Purple Urchin Restaurant - Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce

June 2012
Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter
Dan “Desi” Lanio Named
“Citizen of the Year”
2012 “Best of Toast to the Coast” Winner
by Rotary Club of Hampton
Purple Urchin Restaurant
Desi Lanio
Mini Crab Cakes with Champagne Remoulade
over Black Bean Salad
EVENT UNDERWRITER
Photos by Hampton Beach Photo
The speeches were heartfelt, the reactions were emotional, the nomination was
undeniably justified, and the selection of
Dan “Desi” Lanio as Rotary’s Citizen of the Year was unanimous
and wildly popular.
The Hampton Area Chamber congratulates Desi on this award, and
agrees with all the reasons he received
it. Desi is truly the glue that holds the
town together with spirit, generosity,
philanthropy, and heart. Well done!
Optima Bank sponsored the Citizen of the Year event. Desi is
shown here with Alyson Graybill of Optima Bank in a courtesy
photo.
Reprinted in part with permission from Seacoastonline, Hampton Union,
and Patrick Cronin:
When anybody needs a helping hand, friends and colleagues of
Dan “Desi” Lanio say the larger than life character at the bar is always
one of the first people to ask “what can I do to help.” The co-owner
Continued on page 2
SPONSORS: BayRing Communications, Taste of the
Seacoast, Wheelabrator Technologies, Owens Corning,
D.F. Richard Energy, Tobey & Merrill Insurance,
Hampton Inn & Suites of Exeter, O’Brien’s General
Store, Allegra Marketing Print Mail
“SUMMER SUNSET CRUISE”
Friday, June 8th - 6:00-8:00 pm
The Hampton Area Chamber Of Commerce and the
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company in Portsmouth, NH
invite you to celebrate the beginning of the “Summer
Season” aboard the 348 passenger party ship the “MV
THOMAS LAIGHTON” for a two hour sunset cruise of
Portsmouth Harbor. Enjoy a free raffle, DJ RYZ, hors
d’oeuvres, cocktails available & lots of summer enthusiasm!
RAIN OR SHINE
This event is FREE but please REGISTER:
email: [email protected]
Continued from page 1
of the 401 Tavern in downtown Hampton has raised countless money
for charities, supported the troops with care packages and even helped
the town put on one of the best Christmas Parades by bringing the
Stanley Cup to Hampton.
Living up to the Rotarian motto, “service above self,” is what led
him to be named Citizen of the Year on Thursday night at Ashworth
by the Sea.
“If I’m Citizen of the Year, this town is in trouble,” said Lanio.
“Citizen of the Year is Chief Maloney dying to protect the public from
drugs. It’s the military men and women who died for the freedoms
that we take for granted. What I do, is just me.”
Lanio was unanimously selected to receive the honor, said Rotarian Larry Marsolais. “He is very community active, he’s always
doing something for somebody, and he never turns people away,”
Marsolais said.
State Rep. Fred Rice, R-Hampton, said he nominated Lanio for the
award because of his generosity, public spirit and the “positive energy
he has given to the town of Hampton.”
Lanio, along with Mark LaRoche, have owned the 401 Tavern since
2009. Prior to buying the tavern, he spent 17 years as manager of La
Bec Rouge at Hampton Beach.
Bob Preston, of Preston Real Estate, said Lanio is more than deserving of the honor for helping out numerous charities, including The
100 Club of New Hampshire, a statewide organization dedicated to
assisting families of police officers and firefighters who have lost loved
ones in the line of duty. After the funeral of slain Greenland Police
Chief Michael Maloney, Preston said Lanio shut down the parking lot
of his restaurant and hosted a buffet for all the officers. “He makes
things happen, and that’s a good thing,” Preston said.
David Hartnett, a Hampton resident and head girls basketball
coach at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, said Lanio has done much
for the kids and schools in the community. Hartnett recalled one time
when Lanio contributed money for every sports team at Winnacunnet
High School. “Anyone can cut a check,” Hartnett said. “Desi takes an
interest in these kids. When these kids come in, he makes them feel
important. He makes them feel like they have done something for the
community.”
