Posts Tagged ‘Centrix Bank’
Monday, October 31st, 2011
In 1997, there were fewer than 5.5 million women-owned businesses in the United States. This year, that number is expected to top 8 million.
 In an effort to stimulate women business ownership and foster relationships that build a state of opportunity for female entrepreneurs, Women Inspiring Women, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and Public Service of New Hampshire will be joining together to present the 2nd Annual NH Conference for Women being on Friday, November 18, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel/Center of NH, 700 Elm Street in Manchester.
According to Leslie Sturgeon, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Women Inspiring Women, “this will not only be a day of inspiration, education and transformation but filled with fun surprises, exhibitors, door prizes and great networking as well.”
The day will include five motivational sessions and begin with “Back Stage at Life Experience: Five Lessons Learned” by Kathleen Peterson of PowerHouse Consulting. Other sessions include “Creating Health and Wealth From the Inside Out” presented by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, author and President of KBK Wealth Connection, “Leadership is the Difference” by Laurie-Ann Murabito, author and President of LA & Associates, “Just Breathe: The Quest for a Little Piece of Mind . . . and Chocolate” by motivational humorist Lesley Smith and “It’s Not About the Hike” with authors Nancy Sporborg and Pat Piper.
“There is perhaps no better time to think about creating a business in the state of New Hampshire and I know that this conference will provide attendees with the motivation and inspiration they need to take the first step forward,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “And for those women who’ve already taken the leap of faith and are operating their own companies, what better way to stay engaged, gain new tips and meet with potential partners and customers?”
 “Public Service of New Hampshire welcomes the opportunity to once again collaborate on this tremendous event,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “We salute the women who are adding to the state’s economic vitality and are pleased to be part of this great day of information sharing and networking.”
As a result of generous contributions from the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire and Exeter Health Resources, the registration price is only $39 and includes lunch. Centrix Bank and NH Magazine are also corporate partners. Reservations are needed and space is limited. Contact Women Inspiring Women at (603) 744-0400 or visit www.wiwnh.com for more information and to register. Exhibition space is still available as well.
Women Inspiring Women was founded in 2007 in the Lakes Region by Sturgeon to give women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get together at educational, fun and inspirational events on a monthly basis. Since that time the organization has expanded to Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Bedford and the Seacoast, hosts bi-weekly events, and quickly become the state’s largest organization for women’s empowerment, personal development and networking.
Tags: Centrix Bank, Exeter Health Resources, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Kathleen Peterson, KBK Wealth Connection, LA & Associates, Laurie-Ann Murabito, Lesley Smith, Nancy Sporborg, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, NH Magazine, Pat McDermott, Pat Piper, PowerHouse Consulting, Public Service of New Hampshire, Women Inspiring Women
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on 2nd Annual New Hampshire Conference for Women Scheduled for 11/18
Friday, October 28th, 2011
Thirteen businesspeople were honored Thursday night at the New Hampshire Business Review’s ninth annual Business Excellence Awards, which recognize the efforts and achievements owners and operators of companies with 100 employees or fewer.
 More than 300 people attended the Oct. 27 event, which was held at the Radisson in Manchester.
NHBR also announced two inductees into the Business Excellence Hall of Fame, which singles out people whose entire careers have been marked by a consistent and impressive record of accomplishments, both in their chosen fields, in their communities, and across the state and beyond. These honorees were selected by a separate panel of judges.
The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees were Howard Brodsky, co-founder of CCA Global Partners, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and one of the largest cooperatives in the world, and the Singer Family, owner of Merchants Automotive Group, a multifaceted, $200 million auto company, including a long-term fleet leasing division that is one of the largest in the Northeast.
“Each of the businesspeople who receive these honors has a different story to tell,” said Sharron McCarthy, president of McLean Communications and publisher of NHBR. “But what they have in common is determination, industriousness and the ability to come up with innovative solutions that have allowed their businesses to survive and thrive, regardless of economic conditions, and a commitment to serving their communities.”
Jeff Feingold, editor of NHBR, said, “We would like to salute all of the nominees, the people who nominated them and the winners themselves for their contributions toward making New Hampshire a great place to do business.”
