Lakes Region Association
61 Laconia Road • Route 3 • PO Box 737 • Tilton, NH 03276 (603) 286-8008 LakesRegion.org
YOUR MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER
Filled with Timely Marketing Opportunities, Industry and Member News & Events DECEMBER 2009
Welcome our Newest Members
Ekal Excursions, LLC Scott Crowder 7 Kyle Drive, Nashua, NH www.EkalExcursions.com scrowder@ekalexcursions.com A self proclaimed Lake Brand, Ekal ExcurLakes Region Association sions, is driven to the promotion of the lake Working Hard for You! lifestyle through water sport lessons, chartered cruises, branded apparel, bike rentals, Established in 1936, the and much more. (see articles on page 4) Lakes Region Association’s mission is to promote the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as a year-round destination to bring more visitors to the area and economically benefit our member’s businesses. Our focus is Tourism Marketing & Promotion in state, out of state and internationally. TOOLS TO REACH OUR TARGET MARKETS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Print & distribute 900K publications $75K Nat’l Advertising Campaign International Marketing Plan Group Advertising Campaign Media Campaign Holiday Travel Campaign 4 Comprehensive Web sites - tourism, media, group, holiday 25 themed & targeted press releases annually Online high-resolution photo gallery for travel writers and members Itineraries for group travelers, guests, media E-mail newsletters to tourism, media, group and holiday audiences Two Visitor Centers Tilton & Alton Bay Outdoor Kiosks Gilford & Alton Bay Membership Newsletter
Shalimar 650 Laconia Road Tilton, NH 03276 603-524-1984 www.shalimar-resort.com Shalimar@metrocast.net Year-round family resort. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, private sandy beach, free boat launch & boat slips for guests, indoor-heated Olympic swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and tanning booth. Lobster House Restaurant with $10 Dinner Specials and Live Entertainment in Peter’s Pub.
The Boston Globe names Associated Industries of Massachusetts (A.I.M.) Mutual Insurance Companies to Globe 100’s Top Places to Work ’09 Lakes Region Association’s signature sponsor A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the second annual employee-based survey project from The Boston Globe. The Globe 100’s Top Places to Work ’09 magazine was published in the Sunday Globe on November 8. The report can be found online at www.boston.com/topworkplaces. A.I.M. Mutual was ranked Number 30 on the overall list. A.I.M Mutual also was ranked #12 on the Top 40 small employer list. “The Lakes Region Association of New Hampshire is proud to have A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Company as one of our two signature sponsors,” said Amy Landers, Executive Director of the Lakes Region Association (LRA). “A.I.M. is highly regarded with our member businesses because of their high level of commitment and dedication to serving the needs of the tourism industry.”
For more information on A.I.M Mutual Insurance LRA Brochure Distribution Program Company in Concord NH call 603-223-0166 or in We are excited to announce a new partnership Burlington MA call 800-876-2765 or visit us online with Best Read Guide. The new program at www.AIMMutual.com. began on November 1st. We will now be offering our Brochure Distribution Program through Best Read Guide. Best Read Guide is a well known distributor in New Hampshire. They provide outstanding service to those members who have subscribed to any of their services. continued on page 2
National Processing Company (NPC) Open House National Processing Company (NPC) is pleased to announce the arrival of Richard Archambault as the dedicated Merchant Services Specialist serving the Lakes Region and surrounding area. Rich is a seasoned professional with years of valuable industry experience. He will be based in NPC’s Laconia office located at 67 Water Street, Suite 109. He is available by appointment for no-cost personal consultations on all of your electronic payment processing needs. For more information about the NPC program or to schedule a personal consultation for your business, please contact Rich Archambault directly at (603) 581-6248 or stop by to say hello during NPC’s Open House on Monday, December 7 at 11:00 AM.