Lanio is also one of many organizers behind Experience Hampton, the group that brought back the Christmas Parade. “Experience
Hampton is made up of a lot of people, but Desi more than carries his
weight,” said Preston, noting it was Lanio’s connections that brought
the Stanley Cup to town.
LaRoche said “God, family, country and community” are Lanio’s
cornerstones. “You can’t prioritize them because he puts his all in on
every single one of them,” said LaRoche.
Lanio said he was truly humbled by the honor and thanked LaRoche, Tracy Dewhurst and the late Sylvia Dewhurst, former owners
of La Bec Rouge, for giving him an opportunity when he needed it
the most. He urged others to do the same when people are down on
their luck.
“Now, I’m really going to have to go out and earn this thing,”
Lanio said.
CHAMBER CONNECTION
A Daytime Networking Event
Wednesday, July 11, 2011, 11:30 to 12:30
Hampton Chamber Office
One Lafayette Road, Hampton
Hampton Area Chamber members and their guests are invited to join us for this straightforward networking opportunity
on the first Wednesday of most months from 11:30 to 12:30.
Attendees will meet other professionals to make contacts and
expand visibility for their businesses. There will be time for a
short infomercial about your business, a featured speaker will
present a topic of interest, and the rest is all about networking.
Contact Katie Curran at 603-926-8718, ext. 104 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve a spot. Reservations are
required. An e-mail confirmation will be sent to each month’s
attendees.
If you would like to be a speaker, email [email protected] and get on the list.
Joe Mittica of Edward Jones Investments
was the presenter at the May Chamber
Connection daytime networking meeting.
He outlined strategies for retirement planning, giving us lots to think about about as
we plan for the future. Contact Joe Mittica
at 603-964-1947.
Scenes from 2012 Toast to the Coast
Photos by Hampton Beach Photo
From the Chairman of the Board
Happy almost Summer! It’s coming and it’s
coming fast. I have been in contact with the weather
people and looks like a GREAT summer.
As you remember, we had a great annual meeting
event and want to keep the theme . . . Change is in
the air. It’s been an exciting spring with many new
businesses coming into the Hampton Chamber’s coverage area. The
mood is looking to make that change for the entire community.
Some things that have been happening at the Chamber:
1) Our Membership Director, Pat Morgenstern, has had an excellent Spring and we have gained many new members. Thanks for your
great work.
2) Seafood Festival: We have a new presenting sponsor, Seacoast
Harley-Davidson. Sign-up for sponsors, food, and craft vendors are
happening early and at a great pace. Thanks to Ginni, Katie, Pat and
the entire staff working on this event.
3) Beach Office: We will have the information office at the beach,
opening Memorial Day weekend. Meetings have been held with the
beach staff to make sure the office has a fresh look for the summer.
Clean and Shiny for the Season!
4) Computer System Upgrade: The Chamber’s uptown office has
had a big upgrade in the computer systems. This includes a new
server, new computers, and upgrades of programs. We now can work
at lightning speed.
5) Chamber Website: We are working with Chamber Works to
upgrade the site to get a new look for our members and the services
that we provide.
6) Chamber By-laws: The goal is to get these reviewed and updated in 2012.
7) Government /Local Affairs Committee: Had our first meeting
and will look to make progress working on two programs. Speaker
program with the elections coming this fall and the Business Relocation
Pack. This would help businesses that are coming into the towns to
receive information about the planning process with the town boards,
departments and what the Chamber can do for you.
8) Wow . . . we have been busy, busy working for our members
along with Business After Hours, networking events, and all the other
happenings on the seacoast.
So get ready for an EXCITING and SUNNY Summer!!!
See ya around town,
Dean Merrill, Chairman of the Board
Healthcare Advisory Committee
June 2012 Update
The Seacoast Chamber Alliance Healthcare Advisory Committee
continues to meet monthly in a collective effort to move the ball down
the field on behalf of the six Seacoast Chamber’s memberships. Our
goal is to provide an affordable healthcare solution to our members.
The group has researched over a dozen models in different states
and interviewed organizers of each. While it is a very challenging
environment to affect change, the group remains steadfast in our
commitment to make progress on this very important issue to the small
business community. Several hurdles or unknowns that have or may
impact healthcare are;
o The New Hampshire Legislature debating whether to adopt
healthcare exchanges.
o The pending decision of the United States Supreme Court on
the constitutionality of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act (PPACA).
o The pending election results in November.
