A MEMBER BENEFIT OF THE GREATER ROCHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

These Chamber Members are offering discounts to fellow Chamber Members! Want to add your own Member-To-Member Deal? You can do it directly from your Member Portal, or contact: memberservices@rochesternh.org

Studio Two Seven Nine: 20% off Head Shots

Check out all of the Member-To-Member Deals here!

CHAMBER 101

Next Session: Thursday, March 14

4:00pm

Join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 pm at the Chamber of Commerce at 18 South Main Street in Rochester.

Learn about this fabulous adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION >

"Old World Elegance"

2024 Annual Awards Banquet

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5:30-8:30pm The Oaks Grandview

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"Friday Night Fever"

2024 Chamber Raffle & Raffle Bash

Friday, August 9, 2024

6:00-9:00pm

The Rochester Elks Lodge #1393

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50th Anniversary Golf Tournament

Thursday, September 26, 2024

The Oaks Golf Links

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“Kendall is an inspiration for young female entrepreneurs everywhere: not only has she earned the trust of her clients, but also the trust of her community”

Kendall Spewock, Founder and CEO of Admiral Property Management and Sales, has been selected as a recipient of the Forty Under 40 Award for her outstanding achievements and immense contributions to the city of Rochester.



Under Kendall’s leadership, Admiral Property Management and Sales has grown from managing four units to overseeing a portfolio of over 600 units worth over $40,000,000. By meeting property owner’s financial needs while also bringing an exceptional experience to residents, Kendall’s work has had an impressive impact, building thriving communities that benefit both residents and local businesses.

She’s also active orchestrating six figure deals between contractors and investors to bring vacant storefronts to life and bring in new businesses to Rochester. This crucial work improves her community, while bolstering her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the New Hampshire real estate market.

You can expect to see Kendall again as she redefines the scope of what it means to be a local business that gives back to the community. Her motto at Admiral Property Management and Sales is “We Treat It Like It’s Ours” – and by living this motto, Kendall and Admiral Property Management and Sales demonstrate that they are committed to treating properties, and residents, with the utmost care and respect.

Before becoming the Founder and CEO of Admiral Property Management and Sales, Kendall was the youngest female salesperson in the entire state of New Hampshire, having obtained her license at only 18. At the age of 21, Kendall became the youngest real estate broker in the country.

Congratulations Kendall!

BeMobile is excited to announce the launch of their Local Love event, running from February 14^th to 29^th. Show your support for our community’s small business by submitting your receipts and receive a $25 gift card! Learn more and submit your receipts at BeMobile.com/locallove.

Additionally, local business owners can schedule a FREE Business Internet quote and receive a complimentary bag of BeMobile Blend Coffee! 

CLICK HERE

Exploring Our Way: Sensory Friendly Playtime

Sunday, March 3, 1-3pm



For additional information on programs and summer camp, visit www.childrens-museum.org

COAST is putting together a bit of a last-minute charity event in honor of Leap Day to support Gather. We’re calling it “Day It Forward.” Since Gather serves people from all of our communities, I’m reaching out in hopes that the Chamber can help us spread the word.

There are three ways the public can get involved:

1.      We will be hosting a Stuff-A-Bus event at the Central Ave Dover Hannaford parking lot on 2/29 from 7AM-2PM. The public is encouraged to swing by to drop off donated dry goods from Gather’s Winter Wish List.

2.      All fares collect on 2/9 will be donated to Gather. The public is encouraged to drop cash or check donations (checks made out to Gather) in any COAST farebox on the 29^th.

3.      The public can also purchase COAST bus tickets for Gather clients through our website. COAST will match all ticket donations to double the impact.

All this information and additional details can be found on our website at www.coastbus.org/give.

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2024 Cohort. Since 2019, this free program has helped business owners from all across the state strategize and create business growth for their companies. The program is funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation a not for profit organization and hosted by the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Through the program participants learn the skills they need to scale their business for growth. The program includes support of the program faculty and a 1:1 business advisor who helps the scholars work on their business growth plans. The multi-week program is mostly virtual with only two weeks required onsite at Manchester Community College. Hotel accommodations and meals are provided for the required onsite days, so there is never any cost to the business owners. The deadline for the fall cohort is May 28^th.

Any small business owner who would like more information on the program can apply through the website: https://www.10ksbapply.com.

Greater Seacoast Community Health will bring the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival Tour to the Rochester Opera House on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

The Festival aims to highlight remote cultures, intense expeditions into exotic landscapes, and bring action sports into sharp focus. 

Event proceeds assist local individuals and families in accessing quality, affordable primary and preventive health care services through Greater Seacoast’s network of community health centers: Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth and Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth.

Tickets are available through the Rochester Opera House.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS>

The Chamber was pleased to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, January 29, 2024, for Hope on Haven Hill (HHH), which provides residential, outpatient and recovery support substance use disorder services for pregnant, post-partum and parenting women in NH, for their two new programs at the agency’s HHH Center for Hope and Wellness, located at 40 Charles Street in Rochester. Kate’s Closet, a free boutique thrift store for clients of the agency and the 3 Sister’s Gym, a fully equipped gym and yoga studio were unveiled.

