Spotlight Winter 2014/2015
The Posibilities of Winter Shop Local, Shop Greater Nashua
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h, the holidays; a time for cheer, friends and family, a time for reflection, and of course…a time for shopping. Have you stopped to think about what shopping in your local area this holiday season can do for you and our community in the long run? Chances are you haven’t, which is fine because we
at the Chamber have done it for you! With the holidays right around the corner, now is as important a time as ever to spend money in your local economy. November and December account for 40% of the annual revenue for U.S. retailers, according to Alvaro J. Soltero on “The Leaf Blog.” For every $1.00 spent in a locally owned business, $0.68 will stay in the community, according to Shartin Anastia of the University of Wisconsin River Falls!
To put a few more numbers to these statistics, let us consider Small Business Saturday, a local shopping celebration started by American Express on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. The entire focus of this day is on shopping at your local small businesses. In 2013, American Express reported that consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday spent $5.7 billion with independent merchants on Small Business Saturday. That’s $3.9 billion back into local economies in one day! The positive impact of local shopping cannot be denied. It is also important to note, as Michael H. Shuman, author of “Going Local,” says: “Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers.” With this information in mind, your Chamber would like to encourage you to focus your holiday spending on our local community, rather than simply doing it all online. In addition to our Pheasant Lane Mall and DW Highway shopping district, we have a wealth of boutique shops located in our downtown that can provide you unique and fantastic gift ideas while also providing you the top-rate personal, customer service that you will never find online! Shops like FRESH Boutique, DesignWares, Scontsas Fine Jewelry, and Persian Rug Gallery are just a few examples of places where you can find excellent gift ideas. We’re also excited to share with you the fact that the downtown merchants are working together to provide special holiday activities and elements this year, which you can enjoy. Between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, there will be live outdoor holiday music
being played by local musicians during certain afternoon and early-evening hours of the day. On a few select days, there will even be teams of carolers strolling up and down Main Street, courtesy of the Nashua Senior Activity Center. On the Sunday prior to Christmas Day, December 21st, many of
the restaurants will join with the retail shops to all open during the same hours that day. You’ll be able to enjoy special Bloody Mary cocktails created by these restaurants for that day’s occasion, and then spend time at each of the merchant shops that afternoon while enjoying the ambience created by the carolers. We hope you’re just a little bit intrigued by all of this effort, and that you’ll join us this holiday season as we keep a focus on “shopping local.” We’re willing to bet that, if you can’t find it downtown, you can definitely find it along the DW Highway district and along Route 101-A, thanks to the diversity and vibrancy of the retail sector in greater Nashua. We hope to see you out!
Schedule of Events Citizens Bank Breakfast Series: Southbound Exit Ramp at Exit 36 Date: December 18th, 2014 Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Location: Radisson Hotel Nashua Cost: $20 members/ $30 non-members
January Business After Hours Date: January 14th, 2015 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Location: Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter Cost: $5 members/ $15 non-members
Economic Outlook Luncheon Date: January 21, 2015 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Location: Courtyard by Marriott Cost: $30 members/ $40 non-members
Legislative Symposium & Reception Date: January 9, 2015 Time: Symposium 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Reception 5:15 PM – 6:45 PM Location: Radisson Hotel Nashua Cost: $30 members/ $40 non-members
State of the City: A Conversation with Our Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Date: February 18, 2015 Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Location: Courtyard by Marriott Cost: $25members/ $35 non-members
Giggles & Nibbles 7th Annual Comedy Night Date: February 20, 2015 Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel Cost: $35 individual/ $300 table
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Permit #627 Manchester, NH 142 Main Street. 5th Floor Nashua, NH 03060 www.nashuachamber.com
MISSION STATEMENT To grow and foster success of Greater Nashua’s business community through building relationships, growing reputations, and providing resources. From the largest businesses to sole proprietorships, and from the government to nonprofits, the Chamber will offer the highest quality advocacy, business and professional development opportunities, giving unrelenting support to the success of its members. INSIDE Impact of 2014 Elections on NH Business Community by J. Christopher Williams New You Can Use Leadership Greater Nashua and Velocity Performance Partner Bring in Brendan P. Keegan
Welcome New Members Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission 40 Chestnut St PO Box 1024 Nashua, NH 03061-1024 Rev. Richard Rutter Executive Director/Pastor 603.889.3421 rick.rutter@nashuarescuemission. org nashuarescuemission.org Helping the hurting and homeless through rescue and renewal services In the Name of Jesus.