All of these variables impact the direction the Seacoast Chamber
Alliance Healthcare Advisory Committee and the future of collaborative
healthcare purchasing alliances.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our work!
Members from L to R back row:
Patrick Hughes, Fallon Community
Healthcare; Thomas Jean, Frisbie
Memorial Hospital; Doug Bates, Greater
Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce; Scott
Bean, Bean Insurance Company; Michael
Bolduc, Wyskiel, Boc, Tillinghast & Bolduc
P.A.; Toby Arkwell, RW Insurance. L to
R front row: Molly Hodgson Smith,
Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce;
Laura Ring, Greater Rochester Chamber
of Commerce; Paul Kayne; Janet Atkins, Goodwin Community Health.
Advisory Committee Members not pictured: Christina Galli, Portsmouth
Regional Hospital; Gerry Gilbert, Profile Insurance Group; Joanne Spurling,
Spurling Insurance; Tod O’Dowd, Avery Insurance; David McClung,
Portsmouth Regional Hospital; Greg Walker, Wentworth Douglass Hospital;
Glenn Klink, Exeter Health Resources; Jennifer Soldati, Greater Somersworth
Chamber of Commerce; Mike Schidlovsky, Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce;
Doc Noel, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Be a part of this World Class Event

Sign Up for 3 shifts 3-Hours each
* Souvenir T-Shirt
* Admission to the Awards Ceremony
* A great Sun Tan
CALL TODAY
Maureen Buckley (603) 396-6225
Glen French (603) 235-0698
12th Annual Hampton Beach
Master Sand Sculpting Competition
June 15 – July 8
Or sign up at
Chamber of Commerce Office or Hamptonbeach.org
MEMBER NEWS
Mazeltov! L’chaim! Director Elaine Gatchell announces Leddy Center’s outstanding presentation of
Broadway’s most beloved musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”,
July 6-22, at Leddy Center’s new beautiful theater at Verdant Pastures on Ladd’s Lane in Epping.
Dr. Paul Gustavson stars for the fourth time as Tevye
at Leddy Center, with his amazing performance of this
great role. Based on Sholem Aleichem stories, by special permission of
Arnold Perl, “Fiddler on the Roof” was written as a stage play by Joseph
Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Dr. Paul
Gustavson, once again, is our magnificent Tevye in this moving story of
Tevye, the dairyman, his wife, Golde (Sheila Allen-Harris of Epping),
and their five daughters, Tzeitel, (Melissa Ransdell of Newmarket),
Hodel, (Hilary Webster of Raymond), Chava (Elaine Weatherby of
Hampton), Sphrintze, (Abigail Rogers of Lee), and Bielke, (Lexi Wood
of Fremont) in the politically and religiously volatile setting of turn-ofthe-century Russia. Tevye’s sense of tradition and family, taught to him
from the cradle, is tested again and again as his three eldest daughters
choose mates that don’t completely fulfill his ideals, and when his home
is ultimately pulled out from under his feet.
Sponsored by Ben Franklin Store/ACE Hardware in Raymond,
NH and Hurlbert Toyota of Epping, tickets for Fiddler on the Roof are
$18. and $16. and can be purchased on line at www.leddycenter.org
or by visiting or calling the box office, 3:00-5:00 pm, Monday through
Friday, at 603-679-2781.
“Fiddler on the Roof” is underwritten by The SHARK at 102.1 &
105.3 FM and by Seacoast Coca-Cola. Leddy Center is air-conditioned
for your comfort and ADA accessible.
“Mix Mingle & Share”
Since the Seacoast Science Center opened its exhibit, Tofu: The
Journey of a Humpback Whale in 2009, visitors have been captivated by the
story of the young whale’s life and curious
to learn more about the fascinating marine
mammals that live in the Gulf of Maine and
in oceans around the world.
Hanging from the ceiling of the Center’s lobby, Tofu’s skeleton is dramatically
positioned in a playful role, indicative of the
behavior of a juvenile humpback. This gives visitors a clear view of one
of the most intriguing parts of her skeleton; the vestigial pelvic bones.