Emcee was Erin Fehlau, WMUR’s weekday morning and noon news anchor. A portion of the proceeds from the evening benefited Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, which advocates for New Hampshire children in the state’s court system in cases of neglect and abuse.
The winners of the 2011 NHBR Business Excellences Awards were:
Excellence in Business Services — Guy Sylvester, Absolute Resource Associates, Portsmouth
Excellence in Construction (tie) — Jerry Kingwill, Cobb Hill Construction, Concord; Jason Foster, Foster’s Professional Painting Plus LLC, Claremont
Excellence in Financial Services — Michael L’Ecuyer, Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester
Excellence in Health Care — Paula Gagne, Regency Nursing Care, Manchester
Excellence in Hospitality — Emeran Langmaid, A&E Custom Coffee Roastery, Amherst
Excellence in Media & Marketing — Erik Dodier, PixelMEDIA Inc., Portsmouth
Excellence in Nonprofits — Brian Young, Nashua Center for the Multiply Handicapped
Excellence in Professional Services — Thomas Brueckner, Senior Financial Resources Inc., Nashua
Excellence in Real Estate — Dick Anagnost, Anagnost Investments Inc., Manchester
Excellence in Retail (tie) — Sy Mahfuz, Persian Rug Galleries, Nashua; Lynda Nelson, Quest Martial Arts Academy, Barrington
Excellence in Technology — Cheryl Gamst, CCS New England, Nashua
The judges for the 2011 NHBR Business Excellence Awards were:
Chris Bernard, vice president, business banking relationship manager, Citizens Bank
Steve Boucher, communications manager, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development
Mary Collins, state director, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center
Bob Esau, executive vice president of Wealth Management, Laconia Savings Bank
Greta Johansson, New Hampshire district director, U.S. Small Business Administration
Patrick F. McDermott, economic and community development manager, Public Service of New Hampshire
Dr. Russ Ouellette, managing partner, Sojourn Partners, Bedford
Michele Petersen, vice president of operations, abi Innovation Hub, Manchester
Joe Reilly, cofounder and president, Centrix Bank
Chip Underhill, executive director of public relations and external affairs, Pinkerton Academy, Derry
Sponsors of the event were FairPoint Communications, Laconia Savings Bank, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, J Maze Design, Public Service of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Merrimack Street Volvo, WGIR-AM 610 and New Hampshire Public Television.
On behalf of all of us at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, thanks to our friends at the New Hampshire Business Review for a great awards celebration and congratulation to the winners and nominees!!
Tags: Anagnost Investments Inc., Bellwether Community Credit Union, Bob Esau, Brian Young, Business Excellence Awards, Business Excellence Hall of Fame, CASA, CCA Global Partners, CCS New England, Centrix Bank, Cheryl Gamst, Chip Underhill, Chris Bernard, Citizens Bank, Cobb Hill Construction, Dick Anagnost, Dr. Russ Ouellette, Emeran Langmaid, Erik Dodier, Erin Fehlau, FairPoint Communications, Foster's Professional Painting Plus LLC, Greta Johansson, Guy Sylvester, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Howard Brodsky, J Maze Design, Jason Foster, Jeff Feingold, Jerry Kingwell, Joe Reilly, Laconia Savings Bank, Lynda Nelson, Mary Collins, McLean Communications, Merchants Automotive Group, Merrimack Street Volvo, Michael L'Ecuyer, Michele Peterson, Nashua Center for the Multiply Handicapped, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Public Television, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, NHBR, Pat McDermott, Paula Gagne, Persian Rug Galleries, Pinkerton Academy, PixelMEDIA Inc., Public Service of New Hampshire, Quest Martial Arts Academy, Radisson, Regency Nursing Care, Senior Financial Resources Inc., Sharron McCarthy, Singer Family, Sojourn Partners, Sy Mahfuz, Thomas Brueckner, U.S. Small Business Administration, WGIR-AM 610, WMUR
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Winners Honored at 9th Business Excellence Awards
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
A trade mission from the German Federal State of Brandenburg, one of the 16 Länder (states) of the Federal Republic of Germany, arrived in New Hampshire yesterday (May 1). Led by Brandenburg’s Minister-President Matthias Platzeck, the mission includes a trade delegation of Brandenburg and Berlin-based companies who are here to explore potential business opportunities and partnerships in New Hampshire.
