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Advocacy Update: December 2024
The Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Committee, chaired by former mayor Jim Bouley, meets monthly to keep lines of communication open between the business community and City of Concord officials and staff. Last winter, this committee heard from Mayor Champlin regarding City Council priorities. In March, the Chamber shared its own priorities with the City Council. Since then, the committee has: 1. Created a subcommittee to make recommendations on changes to the zoning ordinance. The city’s transition to form-based zoning is currently stalled; form-based zoning is
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Samuel and Dan Habib
“The Ride Ahead” was recently named Best NH Feature Documentary, and is a product of the Emmy Award-winning team that includes Concord-based director, Dan Habib. The film will premiere on Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in downtown Concord, and then will run December 3-12 at Red River Theatres. Learn more and purchase premiere tickets at rideaheadfilm.com. Interview with Samuel and Dan Habib Tell us a little bit about your new film, “The Ride Ahead”.Dan: The Ride Ahead
Chris Brown honored as 2024 Citizen of the Year
Chris Brown, President of New Hampshire Distributors, LLC, and founder of the 1883 Black Ice Hockey Association received the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor at their 105th Annual Meeting on November 6. The dinner at the Grappone Conference Center welcomed over 250 community, nonprofit and business leaders from the Capital Region. This esteemed audience gave a standing ovation to Brown for his impact on the Greater Concord community. As part of the award ceremony, Chamber Board Chair, Larry Haynes of Grappone Automotive Group,
Advocacy Update: The Chamber is your business advocate
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce plays an important role for businesses in the Capital Region by engaging in advocacy at both the local and state levels. There are two standing committees within the Chamber that address this: State Government Affairs Committee This committee tracks legislation at the state level, reviewing the myriad of bills (well over 1,000 each year!) that could have an impact on business in New Hampshire. The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce routinely partners with other chambers of commerce in New
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Jean Hakuzimana, Founder of NH Songa
Tell us a little bit about your organization’s mission. NH Songa seeks to build our workforce and establish connections and new relationships between local businesses, employers, and the immigrant community in NH. What does your organization offer to professionals in the Concord area? Education through conversations about immigrants in the workforce, professional advice on how to hire and retain immigrants, and consulting with companies/organizations to be culturally competent. Can you share a little bit about yourself, and your connection to this work? I migrated to
High school sophomores may apply to CASL
Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) is an immersive program that encourages students to learn more about their community, and their own unique skills and strengths as leaders. Presented by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, and generously underwritten by Northeast Delta Dental, CASL has been in existence for more than 25 years, graduated over 700 leaders, and is the only regional student leadership program in the state. The program includes three day-long sessions in March 2025 that feature activities in public speaking, mindfulness, networking, teamwork
Advocacy Update: Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Committee suggests city zoning changes
Under the leadership of former mayor Jim Bouley, the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs committee has been actively advocating on behalf of the business community with elected officials and City of Concord staff. Recently, a subcommittee was established to take a look at Concord’s zoning ordinance, which is in urgent need of updates. At some point in the future, the city will undergo a thorough review and revision of the city’s master plan, which will set the table for a comprehensive review of the zoning ordinance.
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Andy Bullock, Executive Director of Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Tell us a little bit about your organization’s mission. Through partnership with Native peoples, exhibits, and workshops, Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum serves as a living center for artistic expression, traditional values, and contributions from past and contemporary Native life. The Museum embraces cultural diversity and encourages environmental action based upon respect for nature and a deeper understanding of Native cultures. What does your organization offer to professionals in the Concord area? The museum cares for a wonderful collection of Native belongings from across the continent, which
Celebrate Welcoming Week with us!
Welcoming Week is September 13-22 and is presented annually by the Concord Multicultural Festival. Local businesses and organizations are invited to join the celebration! We encourage your team to take a photo with our “I’m a Welcomer” signs and submit the image to our online album at concordnhchamber.com/welcoming-week. We will incorporate submitted images in our prominent window display on Main Street. We’re proud to support this initiative that brings together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and
Chris Brown named 2024 Citizen of the Year
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce Chris Brown, President of New Hampshire Distributors, LLC, and founder of the 1883 Black Ice Hockey Association, as its 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will present this distinguished award at its 105th Annual Meeting and Citizen of the Year Award event on Wednesday, November 6 at the Grappone Conference Center. All are welcome to attend this celebration of Brown’s enduring impact on the Greater Concord community. “Chris and New Hampshire Distributors defines what
Travel trends point to Concord, NH as an emerging destination
Tourism is breaking records in New Hampshire. According to a study prepared by Dean Runyan Associates for the NH Division of Travel and Tourism, visitors spent $2.4 billion in 2023—a significant jump from the pre-pandemic years, including previous tourism booms. Although we may think of these trends impacting our state’s tourism hot spots—the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and Seacoast—the Merrimack Valley Region is seeing significant increases in travel as well. In 2023, we broke records with 8.3 million overnight stays in our region alone. Travelers
Dennehy and Bouley, LLC team wins Chamber golf tournament
38 teams competed in the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 7 at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. First Place: Jim Bouley, Jackson Bouley, Gavin Richardson, and Will Bennett Second Place: Davidson & Stone, PLLC Team with Adam Davidson, Tim Davidson, Sean Luckern, and Corey Luckern Third Place: Haywood Electric Team with Brennan Haywood, Taylor Blanchette, Kyle Tillotson, and John Foote Putting Contest: Northbranch Construction Longest Drive (men): Sean Luckern, Davidson & Stone Team Longest Drive (women):
Thank you for your feedback
