Chamber breakfast recognizes accomplishment of the past, challenge of the future

This year's Chairman of the Board Keith Newton of D.F. Richard Energy and former chair Matt Beaulieu of Service Credit Union share a laugh as Newton prepares to take to the podium for his speech. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - In his first major speech since being confirmed as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce's Chairman of the Board, Keith Newton of D.F. Richard Energy today pointed to the strength and growth of its membership as keys to the city's and the chamber's continued growth and prosperity.

The remarks came this morning during the Rochester Chamber of Commerce's annual breakfast meeting held at the Frisbie Memorial Hospital Conference Center.

"The chamber relies on its members' involvement," said Newton, who recounted as a child growing up in Gonic, attending the Gonic School and graduating from Spaulding High.

Julie Tompson of Profile Bank is awarded a plaque for being an Outstanding Ambassador from former chamber chair Matt Beaulieu.

Newton, now an account representative with D.F. Richard, was welcomed to the podium by former chamber chairman Matt Beaulieu of Service Credit Union.

Some 100 business, community and government stake holders were on hand for the annual meeting, which was sponsored by Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

During his remarks, Beaulieu took the occasion to honor the chamber's ambassadors, including presenting a plaque to Julie Tompson of Profile Bank, who was named an Outstanding Ambassador.

Also receiving a plaque in honor of their longtime service to the chamber was T.J. Jean of the Gafney Home, a former Rochester mayor who served as a longtime chamber chairman.

Officers for the chamber in 2018 include Newton; Chair-Elect - Anne Brown, Daystar, Inc.; Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs - Steve Cates, Waste Management; Vice Chair, Membership Development - Alan Johnson, MetroCast; Vice Chair, Events & Fund Raisers - Janet Oliver, Unitil; Treasurer - Sharla Rollins, Federal Savings Bank; and Immediate Past Chairman - Beaulieu, Service Credit Union.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce attendees listen as Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO John Marzinzik addresses the audience this morning at the chamber's annual breakfast meeting at the Frisbie Memorial Hospital Conference Center in Rochester.

Members of the Chamber's board of directors currently serving are Mark Farrell, Laars Heating Systems; Paul Gatehouse, Independence Financial Advisors; Mike Hagan, Hagan's Motor Pool; Michelle Landry, Frisbie Memorial Hospital; Kathleen Lewis, Eversource; Tori Martin, Yankee Thermal Imaging and Mark Zoeller, Keller Williams Coastal Realty-Zoeller Realty Group.

New directors recently elected to the board to serve a three year term beginning in 2018 are Tanya Hervey, Tanya Lee Hervey Photography; Rod Jablonski, Better Homes & Gardens-The Masiello Group; Kerri Landry, Cornerstone VNA; and Bill McGlincey, Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO John Marzinzik opened the event with remarks noting that the hospital had had a trying year implementing a new billing system, but reiterated his and the hospital's commitment to serving the community by fighting the opioid epidemic and a burgeoning mental health crisis as top concerns.

"We're here for the community," he said.

Chamber President and CEO Laura Ring, who served as emcee, noted upcoming events like a Feb. 20 Chamber Business After Hours at Great Bay Community College at the Lilac Mall and the annual Chamber Showcase Business After Hours March 1 at the American Legion on Eastern Avenue.