Press Log 09/24/15 to 11/16/15
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Mayoral hopefuls to attend forum The Nashua Telegraph Monday, September 28, 2015 By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI, Staff Writer http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1071391-469/mayoral-hopefuls-to-attend-forum.html NASHUA - Mayoral candidates Jim Donchess and Chris Williams will share their views on business and economic development at a Tuesday forum hosted by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. Donchess, who is an alderman-at-large and former mayor of Nashua, and Williams, who was the president and CEO of the Greater Nashua chamber and served in the state Senate President's office, will face off in the Nov. 3 general election after winning the top two slots in the six-way Sept. 8 primary. The breakfast forum is intended to give the public a chance to learn where the candidates stand on issues of interest to the business community, the chamber's marketing and community relations coordinator Max Snelling said Thursday. The forum will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. on Sept. 29 at the Dion Center at Rivier University, 420 So. Main St. Cost is $25 for members; $30 for non-members. Tracy Hatch, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, will be the moderator. Each candidate will take turns giving an approximate 1-minute opening statement before taking questions from Hatch. The candidate then will take questions from the audience. The candidates will draw for who goes first. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m. Buffet breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. The speaking program begins at 7:50 a.m. It is the first candidates forum since the primary. Another mayoral forum is scheduled for Oct. 20 at Nashua High School South. It will be cosponsored by Nashua High School South, the League of Women Voters of N.H. Greater Nashua Area Unit, and The Telegrap. Kathryn Marchocki can be reached at 594-6589, kmarchocki@nashuatelegraph.com, or @Telegraph_KMar.
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Nashua mayoral hopefuls field questions at forum The Nashua Telegraph Wednesday, September 30, 2015 By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI, Staff Writer http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1071461-469/nashua-mayoral-hopefuls-field-questions-atforum.html The two mayoral finalists shared generally similar views Tuesday on bringing businesses, jobs, an arts center, downtown housing and commuter rail here to develop a vibrant economy and culture that will attract young families and professionals. At the first candidate's forum since the Sept. 8 primary, Alderman-at-Large and former Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess and Chris Williams, the former CEO and president of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce who is making his first bid for elective office, fielded questions from the area's business community at the chamber-hosted event. The top vote getters in the six-way primary, Donchess and Williams will face off in the Nov. 3 general election to succeed Mayor Donnalee Lozeau in the corner office. Lozeau did not seek re-election to a third term. In an apparent attempt to distinquish himself from his opponent, Chris Williams attacked Donchess for opposing the Broad Street Parkway project, raising taxes when Donchess was mayor from 198491, and for "sitting on the sidelines" in the effort to bring commuter rail to Nashua and points north. Williams made his comments during his turn on the dais when Donchess - under the rules the chamber set for the forum - was required to be sequestered outside the room and unable to hear or respond to them. The candidates took turns on the dais to field questions before more than 100 people at Rivier University's Dion Center. Donchess won the draw and went first. Chamber CEO and president Tracy Hatch moderated. Williams criticized Donchess for increasing the tax rate an average 8 percent a year while Donchess was mayor. "I am not going to be increasing the tax rate 10 to 15 percent. I am going to be focused on expanding the tax base" by bringing new companies here, Williams said. Williams then attacked Donchess for "standing on the sidelines" in the drive to expand commuter rail here while Williams portrayed himself as having "my sleeves rolled up making a big difference." Williams noted he helped raise $20,000 in private funds to fund a rail feasibility study. "These are examples of me, on the field, moving the ball forward versus standing on the sidelines," he said. Lastly, Williams criticized Donchess for opposing the Broad Street Parkway project, which Williams said will be the driving force behind future development of the Millyard. 3
Reached for comment after the forum, Donchess said he was unable to hear what Williams said under the rules the chamber set for the forum. "I thought he was going to keep a positive campaign," Donchess said when informed of Williams' remarks. Asked to respond, Donchess said the city's tax base grew rapidly when he was mayor. That, coupled with public demand for expanded services and increased teacher salaries to attract qualified candidates - contributed to rising tax rates, he said. "When I was mayor, times were different," Donchess said, noting aldermen not only passed his budgets but "typically raised my budget reflecting community sentiment." He said he has "definitely stood for fiscal discipline" in the last four years as an alderman. Donchess, in turn, noted Williams was at the helm of the chamber for nine of the last 10 years when the city's tax base shrank. "The chamber is supposedly trying to grow the tax base to attract businesses and make sure the tax base grows. Under his watch, we lost $1.5 billion," Donchess said of his opponent. With