 Hosts for the event are the Strategic Security Alliance, an organization formed to increase the global visibility of its member firms that provide security services and products; the National Infrastructure Institute, which seeks to improve the utilization, efficiency, and operations and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure; and the NH Division of Economic Development’s International Trade Resource Center.
According to Dawn Wivell, Director of the International Trade Resource Center, “Germany is New Hampshire’s fourth most important trading partner, with $223 million in exports in 2010, which is why this trade mission is so important. Like New Hampshire, Brandenburg is especially proud of its leadership role in technology development, academic research excellence and economic stability and growth.”
Brandenburg, whose capitol is Potsdam, has a population of 2.6 million (about twice that of New Hampshire).
The three-day mission began in Portsmouth with a Monday morning orientation meeting; then the two dozen-plus small and medium-sized businesses represented in the Brandenburg trade delegation are scheduled to meet Monday afternoon and Tuesday with approximately 25 New Hampshire companies. These companies are active in a wide variety business segments ranging from security to medical devices to aerospace manufacturing.
“In addition to providing companies on both sides of the Atlantic with the chance to meet and explore prospective partnerships and business opportunities, Mr. Platzeck’s visit will also help strengthen trans-Atlantic partnerships for academic research, technology development and intergovernmental cooperation,” continued Wivell.
Governor Lynch will meet with Minister-President Platzeck and the officials accompanying the delegation, along with Commissioner George Bald of the NH Dept. of Resources and Economic Development.
The visit will also include a reception at the Harbor Events Center on Tuesday evening, May 3, beginning at 7 p.m. Sponsors for the reception include Dachser Intelligent Logistics, Smuttynose Brewing Co., Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown, Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center, Centrix Bank, and Strategic Security Alliance.
At the conclusion of their visit to New Hampshire, the Brendenburg delegation will travel to Montreal, Canada, where they will continue their mission through May 7th, before returning to Germany.
Tags: Centrix Bank, Dachser Intelligent Logistics, Dawn Wivell, Harbor Events Center, Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown, International Trade Resource Center, Matthias Platzeck, National Infrastructure Institute, New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development, Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center, Smuttynose Brewing Company, Strategic Security Alliance
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Trade Mission from Brandenburg, Germany Arrives in NH
Friday, November 5th, 2010
I’m glad to share this update on our myExpertNet initiative sent along by the Knowledge Institute’s Deb Osgood, one of our chief friends, co-conspirators and collaborators.
myExpertNet is growing!
An innovative new online social community called myExpertNet is providing an essential link for individuals in New Hampshire who are interested in starting their own business or already in business.
 Located on the web at www.myExpertNet.org, individuals can pose questions about issues related to owning and growing a small business. These questions are forwarded to prescreened, volunteer business practitioners who offer a response at no cost based on their respective areas of expertise. Unlike most social media, this prescreening process assures that questions are responded to by individuals who work in the field or particular business disciplinary area being investigated.
myExpertNet is a free public service available to all New Hampshire residents. There are presently more than 100 “Experts” listed in 26 business topic categories. In the past four months, myExpertNet has served an average of over 1,100 visitors per month and fielded questions related to strategies for increasing sales in a down economy, how to take a patented invention to market, where to get a tax identification number and how to launch a web-based business.
The growth of myExpertNet has a lot to do with the viral marketing nature of being a social community. Registered experts are spreading the word through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and website links to help more people access the business advice they require. Individuals are emailing and texting each other as they benefit from the business advice that they are receiving.
With more individuals considering self-employment and other forms of entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to working for someone else or for subsidizing employment income, myExpertNet provides a timely and much needed source of quality networking.
myExpertNet is a public/private collaborative initiative between Knowledge Institute, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Comcast Business Class and Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and Unitil. To pose a business question, register as an expert or learn more, visit www.myExpertNet.org or contact Knowledge Institute at Info@bdki.com or (603) 658-0340.