New England Clean Energy 43 Broad Street Suite B407 Hudson, MA 01749 Kim Herron, Marketing 978-567-6527 www.NewEnglandCleanEnergy.com info@NewEnglandCleanEnergy.com New England Clean Energy is a leading solar energy company located in Hudson, Massachusetts. We design, engineer and install high-quality, reliable solar electric systems for homes and businesses in central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
Djinn Spirits Distillery 2 Townsend West, STE 9 Nashua, NH 03063 Andy Harthcock (Owner/Distiller) 603-897-9193 info@djinnspirits.com www.djinnspirits.com Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity ReStore 352 Amherst Street, Nashua NH 03063 Vicki Laforet, Manager 603-943-8980 restoremanager@nashabitat.org www.nashuahabitat.org The ReStore is a discount home improvement center that sells donated building materials, appliances, and home furnishing at reduced prices to the general public. All of the profits support Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity.
Djinn Spirits is a boutique distillery specializing in the antique and unusual. Come take a free tour and try our new release - Krupnik, a spiced honey liqueur. We source local honey for this updated 500 year-old recipe. We also teach Spirits and Whiskey education classes. Open Sat/Sun 10A M- 5P.M
Don’t Miss
February 20th, 2015 6 PM to 9:30 PM At the Nashua Crowne Plaza Hotel
FirstLight Fiber 165 Ledge Street, Nashua, NH 03060 Patrick Coughlin, SVP of Sales & Marketing 800-461-4863 information@FirstLight.net www.FirstLight.net FirstLight Fiber provides fiber optic data, voice, and high-speed Internet services to enterprise and carrier customers in Upstate New York and Northern New England with connectivity to Canada. FirstLight is a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Riverside Partners.
Just because we’re the top business organization around doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have fun! Join us at the Crowne Plaza of Nashua for an evening of entertainment. Perfect for a staff outing, date night, a night out with your friends, or a treat for a client. More details on this years event to come!
letter from the president decrease business taxes and regulations rather than trying to increase them, and nothing from the recently ended campaign y now, all of us have taken a few deep trails leads me to believe the dynamic will breaths and perhaps even started to be any different as we enter the 2015 legisforget all the wall-to-wall political ads that lative session. On national level, this means screamed out of our televisions and over the we may also see some movement on enradio airwaves nonstop for the past several ergy issues, as well as other pro-business months. Okay, I shouldn’t go that far. In all tax reforms. In turn, these could lead to seriousness, the recent elections will certainmore local impacts that will be positive for ly have an impact on us from both a national area businesses. Finally, it is highly likely and local perspective, so I thought I’d share we will see reforms made to Obamacare a few thoughts about the business side of Photo Credit: Studio Mark Emile regulations that will be much friendlier to those impacts in this column. businesses than what we saw under President Obama and the Democratic controlled Congress back in 2010. Firstly, consider the national results. For the first time since 2006, both the US House and Senate are firmly On the flip side, we will keep a watchful eye on Concord under Republican control. There are now 31 Republican to see if NH Republicans learned their lesson from 2010. governors across the country. And, Republicans picked That election also saw a huge influx of Republicans into up an astounding number of state legislative seats the state Legislature, which in turn resulted in dynamics across the country – a net gain of almost 350 state legin the House running far to the right of what was comislative seats. The Republican wave across the country fortable or acceptable for a lot of NH voters. Those votwas strong, and large. ers reacted again in 2012 by giving control of the House Impact of the 2014 Elections on NH Business Community 142 Main Street. 5th Floor Nashua, NH 03060 www.nashuachamber.com 603-881-8333 2014-2015 Board of Directors Chairman of the Board
Doreen Manetta, People’s United Bank Incoming Chairman of the Board
Paul Hebert, United Way of Greater Nashua Secretary
Karen Cooper, River University Treasurer
Eric Carlson, Oracle MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR
Beth Needham, Eaton & Berube Community Outreach Committee Chair
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back to Democrats. This see-saw pattern can be broken if Republicans controlling the House take measured steps this session and focus on moderate, pro-business and pro-economy/jobs activities rather than focusing on non-economic issues that could again divide the state electorate and polarize it going into the 2016 elections when voter turnout will certainly be much higher and therefore likely more moderate/purple in its vote-casting.
