Welcome from the Deputy City Manager |
Good afternoon, and welcome to the last weekend in May for 2023.
I know this is supposed to be the unofficial start of the summer, but at 5 a.m. this morning, it was 41 degrees, and on my run, it didn't strike me as very summer-like. That said, I'm sure by the time you read this, it will be warmer, and I'll be more inclined to think it's the summer. More importantly, it is Memorial Day weekend, with the focus Monday on honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In case you're unfamiliar, it started as Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. The Woodman Museum organizes an event on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. at the Pine Hill Cemetery, with speeches and a demonstration by the 1st New Hampshire Infantry, a Civil War reenactment group. I'll be there and hope to see you there as well.
Speaking of the Woodman is akin to speaking of history, have you been following along with all that the Dover 400 Committee has going on? They have a slew of events that are going to take place this summer, and what once seemed like years away is almost here. Definitely get the scoop from their website or social media, and come on down to celebrate the hometown activities and heritage that Dover brims with.
Keeping hometown in mind, and while I know that I said last week that I wouldn't talk podcasts for a bit, previously, I mentioned the Your City Podcast. This is a podcast about building community, and the producer moved to Dover last year and has focused this season on Dover. The past two weeks featured Jonathan Nichols of the Woodman Museum and Josh Hynes of Stronghold Barber and Token's Tap Room. Find it here or wherever you listen to podcasts.
A shout-out to Reid and James. They have really taken the vision for the Business Development Office and ran with it. This week, they worked with local businesses to hold two sessions, one in person and one online, to gather feedback about how businesses, non-profits, and the City can be more collaborative in marketing and supporting our businesses in Dover. I'm sure they would have loved to have 8 to 10 times the attendance because more engagement is good, but to start this initiative and get people involved during a busy season is a great thing. I expect to continue to see these outreach efforts grow, be effective, and become ingrained in the vitality of our businesses.
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Talk with you next week,
Christopher G. Parker, AICP
Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives
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What's Happening?
By Reid Amy,
Business Development Specialist
Nestled in the heart of downtown Dover is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration and cultural enrichment. The Art Center, which is located at 1 Washington St., Ste. 1177, is celebrated as the premier destination for both established and emerging artists, fostering creativity and showcasing the best of Dover’s regional arts community.
Last week, I got the chance to visit with the owner, Rebecca Proctor, who gave me a tour of the brand-new Backstage "Small Works" Gallery. I was captivated by the array of over 150 original masterpieces, including fine art, photography, and sculptures. This unique gallery includes a diverse range of styles and mediums, from abstract paintings to realistic portraits, unique sculptures, and exquisitely crafted wooden tables. Whether you are a seasoned art collector or a curious newcomer, visitors have the opportunity to explore and purchase one-of-a-kind, handmade items, making it the perfect place to find a range of exceptional gifts.
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The new exhibition features the remarkable talents of more than 50 artists hailing from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. I have to say that I was so enchanted that I actually purchased two pieces from the gallery! As a collector, I have often purchased various works from galleries, but you usually have to wait until after the reception is over to pick up your purchase. In the “Small Works” Gallery, that is not the case, and you are able to bring these beautiful works home the day you purchase them.
The Art Center will be hosting an unforgettable artist reception on June 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. This special event provides an opportunity to meet the artists behind the captivating works on display and learn more about their creative processes. Rebecca is thrilled to share the incredible talent of these New England artists with the community. Come and experience the beauty and creativity of some of the region's finest artists at the Backstage ”Small Works” Gallery, located in Suite 1177, on the first floor of the Washington Street Mills.
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New Series Spotlight:
Supporting Dover Businesses
Week One
How the Office of Business Development Empowers
Local Enterprises
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The Office of Business Development plays a pivotal role in fostering a thriving business ecosystem. Our dedicated staff members serve as a valuable resource and partner for local businesses. We do this by offering a range of services aimed at assisting with retention, expansion, and building meaningful connections to the community.
Over the next few weeks we will explore the various ways in which the Office of Business Development supports local businesses by connecting them to essential resources. We help the business community navigate challenges and fuel growth by centering our actions around several key elements:
- Acting as a hub for business retention and expansion.
- Strengthening community connections.
- Providing access to resources and solutions.
- Working closely with businesses to solve problems.
- Setting up collaborations and creating partnerships.
- Advocating for businesses and providing policy support.
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We are a Hub for Business Retention & Expansion
One of the foundations of our approach to business retention is maintaining strong relationships with the local business community. We regularly engage with business owners and entrepreneurs to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. We recognize the importance of cultivating our existing businesses to ensure their continued success and work closely with them to gain a deep understanding of their unique situations. By offering personalized assistance, we help businesses identify opportunities for growth and expansion and ultimately foster a better business environment.
We serve as an important catalyst for business growth, retention, and community connections. By providing a wide range of resources, our businesses are empowered to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Our dedication to supporting local enterprises paves the way for a thriving business landscape in Dover, ultimately contributing to our economic prosperity and the well-being of the community.
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Dover Download podcast: Your guide
to what's happening this week
In this week's episode, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Services Director John Storer and Deputy Director of Community Services David Fredrickson about public works in Dover.
National Public Works Week is observed annually during the third full week of May, which this year is May 21 through 27. It’s a time to reflect and recognize the importance of public works in an organized society and shed light on the essential role that public works employees play in society.
In This Week in Dover History, we revisit the 50th anniversary of Foster's Daily Democrat, celebrated 100 years ago in 1923.
The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and by clicking here. |
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Business Event Happenings
Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.
Please click here or on the calendar below to find an event! |
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Resources for Businesses
The Office of Business Development has gathered a collection of free resources for starting or expanding your business in Dover; you can access them by clicking here.
- The NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a free course on how to create and implement a winning social media strategy. The course will walk you through identifying big-picture goals, tools to use, your brand messaging and target market, and what to find out about what your competitors are doing on social media. To register and learn more, click here.
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Launch or Expand Your Business in Dover, NH!
Contact the Office of Business Development for assistance finding the perfect site for your business. Our team can assist you in site selection and provide access to business resources for business growth and expansion. Email us for more information about how to locate or relocate your business with us! |
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Let us know about your business
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OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF DOVER NEW HAMPSHIRE
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City Hall, 288 Central Avenue
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 516-1560
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Monday - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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