regard to expanding commuter rail, Donchess said: "Chris Williams has been involved, but so have I." Donchess noted he testified before the state Senate to fund a rail initiative in the state budget and sponsored a resolution at the city level. Donchess said he was not an alderman in 2008 and could not vote on the Broad Street Parkway. Still, he said he criticized spending $35-$40 million in local taxpayer money on the project, rather than seeking federal funds. The debt service this year on the parkway is $2 million and will increase to $2.5 million next year, Donchess said. "It has had an impact on raising taxes and reducing services in the city. In terms of its long-term effect, it remains to be seen," he said. Donchess challenged Williams' assertion that the success of the Apartments at Cotton Mill and Brady Sullivan's recent purchase of the former mill at 34 Franklin St. occurred because of the parkway's pending completion. "I believe we can do a lot of good things in the Millyard - with or without the Broad Street Parkway," said Donchess, an attorney who is serving his fourth and final year as alderman-at-large. During his turn on the stage, Donchess called the $1.5 billion drop in the city's tax base to $8.5 billion to be one of the most serious problems confronting the next mayor. "This puts a lot of pressure on city government and city revenues," he said. 4
Donchess said the city needs to develop a strategy to attract new firms to locate here, while ensuring it supports its current employers. He said he favors locating a business incubator here to help start-up companies and creating 500 new housing units downtown. Expanded passenger rail, good schools and a vibrant downtown will help draw families and young workers needed for the city's future growth, he said. Donchess also supports locating a performing arts center downtown and noted one site being seriously considered on Spring Street initially would cost an estimated $22 million. He said a mayor "could take a leading role in campaigning to raise money privately" and "hopefully some of our leading citizens would take a role." With regard to the epidemic of heroin and other opioid abuse, Donchess said the mayor should convene monthly meetings with key parties to ensure open communications, would ramp up community policing and neighborhood organizations, and work closely with schools and the Nashua Prevention Coalition to promote education and prevention. Stressing the need for treatment and recovery, Donchess said he would work with Harbor Homes to try expand Keystone Hall, a treatment facility with 52 beds. Asked about the school board's abrupt decision to drop its contact with the custodian's union leaving 101 city employees without jobs at the end of the school year - Donchess said privatization is "not a trivial issue." The city first must be concerned about "putting so many people out of work, which is something we should not do lightly" and, secondly, ensure "we really are going to realize savings." Donchess was asked if he would support a spending cap - which the city currently has - or a tax cap, which Manchester and Massachusetts have. "A tax cap in the last 10 years while (Nashua's) tax base was declining would have been a serious problem because it would have required ... a drastic reduction in schools, police and everything because, as the tax base shrunk, it would have been more difficult to fund services," Donchess told the group. City charter requires Nashua to operate under a spending cap, which limits increases in new spending to a three-year average of an inflation index. Spending next year is projected to be limited to about 1 percent under the cap. Donchess said he would consider the idea of tax cap, yet noted: "At the end of the day, it's the the tax rate that is the bottom line for people." Williams, who was the chamber's CEO and president for nine years before he stepped down earlier this year to devote himself full-time to his campaign, said the greatest threat facing Nashua, and New Hampshire, is the decline of a young workforce.
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"It's important that we have a mayor that actually gets young professionals' issues," the 40-year old candidate said. Williams also criticized "the small-town mentality that Nashua has sort of suffered from for quite a while. For too long, we've decided to play it safe" while, he said, nearby cities like Lowell, Mass. and Manchester advanced. "I want to bring an attitude that we can think big...We can think boldly," he added Williams said he would focus on supporting the high technology industry because "that is the foremost industry driving us." He reiterated his plan to rebrand the millyard the "tech yard of northern New England," attract a business incubator and higher education partner, and build affordable housing. Williams supports building a performing arts center at the Greeley House on the Nashua River, saying it would be an ideal venue for waterfront events. If elected, Williams said his budget priorities would be education first, followed by public safety, then infrastructure. He said he will work to bring more businesses to Nashua to expand the tax base. "It allows us to have more property tax revenue that we can spend," he said. "When you are building the budget ... you have a few options. Option one, you can increase the taxes and fees that we all pay. Option two, we can expand the tax base," he said, stressing he will work to bring more businesses here. With regard to the opioid epidemic, Williams said he would focus on prevention. "Let's get the drug dealers out of the streets and out of our neighborhoods," he said. He said he also expand treatment and explore programs that have succeeded in other cities. Kathryn Marchocki can be reached at 594-6589, kmarchocki@nashuatelegraph.com, or @Telegraph_KMar.