Claire Castanino, Bellwether Community Credit Union Ambassador Committee Chair
Mike Apfelberg, Educational Outfitters State & Local Advocacy Committee Chair
David Heath, Melanson, Heath and Company PC iUGO Steering Committee Chair
Mike Aquino, Weisman, Tessier, Lambert & Halloran Fou Mahfuz, Persian Rug Gallery Kim Cadorette, BAE Systems Shane McLaughlin, Nashua Jet Aviation Lucille Jordan, Nashua Community College Joseph Murray, Fidelity Investments Mike Rose, Southern NH Health System Eric Valliere, Symphony NH Frank Teas, The Nashua Bank Peter Tamposi, The Tamposi Group Bill Schick, MESH Agency Ellen Scarponi, Fairpoint Communications Mark Sandler, Public Service of New Hampshire Lori Piper, Merrimack County Savings Bank
Photos credit: Studio Mark Emile Except in New Hampshire. Here in NH, Democrats built a granite break-wall against the national Republican wave and retained most of the higher profile positions with Governor Hassan, Senator Shaheen, and Congresswoman Kuster all comfortably winning re-election. However, Republicans did much better below those top-level races. In state government, Republicans now control the five-person Executive Council, extended their hold on the State Senate, and celebrated a huge turnaround in the NH House that allows them to hold a vice grip over anything Governor Hassan may seek to accomplish.
Our Chamber has enjoyed a healthy relationship with both Republican and Democratic legislators from the greater Nashua region in years past, and we welcome the opportunity to continue that relationship in the coming legislative session. And as always, you as our members, can rest assured that we will be in Concord on a daily basis to advocate for your interests in front of our newly sworn-in officials.
What does this mean? On the positive side, businesses can breathe easily over the next two years when it comes to business taxes and regulations. Republicans both nationally and on a state level have a relatively good history of seeking to
Photos credit: Studio Mark Emile
Rob Prunier, Harvey Construction Timothy Whitaker, Citizens Bank
Ambassador spotlight
Melissa Sears, St. Joseph Hospital Kim Reagan, RJ Finlay Co. J. Christopher Williams President and CEO cwilliams@nashuachamber.com Maxwell Snelling Marketing and Relations Coordinator msnelling@nashuachamber.com Shaunae Nolet Membership Director snolet@nashuachamber.com Christina Hendricks Events and Member Experience Coordinator chendricks@nashuachamber.com
Spotlight
For advertising sales contact Shaunae Nolet and for editorial information contact Maxwell Snelling at 603-881-8333 Newsletter Design By SvenGrafik
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mir Toosi was born in Tehran, Persia. He sports a healthy list of schooling, starting with Eastern Illinois University where he received a B.S. in Business, and ending at Argosy University where he received a Doctorate in Business Administration. Toosi is married with a daughter, and enjoys working out, riding motorcycles, traveling, and spending time with his family. You might know Toosi from his work as the Dean of Business Administration at Rivier University. Toosi has worked there for almost two and a half years, and says his favorite aspect of his job is the people with whom he works. As far as his future goals go, Toosi claims that he wishes only to continue doing what he does best: “Working
with individuals and constituencies to make a difference.”
history, and (not so surprisingly) number crunching.