These bones indicate that whales evolved from land-based ancestors
and are starting point for the key educational points the new exhibit,
The Evolution of Baleen Whales, which opened on May 19.
The Evolution of Baleen Whales, funded by Lois Katnick and the
Living Environmental Studies Foundation, is on permanent display.
In the photo: The Seacoast Science Center’s newest exhibit, The
Evolution of Baleen Whales, features the skeletons of three toothed
whales; a 16’ adult and 8’ juvenile pilot whale, and a 4’ harbor porpoise.
Hanging alongside Tofu, the juvenile humpback whale skeleton, 32’ in
length, visitors can learn why baleen whales are so much larger than
toothed whales and learn how these marine mammals evolved from
land-based animals over 48 million years ago.
The Seacoast Science Center is located in Odiorne Point State Park
in Rye, NH and is open daily from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Call 603-4368043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org for more information.
Scenes from May Business After Hours
“The Sea Ketch”
The Hampton Arts Networks Membership Drive
Some 40 plus artists and patrons of the arts gathered in the Conference Room at the new beach South Pavilion to sign up as 2012 members
and to elect new board members to the Hampton Arts Network.
Displays by HAN’s Art Coordinator, Membership Director Communications committee, The Beach Gala Event, Hampton Historical
Societies painting from Hampton historical painters, writers and poets
and artists showing their work for the Taste of New Hampshire store,
kept participants busy browsing the tables in the room.
Light refreshments, music by John Reynolds of New England
Academy of Music, Language & Arts, plus a continuous power point
program projected on the wall and prepared by Cheryl Lassiter, set the
tone in the room to Mix Mingle & Share.
At the end of the evening nine door prices from The Seacoast
Florist, Art Experience, The 401 Tavern, Hannaford’s, Present Perfect,
Marelli’s Market, The Old Salt, All She Wears, and Peg Duffin’s Art &
Soul were given away to lucky attendees.
The Hampton Arts Network is a community conscious group
that supports the arts and artists in Hampton. Congratulations to the
new HAN board members. To become a member contact Karen at
[email protected].
Give Us Your Brochures!
The start of the season is here! It’s time to take
advantage of this member benefit. Bring us a stack of
brochures from your business to be displayed at the
Chamber Beach Welcome Center. Drop them off at the
uptown office at 1 Lafayette Road and they’ll be ready
when the beach office opens.
Many thanks to The Sea Ketch for an outstanding Business After Hours! Fabulous
food and camaraderie to start the season.
Thanks also to The Provident Bank for
co-sponsoring the event. Join us at North
Beach Bar & Grill on June 20!
Photos by Hampton Beach Photo
The Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated
Kim Goddard’s 10 years of
ownership at Betty’s Kitchen
on Route 1 in North Hampton
with a ribbon cutting. Betty’s
Kitchen has been around since
the 1960’s. Kim Goddard starting working at Betty’s at the
age of 12, bussing tables and
working very hard to learn
everything about the business.
Eleven years ago, after working there for 26 years, she decided to buy
the business. Kim cut the ribbon surrounded by her loyal staff and
Pat Morgenstern from the Hampton Area Chamber.
Betty’s Kitchen is a fun family restaurant where you can get a
warm welcome, nice service, and feel at home, all while eating great
food. Betty’s has almost every breakfast food you can think and over
300 continuously-changing specials! It’s the type of place that if they
have the ingredients, they’ll make you whatever you want, while the
large portions they serve will have you leaving full and happy.
Betty’s has great homemade lunch specials like homemade macaroni & cheese, spaghetti & meatballs, chicken pot pie, and so much
more. Head to Betty’s for lunch and try their awesome burgers with
hand cut fries … they are certain you’ll be happy you did.