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Nashua alderman hopefuls square off The Nashua Telegraph Wednesday, October 7, 2015 By CHRIS GAROFOLO, Staff Writer http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1071803-469/nashua-alderman-hopefuls-square-off.html Sixteen of the Nashua residents contending for Board of Aldermen seats appeared Tuesday evening at a candidates' forum in an effort to showcase their ability to serve on the city's top governing body. The designed meet-and-greet with the aldermanic candidates, sponsored by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, featured neighborly chitchat mixed with debate over municipal spending and passenger rail expansion. In Ward 1, Janice Schmidt is challenging the incumbent Sean McGuinness for the two-year term. David Schoneman, the Ward 3 incumbent, is seeking re-election against Kimberly Kleiner and Christopher W. Johnson, while Ward 8 incumbent Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja is facing off against Ronald G. Brophy II. Arthur Craffey Jr. and Thomas Lopez are running for the Ward 4 seat, and Greg Surbey is competing against Benjamin Clemons in Ward 6. Seeking the three Alderman- at-Large seats include two incumbents, Brian McCarthy and Lori Wilshire, as well as former board member Daniel Richardson and Michael O'Brien, a recently retired city firefighter and state representative. All ward district seats are two years. The three openings for the alderman-at-large seats are fouryear terms. ... The at-large challengers were introduced first, with Wilshire saying she hopes to continue to bring a more human aspect to the board with her background in the nonprofit sector. "I also have been the liaison to the Nashua Police department and have been a very strong advocate for that department," she added. McCarthy touted his 22 years of leadership in City Hall, limiting spending while keeping services at a level expected by residents and having more economic opportunities in Nashua's technology parks and the Millyard. Both he and Wilshire support the arts as an integral part of the economic vibrancy of the city, advocate for commuter rail to Nashua and wish to bring more people into the downtown for work and play. "The money that we spend downtown will continue to circulate and create prosperity in the downtown," McCarthy said. Like many of the candidates, O'Brien supported the Capitol Corridor Project that would include passenger rail. He said having a commuter train could bring back industry and a strong workforce into Nashua.
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"I know if I was going to move my company here to Nashua, I would like to see the kids, or the type of people that would like working for my company, ready to go," said O'Brien. "And I think that our schools have to supply that." Richardson, a Nashua resident since 1986 and former alderman, called passenger rail an "absolutely wonderful idea" and recommended seeking private investment and careful planning to best serve taxpayers. He said economic expansion at the Millyard is essential. "I want to make Nashua a safe, affordable and vibrant place," he said, pushing for more police officers and preserving the city's parks and waterways. Schmidt, a former state representative, spoke of her time in the Statehouse and how the skills she gained there would trickle down to the city level. McGuinness, finishing up his first term, also served two years in the New Hampshire House and said infrastructure is important and would support commuter rail as long as it proves not to burden city taxpayers. Schoneman, who has highlighted his support for school crossings on Manchester Street and the preservation of Greeley Park, lists wise spending to hold down taxes and avoiding any manipulation of the spending cap calculation as his key positions. He said public service on the board is not based on personal ideologies, but on what the constituents want to see in their government. Kleiner, a senior accountant in manufacturing, is finishing her four-year term on the Board of Education and said she has been a positive voice for Nashua children. She has served as the budget chairman and helped negotiate various contracts. During her three minute introduction, Kleiner said the city can better pair education with job growth and development, citing the advanced manufacturing programs within Nashua schools. Johnson, a political newcomer who planted his roots here after he and his wife fell in love with the city a decade ago, said he wants to make Nashua a place where his two young sons want to stay. A certified public accountant, Johnson echoed Kleiner's statements of bridging the gap between the school system and local manufacturing to keep younger Granite Staters in the region. Lopez, a social worker looking to represent a large portion of the downtown in the fourth ward, said he has heard from people in his neighborhoods about the challenges of getting to work and worries about safety. As a candidate, he wants to have them heard from City Hall, saying the board is missing out on listening to some very strong communities. "Ward 4's voter turnout is low because the people don't feel like they're being heard," he said. Surbey, who relocated to New England from tax-heavy Maryland, said Nashua needs to be more frugal, demonstrate a modest level of spending and "keeping people like me" here with low taxes. "Things like potholes are things that affect me and I would be very concerned about how efficiently government is working, but at the same time I look at things like commuter rail and I wonder if that's going to make someone like me want to pack up and move to another town," Surbey added. Melizzi-Golja, who has represented the ward for six years, articulated about those moving into her district who desire greater involvement in the community, while the tech-savvy Brophy said he is concerned about the city's budget situation and said there are a lot of inefficiencies in the 8
government, pointing out the drug problems and issues with unemployed and underemployed residents. "We have to look at providing people with opportunities, that will be the focus on my candidacy," he said. Brophy also expressed skepticism about commuter rail and if it could provide an economic boost for the city. Craffey and Clemons did not attend the event. ... Several seats are uncontested. Ward 2 Alderman Richard Dowd is running unopposed, as are June Caron of Ward 7 and Ken Siegel of Ward 9. Don LeBrun, a state representative, is running unopposed for the Ward 5 seat currently held by Michael Soucy. Tuesday's event was part of the chamber's 2015 Election Series to provide Nashua voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before the Nov. 3 polling. On Oct. 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m., all candidates will be available for an additional meet-and-greet and bake sale at Nashua High School South. At 7 p.m., the League of Women Voters and the John Locke Society will host a mayoral forum with the two candidates, Chris Williams and Jim Donchess. Chris Garofolo can be reached at 594-6465, cgarofolo@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_Chris.
