Dillon Clark

Tom Aspell named 2026 Citizen of the Year

The Chamber has announced its 2026 Citizen of the Year as Thomas J. Aspell, Jr., outgoing City Manager for Concord. A selection committee made up of prominent local business leaders recommended Aspell as this year’s recipient to recognize his nearly three decades guiding the growth and administration of the city, including more than 20 years as the chief executive. As nominator Jim Bouley, former mayor of Concord, wrote, “Few people have shaped this community as deeply, or as quietly, as he has. [His] tenure is rare in municipal government, and it reflects something rarer still: a career built entirely on service to this community, with no interest in the spotlight.”

A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, Aspell began his municipal career as a town planner in Londonderry during a period of significant community growth. His early work included […]

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2026 Funds for Education grant applications are open

Each year, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce partners with a dedicated committee of volunteers to select community-based educational programming that would benefit from additional financing through its Funds for Education program. This initiative has awarded over $170,000 to locally-based education programs that support practical skill-building and connect students to business leaders in the community, where they can learn about different industries and career opportunities […]

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Five teams tie for the top spot in 38th annual Concord Chamber Funds for Education Golf Tournament

36 teams competed in the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament on August 5, 2026 at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. Unexpectedly, five teams tied for first place based on strokes, finishing 13 under par with scores of 59. The winners were selected by a card off, which measured their performances on the most difficult holes. Read on for a full list of winners and an event recap.

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Leadership Greater Concord announces Class of 2027

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Leadership Greater Concord (LGC) program has selected 28 participants representing diverse industries for this year’s class. LGC is a highly competitive 10-month deep dive into the capital region’s public resources and governance. Please help us congratulate the local professionals that were selected for this year’s class: […]

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Housing, Infrastructure, and Investment Lead Concord’s 2026 Priorities

Mayor Byron Champlin and City Manager Tom Aspell returned to present at the Chamber’s annual State of the City forum, sponsored by Bar Harbor Wealth Management and hosted by the DoubleTree by Hilton. Here, Champlin and Aspell offered a clear message: Concord is balancing growth and long-term planning, with housing, infrastructure, and economic development at the center of the conversation. In their joint presentation, they highlighted both the momentum from the successes of the past year and the major investments still ahead. […]

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Inclusion in Action: Supporting a Diverse Next Generation

Founded in 2021, Concord-based Project S.T.O.R.Y. serves more than 125 students aged 6–21 from various African and Southeast Asian countries. The organization provides holistic support through youth programming, education, leadership development, and social justice advocacy, all aimed at empowering young people to become leaders and agents of change. Its programs address both immediate needs and long-term growth by connecting underserved youth with a safe and supportive environment along with access to education, transportation, leadership training, and advocacy opportunities. Most importantly, Project S.T.O.R.Y. fosters a sense of belonging, helping participants navigate and overcome challenges such as isolation, trauma, and discrimination. We interviewed Founder & Director Charm Emiko to discuss the organization’s mission and programs.

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Applications are open for Leadership Greater Concord’s Class of 2027

Leadership Greater Concord—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s annual leadership program for area professionals—is accepting applications for the class of 2027. For over three decades, this initiative has introduced over 650 community members to the inner workings of the capital region. Each year, participants embark on a nine-month immersion into the inner workings of the greater Concord community. The LGC program includes hands-on and interactive session days that cover many aspects of our region’s public resources and governance, and each class connects with prominent business and civic leaders who are making decisions about Greater Concord’s future. Read on to learn more about the program and how to apply!

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Inclusion in Action: Expanding Inclusive Housing

When addressing housing in New Hampshire, it is important to consider and support intentional choices that support independent living opportunities. Next Step Living is a first-of-its-kind community designed to support independent living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). An on-site residential life skills coordinator is available to offer guidance when needed and to plan ongoing enrichment activities that support growth, connection, and community engagement. We interviewed founder and President Mike Dennehy to learn more about the organization’s work and how we can all take steps to support inclusive housing.

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Capital Area Student Leadership announces 2026 class

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL)—an immersive program that connects high school sophomores to their community and fosters their leadership skills—is pleased to announce its 2026 class. This initiative, generously underwritten by Northeast Delta Dental, is the only regional student leadership program in the state and features activities in public speaking, networking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. CASL students interact with professionals from diverse industries including civic leaders, members of the judiciary, and young entrepreneurs. This year, the program welcomes 36 students across eight schools […]

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