There is finally a coffeehouse in Hampton and
it’s Kay’s Kafe at the Galley Hatch! Serving hot
breakfast sandwiches that
melt in your mouth, bagels,
muffins, scones, and other
breakfast pastries, and
wide selection of tea, coffee
and espresso drinks served
hot, cold, even flavored,
the self-serve café is open
weekdays at 6:30 am and
weekends at 8 am. The Galley Hatch Bakery has been converted into
a relaxing café, complete with Wi-Fi, TV, leather chairs to kick back
in, cozy tables to meet up with friends, a coffee bar for a quick bite,
and seasonal outdoor patio seating. Named after the original Galley
Hatch owner Kay Tinios, Kay’s love of people and ability to create a
warm, friendly atmosphere for socializing is what Kay’s Kafe is all
about. Kay Tinios cut the ribbon to start the celebration, surrounded
by family, friends, local business owners, Chamber representatives,
and staff. The Chamber is delighted to welcome this upscale addition
to the Galley Hatch! Look for the Chamber staff to be frequent visitors.
La Bec Rouge, located at 73 Ocean Boulevard on Hampton Beach,
opened under new ownership with lots of smiles and fun at the ribbon cutting. New owner Al Fleury brings local, friendly ownership
and management to La Bec
Rouge. Shown at the ribbon
cutting ceremony are (from
left): Kathleen Lewis, Wally’s
Pub and La Bec Rouge; Olive
McGreevy, La Bec Rouge;
Hunter Lawson, celebrity ribbon cutter; Pat Morgenstern,
Hampton Chamber; and Al
Fleury. Visit La Bec Rouge
soon and see what the buzz is
all about. There are multiple
levels and atmospheres for your enjoyment. Great food and service
await you in the bright new La Bec Rouge!
Located at 184 Lafayette Road in North Hampton, Porkez BBQ Pig
Pen just celebrated its first birthday with a Hampton Area Chamber
of Commerce ribbon cutting to launch the second year. Kim and Ross
Goddard decided while on their honeymoon to open a BBQ restaurant
when they returned. They both
traveled extensively tasting BBQ
from all around the country before deciding on the recipes and
format for the new place.
Porkez BBQ is a unique
place, the inside is a must-see,
and the amazing food will make
you very happy. At Porkez you
will always get a warm welcome
and great authentic BBQ.
Porkez BBQ smokes their meat with the huge brick smoker that
you see as when you walk in the front door. You can’t miss it or the
delicious smells it emits as you walk in. Porkez has something for
everyone; salads, chili, homemade pasta, chicken, hamburgers, steak,
pork and the best BBQ around. So head on in, bring the family and sit
down to enjoy lunch or dinner, you won’t be disappointed.
The Provident Bank Reports Growth At
184th Annual Meeting
The Provident Bank reported strong earnings, growth and
continued community leadership in fiscal year 2011. President and
CEO Charlie Cullen announced these year-end results and other
accomplishments at Provident Bancorp’s Annual Meeting on May 8,
2012, at Blue Ocean Music Hall, in Salisbury, MA.
The Provident Bank ended fiscal year 2011 with total assets
exceeding $530 million, a 7 percent increase over year-end 2010. Total
earnings were $4.7 million, with core earnings increasing by 4 percent
over the prior year. Deposits of $389 million reflect an increase of
7 percent compared to fiscal year 2010, and loans of $350 million
represent a 3 percent increase. The Bank also gave a record level of
contributions through its Provident Community Foundation grants
and Bank charitable donations in 2011.
The Provident Bank, an independent community bank established
in 1828 and headquartered in Amesbury, Massachusetts, is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Provident Bancorp, Inc., a mid-tier holding
company owned by Provident Bancorp, a mutually owned holding
company. The Provident Bank has full service offices located in
Amesbury and Newburyport, Massachusetts, and in Hampton, Exeter,
Portsmouth, and Seabrook, New Hampshire, and a lending office in
Bedford, New Hampshire. The Provident Bank is dedicated to the
delivery of quality financial products to its customers, providing the
highest level of convenience, personal service, and value. Giving back
to the community and the professional development of employees are
vital to The Provident Bank’s success.
All deposits are insured in full through a combination of insurance
provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the
Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). For more information, please visit
TheProvidentBank.com.
Community Invited To Cast Votes To Support
Charities in The Provident Bank “Our Community,
Your E-Vote” Program
The community is invited to determine how to share $20,000
among non-profit organizations in The Provident Community
Foundation’s 13th annual “Our Community, Your E-Vote” program.