Tags: Centrix Bank, Comcast Business Class, Deborah Osgood, Knowledge Institute, MyExpertNet, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire, Unitil
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on myExpertNet – Free Online Business Solutions From Industry Experts
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
As part of a continuing effort to connect businesses with the resources and services they need to be successful and grow, and to answer questions growing small businesses may have, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development yesterday unveiled MyExpertNet.
 Dr. William Osgood of the Knowledge Institute looks on as Governor John Lynch announces the unveiling of the MyExpertNet initiative. MyExpertNet is a virtual community created through a public-private partnership where small businesses can get answers to business questions from qualified experts, and connect with other members of the business community to share ideas, resources and markets. The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Knowledge Institute, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Comcast, Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and Unitil.
“Over the last several years we have worked to give businesses the tools needed to help them be successful, to grow their companies and create jobs,” Gov. John Lynch said. Under Gov. Lynch, the State of New Hampshire has reinstated the Job Training Fund, and more than 7,000 workers from across New Hampshire have received enhanced training. The State, which has 7th best business tax environment in the nation, created a Research and Development Tax Credit to help innovative companies grow.
“These have been difficult economic times for our state and our businesses. That is why it is important we continue to work with small businesses to help ensure they have what they need to grow,” Gov. Lynch said. “Through MyExpertNet, small businesses can have their questions answered by one of the many volunteer experts. It is important to connect business people with the information they need to be successful and this is one more way we are doing that.”
Over 40 business professionals have volunteered to serve as experts and provide their time, skills and expertise for the initiative. These experts will cover areas ranging from accounting and energy efficiency to federal contracting and international trade. Additional experts will be added in the future, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to have their questions answered by more than one professional in each subject area.
“MyExpertNet is an environment where all participants add value and all receive value a true win-win for all involved,” said Knowledge Institute President/CFO Dr. William Osgood, architect of the initiative. “This innovative concept also represents a model that other states can embrace to further the positive impact in building small business strength across the country. We’re pleased that New Hampshire is, once again, a leader in this critical arena.”
 Comcast's Peter Marsh discusses how his company has supported the creation of the new virtual community for small businesses. Major sponsor Comcast has committed to run a MyExpertNet promotional television spot throughout its New Hampshire operating area to help increase awareness of the service.
“Spreading the word about this innovative new initiative ensures that more businesses are given the opportunity to grow and thrive,” said Peter Marsh, Vice President of Business Services for Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. “Comcast is pleased to help small business owners stay focused on growing their business by connecting local owners with the best thought leaders on MyExpertNet.”
“In today’s fast-paced economy, the ability of the public and private sectors to work cooperatively is key in supporting job creation and building an environment where everyone feels responsible for building the economy,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Business Development Manager Gordon Tuttle. “MyExpertNet not only builds closer relationships between the government and the business community, it creates the type of virtual mentorships between experts and entrepreneurs that truly define the term `paying it forward.'”
Sojourn Partners Managing Partner Russ Ouellette, an expert in the “management” category, said that he is pleased to be part of an initiative that allows entrepreneurs to relieve some of their anxiety about business creation and development.
“Anyone who has ever started a business knows that the process is daunting at best and terrifying at worst,” he said. “To have someone who has been through what you’re going through and who is willing to take the time to help you navigate the rough waters is invaluable. This is a great initiative.”
To learn more about MyExpertNet, visit www.myexpertnet.org. Business professionals interested in joining the online expert community are asked to contact Dr. William Osgood at (603) 658-0340 or wro@buzgate.org. To view a list of the registered experts, visit http://www.myexpertnet.org/volunteers.html.
Tags: Centrix Bank, Comcast, Dr. Russ Ouellette, Dr. William Osgood, Gordon Tuttle, Knowledge Institute, MyExpertNet, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Peter Marsh, Public Service of New Hampshire, Sojourn Partners, Unitil
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Online Virtual Community for Small Business Launched
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Fourteen businesspeople in 13 different industries and two Business Excellence Hall of Fame inductees were honored Wednesday night at the seventh annual NHBR Business Excellence Awards.
 Some 300 people attended the event, which was held at The Event Center at C.R. Sparks in Bedford. The awards are given to owners and operators of businesses or organizations with 100 employees or fewer. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges who reviewed more than 70 nominations.
Because of the extraordinary number of accomplished candidates, NHBR also named finalists in several categories. Emcee was Charlie Sherman, host of WGIR-AM’s morning news talk program.