Distribution continued from front page We will continue to offer a Winter/Spring and Summer/Fall Program at the same low prices. Distribution for these programs will include: *All Lakes Region Association Members *Lakes Region Association Outside Kiosks *Over 40 Lakes Region Association/Best Read Guide racks *State Welcome Centers (if you are approved) The Winter/Spring Program is available from November 1st to April 31 for $1,420 and the Summer/Fall Program is available from May 1 to October 31st is $1,770. Ask about pricing for shorter periods of time or for the State Welcome Centers. Best Read Guide provides professional racks that can be placed at your business. Support the Associations partnership and endorsement by agreeing to place a rack today. Dick St. Onge will be contacting you to discuss the many distribution programs available for your printed materials. Best Read Guide also offers additional Distribution Programs on the Route 16 corridor through the White Mountains and along I-93 and in the Lakes Region. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Lakes Region Association at 286-8008 or Dick St. Onge of Best Read Guide at 651-8580. DICKSTOBRG@aol.com NHLRA ServSafe Class Schedule Tuesday January 12th/ 8-4 Tuesday February 9th/ 8-4 Tuesday March 16th/ 8-4 Tuesday April 13th/ 8-4 Tuesday May 4th/ 8-4 Tuesday June 8th/ 8-4 Host sites are needed. Host sites will receive ONE free class for an attendee. (a value of $135 for NHLRA members). For more information email srozek@nhlra.com The deadline to get your name in as a host is Friday December 11th. HOME ENERGY TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE As the weather gets colder, now is the time to take advantage of the energy incentives provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). A recent IRS news release, IR 2009-98, provides details on two home energy tax credits: the non-business energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit. These credits will help homeowners cut their winter heating bills and lower their 2009 tax bill as well. Read more at: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206875,00.html ARRA expanded many other energy incentives and also created several new energy credits for both individuals and businesses. More information on all the provisions of ARRA can be found on the IRS Tax Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 webpage, referenced above.
NHLRA’s Landmark Legislation goes into effect! In the 2009 legislative session the NHLRA worked with Senator Martha Fuller-Clark of Portsmouth to introduce legislation to overturn the Strict Liquor liability standard that has been in place in New Hampshire for the last 75 years. Under the former law, (which the NH Supreme Court called an “onerous burden upon licensees” see Appeal of Baldoumas Enterprises, Inc. 149 N.H. 736 (2003)), the Court concluded that it did not matter whether a bartender or server could determine if a customer was intoxicated prior to service – if after the fact an individual was found to be intoxicated, the responsibility for over service would fall squarely on the server and the establishment. NHLRA is happy to report that effective January 1 2010 the law will change so that it would be illegal to serve someone who is ‘visibly intoxicated, or a reasonable and prudent person would know is intoxicated.’ This requires a level of proof from liquor enforcement that a server was aware that a customer was intoxicated and made the decision to serve them anyway. By putting the burden of proof back on to the enforcement community the NHLRA feels that it will be less of a ‘guilty until proven innocent’ mindset and will be a more appropriate ‘innocent until proven guilty’ mindset. Thank you to our prime sponsor of Senate Bill 103, Senator Martha Fuller-Clark, and thank you to all the legislators who sponsored this bill including Senator Deb Reynolds, Senator Peter Bragdon, Representative John Hunt, Representative Ed Butler and Representative Jane Clemons. The bill passed both the House and Senate with a unanimous vote! www.nhlra.com Boston Globe Travel Show - February 19-21, 2010 Seaport World Trade Center, Boston MA With over 35% growth in exhibitor sales and dozens of firsttime exhibitors, less than one-third of the booths remain for the 2010 Boston Globe Travel Show. The 2009 event registered more than $4 million in bookings on the show floor and nearly 19,000 attendees, making it the LARGEST consumer-attended travel show in the United States. For more details call us at 888.210.8895 or email us at exhibiting@bostonglobetravelshow.com. Visit www.boston.com/travelshow for additional exhibiting and sponsorship info. HOW TO START AND GROW A SMALL BUSINESS On December 8, SCORE Lakes Region will offer a workshop covering the basic elements that one must consider in starting a business. A primer on developing and managing any new business, this key workshop provides critical materials and a stepby-step process for developing a workable business plan - this is important for all small businesses, and essential when bank or other third party financing is being sought. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please visit www.scorelakesregion.org
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Gunstock names new lift to honor Penny Pitou Gunstock Mountain Resort is taking the wraps off it’s 3.5 million dollar summer expansion and will honor Penny Pitou by naming its newest chairlift the “Penny Pitou Silver Medal Quad.” “Penny’s lifelong history in the Lakes Region and her impact and contribution to winter sports is inspiring” says Greg Goddard, General Manager of Gunstock Mountain Resort. “Penny was the first US athlete ever to win an Olympic Downhill Medal. Her two Silver Medals at the 1960 Olympics at Squaw Valley marked a new era of ski racing in the United States. Her legacy continued with the creation of the Penny Pitou Ski School at Gunstock. It’s only natural to dedicate our new “learn to ski” chair in honor of her achievements not only in racing, but in teaching thousands how to learn to ski and enjoy the sport. “ Gunstock is planning on dedicating the lift on Saturday, December 12th, check the website for details, www.gunstock.com.
The Common Man family of restaurants in New Hampshire celebrated receiving a national humanitarian award by joining with local business partners in donating more than $45,000 to five Granite State charities.
Dedicated to your Success Amy Landers Executive Director - 11 years Kim Sperry Publications Manager - 9 years Kelly Bryer Web & Communications - 7 years Annette Zamarchi Membership Sales - 4 years Willie Volmerding Alton Bay Center - 11 years Victor Jones & Kellie Moulton Visitor Information & Office Support - 2 years
Board of Directors Brad Lipe, President The Laker - Panoramic Publishing Frederic Clausen, Im Past President Proctor’s Lakehouse Cottages Gail Batstone, 1st Vice President Inns and Spa at Mill Falls Greg Goddard, 2nd Vice President Gunstock Mountain Resort Mel Borrin, Treasurer Latitude 43 Charters Preferred Vacation Rentals Sean Brown, Common Man Family of Restaurants Pam Patoine, Courtyard by Marriott & Grappone Conf Ctr Dyan Driscoll, Cozy Inn & Cottages Lakeview House & Cottages Mary Ellen Dutton, Kellerhaus Jim Morash, M/S Mount Washington Cruises Debra Irwin, Manor on Golden Pond
Common Man Owner Alex Ray and Judy Gove of the New Hampshire Electric Co-Op join New Hampshire Governor John Lynch in presenting a donation of $15,345 to New Hampshire Food Bank Executive Director Melanie Gosselin. The New Hampshire Electric Co-Op matched the Common Man family’s donation for a total of $30,690 to the food bank.
The Best Big/Little Holiday Party at the Wolfeboro Inn Friday, December 11, 7pm-11pm What if we said you needn’t lift a finger to plan your company Holiday Party this year? We’ll set tables to fit your group (8-12 people) and your guests will enjoy an evening with all the merriment and cheer that the season has to offer. The evening commences with a full cah bar and hor d’oeuvres followed by a holday dinner buffet prepared by our Chef, followed by a decadent Viennese dessert buffet and entertainment! Reserve your space today. Only $40.00 Inclusive Per Person. The Wolfeboro Inn. Contact: Lucy Van Cleve or Paula Smith Wolfeboro Inn Sales Team 603 569 3016 www.wolfeboroinn.com
Thomas Boucher, T-Bones Great American Eatery / Cactus Jack’s Grill and Watering Hole Mary Lamprey Bare, Lamprey & Lamprey Realtors Karen Beranger, Wolfeboro Inn Dave Doyle, Sun Valley Cottages Patricia Poore, at large Douglas Cutillo, Steele Hill Resorts Lifetime Director: Mildred Beach
New England Pond Hockey Classic the first weekend of February The 1st annual New England Pond Hockey Classic plans to “Bring Hockey in New England Back to the Basics.” The New England Pond Hockey Classic is an adult pond hockey tournament which will take place on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH during the first weekend of February the 5th-7th. This 4 v 4 round robin tournament will draw teams from all over New England. With its five divisions, the NEPHC provides an opportunity for every hockey player the chance to experience hockey as it used to be played. For more information on the New England Pond Hockey Classic or to register your team for this year’s event please visit them at www.PondHockeyClassic. com. For sponsorship inquiries please contact scrowder@PondHockeyClassic. com. Ekal Excursions poised to make more than just waves throughout the Lakes Region in the summer of 2010 Ekal Excursions LLC fresh off its inaugural season on Lake Winnipesaukee is making some big moves in the off season, to ensure season two is even more successful than season one. Ekal Excursions hopes to share the lake lifestyle with more tourists in more ways this summer, to prove that the “lake experience” truly does start with them! Last season Ekal Excursions stormed onto the lake scene as the first of its kind on the water experience. Aboard their brand new Tige RZ4 a world class performance wakeboard boat Ekal Excursions specialized in water sport lessons and chartered cruises. Read the full release on LRAs media site (www.lakesregion.org/media)
Snowmobile Safety Classes The seasons are changing fast, and now is the time to sign up for snowmobile education classes offered across the state. To operate a snowmobile in New Hampshire, any person over the age of 12 must have either a valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License or have successfully completed an approved Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) Safety Education class taught by volunteer instructors trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Additionally, all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult when operating a snowmobile, unless they are on property belonging to their parents, grandparents or guardians. Most snowmobile safety classes are offered in November and December, with a few in early January, so sign up soon. There is no charge for the classes, which are usually completed in a single day. Parents are encouraged to attend along with their children. For a current class schedule, visit http://www.ride.nh.gov. Adult Tech Theatre Workshops at Winnipesaukee Playhouse The next round of free adult tech theatre workshops are coming up soon! Register today by emailing bryan@winniplayhouse.com. The workshops will be: Mon, Dec 7th - Intro to the Scene Shop Mon, Dec 14th - Flat Building 101 Mon, Jan 4th - Scenic Painting Mon, Jan 11th - Lighting I Mon, Jan 18th - Lighting II Mon, Jan 25th - Sound Mon, Feb 1st - Stage Management Mon, Feb 8th - Intro to Costuming All workshops will be held from 6:308:30pm. Some will take place at our workshop in Meredith and others at the theatre itself. Ask About 2010 Gift Subscriptions which entitle recipient to tickets to 4 or 5 summer productions. winniplayhouse.com
Great Water’s On-line Holiday Auction Open until December 15 The annual Great Waters Music Festival Online Holiday Auction offers you a new way to shop for the holidays and take advantage of great deals on items such as household goods, vacation packages, jewelry, sporting event tickets and gift baskets. At the same time, you’ll be supporting the Festival as we plan for an outstanding 2010 music program for your enjoyment! http://www.cmarket.com/auction/item/Browse.action?auctionId=100096970
WE NEED YOUR INFORMATION! Log into www.LakesRegion.org and submit your: Holiday Events Winter Travel Packages News & Happenings Help us to develop compelling content to encourage guests to travel to the Lakes Region of NH this winter. North Country Center for the Arts Papermill Theatre Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Our popular Flex Passes are now available! Flex Passes can be used for any 2010 Mainstage performance. Take advantage of our Early Bird Special prior to January 15, 2010 for the deep discount off our regular ticket price ($29.75/adult ticket). Early Bird Special Available until January 15, 2010 Flex Pass Four Pack: $89.00 Flex Pass Six Pack: $129.00 Flex Pass Special Available January 16-May 31, 2010 Flex Pass Four Pack: $96.00 Flex Pass Six Pack: $144.00 To purchase Flex Passes: 745-6032 Fratello’s Ristorante Italiano Visit the LRA Member Pages to get your coupon for 20% off any Parties-To-Go. Order for your office! Expires Dec 30, 2009. 799 Union Avenue, Laconia NH (603) 528-2022.
Lakes Region Association SIGNATURE SPONSORS