Small Business – The Heart of America – ‘The Charm of Anticipated Success’
Small business, propelled by entrepreneurial spirit, hard work and grit – is the lifeblood of our economy. The bedrock of our nation and the glue that binds our local communities. With this in mind, it was terrifically exciting to participate with the Small Business Administration earlier this week as the NH Small Business Award Winners of 2019 were honored in Manchester.
Wendell Davis, New England Regional Administrator (pictured above) spoke eloquently about ‘the charm of anticipated success.’ In other words, the optimistic vision that allows the entrepreneur, the small business owner, to keep pushing forward to achieve ultimate success.
As Wendell notes in the above conversation, this truly American characteristic was evident even in the early 1800’s to the French historian Alexis de Tocqueville as he toured the United States, and this positive spirit continues to define our national character even to this day.
Congratulations to all of the winners (listed in the link below) and special recognition to Hale and Erica Cole-Tucker, the owners of the Tucker Restaurant Group, who were honored as Small Business Persons of the Year – and deservedly so. If you haven’t visited one of their great restaurants yet, please do. A truly New Hampshire experience.
Memorial Day – Newport Honored to Welcome a True Hero and Family
When the Newport Sunshine Initiative held a Christmas Party for families in the town this past December, we had no idea it would give us the opportunity to connect with a wonderful new friend, Richard Baumert – who is also a true hero. Richard had read about our gathering in the paper and had brought his daughter to come see Santa.
From this chance meeting, we have gotten to know Richard - father, husband, and recent Newport resident, who has completed several deployments including two counter narcotic deployments in South America, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. ETCS Baumert is currently the Senior Enlisted Leader at the Navy Operational Support Center in White River Junction, Vermont.
Richard, his wife Judy and, soon to be two year old daughter, Adelaide, have called Newport home since this past fall. They quickly got involved in the Newport community. Earlier this month, Richard along with several sailors from the Navy Operational Support Center volunteered to clean up and landscape Cinnamon Street Child Care Center which serves many of the families and children of Newport. Thank you Richard for your service to our country and to our community! We are lucky to have you.
Facebook Is Lighting Up – As Newporter’s Are Catching Sunflower Fever
“This is such a fun idea for the town...”
“Thank you for such a positive thing to do...”
"We got ours yesterday in the mail. Was a great surprise for my 8 year old, he’s excited to plant!”
“My granddaughter and I will be planting ours this weekend.”
These are just a few of the posts on social media about the First Annual Newport Sunflower Project! Planting sunflowers throughout Newport and on our way to set the Guinness World Record!
It truly is amazing to see a community coming together for something so positive, so fun, and so simple as flowers. Currently more than fifty homes and businesses in Newport have already planted and registered their flower beds. The town will be bursting with sunflowers this summer!
The project is picking up steam as residents across town have received their packets in the mail and are creating memories with their friends, their family, and their neighbors. Take a look at our “planting map” under the flowers tab: www.NewportSunshine.org And if you live in Newport, make sure to request your seeds and join in on the fun… it’s going to be beautiful!
Women Coming Together - With Positive Energy - To Address A Difficult Problem
Author Sarah Strohmeyer once said, “The Power of women united, I am again reminded, is an invincible thing.” This past week, women in Newport came together to tackle one of life’s most tragic and most common issues, mental illness. Led by Dr. Judith Baumert, psychologist, Newport resident, and member of the Newport Women’s Group, the women delved into some serious topics including depression and anxiety and its prevalence in women across the country.
Did you know that twenty-five percent of women suffer from depression and anxiety? One in four women. What would happen if these women supported each other, helped each other conquer the unfortunate consequences of busy, stressful lives. That’s just what the Newport Women’s Group is setting out to do. By empowering such an important part of the community, coming together, learning from each other, and growing individually and jointly, the women hope to bring positive change to the town and the community they all love.
Thanks To IHOP – Supporting Children of Fallen Patriots!
In honor of Military Appreciation Month in May, IHOP dedicated itself to a charitable giving campaign to raise $1 million for Fallen Patriots - to fund college scholarships and educational counseling for military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
As a fun part of this effort, earlier this week, IHOP conducted a special promotion – serving $1.00 pancakes – with all of the proceeds across the nation going directly to Children of Fallen Patriots.
What a terrific contribution to this most deserving cause. And, by the way, really great pancakes!
Celebrating Achievement – Congratulations to Ben Gallagher
Newport is honored to celebrate Newport High School senior Ben Gallagher. Ben has been selected as a Presidential Scholar – one of only one hundred sixty-one recipients in the nation this year. In addition, after graduation, Ben will be attending Harvard University in the fall. Ben, Newport is very proud of your achievement!
Profile of the Week: Senator Regina Birdsell
This week we are profiling my good friend and dedicated New Hampshire public servant, State Senator Regina Birdsell.
Regina, serves the people of Derry, Hampstead, and Windham in the New Hampshire State Senate and is currently serving her third term. Prior to that, Regina represented the people of Hampstead in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
On this Memorial Day weekend, it is especially important to note that Senator Birdsell comes from a military family. Her family was Lt. Colonel in the US Army and Regina herself served in the US Coast Guard for ten years.
Regina is a tireless advocate for our veterans, their families, and all the people of New Hampshire.
Regina first got involved by volunteering for fellow veterans, Senator John McCain in 2008. Since then, she has worked hard in building grassroots efforts for positive initiatives and has proudly served as county chairman of the Rockingham County GOP.
She and her husband, Mark, reside in Hampstead. We are indeed fortunate to have Regina as a true leader in New Hampshire.
Quotes of the Week: Small Business – The Charm of Anticipated Success
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt
“I’m a big fan of small business ownership. I think it’s the backbone of American innovation. But to be successful, you first have to have the courage to go for it.” – Bill Rancic
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.” - Dr. Seuss
“ I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s got.” – Walter Cronkite
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin by always expecting good things to happen”. –Tom Hopkins