial, coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
hosts holiday hoopla all month long. Vintage Merrymaking, here.”
USA Today online listed Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight
Stroll as one of the “10 Best: Holiday candlelight experiences that illuminate the past” December 2014
.....................................................
Press Outreach
As a follow up to Valerie Rochon’s meetings with
several national reporters in NYC this September,
and based on their specific interests, she and PR Rep
Kathleen Soldati have provided further information on
the culinary scene, cultural institutions, up and coming
neighborhoods, “girls night out” getaways, tours, festivals, transportation options, solo/multi-generational
travel, and tax free shopping. It’s our hope that this will
result in continued favorable coverage for Portsmouth
and the Seacoast.
.....................................................
David J. Murray, Clear Eye Photo
Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth was featured in Yankee Magazine online with the Nantucket Stroll, Stockbridge Main Street, Sturbridge Village and Kennebunkport Prelude for Holiday happenings! Nov 2014
“For all the beauty Portsmouth offers during the summer, the holiday season just may be its finest time of
year. The Christmas spirit you find here isn’t garish or
overblown. It’s tasteful and subtle, more vintage than
big-box store.” Ian Aldrich, Yankee Magazine.
Free Parking in Downtown Portsmouth for the Holidays: The City of Portsmouth is continuing the feelgood Portsmouth holiday tradition of offering free
parking in metered spaces in the downtown from
December 15th to January 2nd. Locals and visitors
are invited to spend time downtown enjoying shopping
and dining during the Holiday Season. Please note that
time limits still apply, so be sure to check the time limit
where you’ve parked.
.....................................................
December 13 - The Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association at Albacore Park will hold a Wreaths
Across America ceremony, when Holiday wreaths
representing all service branches will be placed in
the park’s Memorial Garden. U.S. Navy wreaths will
be placed at the USS Thresher Monument and at the
USS Squalus Monument. FMI: www.facebook.com/
WAAHQ.
December 2014 ~ Connections
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Welcome New Members
Northeast Creations
Advertising & Marketing
216 Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
603.964.6840 - Amanda Muscara
amuscara@necreations.com
www.necreations.com
Swell Media
Advertising & Marketing
40 Congress St, 4th Floor
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.766.2000 - Allison Potter
info@swell-media.com
www.swell-media.com
Destination Partners, Inc.
Event Planning & Services
12 Henshaw Street
Woburn, MA 01801
978.388.3277 - Kathleen Landry
klandry@dpievents.com
www.dpievents.com
Hamblett & Kerrigan, P.A.
Legal Services
20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 505
Nashua, NH 03063
603.883.5501 - Donna Gilligan
dgilligan@hamker.com
www.nashualaw.com
La Bell Chocolat
Artisan
591 Middle Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.855.5325 - Sally Baybutt
info@chocolatebysparrow.com
www.chocolatebysparrow.com
Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund
Nonprofit
6 Jana Lane
Stratham, NH 03885
603.686.4224 - William DaGiau
bill@anniesangels.net
www.anniesangels.net
Martin’s Point Health Care
Health Services
161 Corporate Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.431.5154 – Jessica Roundy
jessica.roundy@martinspoint.org
www.martinspoint.org
American Wellness Solutions, LLC
Health & Human Services
PO Box 281
Hampton, NH 03843
603.446.6600 - Joe McCue
info@americanwellnesssolutions.com
www.americanwellnesssolutions.com
Napoli Market & Deli
Dining/ Food & Beverage
261 South Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.422.9660 – Terry Grant
napolimarketanddeli@gmail.com
Friends of the Earth, Sea & Space
Nonprofit – Museum
One Washington Ctr, 320 Picker Suites
603.436.7778 - Crystal Kent
cryskent@earthlink.net
www.earthseaspacemuseum.org
Eastern Bank
Financial Services
163 Deer Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.433.4747 - Laura Brown
l.brown@easternbank.com
www.easternbank.com
Calling All Cargo Moving & Storage
Moving/Storage
HQ: 69 Venture Drive
Dover, NH 03802
Add. Storage Warehouse:
40 Old Dover Rd.
Newington NH 03801
603.740.1900 - Mike Carlton
info@callingallcargo.com
www.callingallcargo.com
Zai
Outdoor/ Ski Gear
963 Ocean Blvd
Rye, NH 03870
603.380.886 - David Bendz
david.bendz@zai.us
www.zai.us
Cara Irish Pub & Chameleon Club
Dining/Entertainment
11 Fourth Street
Dover, NH 03820
603.343.4390 – Thomas O’Dowd
carairishpub@Aol.com
www.carairishpub.com
Make the Most of Your Membership!
New Member Orientation
This is an excellent way to meet the staff and learn how to make the most of your
membership! Great for new members and those who want a refresher!
December 10, 2014, 9:30 a.m. in the Chamber’s conference room
8
December 2014 ~ Connections
Movers and Shakers
Donations Sought for Pease n
Carrots
Donations are sought for the seventh Annual
Pease ‘n Carrots Holiday Food Drive. Please
consider donating non-perishable foodstuffs
or tax-deductible checks for the Seacoast
Family Food Pantry or Cross Roads House.
For more information, contact
Mark Sullivan, Founder, at 603-766-1955
or msullivan@seacoastassetmgt.com
Piscataqua Savings Bank launches
“Spirit of Giving” campaign.
Piscataqua Savings Bank has provided drop
boxes to collect donations for Cross Roads
House and the Seacoast Family Food Pantry.
Drop boxes are available inside the bank
lobby on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth.
More information is available at
www.piscataqua.com.
The city of Portsmouth extends
Parking Shuttle
The City of Portsmouth will be continuing to
run its downtown shuttle Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday until February 1, 2015.
C&J Bus Lines to Connect Ogunquit and New York City
C&J Bus Lines announces the expansion of
its popular New York City Service with the
addition of seasonal service to Ogunquit,
ME. This new schedule, which includes one
daily roundtrip to NYC, will operate seven
days a week from Memorial Day to Labor
Day, with continued weekend service through
Columbus Day. For more information please
visit www.ridecj.com or contact Bridgette
Desmond at bdesmond@ridecj.com.
American Wellness Solutions
launches Worksite Wellness Survey
American Wellness Solutions, LLC, New
Hampshire’s premier provider of worksite
wellness consulting services, introduced a
new Worksite Wellness Survey. The survey,
which quantifies important worksite wellness
metrics, establishes a baseline for several
measurements at the start of a new wellness
initiative as well as provides the means for
evaluating the ongoing success of wellness
initiatives as they evolve. Currently, members
of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce can take advantage of the survey for a
50% discount. More information is available
at AmericanWellnessSolutions.com.Contact:
Joe McCue, Joe@AmericanWellnessSolutions.com, 603-446-6600
Seacoast Rep presents The Neverending Story
Seacoast Repertory Theatre is proud to
announce that it will screen The Neverending
Story with very special guest star, the original
Childlike Empress, Tami Stronach, December 10th, 2014 at 7:30pm. All tickets day of
show are Pay What You Can and are general
admission. $20 in advance. Seating is limited.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.
seacoastrep.org, in person at 125 Bow Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801, or over the phone at
603.433.4472.
Nashville Indie Folk-Rock Duo YOU
KNEW ME WHEN to Perform at the
Blue Mermaid
The husband and wife duo You Knew Me
When will perform at the Blue Mermaid Island
Grill (www.bluemermaid.com - 409 The Hill,
Portsmouth, NH) on Saturday, December 6th
at 9:00pm. No Cover
Daytime Ball Drop Rings in 2015
at Children’s Museum
Children and their families can ring in 2015
at the Children’s Museum of NH’s annual
daytime Family New Year’s Eve Celebration
on Wednesday, December 31. This festive
event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and includes
three special “countdowns to midnight” held
at 11 am, 12:30 pm and 2 pm. Regular admission of $9 per person for adults and children
applies for this special event. Seniors pay $8
admission and military members receive a
10% discount. Museum members and children under one year old get in free. Reservations are not required.For more information,
please visit www.childrens-museum.org
NY Times Author comes
to the Music Hall
The New York Times bestselling author and
celebrated essayist, Kathryn Harrison comes
to Portsmouth to discuss her acclaimed new
book, JOAN OF ARC: A Life Transfigured, on
December 2 at 7:00 pm at the Music Hall Loft,
131 Congress Street. Ticket package is $43
($40 for members). In addition to a reserved
seat, the package includes a copy of JOAN
OF ARC (hardcover, $28.95), a bar beverage,
and book signing meet-and-greet. Packages
can be purchased through The Music Hall
Box Office, located at 28 Chestnut Street,
Portsmouth, over the phone at 603.436.2400,
or online at www.themusichall.org.
Holiday Concerts at Discover
Portsmouth
Discover Thursdays will present two
holiday concerts at Discover Portsmouth
featuring The Aeterna Trio on Thursday, December 4 and the Piscataqua River Brass on
Thursday, December 11. Both concerts are
at 7pm. Tickets are $12 per person, $10 for
Portsmouth Historical Society members.
For reservations and tickets please call (603)
436-8433. For additional information please
call George Hosker-Bouley at (978)771-0589
or at wholemoon@verizon.net.
There is so much going
on in town
for the holidays please
visit our website calendar
for many things
to do this month!
www.business.portsmouthchamber.org/
events/calendar
December 2014 ~ Connections
9