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Candidates for aldermen make their pitch in Nashua Union Leader October 7, 2015 By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON, Union Leader Correspondent http://www.unionleader.com/Candidates-for-aldermen-make-their-pitch-in-Nashua NASHUA — Sixteen candidates seeking a spot on the Board of Aldermen took the stage on Tuesday to share their vision and ask for support in the Nov. 3 election. Among those vying for three open seats as at-large aldermen are incumbent Lori Wilshire, incumbent Brian McCarthy, former alderman Dan Richardson and former deputy fire chief Mike O’Brien. McCarthy emphasized his desire to make commuter rail a reality in the Gate City. “It has got to be done for this region to grow,” McCarthy said during Tuesday’s aldermen forum hosted by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. While the cost of rail can be debated, McCarthy said there is no more space on the roadways during peak morning and late afternoon commutes to and from Massachusetts. Wilshire, also a supporter of rail, said she brings a different skill to the board — a more human aspect. As chairman of the aldermanic human affairs committee, Wilshire said her focus is helping to meet the needs of those less fortunate in the community. Wilshire also serves as a liaison to the Nashua Police Department, which she said has faced major crimes and budget constraints in the past year. She hopes to continue to be an advocate for the police force. Richardson expressed concerns about the city’s tax rate increasing from about $16 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2006 to about $24 currently. His goal is affordability, and to help those with low incomes by keeping the city’s spending cap in place. “I want to make Nashua a safe, affordable and vibrant place,” said Richardson. O’Brien, current state representative, said he has seen the good, the bad and the ugly as a firefighter in the city for 35 years. Economically, O’Brien said the city seems to be in good shape, but Nashua needs to grow. “I hope to bring some new ideas into the position,” said O’Brien, adding the downtown area is the postcard of the city and needs to thrive. Fifteen other candidates are seeking nine ward aldermen positions. Vying for the Ward 1 alderman seat are incumbent Sean McGuinness and state Rep. Janice Schmidt. “We need to bring new people here to be fresh and alive,” said Schmidt, who said much can be done 10
in Ward 1 to make it better. McGuinness said he has learned a lot during his first term as alderman, but said he is looking forward to progressing in the role. In Ward 2, Alderman Richard Dowd is running unopposed. For Ward 3, incumbent David Schoneman will face off against Board of Education member Kim Kleiner and newcomer Chris Johnson. As alderman, Schoneman said his position is not based on his own ideologies, but rather what his constituents need while also keeping spending down. “Nashua needs a growth of jobs,” said Kleiner, adding the downtown area and business base are the city’s strongest assets. Johnson said he is seeking office to make the city better for his two young boys. Making every dollar count without increasing the tax burden will be his priority, he said. In Ward 4, newcomer Tom Lopez will try to outvote former alderman Arthur Craffey. Alderman Pamela Brown will not seek reelection. “We are missing out on a huge opportunity,” said Lopez, explaining the residents of Ward 4 need to be heard, and their voices need to be relayed so that they can become more active and engaged in the community. Craffey did not participate in the forum. For Ward 5, state Rep. Don LeBrun is running unopposed. Alderman Mike Soucy will not seek reelection. In Ward 6, Greg Surbey will face off against Ben Clemons. Alderman Paul Chasse has opted not to seek reelection. City officials, according to Surbey, must be fiscally careful for the next generation of residents. Surbey said he is concerned about how efficient Nashua’s city government is working. Clemons did not participate in the forum. Alderman June Caron is running unopposed for Ward 7. She was not present for the forum. In Ward 8, incumbent Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja will take on newcomer Ronald Brophy. With many new businesses and apartment units coming into Ward 8 recently, Melizzi-Golja stressed the importance of helping those new citizens integrate into the fabric of the community and get involved. Brophy said he is worried about the city’s budget situation, stressing that Nashua must be prepared for upcoming cuts at the state level. Alderman Ken Siegel is running unopposed in Ward 9. khoughton@newstote.com 11
Chamber to host 87th Annual Gala The Nashua Telegraph October 20, 2015 By TINA FORBES, Staff Writer http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1072433-469/chamber-to-host-87th-annual-gala.html NASHUA - The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 87th Annual Gala and Citizen of the Year Award this Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua. This year, the celebration's theme is the Roaring '20s, and guests are invited to dress in 1920s attire. Chamber spokesperson Max Snelling said chamber staff will get in the spirit with 1920s costume as well. "There will also be a speakeasy portion to (the event), and flapper girls handing out candy cigarettes," said Snelling. Typically attracting hundreds of area businesspeople, community advocates and public employees, the gala is the highest attended event hosted by the chamber each year, and is meant to be both a party and networking opportunity, as well as a chance to present the annual Citizen of the Year Award. Award recipients are announced the night of the gala, and are recognized for a lifetime of achievement in the community. The chamber has chosen a Citizen of the Year since 1945 when former Telegraph publisher Burtt E. Warren became the first honoree. Last year the chamber recognized a couple: long-time physician Charles Goyette and arts patron Meri Goyette. To get in the spirit of the decade, the event Wednesday will feature live music provided by the The Freese Brothers Big Band, a group which plays a mix of big band and swing classics. Snelling said the chamber will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Leadership of Greater Nashua program and launch of an alumni network for past participants. The Leadership program is a year-long series of classes that help emerging leaders in the community become more familiar with the city. The gala is the first in several years to be hosted indoors. Past events include a Mardi Gras-themed event last year in the Nashua Millyard, and a Halloween costume party at Holman Stadium in 2012. Tickets are $85 each, and guests can register online at www.nashuachamber.com. Space is still available, although online registration closes at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Snelling, however guests can register at the door starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. "It's going to be a lot of fun," he said. Sponsors for the 2015 gala are Kinder Morgan and Eversource. Tina Forbes can be reached at 594-6402, tforbes@nashuatelegraph. com or @Telegraph_TinaF. 12
John Stabile named Citizen of the Year in Nashua Union Leader 10/22/15 By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON, khoughton@newstote.com, Union Leader Correspondent http://www.unionleader.com/John-Stabile-named-Citizen-of-the-Year-in-Nashua NASHUA — Local developer and former state Sen. John Stabile was honored on Wednesday as the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. Stabile received the award during the chamber’s 87th Annual Gala at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. “This award is similar to a lifetime achievement award. It recognizes individuals who have various accomplishments across the board, and are involved in the community and civic organizations,” said Tracy Hatch, president of the chamber. Stabile, of the Stabile Companies in Nashua, was recognized in part for his development of the Cotton Mill Square, a $25 million housing project that revitalized a 108-year-old historic mill building on Front Street into more than 100 apartments. The mixed-income housing project converted a blighted and dilapidated manufacturing building tainted by hazardous waste into 55 affordable apartments and 54 market-rate apartments. “Mr. Stabile is passionate about his family and the community, which has led him to succeed in all aspects of his life. He is driven as a developer to put out a really high quality product that families and individuals can call home,” said Hatch. “He saw an old mill building as a rehabilitation project, not a tear down.” Cotton Mill Square, which overlooks the Nashua River, has been dubbed a major milestone in the evolution of downtown Nashua, and there is currently a waiting list for future residents. Stabile, who lives in Nashua, founded H.J. Stabile and Son in 1973, and later served three terms in the New Hampshire Senate as Senate Majority Leader, according to his biography on the Stabile Companies website. He previously sat as chairman of the New Hampshire State Republican Party on four occasions, and has served on the board of directors for various boards including the Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, First Federal Savings and Loan and Catholic Medical Center, states his biography. Furthermore, he was previously named Builder of the Year, and one of the 10 most powerful people in New Hampshire by Business New Hampshire Magazine. About 350 people attended the chamber’s gala event on Wednesday. Also recognized was outgoing chairman of the board of directors Doreen Manetta, and incoming chairman Paul Hebert.
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On the heels of the gala, the chamber and One Greater Nashua will announce Thursday the first ever winners of the One Greater Nashua Business Leader Awards.
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Stabile named Nashua Citizen of the Year Nashua Telegraph Thursday, October 22, 2015 By CHRIS GAROFOLO http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/1072515-469/stabile-named-nashua-citizen-of-theyear.html The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce presented the Citizen of the Year award to longtime real estate developer and philanthropist John Stabile, celebrating his decades of service to the region. Stabile received the award on Wednesday evening during the chamber's 87th annual Gala at the Crowne Plaza. The honor came after a short video praising Stabile's commitment to the city and stellar record of civic engagement. "I've been fortunate to have known John for nearly 30 years. He was one of the first people I met when I came to Nashua back in the early 1980s," said Tracy Hatch, the chamber president. "I've watched the impact he's had here on the community, his vision and his focus and his leadership across so many areas of Nashua and of New Hampshire. He's so deserving of this award," said Hatch, overseeing her first gala as president and CEO of the chamber. "The gala is our chamber's biggest event of the year. It's wonderful to have so many people join us to celebrate our past year." A humbled Stabile approached the stage and immediately thanked his family. "It's a joy to be recognized in such a generous fashion," he said, telling the story of how his family came to Nashua nearly 50 years ago to build, develop, participate in local government and give back to the community. "I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of Nashua's growth, to have met so many great people," he added. He also thanked his longtime friend and golfing buddy, the late Dennis Shea, who Stabile called the real citizen of the year. The evening had a Roaring 20s theme, with many in the audience wearing appropriate attire. Organizers also incorporated different elements related to the 1920s, including a jazz band and an art deco style, adorning the halls at the Crowne Plaza Nashua, which were popular during the period. In a video honoring the award winner, Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said Stabile is very good at having a vision and understanding how to get there. "He's also one of a handful left in our community that does business on a handshake," she said. "He tells you he's going to do something, he does it." Stabile, a graduate of Norwich University, started his career in the construction industry in 1969 with Continental Homes of New England in Nashua. While in the U.S. Army, he rose to the rank of first lieutenant and, after his military service, joined Border Corp., and within two years became vice president and general manager. 15
Two years later, he founded his own company H.J. Stabile & Son. He also became involved in New Hampshire politics, serving three terms in the state Senate and was chairman of the N.H. Republican Party. "I'm grateful he's one of the people that took a chance and believed in us to not only invest his time, but his dollars and to making an impact on this community that will last way longer than John will be here," Lozeau said. Stabile is also know for purchasing the minor league baseball team known as the Nashua Pride in fall 2005. In doing so, it put the franchise in local hands again for the first time in nearly a decade. During his tenure, the team won a Can-Am League title in 2007 and saw attendance at Holman Stadium steadily increase, although franchise would run significant deficits for years that led to Stabile selling the Pride in 2008. Chris Hall, commissioner of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, praised Stabile's commitment to the community, to winning and to his family. "There are things that John has done for a lot of people that people don't know about," Hall said. "He's not out there promoting it, but he's given a lot of people a better life." The chamber award can now go on his trophy case, which includes a Builder of the Year in 1977, the Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award in 1991 and numerous other honors.
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Nashua chamber names Stabile its Citizen of Year Honored for his ‘lifetime achievement’
New Hampshire Business Review October 28, 2015 BY NHBR STAFF http://www.nhbr.com/November-13-2015/Nashua-chamber-names-Stabile-its-Citizen-of-Year/ John Stabile was honored as the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year on Oct. 21, in recognition of a long career in construction and real estate development as well as an elected official. Tracy Hatch said the award was “similar to a lifetime achievement award” because it recognizes individuals “who have various accomplishments across the board, and are involved in the community and civic organizations. Stabile, of the Stabile Companies in Nashua, was recognized in part for his most development of Cotton Mill Square, a $25 million housing project that revitalized a 108-year-old historic mill building on Front Street into more than 100 apartments. The Nashua resident founded H.J. Stabile & Son in 1973, and later served three terms in the NH Senate. He also served as chair the state Republican Party. In 2007, Stabile was inducted into the NH Business Review Business Excellence Hall of Fame. This article appears in the November 13 2015 issue of New Hampshire Business Review
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