Graphic: Responses for “What motivated you to join the Chamber initially?” We recently completed a membership-wide survey, and were thrilled by our members’ participation and feedback about their Chamber experience. 120 representatives from member organizations completed the survey; which is a sizeable snapshot of the over 800 businesses that are a part of our organization. In this survey, the Chamber received a 4.6 out of 5 average rating on member satisfaction. This high score means so much to our board, staff, and volunteers who invest
32 local professionals selected for Leadership Greater Concord
32 local professionals from diverse industries have been accepted into Leadership Greater Concord (LGC), the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious leadership program. This highly competitive program features day-long sessions that cover many aspects of our region’s public resources and governance, and each LGC class connects with prominent business and civic leaders who are making decisions about Greater Concord’s future. The program is offered for area professionals who are interested in making a lasting impact on the Capital Region community. The LGC class of 2025
Funds for Education Golf Tournament
On Wednesday, August 7, golfers will line up in carts at Beaver Meadow Golf Course, waiting for the scramble start of the 36th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament. Hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and presented by Breezeline, this tournament attracts business and community leaders from across the Capital Region. Although golfers love the beautiful course, delicious food, and exciting games and contests, the true motivation behind the many participating sponsors, players, and volunteers is the worthy cause this tournament supports. The
Advocacy Update: December 2024
The Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Committee, chaired by former mayor Jim Bouley, meets monthly to keep lines of communication open between the business community and City of Concord officials and staff. Last winter, this committee heard from Mayor Champlin regarding City Council priorities. In March, the Chamber shared its own
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Samuel and Dan Habib
“The Ride Ahead” was recently named Best NH Feature Documentary, and is a product of the Emmy Award-winning team that includes Concord-based director, Dan Habib. The film will premiere on Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in downtown Concord, and then will run
Chris Brown honored as 2024 Citizen of the Year
Chris Brown, President of New Hampshire Distributors, LLC, and founder of the 1883 Black Ice Hockey Association received the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor at their 105th Annual Meeting on November 6. The dinner at the Grappone Conference Center welcomed over 250 community, nonprofit and business leaders from
Advocacy Update: The Chamber is your business advocate
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce plays an important role for businesses in the Capital Region by engaging in advocacy at both the local and state levels. There are two standing committees within the Chamber that address this: State Government Affairs Committee This committee tracks legislation at the state level,
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Jean Hakuzimana, Founder of NH Songa
Tell us a little bit about your organization’s mission. NH Songa seeks to build our workforce and establish connections and new relationships between local businesses, employers, and the immigrant community in NH. What does your organization offer to professionals in the Concord area? Education through conversations about immigrants in the
High school sophomores may apply to CASL
Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) is an immersive program that encourages students to learn more about their community, and their own unique skills and strengths as leaders. Presented by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, and generously underwritten by Northeast Delta Dental, CASL has been in existence for more than
Advocacy Update: Chamber’s Local Government Affairs Committee suggests city zoning changes
Under the leadership of former mayor Jim Bouley, the Chamber’s Local Government Affairs committee has been actively advocating on behalf of the business community with elected officials and City of Concord staff. Recently, a subcommittee was established to take a look at Concord’s zoning ordinance, which is in urgent need
Inclusion in Action: Interview with Andy Bullock, Executive Director of Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum
Tell us a little bit about your organization’s mission. Through partnership with Native peoples, exhibits, and workshops, Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum serves as a living center for artistic expression, traditional values, and contributions from past and contemporary Native life. The Museum embraces cultural diversity and encourages environmental action based upon
Celebrate Welcoming Week with us!
Welcoming Week is September 13-22 and is presented annually by the Concord Multicultural Festival. Local businesses and organizations are invited to join the celebration! We encourage your team to take a photo with our “I’m a Welcomer” signs and submit the image to our online album at concordnhchamber.com/welcoming-week. We will
Chris Brown named 2024 Citizen of the Year
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce Chris Brown, President of New Hampshire Distributors, LLC, and founder of the 1883 Black Ice Hockey Association, as its 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will present this distinguished award at its 105th Annual Meeting and Citizen of
Travel trends point to Concord, NH as an emerging destination
Tourism is breaking records in New Hampshire. According to a study prepared by Dean Runyan Associates for the NH Division of Travel and Tourism, visitors spent $2.4 billion in 2023—a significant jump from the pre-pandemic years, including previous tourism booms. Although we may think of these trends impacting our state’s
Dennehy and Bouley, LLC team wins Chamber golf tournament
38 teams competed in the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 7 at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. First Place: Jim Bouley, Jackson Bouley, Gavin Richardson, and Will Bennett Second Place: Davidson & Stone, PLLC Team with Adam Davidson, Tim Davidson, Sean
Thank you for your feedback
Graphic: Responses for “What motivated you to join the Chamber initially?” We recently completed a membership-wide survey, and were thrilled by our members’ participation and feedback about their Chamber experience. 120 representatives from member organizations completed the survey; which is a sizeable snapshot of the over 800 businesses that are
32 local professionals selected for Leadership Greater Concord
32 local professionals from diverse industries have been accepted into Leadership Greater Concord (LGC), the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious leadership program. This highly competitive program features day-long sessions that cover many aspects of our region’s public resources and governance, and each LGC class connects with prominent business and
Funds for Education Golf Tournament
On Wednesday, August 7, golfers will line up in carts at Beaver Meadow Golf Course, waiting for the scramble start of the 36th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament. Hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and presented by Breezeline, this tournament attracts business and community leaders from across
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