Toosi has been a Chamber Ambassador since July of 2013, and joined to help serve his community. He especially enjoys attending our Business After Hours and our weekend events. Toosi is a staunch fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, and also quite opposed to the New York Yankees (which makes his lack of Red Sox support a little more agreeable).
If you see Toosi, be sure to say hello and thank him for the hard work he’s done for the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, and for the Greater Nashua area as a whole!
In the mornings, Toosi enjoys a nice cup of coffee, and at nights he likes to dine at Margarita’s. His favorite places in Nashua are those that have outdoor parks and recreation facilities, though if he could go anywhere, he’d rather go to Hawaii. He is very fond of geography and
MEMBER HAPPENINGS Symphony NH’s Exciting Winter Season or its upcoming Holiday Pops concert, the Symphony New Hampshire has invited American Idol third place winner and Mount Vernon resident, Alex Preston, to join the Symphony NH Orchestra and Chorus on stage. The event will take place at 8 PM on December 13th, 2014 at the Keefe Center for the Arts in Nashua. The Keefe Center can seat nearly 1,400 audience members. According to Symphony Executive Director Eric Valliere, Preston is expected to sing a solo while the orchestra performs Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven,” as well as a swing-style arrangement to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Preston is also expected to perform some of his original work, and may participate in an audience sing-along as well. Tickets are on sale now.
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In January, SNH will be featuring “Beethoven Forever,” where renowned violinist Irina Muresanu will tackle Beethoven’s violin concerto, as well as his Egmont Overture and his Symphony No. 1. “He set out to shake things up from those first few moments, and he continued to do so throughout his career,” said conductor Jonathan McPhee of Beethoven’s first symphony. Performances will take place on January 23rd, 2014 in Concord, NH, and on January 24th, 2014 in Nashua, NH. Tickets for all shows may be purchased in advance by calling the box office at 595-9156, or by visiting www.symphonynh.org
P.A.L.’s 2nd Annual Winter Classic n January 3rd, 2015 at 4 PM, the Nashua Police Department and Nashua Fire Rescue will compete in three periods of friendly hockey at the Conway Arena. During the game, Nashua PAL will being raffling off various sports related prizes, including tickets to both Bruins and Monarchs games. Check online at www.nashuapal.com for more information!
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The Peacock Players will present: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” rom December 18th to the 21st, 2014, the Peacock Players will present an adaption of Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol.” The play was originally staged by Keith Weirich, and tells the ghostly tale of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the spirits of Christmases Past, Present and Future. The spirits visit in the hopes that they can change Scrooge’s destiny, and thus save his soul. Through a haunting and magical journey, Scrooge ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. This traditional play with music (an original adaptation) features traditional English carols and historical period dance. The cast extends far beyond Peacock Players’ normal youth players – but features several parents, families, and even includes Peacock Players’ Staff members, Resident Artists, Instructors, and local celebrities.
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This is an original drama that has been rated PG. Tickets are on sale now, and can be found online at www. peacockplayers. org.
ADVOCACY Passenger Rail Study Results are In
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t long last, the federal feasibility study that looked at the question of returning passenger rail to southern New Hampshire is completed and the results have been released.
The good news is that the report shows a very clear need for passenger rail in southern NH, and the projections for ridership are very strong. Consider the fact that the widely praised Downeaster Rail on New Hampshire’s seacoast currently enjoys a ridership of approximately 1,500 on a daily basis, while the Nashua-Manchester corridor would attract more than twice that number. This is very good news for us, since many naysayers have claimed that NH doesn’t provide a strong enough market for mass transit.
