NEW HAMPSHIRE HOSTS DISCOVER NEW ENGLAND’S 16TH ANNUAL TOURISM SUMMIT & INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE

Nearly 80 International Tour Operators Meet with

300 New England Venues;

Providing Economic Impact of $1.2 Million to State

Concord, New Hampshire, March 30th, 2011 – New Hampshire tourism officials announced today that nearly 80 international tour operators and 300 representatives from New England hotels, resorts, attractions and destinations will be arriving over the weekend to attend Discover New England’s 2011 Summit at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. The summit is projected to have a positive economic impact of $1.2 million on the state.

“Hosting this first class event will bring short and long term benefits to the New Hampshire travel industry, as well as the New England region,” said Lori Harnois, director of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD). “With conference rooms, extra meals and spending from close to 400 people, our industry experts project a very positive economic impact to New Hampshire of more than $1.2 million. However, the longer term benefit of increasing our numbers of international travelers to New England is equally important.” According to Harnois, approximately 1.6 million overseas travelers come to the region each year. This conference is an opportunity to showcase all that New England can offer to international travelers looking to explore and experience a vacation here.

The annual summit rotates among the six New England states, and this is the first time since 2005 that the event has been held in New Hampshire. The conference runs Monday April 4th – Wednesday April 6th.

“Discover New England works to increase visitation into the New England region primarily by working closely with international tour operators and U.S-based receptive operators who either have established itineraries in New England or are looking to introduce new programs,” said Sue Norrington-Davies, managing director of Discover New England. “This is the largest travel conference we’ve hosted in New England, and it will represent an extraordinary opportunity to develop business with tour operators and showcase the region.”

Workshops and one-on-one business meetings with international tour operators and receptive operators will take place throughout the conference, as well as presentations by tourism professionals.

Media interested in attending the conference or looking for more information or interviews can contact Tai Freligh, Communications Manager, DTTD at (603) 271-2343, #2; tai.freligh@dred.state.nh.us.; or Deb Daigle, Media Relations, Montagne Communications, (603) 644-3200 x12; ddaigle@montagnecom.com . The “How to Summit” workshop on Monday, April 4th from 1 – 2 PM is recommended for first time attendees.

Discover New England (DNE) is the official tourism organization representing the New England region, and is a non-profit cooperative marketing entity funded by the participating states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. DNE’s primary mission is to increase tourism to the New England region from overseas markets — with a particular focus on the core markets of the United Kingdom/Ireland and Germany.

DNE was formed in 1992 when the incumbent Tourism Directors of the respective New England states formed a united front to market collectively to Europe. Outside of the United States, New England is the “brand” recognized by travelers and tour operators, who often do not recognize the names of the individual states. This joint marketing effort has proven to be highly successful and continues to offer an excellent return on investment for the individual states each year.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The Division of Travel and Tourism Development, as part of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, works with the state’s seven travel regions to increase visitation, travel and visitor expenditures in order to expand business activity and employment throughout the state. The division is responsible for domestic and international advertising and public relations, literature publication and distribution, www.visitnh.gov administration, grant administration and research to monitor and measure the impact of travel and tourism to the state. For more information about New Hampshire tourism, call 603-271-2665 or visit www.visitnh.gov.

Tee off with The Homemakers for the elderly June 14th

A green jacket may not be up for grabs, but there will be plenty of fun, prizes and specialty holes at The Homemakers Health Services Ninth Annual Golf Tournament Fore the Elderly being held Tuesday, June 14th at The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth.

The major sponsor of this year’s tournament is Eastern Propane.

All proceeds from the tournament will go toward providing vital health care services to elderly and disabled people in need throughout the County.

“Whether you consider yourself a pro, amateur or a beginner, you’re invited to grab your clubs and join us on the course for the 8:30 a.m. shotgun start,” says René Philpott, community relations director with The Homemakers. “There will be something for everyone whether you’re fiercely competitive or just want to enjoy a day on the golf course while supporting our health care programs.”

A special “Early Bird” registration fee of $115 per golfer will be given to all participants who submit their registration payment by Friday, April 29th. After April 29th the registration fee is $125. Registration includes green fees, cart rental, dinner, a goody bag and a raffle ticket for prizes. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, third and last place teams. Golfers will also have the opportunity to compete for other prizes while on the course, including longest putt, longest drive and a special Vegas hole. A membership to The Oaks Golf Links, valued at $2,300 will also be raffled the day of the tournament.

Golfers are invited to register as a team or register individually and be placed in a foursome. As the tournament is limited to 144 players, Philpott urges people to reserve their space now by registering early at www.TheHomemakers.org.

“For those who don’t golf, but would like to participate in some way, sponsorship opportunities are also available,” says Philpott. “Our tournament not only promises to be a great time, but is a great avenue for business exposure.”