Based on the public’s votes, the bank will divide the funds among
39 diverse organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life
for residents throughout its service area of greater Amesbury and
Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Seacoast New Hampshire.
Continued on page 6
Continued from page 5
Members of the community may vote May 14th through June 15th,
2012, by clicking on the “Our Community, Your E-Vote” button on the
bank’s homepage at TheProvidentBank.com. Only one vote may be cast
per email address (name and email address are required for each ballot
entry). To help the participating non-profit organizations “get out the
vote,” The Provident Bank has provided each one with a marketing kit
to help promote the campaign among their constituents.
At the end of the voting period, votes will be tabulated to determine how the $20,000 grant will be allocated to each organization.
All groups will be recognized at a check presentation reception at the
Bank’s Main Office in Amesbury in late June.
The Provident Community Foundation is a permanent expression
and confirmation of the values of The Provident Bank, a mutual financial
institution that operates solely for the benefit of its customers and
the communities it serves. Since 1998, The Provident Bank and The
Provident Community Foundation have awarded more than $3.7 million
in grants to a wide range of civic, cultural, and educational organizations
in Massachusetts and the New Hampshire Seacoast region.
The Provident Bank Receives New Hampshire
Business in the Arts Award
The Provident Bank has been recognized for its commitment to
building a creative community with a 2012 New Hampshire Business
Committee for the Arts (NHBCA) Business in the Arts Award. The
Provident Bank was recognized for its Lobby for the Arts program,
which provides exhibition space in its lobbies to connect local artists
to new audiences, as well as for its support of local arts and cultural
organizations throughout the Seacoast New Hampshire region.
“Making art accessible is what sets The Provident Bank apart,”
said NHBCA Executive Director Joan Goshgarian. “Their genuine
commitment to providing not only financial, but also in-kind donations
of space, time and professional assistance have earned them the welldeserved reputation of being a consistent partner and friend of the many
arts and cultural organizations they support.”
The Provident Bank’s Lobby for the Arts program offers local
established and emerging artists with exhibition space in each of its
branch lobbies. Artwork is displayed for customers and the public to
enjoy during regular bank hours, with the majority of offices open seven
days a week. The bank also provides marketing support and covers
all expenses associated with an artist’s reception for each eight- to 10week exhibition. Furthermore, the Bank does not accept commission
for artwork sold; all proceeds go directly to the artists. The Provident
Bank is also recognized for its scholarships, sponsorships and board
participation at a wide variety of organizations in New Hampshire,
including the Seacoast Artists’ Association, Seacoast Repertory Theatre,
Exeter Historical Society, New Hampshire Film Festival, Tuck Museum,
The Music Hall and the American Independence Museum.
“We are very honored to be recognized with the NHBCA award.
We believe that a thriving art and cultural presence enhances the quality
of life for everyone and we are proud to support the arts through many
means,” said President and CEO Charlie Cullen. “We started Lobby
for the Arts 15 years ago and it–as well as our other philanthropic
initiatives–has become part of our brand. The program is embraced
in all of our branches and a wonderful way to support artists and
connect them with new audiences and the
community.” Artists interesting in becoming
a Lobby for the Arts exhibitor may contact the
branch manager at their local New Hampshire
Provident Bank office.
Representatives from The Provident Bank with the
2012 New Hampshire Business Committee for the
Arts (NHBCA) Business in the Arts Award including (left to right): Vice President Steven S. Scott,
Regional Vice President Allison Field, and Executive
Vice President Charles Withee.
Optima Bank Announces Promotions
Optima Bank has named Kelly Dorsey manager of its North
Hampton branch. Previously the assistant branch manager at the
branch, Dorsey began with Optima as a private banker
three years ago. In her current job, Dorsey will oversee
the staff and operations of the North Hampton branch,
as well as business development in and around the local
market. Dorsey, a University of Maine graduate with
a B.S. in administration and marketing, has worked
in the banking industry for six years. A resident of
Portsmouth, she has volunteered in Hampton with
the Seafood Festival and the Penguin Plunge fundraisers. She also
recently joined the board of directors for the North Hampton Business
Association.