Beyond that, the report also demonstrated that southern NH not only could support both rail and bus transit, but that the entire multi-modal system would only work if both bus and rail were complimentary of each other in a planned fashion. For those who think rail will cannibalize the bus service, that clearly will not happen according to the study. Thirdly, the economic impacts for southern NH are tremendous. The federal study looked at the positive benefits of economic development that have resulted in other parts of the country where train stations are located, and the results are overwhelmingly convincing – economic development, jobs, and property tax values all benefit greatly from passenger rail stations. One need look no further than the MBTA commuter rail stations south of us in Lowell and Burlington to see strong evidence of this outside of the feasibility study. On the down side, our Chamber feels we have a very steep hill ahead of us in terms of short-term efforts to continue moving forward with returning rail service to southern NH. While most of NH’s population strongly supports rail, and the business community certainly supports it, our incoming Legislature will be faced with daunting budget challenges before rail even enters the picture. There’s also a political problem facing us with our Legislature; we have an Executive Council that is stacked 3-2 against us on the issue of rail, and we also have pro-rail legislators who lost their election several weeks ago and were replaced by legislators who are either opposed to rail or who have serious reservations about any state funding for this economic development initiative. Many of these legislators who hail from Southern NH will likely be very sensitive to voting directly against any rail measures that may arise, knowing that the 2016 elections will have a higher voter turnout. If they are seen as voting against the strong interests of their constituents, they could
easily be thrown out of office. However, this certainly doesn’t mean they’ll be going out of their way to support this issue, either. There’s also the national picture to consider. Federal funding for rail projects is not nearly as readily available as it was several years ago; a Republican-controlled Congress could result in decreased federal funds being made available for new rail projects – especially in a part of the country that is dominated by members of the minority (Democrat) party rather than by those currently in power. The next step along this long pathway toward passenger rail will likely involve the question of whether or not NH wishes to formally pursue any federal funds for the initial construction of passenger rail. This question will require very deep conversations with the MBTA in Massachusetts, and careful coordination between both NH and MA if it is to move forward. Such conversations are never easy when they involve cross-state interests, and those conversations will only be further complicated by the fact that NH is governed by a Democrat trying to work with a Republican-controlled Legislature, while MA is governed by a Republican trying to work with a Democratic-controlled Legislature. As always, our Chamber will be at the forefront of efforts to take this federal feasibility study forward with concrete steps. We continue to firmly believe it’s just a matter of when southern NH sees a return of passenger rail, rather than if it sees it.
TIPS OF THE TRADE T’is the Season By Tom Barnes
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t’s mid-December – that magical time of year when most New Englanders pause to celebrate the holidays by enjoying some well-deserved leisure time with friends and family. Chances are the last thing on your mind is income taxes. But what if you could save enough money on your taxes to actually pay those extra holiday bills? It’s not too late to take advantage of some last minute tax saving strategies to do just that!
Step 2: Look Beyond This Year If you had a banner year in 2014, you’ll probably want to reduce your taxable income as much as possible. But what if 2014 wasn’t so great and you expect a much higher income in 2015? Smart planning can sometimes mean paying a little more tax now so you can save a lot more in the future. Step 3: Execute a strategy Perhaps the best and most common tax saving strategy is to contribute to a tax-deferred retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or a traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA. Dollar limitations and funding deadlines vary widely by plan. Consult your plan administrator, financial advisor, or CPA for specifics. For those with High Deductible Health Plans, consider maximizing your contribution to your Health Savings Account (HSA). Qualified withdrawals are tax free. It doesn’t get any better than that! If your health plan offers a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), consider participating at your next open enrollment.
Step 1: Know Your Numbers Was your income this year relatively high, low, or about average? What is your marginal tax rate? Is your income subject to state income taxes, selfemployment taxes, or the Net Investment Income Tax? Are there any tax credits or deductions for which you may qualify based on a small change in your taxable income? Knowing the answers to these fundamental questions is a good place to start.
income was low this year and you own an IRA, consider a partial or full Roth conversion to take advantage of this year’s relatively low tax rates. Finally, if you itemize your deductions and you are charitably inclined, December is a great month to spread some holiday cheer by making a taxdeductible contribution to your favorite eligible charity. Here’s to a joyous holiday season and lower taxes to all! For more financial advise, contact: Tom Barnes CPA (603) 577-0312 tom@tombarnescpa. com
For businesses, and particularly small businesses who report their income using a cash basis of accounting, think about short term tactical strategies to shift income from high income years to low income years. This might entail delaying or accelerating client billings and vendor payments near year-end, or making major purchases of depreciable assets to take advantage of first year expensing under §179 of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax extender legislation to increase §179 dollar limits has not been passed as of this writing. Stay tuned for further developments.