Other sponsors to date include: Breakfast sponsor - Seacoast Redicare; WOKQ – Vegas Hole Sponsor, First Place Net Sponsor – Bernier Insurance, Inc. and Hole Sponsor Seacoast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; and prize sponsors, the Gafney Home, Windjammer’s Seafood Restaurant, Granite Steak and Grill, Red’s Shoe Barn and Applebee’s Restaurant.

For more information about the tournament, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, contact: René Philpott (603) 335-1770, ext. 103 or rphilpott@thehomemakers.org.

Molly Hodgson Smith Named Executive Director of Greater Dover Chamber Of Commerce

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has named Molly Hodgson Smith as its new Executive Director. Hodgson Smith is an experienced nonprofit manger who has led several New Hampshire membership organizations. She will manage the daily operations of the Chamber as well as work with the Board of Directors to develop effective Chamber programs.

"We are pleased to welcome Molly back to the Dover business community after several years of working on statewide initiatives", said Michael Bolduc, Attorney at Wyskiel, Boc, Tillinghast & Bolduc, P.A. and chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. Hodgson Smith started her nonprofit career serving as the events manager at the Chamber from 1994-1998. "She has an extensive record of success in developing and building business membership organizations. We look forward to her leadership, " said Dave Paolini, Designated Broker at Century 21/Central Falls Realty, a member of the search committee and the Chamber's chair-elect of the Board of Directors.

Hodgson Smith has over 12 years of executive director leadership experience, first with New Hampshire Made, Inc. and recently with New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. She lives in Madbury with her husband and two children.

I am thrilled to be returning to the Dover business community," Hodgson Smith said. "Dover has a thriving economic development center that makes it an attractive choice for employers to establish, maintain, and grow businesses. With its rich history, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities, and vibrant downtown retail center and developing riverfront, Dover is a great place for residents and visitors alike."

The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit association of businesses, professionals, organizations and individuals, working together to advance the economic well-being of its members and the community. For details on chamber membership, a schedule of activities and other program information, please call the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at (603) 742-2218, e-mail info@dovernh.org visit www.dovernh.org or find us on Facebook at Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce.

Dover Chamber Ribbon Cuttings in February

Brylie Collins Photography offers affordable, photojournalistic photography, including weddings, family portraiture, corporate and product photos, maternity portraits, senior portraits, pet and animal photography. For more information, including samples of Brylie Collins’ work and booking information, please visit www.brylyecollinsphotography.com.

Enterprise City represents yet another unique organization in the ever expanding array of Dover businesses that serve the youth recreation and education community, primarily serving 5th to 8th graders throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and beyond. They o

ffer a highly interactive scholastic program that consists of 3 to 6 weeks of in-school curriculum, culminating in a day of hands-on learning and discovery at their “simulated city.” This

remarkably realistic facility consists of a Post Office, a Bank, a City Hall, restaurants, doctor’s offices, retail shops, a TV station and various other components of a real business community, all of which are run by the students.

Throughout the program, students learn about civic and electoral processes through the election of a Mayor, take out bank loans to start virtual “businesses,” create resumes and compete for various jobs within the simulated community. The curriculum incorporates social studies,

mathematics, finance, political science, marketing and economics, weaving the various fields of study together in a life-like manner that makes a lasting impression on participants, primarily students in grades 5 through 8.

For more information on Enterprise City, including volunteer information and licensing opportunities, please visit their website at www.enterprisecity.org.

Located in downtown Dover’s historic Masonic Building on the corner of Washington Street and Central Avenue, the Painted Elephant Massage Studio offers an array of popular therapeutic health services, including massage and Reiki, with several massage therapists on hand to choose from.

For more information about Painted Elephant, or to book an appointment, please call (603) 343-5466.

With the capacity to seat over 350 guests, Rivermill at Dover Landing is one of the largest indoor function facilities in the seacoast. The artfully restored event space is located in the Picker Mill behind One Washington Center, overlooking the Cochecho River and Henry Law Park. Inside, Rivermill boasts traditional 1800s brick and beam architecture, high ceilings, a fully equipped catering kitchen and tall, arched windows that offer expansive views of the river, the Park and Dover’s historic City Hall clock tower.

For more information on Rivermill at Dover Landing, including photos and event booking information, please visit www.rivermillnh.com.

Founded and run by Executive Director Astrid Wielens, Zebra Crossings provides programs for children with chronic health conditions - including those at risk for developing such conditions – and their families.

In New Hampshire alone, over 10,000 children suffer from life-threatening chronic illnesses, and Zebra Crossings programming helps these children gain self-confidence and a sense of independence, develop friendships, set life goals and take responsibility for the personal; health and well-being. Programs include sports and recreation, climbing and hiking, theatre and performing arts, cooking’ gardening, photography horseback riding, dance, arts and crafts, woodworking and more.

