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Inclusion in Action: Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
In recognition of Black History Month, we interviewed JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. You can learn more about this organization and access their resources at blackheritagetrailnh.org. Tell us a little bit about your organization’s mission. The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to recovering and celebrating New Hampshire’s rich but often overlooked Black history. Founded seven years ago, BHTNH evolved from the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail (PBHT), which has illuminated the
Take advantage of your member benefits in 2025
The new year is the perfect time to reflect on your business goals, and evaluate how to best invest your time and efforts in the year ahead. In Greater Concord, over 800 businesses and organizations have chosen to rely on one specific resource to help them continuously grow their client base and stand out in the community—the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. We’d like to remind you of some of the Chamber’s most popular programs and resources, and point you towards the tools that can
Inclusion in Action: NH Songa
On November 20, 2024, NH Songa welcomed business leaders, community advocates, and professionals to the Moving Together Conversations: Immigrants in New Hampshire’s Workforce conference. Held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, the event addressed the significant contributions of immigrant workers and explored strategies to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces across New Hampshire. The conference opened with remarks from Jean Hakuzimana, Founder of NH Songa, who shared his personal journey of migrating to Concord in 2018 and the challenges he faced integrating into a
The volunteers who power your Chamber
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is proud to host many committees who help us carry out our mission—to develop economic opportunities, strengthen the business climate, and enhance the quality of life in the Capital Region. These dedicated volunteers are an essential part of our organization; they advocate for local businesses, provide educational programs for area students, beautify New Hampshire’s capital city, and much more. “We give our time, and help members of the Chamber connect with others to help their businesses grow,” said Ambassador
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
Leadership Greater Concord Announces 2026 Class
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Leadership Greater Concord (LGC) program is a highly competitive, 10-month deep dive into our region’s public resources and governance. This initiative is generously underwritten by Unitil and features speakers such as Governor Ayotte, Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, City of Concord Mayor Byron Champlin, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services Lori Weaver, Chief Osgood of Concord Police Department, and Jim Schachter of New Hampshire Public Radio—among others. LGC participants have personal conversations with these presenters and continue to engage with them after graduation. […]
Dennehy and Bouley, LLC team wins 37th annual Concord Chamber Funds for Education Golf Tournament
35 teams competed in the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Funds for Education Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 6 at Beaver Meadow Golf Course. The Dennehy and Bouley, LLC team placed first for their second consecutive year, finishing 20 strokes under par with a final score of 52. Read on for a full list of winners and an event recap.
Thank You, Madison Hendrick!
The entire Chamber team extends a warm thank you to Madison Hendrick for her incredible work as our Manager of Member Engagement. We’re sad to see her go, but excited for her as she steps into a new opportunity with Xello as Staff Liaison for the New Hampshire region. In her new role, Madi will be connecting businesses across New Hampshire with eager high school students for work-based learning and internship opportunities. […]
Greater Concord Chamber names Bryanna Marceau as next President
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the promotion of Bryanna (Bree) Marceau to President & CEO, effective October 1, 2025. Marceau, who currently serves as Vice President of Operations & Programs, will succeed current President & CEO Tim Sink, who is stepping down at the end of September after a tenure of over 30 years. Throughout her tenure, Marceau has played a pivotal role in the Chamber’s success; she has served as the lead staff liaison for Leadership Greater Concord, Capital Area Student Leadership (CASL) Program, and the Concord Young Professionals Network, expanding their reach and impact. As Vice President, she is responsible for overseeing the Chamber’s internal operations. […]
Federal policy changes and their local impact
In May, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce hosted a timely forum focused on recent federal policy shifts and their potential impact on New Hampshire’s economy. The discussion explored complex topics such as tariffs, DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), and executive orders—and what they could mean for businesses and nonprofits across the Granite State. Panelists included Kathleen Reardon, Chief Executive Officer of the NH Center for Nonprofits; Stephen McAllister, Vice President of the Eastern Region at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Chase Hagaman, Director of Economic Development at the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
Concord businesses celebrated at Pinnacle Awards
Photo: Business Leader of the Year Clement Kigugu delivers acceptance remarks at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards. via Derrick Loughlin, DL Photos Over 150 community professionals, leaders, and residents celebrated Concord’s 2024 Pinnacle Award recipients on June 4th at the Grappone Conference Center. The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce celebrated its
Stay connected with state and local politics
Last month, the Chamber held its annual State of the State forum, this year with Governor Kelly Ayotte. While sharing her administration’s priorities and vision for our state’s future, the Governor reaffirmed New Hampshire’s reputation as the “Beast of the Northeast” and emphasized the state’s economic resilience. “There are lots
Thank you, Emily Marsh
The entire Chamber team wishes Emily Marsh a special thank you for her hard work as our Creative Director. We’re sad she will be leaving the Chamber at the end of this month, but thrilled that she is stepping into an exciting new role at NHTI-Concord’s Community College—a member company!
Trade show to highlight Concord businesses
On Tuesday, April 8, businesses from across the Greater Concord region will showcase their products and services at the 34th Annual Business Showcase. Hosted by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and presented by Merrimack County Savings Bank, this dynamic trade show brings together over 400 professionals in a lively,
Call for Art in NH’s Capital City
The City of Concord, NH and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce invite sculptors to submit entries for the capital city’s 8th annual outdoor art exhibit. Accepted entries will be on display from June 2025 through May 2026, enhancing the historic downtown area. There is no fee to submit works,
Sink to Step Down as Greater Concord Chamber President
After nearly 33 years as President and CEO of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Tim Sink has announced that he plans to step down at the end of the current fiscal year on September 30, 2025. “I have had the privilege of serving this dynamic chamber through some challenging
Funds for Education Grants
The Chamber’s Funds for Education Committee is accepting grant applications from local educators. Teachers, nonprofits, and community leaders who have developed innovative programs that would benefit from financial support are encouraged to apply. Funded projects will focus on connecting local students to career opportunities and fostering the development of practical
2025 Economic Outlook forum Recap
2025 Economic Outlook Luncheon Recap Article The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 2025 Economic Outlook Luncheon, an annual event that provides local businesses and community leaders with expert insights on the economic landscape for the year ahead. This year’s luncheon, presented by Eversource Energy, featured two esteemed
Advocacy Update: January 2025
Local Government Affairs City councilors Amanda Grady Sexton, Jennifer Kretovic and Michele Horne were guests at our January meeting, and had the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders who discussed some of the committee’s top priorities—economic development, tax base expansion and the development process. It was a valuable
Boosting our local economy through tourism marketing
Each season, the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) announces results from its advertising campaigns. Their return on investment (ROI) results for summer 2023 showed that visitors spent $228 for every $1 that the state invested in marketing. However, proposed state budget cuts could significantly alter the
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