Jennifer Powers, previously a private banker with Optima Bank, has
been promoted to assistant branch manager in North
Hampton. She will be responsible for handling and
overseeing day-to-day sales, service and operations, in
addition to promoting deposit and loan growth while
increasing geographical market share. Powers has
been in the banking field for more than eight years. A
supporter of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
annual walk in Exeter, she lives in Portsmouth.
Erin E. Oberuch has been promoted by Optima Bank to
loan administration assistant from private banker.
Responsible for supporting loan officers in
administration and operations, Oberuch has worked
in banking in Maine and New Hampshire. The
Portsmouth resident has been a stiletto race runner
for two years in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the
Greater Seacoast benefit, as well as a patron of the
local arts participating in Art ‘Round Town. Oberuch has a B.S. in
business administration with a concentration in management from the
University of Maine.
Joyce L. Holland, formerly a commercial credit analyst at Optima
Bank, has been promoted to senior commercial credit
analyst. A York, Maine, resident, Holland has nearly
two decades of experience in the financial field, including banking, financial and licensing management
and residential and commercial property management. As senior commercial credit analyst, some of
her primary responsibilities will include portfolio
reporting and the training of other credit analysts
at Optima Bank. Holland received her B.A. from Fairfield University
and an MBA with a focus in accounting and tax from the University
of New Hampshire.
Optima Bank & Trust, where “Everything is Possible,” offers traditional
bank products and services with competitive rates and a focus on exceptional personal service. For more information, visit the Optima branches at
Two Harbour Place, Portsmouth (603-433-9600), 26 Lafayette Road, North
Hampton (603-433-9633) and 17 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham (603-7735222) or the website at www.optimabank.com.
Optima Bank & Trust continued to be New Hampshire’s fastest growing bank for the fourth year in a row, Daniel R. Morrison, the bank’s president
and chief executive officer, told shareholders at Thursday’s annual meeting,
where he announced there also has been “significant interest” in the bank’s
just-launched common stock offering. The “limited time opportunity” to
buy shares at $16 per share will be closed when Optima receives subscriptions for 400,000 shares, he said.
“The year 2011 was the fourth straight year of strong growth and record
profits for Optima,” Morrison said. “Our outlook for the future continues to
be very positive. This stock offering will provide capital to fuel continued
growth and expansion.”
Continued on page 7
Continued from page 6
He noted Optima, which has had strong growth across the board in
assets, income, loans, revenue and capital, has plans to open another branch
in late 2012.
“In 2011, we saw a 55 percent
growth in revenue,” he said. “And we
had a dramatic 94 percent increase in income to just over $1 million, which was
nearly double from the previous year.”
Assets grew more than 23 percent
in 2011 to $193.5 million, the fastest
growth rate of all New Hampshire
banks. Loans were up more than 25 percent to $143.1 million, deposits saw
a 28 percent increase to $177 million and total revenue was $6.9 million up
from $4.4 million in 2010.
“In the last four years, the bank has invested more than $200 million in
the New Hampshire Seacoast economy, financing hundreds of businesses
and worthwhile real estate projects,” Morrison said.
Optima’s Portsmouth office also grew its deposit market share “faster
than any other bank in the city,” he said. With $109.2 million in deposits, it
is the fourth largest of 19 bank branches.
At the same time, Optima Bank’s North Hampton branch’s deposits
were at $53.9 million only two years after opening and the bank’s newest
branch, in Stratham, has grown to $13.9 million in deposits in less than six
months of business.
“We have gained significant market share in each of our communities,
as well as considerably beyond those areas,” he said. “Our growth truly is a
testament to the exceptional service we provide every day to our customers.”
Optima Bank & Trust, where “Everything is Possible,” offers traditional
bank products and services with competitive rates and a focus on exceptional
personal service. For more information, visit the Optima branches at Two
Harbour Place in Portsmouth (603-433-9600), 26 Lafayette Road in North
Hampton (603-433-9633), and 17 Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham (603-7735222) or the website at www.optimabank.com.
Brown’s Lobster Pound Named as One of the
“Best 12 Lobster Shacks in New England”
According to Yankee Magazine, Brown’s Lobster Pound received
the following accolade: “Perched over the tidal Blackwater River near
Seabrook’s inviting beach, Brown’s has been serving up fresh boiled
lobster for more than 50 years. The timber-frame dining hall is a great
place to feast on lobsters, fried clams, lobster rolls, and creamy, spicy
lobster bisque. The summer sunsets off the back deck are not to be
missed.” Visit Brown’s on Rt.
286, Seabrook, NH. 603-4743331; www.brownslobsterpound.com.
Volunteers Needed for
2012 Hampton Beach
Seafood Festival
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The 23rd Annual Hampton Beach
Seafood Festival is scheduled for September 7-9, 2012. The Seafood Festival is a fun place to
meet new people, re-acquaint with old friends, and take
pride in volunteering. It is guaranteed to be a fun-filled
weekend in which our business colleagues, the community, and almost 600 volunteers pull together to put on a
World Class Event! It takes an enormous effort of the volunteers to make
this event a success. The continued commitment of the
volunteers who put forth their time and energies each year
to help put on this event is greatly appreciated. Plans are
well underway for this year’s Seafood Festival. Since so
many volunteers are needed, the festival committee is
actively seeking volunteers now to make sure the festival
will run smoothly.
Please note that exact beer tent positions cannot be
guaranteed and volunteers have to be 18 years or older
to volunteer in the beer tent. As a reminder, all volunteer
positions are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
Although first choice of exact time and location cannot
be guaranteed, the committee will work with all to try to
accommodate specific requests.
Give a few hours and you will receive: An official
Seafood Festival crew t-shirt; free wristbands for access
to all events on the day you volunteer; invitation to the
exclusive gala volunteer party at the Ashworth by the Sea
with chances to win wonderful prizes.
New Online Registration is a great way to sign up!
Register online at: www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.
com and go to “Participate” or go to SFF.VolunteerHub.
com. If you do not have internet access, call our Volunteer
Chairman, Katie Curran, at 603-926-8718 ext.104.
The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Committee is
grateful for the continued support of the volunteers.
Advertising opportunities still available on
www.HamptonChamber.com
Contact Katie for details
[email protected]
603-926-8718 Ext. 104
Volunteer and Be Part of the Happy Crew!
Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce Presents
“BUSINESS AFTER HOURS”
Chamber Officers
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 — 5:00–7:00 pm
Chairman
Dean Merrill
Tobey & Merrill
Insurance
Hosted by “North Beach Bar & Grill”
931 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach
Join the Hampton Area Chamber at North Beach Bar & Grill for Business After Hours on June 20.
This is your chance to visit this popular local spot and sample their great food, drinks, and hospitality.
1st Vice Chairman
Paul LePere
The Hamptons Real
Estate
Immediate Past Chairman
Tim Noonis
Unitil Corporation
Treasurer
Scott Beattie
The Provident Bank
Chamber Staff
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at North Beach June until Labor Day. There is live entertainment Wednesday and Saturday, and you can watch the game on multiple large HD TVs. The outdoor
deck is the perfect place to watch the beach world go by. Grab a seat at the rail and enjoy the view!
For Business After Hours, there will be food, a cash bar, and door prizes. Parking is available in the
lot adjacent to North Beach Bar and Grill, across the street in the public lot, or at the meters (for a fee).
Admission is two business cards. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!
Business After Hours is open to Hampton Area Chamber members, their guests, and those seeking
more information about the Seacoast business community.
President
B.J. “Doc” Noel
Assistant to the President
Katie Curran
Director of Special Events
Ginni McNamara
Director of Membership
Development
Pat Morgenstern
Office Assistant
Sherrill Ayles
Reception
Sandy Flesher
Hampton Area Chamber
of Commerce
One Lafayette Road
P.O. Box 790
Hampton, NH 03843
Phone: 603-926-8718
Fax: 603-926-9977
• Printing
• Copying
• Banners
• Posters
& More...
Two Convenient Locations
195 New Hampshire Ave
Portsmouth, NH
603-433-4680
223 South Willow St.
Manchester, NH
603-669-0005
www.allegraportsmouth.com
Promote Your Business at Business After Hours!
Donations of Door Prizes are Always Welcome.
Email [email protected] for more information.