Zebra Crossings programs are supported through gifts from donors and sponsors. Families only pay a small registration fee to participate, and scholarships are available to keep underserved families from taking part in the various programs.

For more information on Zebra Crossings, including the origin of their unique name, program offerings, and how you can help support them, please email info@zebrac-crossings.org or visit their website at www.zebra-crossings.org.

2011 State of the State Breakfast Forum

Sponsored by:

Tuesday, April 26th - 7:30am to 9:00am

Governor's Inn - 78 Wakefield Street - Rochester

$15 members, $25 not-yet members

RSVP Online or Call 603/742-2218

Come hear Governor John Lynch's outlook and priorities for the upcoming year at this annual breakfast event. Join with members from the Tri-Chamber's region at the Historic Governor's Inn in Rochester. Please bring your questions and engage in a lively discussion with the Governor.

REGISTER NOW - DEADLINE is APRIL 19th

Calling All Peeps to the Dover Public Library!

The Dover Public Library is looking for some creative peeps to enter our third annual “Peeps Show” contest during National Library Week, April 10-16. Here’s how it works: Build a diorama using peeps of any color in a standard size shoe box. This year’s theme is anything literary: recreate a scene from a favorite book or portray a character from a book.

There are four prize divisions. Those 18 or older will compete in the Adult Division, while peeps, people 13- 18 may enter the Teen division. Children ages 4 – 7 are invited to enter the Kids Division, and those between 8 – 12 years of age may enter in the Youth Division.

On the back of your shoe box, please include your name, address, phone number, and title of your “Peeps Show”. All Peeps displays may be dropped off at the Dover Public Library beginning Monday, April 11th through Saturday, April 16th during regular library hours. The Peeps will be displayed in the library for all to enjoy. The dioramas will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Monday afternoon, April 25th. Peeps should be picked up by Thursday, April 28th. All Peeps not picked up by the deadline will be discarded or eaten. For more information, call 516-6082.

HOLY ROSARY CREDIT UNION DONATES TO ST. CHARLES WITH HELP FROM THE WILDCATS

Rochester, NH – Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) teamed up with UNH Wildcats Men’s basketball team to raise money for St. Charles Children’s Home in Rochester, NH. ‘Hoops for Hope’ was launched at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season with a plan to donate $1.00 for every point scored by the Wildcats team over the season. 1749 points were scored, so a check from HRCU was presented to St. Charles with much gratitude and enthusiasm.

The donated funds will go toward a new program for post adoption families in which additional support is offered to new families transitioning and adapting to the adoption process. The Children’s Home recently made renovations to their existing building in order to administer this program, however, as a result of state budget cuts; the home has relied on contributions to finance this project. With the funds that HRCU and UNH raised through the Hoops for Hope campaign, the Children’s Home will be able to further develop and support this program.

Brian Hughes, CEO and President of HRCU, said, “This was a great success, and I’d like to personally thank all the folks at UNH Wildcat sports, Coach Herrion and all the players for helping us bring hope and support to the children at St. Charles. This initiative was aligned with our commitment to education and families in the communities we serve and we’re very pleased with the results.”

Service Credit Union Green Corporate Offices Building Under Way

PORTSMOUTH, NH. (March 25, 2011) – Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, recently announced that construction will begin on the credit union’s LEED certified, new corporate offices building at 2995 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth in the spring of 2011. The 100,000 square foot building is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012.

Currently, Service Credit Union’s Corporate Offices resides at 2010 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth in a 19,000 square foot building. The new building, designed by the architectural firm of GUND Partnership of Cambridge, Mass., will be constructed with local, New Hampshire labor. Both the new and current Corporate Office buildings will accommodate present and expected future growth over the next ten to fifteen years. Service Credit Union will immediately house over 100 employees, bringing 60 new jobs to the city after completion with plans for expansion of another 40 or more jobs over the next five years.

“Service Credit Union is committed to a clean, friendly environment”, says Gordon Simmons, “thus, we are pleased that we were able to pursue the LEED green initiative (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) directed by the U. S. Green Building Council. Our LEED building addresses the cleanup of a formerly contaminated landsite, water, energy and atmospheric efficiencies, materials and resources as well as indoor environmental quality, innovation and design. We are striving for a LEED Gold certification”. The new corporate offices will be designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction and improved indoor environmental quality. Some of LEED elements of the building include skylights, geothermal heating and natural sunlight.

“Service Credit Union is committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility by conserving energy and water, providing a healthier, safer workplace and reducing waste,” says Gordon Simmons.

“Because of our members’ loyalty and our consistent steady growth, we have outgrown our present space,” says Gordon Simmons. “This larger facility will allow Service Credit Union and its employees to effectively serve our growing local and worldwide membership.”