(www.tombarnescpa.com)
Tax planning is not just for individuals and businesses with fabulously high income. If your
Celebrate Success Now Accepting Nominations for the 2014 Eminence Awards
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he Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 12th Annual Eminence Awards. The Eminence Awards provide an opportunity for greater Nashua to recognize its outstanding businesses, both small and large, as well as its outstanding business leaders and community volunteers. The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce selects each year’s winners, based on the following criteria: Is the business or business person successful in their respective career or industry? Is the business or business person active in, and supportive of, various Chamber activities and initiatives? Is the business or business person actively engaged in, and supportive of, various community organizations and initiatives? Is the business or business person a role model within the business community?
Awards are available in each of the six categories: Business of the Year The Business of the Year Award is presented to the company (50 employees or more) that contributes and supports the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, but also is active within its community, holding a commendable reputation and maintaining good rapport with employees. Chamber Volunteer of the Year The Chamber Volunteer of the Year is an individual who dedicates their time and energy to the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. This individual goes above and beyond the expectations and needs of the organization, and who has made an extraordinary, notable contribution to the Chamber’s services.
Small Business of the Year The Small Business of the Year Award is presented to the company (less than 50 employees) that contributes and supports the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, but also is active within its community, holding a commendable reputation and maintaining good rapport with employees.
Young Professional of the Year The Young Professional of the Year Award is presented to any individual under the age of 40 who is responsible for significant contributions to their community and their industry over the past year.
Business Person of the Year The Business Person of the Year Award is presented to an individual who is responsible for significant contributions to their community and their industry over the past year.
Applications are available on the Chamber website Get your nominations in by February 6th!
Volunteer of the Year The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award must demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to an area non-profit organization. Persons eligible for this award are individuals not involved in volunteerism as a principle occupation, and are those affiliated with the Chamber, i.e., working for or volunteering for a Chamber member. Photos credit: Studio Mark Emile
NEws you can use LGN and Velocity Performance partner to bring in Brendan P. Keegan
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he Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their partnership with Velocity Performance’s Brendan Keegan in providing leadership training for the LGN (Leadership Greater Nashua) program. LGN is a yearly program of intense classes guided by a series of themes classifying the different sectors that make up Nashua. The classes are attended by emerging leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the community, or who show great promise as the leaders of the future. At the culmination of the classes, all participants work together to create an overarching project that is a contribution to the community, which will keep Nashua moving forward in a positive direction. “The Chamber’s Leadership Greater Nashua program has been a pillar of Nashua’s community for almost 20 years, developing leaders from Nash-
ua’s various sectors and giving them the resources with which to make a positive impact on our city,” said Chamber President, Chris Williams. “Partnering with Velocity Performance will ensure that this leadership program continues to do this for the next 20 years, in a way that has an even larger impact on our community.” Velocity Performance is a leading provider of business consulting and professional services to high performing sales, leaders, individuals, and organizations around the globe. Velocity was founded by Brendan P. Keegan, who has spent his career leading, growing and restructuring businesses. Keegan and his Velocity team now aim to bring that strategic and turnaround philosophy to all of their clients, along with their vision to accelerate the performance of leaders, sales professionals, and individuals through consulting and training services. We at the GNCC are thrilled to have someone of Keegan’s prowess partnering with LGN. Keegan brings a long line of success stories with him. He has spent the last decade re-fueling high-growth companies, executing business turnarounds, and transforming company cultures by inspiring extraordinary performance through his leadership. He most recently served as CEO of Worldwide TechServices where he led over 3,500 employees and 7,000 contractors across 74 countries. Prior to WWTS, Brendan served as President at BancTec Inc., where he raised over $375M of capital for a corporate buy-out and divestiture. As President of Emerging Markets for Seven Worldwide, his leadership led to a successful exit doubling the company’s enterprise value. Brendan was the catalyst and energy behind several high-growth businesses serving as President and CEO at Revenue Edge Ventures; President and CEO at Bravanta; and
Senior Vice President at Netigy. His experience will prove invaluable for the members of the 2015 LGN Class. Keegan said, “It is both an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to work closely with some of the top leaders in the Southern New Hampshire area. Here at Velocity, we aim to support the success of individuals and drive performance at companies. By partnering with LGN, we have the chance to do just that.”