Founding Board of Director member, Kathie Routhier, shared the vision of Kate’s Closet. “More than 10 years ago, I had a dream of making sure that women who were pregnant and new mothers and were struggling with clothing for themselves and their babies, had them. I used to joke we should have a bus and drive around to hand them out. Now, Kate’s Closet is the place where we can make sure they have what they need.”

The Agency is holding its annual Hope Springs Eternal Gala at Wentworth by the Sea, on March 23, 2024. For more information on sponsoring this event or to purchase tickets https://www.hopeonhavenhill.org/support-us/hhh-gala/

For information, visit www.hopeonhavenhill.org.

The Chamber was pleased to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony today for John Gisis Photography, as well as celebrate the beautiful image of downtown Rochester, created by John, that you see on the wall in the background. John is a drone photographer whose work is well known in the Rochester community and beyond.

Beginning as a hobby, John earned his drone pilot’s license and turned his passion into a profession over the years, showcasing his talent and unique perspective to a wide audience. His genuine appreciation for nature shines through in his captivating images, which you can browse at Fine Art America: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-john-gisis, and which are for purchase through the site. John also produces calendars of his images each year; each calendar features a particular city or town, and they are available for purchase at several locations throughout the state, including the Chamber office, during certain times of the year. 

For more information on his work, visit http://johngisisphotography.com

Joining the firm in November, Cameron Magerer is a Staff Accountant in the Wolfeboro office. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in May 2023. While attending college, Cameron interned in the accounting department at a private company. The valuable skills and experience he gained as an intern are a great asset to the work he does at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts in the areas of both tax and audit.

Ryan Crowley started with Leone, McDonnell & Roberts in December 2023 as a Senior Accountant in the Dover office. He brings several years of public accounting tax experience, specializing in preparing returns for individuals and businesses. He studied accounting and business at Saint Anselm College where he earned his bachelor’s in May 2020.

Intern Elisa Careggio is welcomed to the North Conway office.

Elisa currently attends Granite State College and expects to graduate this coming May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Before college, Elisa attended Kennett High School where she enjoyed her math classes, volunteering and helping in the community.

Visit www.lmrpa.com for more information.

Life Balance Counseling, Coaching and Wellness is happy to provide resources to the community through our facebook page and blog. Check us out at https://lifebalancecoachnh.com/blog/. 

The Monarch School of New England is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Lynch to the organization’s Board of Directors. As a member of the board, Lynch will actively offer guidance and support for the Monarch School of New England's commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. His involvement will extend into community, as he shares the school's values and accomplishments as an ambassador for the school.

A graduate of Spaulding High School and Rochester resident, Lynch currently works at Hubbell. He and his family are actively involved in the community, supporting a number of local organizations and nonprofits. He recently stepped down from the Rochester School Board after 12 years of service, six of which he served as Chairman.  

Visit http://www.monarchschoolne.org

Reboot First IT Services is happy to offer our fellow members a 5.5% commission of any customers that they refer to us. This commission will remain the entire time they are a customer of ours. Our standard flat pricing is $119 per user per month and $500 a month per server. We mark up all hardware and software purchases 10%. This gets them 9am - 5pm unlimited remote desktop support. We charge $199 an hour for after hours, special large projects and onsite support. Please feel free to take a look at our website for our services offered but we do everything the larger guys do. 

Visit their website>

The Rochester Opera House proudly welcomes East Coast Alice, the ultimate Alice Cooper Experience. This will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 8:00 pm at the Opera House at 31 Wakefield Street in Rochester. For tickets, click on the link below.

Other upcoming shows:

Saturday, March 16, 2024 -

The Kings of Queen (A Tribute to Queen)

March 22-31, 2024

Godspell

Visit their website>

Check out our Spring Program Guide to learn about Rec & Arena programs and events happening March-May.

Spring Program Guide 2024

Before we leave winter behind, here are some things to note:

• February Vacation Camp registration opens today.
• Registration for the Parent/Child Valentine's Day Dance is open. Register soon, spots are limited!

We have lots of fun programs going on this Spring; here are the highlights: 

Programs: 

• Rec Summer Camp resident registration opens March 1st. Non-resident registration opens May 1st, if space is available. More information available on our website.
• Swim Lesson registration opens April 1st.
• Session 6 of Learn to Skate registration opens today.



Events:

• Skate with a Cop and Guns & Hoses vs SHS Alumni Hockey Game will be held March 24. The Skate will be from 3pm-5pm and the Game will be from 5pm-7pm. Free, donations appreciated.   

Visit our website to learn more about Rec & Arena activities, or log directly onto RecDesk to register.

For additional information, scan the barcode above or email joscelyn@obreyinsurance.com or call 603-432-3883, x2.