“Our members will continue to experience the same exceptional service, low loan rates and high deposit rates with low or no fees as they always have,” according to Gordon Simmons. “And, we thank our members for their support of their credit union.”

The four-story building will feature a full service, 24/7 member service call center, foreign exchange, member check imaging, processing and control, Finance, community rooms, conference rooms, departmental and executive offices. The three community rooms will be offered for use by local city government, not-for-profit organizations and other community based associations to help with the growing need for meeting space in Portsmouth and nearby towns.

This new building expands Service Credit Union’s footprint in the area. More than 50 years ago, the credit union began at Pease Air Force Base as the Portsmouth Air Force Base Federal Credit Union to serve military and civilian employees there. Now the largest credit union in New Hampshire at more than $1.8 billion in assets and serving the citizens in nine of the ten counties in the state, four towns in Massachusetts and with members around the world, Service Credit Union has grown to serve close to 146,000 members with branches in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Germany. Besides the new corporate offices, the credit union’s current properties will be used by the credit union for present requirements and to expand on future needs.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 35 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full internet banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. Service Credit Union has 18 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Service Credit Union Green Corporate Offices Building Under Way

PORTSMOUTH, NH. (March 25, 2011) – Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, recently announced that construction will begin on the credit union’s LEED certified, new corporate offices building at 2995 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth in the spring of 2011. The 100,000 square foot building is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012.

Currently, Service Credit Union’s Corporate Offices resides at 2010 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth in a 19,000 square foot building. The new building, designed by the architectural firm of GUND Partnership of Cambridge, Mass., will be constructed with local, New Hampshire labor. Both the new and current Corporate Office buildings will accommodate present and expected future growth over the next ten to fifteen years. Service Credit Union will immediately house over 100 employees, bringing 60 new jobs to the city after completion with plans for expansion of another 40 or more jobs over the next five years.

“Service Credit Union is committed to a clean, friendly environment”, says Gordon Simmons, “thus, we are pleased that we were able to pursue the LEED green initiative (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) directed by the U. S. Green Building Council. Our LEED building addresses the cleanup of a formerly contaminated landsite, water, energy and atmospheric efficiencies, materials and resources as well as indoor environmental quality, innovation and design. We are striving for a LEED Gold certification”. The new corporate offices will be designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction and improved indoor environmental quality. Some of LEED elements of the building include skylights, geothermal heating and natural sunlight.

“Service Credit Union is committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility by conserving energy and water, providing a healthier, safer workplace and reducing waste,” says Gordon Simmons.

“Because of our members’ loyalty and our consistent steady growth, we have outgrown our present space,” says Gordon Simmons. “This larger facility will allow Service Credit Union and its employees to effectively serve our growing local and worldwide membership.”

“Our members will continue to experience the same exceptional service, low loan rates and high deposit rates with low or no fees as they always have,” according to Gordon Simmons. “And, we thank our members for their support of their credit union.”

The four-story building will feature a full service, 24/7 member service call center, foreign exchange, member check imaging, processing and control, Finance, community rooms, conference rooms, departmental and executive offices. The three community rooms will be offered for use by local city government, not-for-profit organizations and other community based associations to help with the growing need for meeting space in Portsmouth and nearby towns.

This new building expands Service Credit Union’s footprint in the area. More than 50 years ago, the credit union began at Pease Air Force Base as the Portsmouth Air Force Base Federal Credit Union to serve military and civilian employees there. Now the largest credit union in New Hampshire at more than $1.8 billion in assets and serving the citizens in nine of the ten counties in the state, four towns in Massachusetts and with members around the world, Service Credit Union has grown to serve close to 146,000 members with branches in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Germany. Besides the new corporate offices, the credit union’s current properties will be used by the credit union for present requirements and to expand on future needs.

Service Credit Union is a full service financial institution, offering a wide range of financial products to its members. With 35 branch locations including two staffed 24/7 contact centers, and full internet banking services, Service Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in New Hampshire (excluding Coos County), 4 towns in Cape Cod, MA., and all branches of the U.S. Military and Department of Defense employees and their families. Service Credit Union has 18 branches in New Hampshire, one in Massachusetts, and 16 branches on U.S. military bases in Germany.

Dover Public Library to Host Solar Energy Workshops

The Dover Public Library will offer two free Solar Energy Workshops presented by Seacoast Energy Alternatives. The first will be “Solar Hot Water for the Homeowner” on Monday, April 4 at 7pm in the Library Lecture Hall. Solar hot water, from the smallest residential systems to full scale home heating, will be explored. Participants will learn how systems work, what costs are involved, and calculate the return on investment.

The second workshop, “Electricity from the Sun” will be held on Monday, April 18 at 7pm in the Library Lecture Hall. Participants will learn about conventional grid-tied solar electric, battery back-up, and off grid systems. A question and answer period will follow each session. For more information, contact the Dover Public Library at 516-6050.