The recipients of the 2009 NHBR Business Excellence Awards were:
• Steven Ryder, True North Networks — Excellence in Business Services/ Finalist — Edward B. Hopkins, Urban Tree Service/A Tree Health Company Inc.
• William Jordan, Jordan Signature Heating — Excellence in Construction. Finalist — Jerry Kingwell, Cobb Hill Construction Inc.
• Joe Reilly, Centrix Bank — Excellence in Financial Services
• Charles Fanaras, The Prescription Center — Excellence in Health Care. Finalists — Adele & Frank Belfsky, Living at Home Senior Care
• Tom Boucher and Mark Fenske, Great NH Restaurants — Excellence in Hospitality. Finalist — Carol Sheehan, The Red Arrow 24 Hr. Diner Franchising Inc.
• Tammy Boucher, Boucher Public Relations — Excellence in Media & Marketing. Finalist — Laurie Ferguson, New Hampshire Made
• Clyde Terry, Granite State Independent Living — Excellence in Non-Profits. Finalist — Peter Kelleher, Partnership for Successful Living
• Greg Bryant, Bedford Cost Segregation LLC — Excellence in Professional Services
• Karol LaCroix, Granite State College — Excellence in Public Service
• Stephen Duprey, Duprey Companies — Excellence in Real Estate
• Donna Buxton, Buxton Oil and Buxton Water — Excellence in Retail
• Peter Antoinette, Nanocomp Technologies — Excellence in Technology. Finalist — Wayne Croswell, ASA Tire Systems
• Mark Lore, Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corp. — Excellence in Transportation
Inducted into NHBR’s Business Excellence Hall of Fame were Jack Middleton and the Dunfey Family.
Middleton is a partner of the regional law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton. With 50 years experience as a trial lawyer and 24 years of service as a New Hampshire District Court judge, he also spends countless hours volunteering and serving on the boards of such organizations as Franklin Pierce Law Center, The Nature Conservancy, The Mount Washington Observatory and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, among many others.
The Dunfey Family built the hotel chain that today is Omni Hotels, one of the country’s largest hotel franchises with over 15,000 rooms and 13,000 employees.
Sponsors of the event were FairPoint Communications, Laconia Savings Bank, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Public Service of New Hampshire, Corks Wine Bar at the Bedford Village Inn, Merrimack Street Volvo, WGIR-AM, New Hampshire Public Television and The Event Center at C.R. Sparks.
A portion of the evening’s proceeds were donated to Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, an organization that advocates in New Hampshire’s courts and welfare systems for the best interests of abused and neglected children, so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes. — CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW
Tags: Adele Belfsky, ASA Tire Systems, Bedford Cost Segregation LLC, Bedford Village Inn, Boucher Public Relations, Buxton Oil and Buxton Water, Carol Sheehan, CASA, Centrix Bank, Charles Fanaras, Charlie Sherman, Cindy Kibbe, Clyde Terry, Cobb Hill Construction Inc., Corks Wine Bar, Donna Buxton, Duprey Companies, Edward B. Hopkins, FairPoint Communications, Frank Belfsky, Franklin Pierce Law Center, Granite State College, Granite State Independent Living, Great NH Restaurants, Greg Bryant, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Jack Middleton, Jerry Kingwell, Joe Reilly, Karol LaCroix, Laconia Savings Bank, Laurie Ferguson, Living at Home Senior Care, Mark Fenske, Mark Lore, McLane Graf Raulerson & Middleton, Merrimack Street Volvo, Nanocomp Technologies, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, New Hampshire Made, New Hampshire Public Television, NHBR Business Excellence Awards, Omni Hotels, Partnership for Successful Living, Peter Antoinette, Peter Kelleher, Public Service of New Hampshire, Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corp., Signature Heating, Stephen Duprey, Steven Ryder, Tammy Boucher, The Event Center at C.R. Sparks, The Mount Washington Observatory, The Nature Conservancy, The Prescription Center, The Red Arrow, Tom Boucher, True North Networks, Urban Tree Service, Wayne Croswell, WGIR, William Jordan
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on NHBR Celebrates Business Excellence
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