Seacoast SCORE will be offering the following free workshops:

Feb. 28 - Unlock Success with Business 101 Training

Mar. 4 - QuickBooks, 6-7pm

Mar. 6 - Google Adwords, 12-1pm

Mar. 11 - Marketing Fundamentals & Best Practices, 12-1pm

Mar. 18 - Survey of Digital Marketing Techniques, 6-7pm

Mar. 20 - Franchising - Business in a Box, 12-1pm

Mar. 25 - Business Finance for Beginners (SCORE Finance I), 12-1pm

To register for these online workshops, visit https://www.score.org/seacoast/local-workshops

SIG SAUER Academy, the premier firearms and tactics training destination for more than two decades, is partnering with New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) and adding their name to the SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels on Friday, June 21 at The Flat Track.

The SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels will kick off New England’s only NASCAR weekend with thrilling racing from Sprint Cars of New England, two classes of Granite State Mini Sprints and the Xtreme Dirt Midget Association. 

The 2024 SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels schedule is as follows (schedule is subject to change):

4:30 p.m. | Ticket Gates Open

4:40 p.m. | Practice Sessions Start

5:25 p.m. | Heat Races Start

7 p.m. | Pre-Race Ceremonies

7:10 p.m. | Feature Races

Race fans can enjoy fireworks and a live concert by Draw the Line, the only officially endorsed Aerosmith tribute band, immediately following the conclusion of the on-track action. For a full SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels schedule, click here.

March 9, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm

Celebrate Dance! Sole City Dance is excited to bring back Dance Northeast! our annual community dance showcase. Delight in the joy and artistry of dance when Sole City Dance and the Rochester Opera House join together to showcase talented dancers from companies and dance education centers around the region. The celebration presents an afternoon performance with junior companies and up-and-coming student choreographers. The show is filled with colorful, energetic performances of innovative, diverse choreography by some of the region’s finest young dancers.

Join us on Sunday, March 10th for a day of Master Classes for dancers from beginner through intermediate. Check out the Dance Northeast page on our website (https://www.solecitydance.org/dance-northeast-2024) for more details and registration. You don’t want to miss this annual celebration of dance!

Contact Studio Two Seven Nine today! shawn@studiotwosevennine.com

(603) 630-4675

Rochester, New Hampshire - Shawn Pierce, owner of Studio Two Seven Nine, LLC in Rochester, and a distinguished member of the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association (NHPPA), is thrilled to announce their acceptance of the nomination for the position of President of the Board for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Having joined NHPPA in the fall of 2017, Pierce quickly found a welcoming community and has since experienced significant personal and professional growth. Reflecting on their journey, Pierce acknowledges the supportive environment fostered by NHPPA, attributing much of their development as a professional photographer to the organization.

The formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place during the NHPPA Annual Conference, slated for April 26-29. Pierce's term officially commences on June 1, 2024, marking a return to board service after a prior role as Director from 2018-2022. The decision to rejoin the board comes after a brief hiatus to focus on their photography business.

Expressing eagerness to contribute to the association's future, Pierce looks forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members to steer NHPPA toward continued success.

VICTIMS, INC.

VICTIMS, INC., the Joan Ellis Victims Assistance Network, is accepting applications for the 34th training of Trauma Intervention Volunteers in Strafford and Rockingham Counties. Applicants will be interviewed soon. Please consider helping us help others.

The training consists of eight Saturday sessions. Volunteers must be 21 or older, provide their own transportation and commit to serving the program for one year. No previous medical, legal, or psychological experience is necessary.

For more information or an application to volunteer in Strafford or Rockingham County, call Pat Rainboth, Executive Director, at the East Rochester office, 603-335-7777.

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

Youth homelessness is a rapidly growing concern in New Hampshire. It is estimated that approximately 15,000 young people in the Granite State will experience some form of homelessness this year. At least 70 percent of them do not have the option to return to a safe and stable home. Waypoint is determined to end youth homelessness, and we invite you to be a part of the solution. 

March 29 marks the 10^th anniversary of SleepOut, and our goal is to make this year's event our most successful to date. In-person SleepOuts will take place in Manchester, Concord, and Rochester or virtually at a location of your choice. 

The Waypoint SleepOut is a night spent outside each March to expand our collective consciousness about youth homelessness in New Hampshire, and to raise funds to address critical needs that will help transform lives.

Please help us bring youth closer to home. Here are ways to be involved:

• Volunteer to be a Sleeper
• Donate to support a Sleeper or Team
• Organize a Team of Sleepers
• Become a Corporate Sponsor

Please contact stewartc@waypointnh.org. 

Or, callt 603-518-4205.

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has awarded a $10,000 community benefit grant to Lydia’s House of Hope to assist in the expansion of trauma-informed clinical services provided to their in-house residents. 

LHOH will use this funding to expand their in-house nurse advocacy and trauma therapy programs. The nurse advocate, a board-certified patient advocate and registered nurse, helps residents address factors which impact health equity, well-being and quality of life. Grant funding will also support the expansion of in-house trauma therapy focused on mind-body connection and healing in a safe and supportive environment. 

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE