MESSAGE FROM 2012 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, BRIAN HUGHES OF HOLY ROSARY CREDIT UNION

The Chamber has seen a dramatic rise in membership with net new members as of the end of November 2011 totaling 29, representing almost a 10% gain in membership. An increase like this has not been seen by GRCC for years. This is very telling given the economy we are in; but it does show that businesses are seeing opportunity in the Rochester community and tremendous benefit and value in being members of your Chamber. I look forward to keeping that momentum going because building a stronger membership base is critical to the success of the Chamber and adds greater support to the greater Rochester business community; as well as improving the quality of life in this beautiful region of New Hampshire.

Of course, that success comes with members being involved. I cannot emphasize this enough and I hope you will be ready to roll up your sleeves along with me to get the job done. I will look towards our committees to engage many of our members in the activities we have planned for 2012. Not only will it be good for business, the Chamber and our community, it will be fun too.

We have a full slate of programs already set up for 2012. Beginning January 24th, our annual meeting will be a breakfast hosted by our good friends at Frisbie Memorial Hospital. I hope many of you will take this opportunity to come join us bright and early as we kick off the new year, thank Gerry for his service as Chairman, learn about all the exciting programs planned for 2012 and network with friends and other members.

I am looking forward to working with GRCC President, Laura Ring, her top notch staff, the dedicated Board of Directors and the many enthusiastic volunteers who serve on our committees. Building onto the fantastic year the Chamber had in 2011 will be a worthy challenge; but with such committed and community-minded people stepping up to the plate - it will be a great year to be involved and to participate making your Chamber even stronger. I look forward to working with my colleagues and meeting many new ones this year.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR 2012 BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR AND 2012 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an adult resident of the Greater Rochester area who has made substantial contributions to the community as a whole.

The Business Leader of the Year Award is presented to a Chamber member business person of an active company, professional firm or non-profit organization who demonstrates leadership in the business community and excellence in their business or profession. Nominees for this award must be members of the Chamber and contributions to the community beyond business interests and Chamber activities are considered.

Both of these prestigious awards will be announced and presented at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Dance & Awards Banquet being held on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber office or on the Chamber website at www.rochesternh.org. Nominations should include the name and address of the individual being nominated, distinguished activities for which the individual is being nominated including supporting documentation along with contact information of the individual or organization submitting the nomination.

The deadline for nominations to be submitted is February 3, 2012 and are to be sent to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, 18 South Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867.

To make a nomination please download the Citizen of the Year Form and/or the Business Leader of the Year Form.

The venue for ChamberLinks will change each quarter in 2012. In January, February and March, ChamberLinks will be held at the Mel Flanagan's Irish Pub & Cafe located at 50 North Main Street in Rochester.

The goal of Chamber Links is to introduce and make business connections with business professionals in a casual and facilitated setting. This networking opportunity provides members and guests a chance to give a 60 second snippet about their business. In addition, one member will be afforded the opportunity to give a 10 minute on-stage presentation at each meeting. The member on-stage will also be given a choice of additional free advertising on either the website or the Chamber newsletter.

On-stage presentations are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Call Laura at 332-5080.

January's on-stage presentation was made by Michael Provost, Executive Director of Rochester Main Street. Visit Rochester Main Street at www.rochestermainstreet.org.

MEMBER TESTIMONIAL