All photos in article courtesy of Velocity Performance
Member Renewals Able Moving & Storage Co.
Hugh R. Phillis, D.M.D.
Teledyne Printed Circuit Technologies
America Cares
iT Guardian
The Plus Company, Inc.
Artistic Tile, LLC
J. Lawrence Hall Co.
The Salvation Army
Ascentria Care Alliance
Just Lights
The Youth Council
Bedford Occupational & Acute Care
Kulch Financial Services
Tichnor Properties
Boys & Girls Club of Gr. Nashua
Langdon Place of Nashua
Vocational Rehabilitation
Buckley’s Great Steaks
Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank
Windmill International, Inc.
Capital Transportation Logistics, Inc.
M & N Sports
WYCN TV 13 Nashua
Centrix Bank
Manchester Radio Group
YMCA of Greater Nashua
Christian Party Rental
Martha’s Exchange Restaurant & Brewing Co.
City of Nashua
Millyard Technology Park
Crown Linen Service, Inc.
Motel 6
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua
Nashua Police Athletic League
Devine, Millimet & Branch
Nashua Teachers Union
Eaton & Berube Insurance Agency, Inc.
Nashua Wallpaper Company
Edward Jones
NBT Bank
Ektron, Inc.
New England Copy Specialist, Inc.
EnviroSense, Inc.
New Hampshire Public Radio
Fay’s Fine Cabinetry
Opportunity Networks, Inc
Flegal Law Office
Paul Descoteaux, RMS
Flir Commercial Systems Inc. Systems
PC Connection, Inc.
Frasca and Frasca
People’s United Bank
Friel Golf Management Co.
Pheasant Lane Mall
G.M. Roth Design Remodeling Inc.
Prunier & Prolman, P.A.
Game Creek Video Corporation
R.J Finlay & CO
Gate City Electric, LLC
Renaissance Downtowns
Granite State Credit Union
Ruo & Haschig Realty Inc.
Gray Cat Graphic Design
ServPro of Nashua & Merrimack
Greater Nashua Mental Health Center
SkillSoft Corporation
Hair Cuttery
St. Joseph Hospital & Trauma Center
Harvey Construction Corporation
St. Mary’s Bank
Hirsch & Company, Inc.
Surf Restaurant
Home Health & Hospice Care
Symphony NH
New Staff Spotlight
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axwell Snelling is the new Marketing & Relations Coordinator here at the Chamber. He was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, and grew up in New Hampshire. He graduated in 2013 from Endicott College in Beverly, MA. Snelling graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and a focus in creative writing. He comes to us after a stint at Smuttynose Brewing Company, and is a self-described ‘beer aficionado,’ though not a snob. His work in the nonprofit world began with the Gloucester Writers Center, in Gloucester, MA, where he developed their social media program, updated their mailing lists, wrote their PR, helped to run all of their events, and helped with pretty much everything else that needed to be done. Snelling is a fan of fantastical fictions, and just finished reading “Mr. Norrell & Jonathan Strange” by Susana Collins. Snelling joined the Greater Nashua Chamber on October 9th, and was immediately involved in the “2014 Election Series – Meet the Candidates” event. You can hear from him regularly over at the GNCC blog, or through any of our social media outlets. Snelling loves the old brick architecture of downtown Nashua, and is thrilled to be working in the Landmark Building. He is excited to delve into the culinary scene in greater Nashua, and is excited to help represent the vivacious business community. If you see him at a Chamber event be sure to say hello!