Welcome from the Deputy City Manager |
It’s the end of the year as we know it, and it was fine…
Like everyone else, should we do an end of the year issue? No, that seems too much of a given. Instead, let’s do some short thoughts…
As noted in the last issue and discussed in detail below, the Dover 400th Committee kicks off its year of events celebrating the founding of Dover with the First of the 400th Gala Event, which will take place on New Year’s Eve. It’s a great event to wear a tuxedo to; mine has a paisley cummerbund and matching pocket square. I hope to see you there.
Holiday lights were great this year. As we did last year, my wife and I did some tours of lights. We, of course, enjoyed Luke’s off Dover Point. We also enjoyed displays off Columbus Avenue and off Sixth Street in the Alden Woods subdivision. It is always fun to see how neighborhoods push each other. Thanks to everyone who morphed from Thanksgiving to Christmas time with lights. This year felt like Halloween lights also became a thing, so that was fun to see.
I am happy to note that James Burdin, currently of Strafford Regional Planning, has agreed to become the Business Development Coordinator and will join the office towards the end of January. James will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge on state and federal programs. I expect he will compliment Reid and me and positively push our team.
I also expect we’ll see some changes here once James is on board. I hope the newsletter goes weekly and morphs into a version where one week is educational and the following week is marketing. In other words, one week the reader will find resources for business development, and the other week will be more about what’s going on or what opportunities are out there. Are there things you’d like to see us change? Let me know.
An end of the year thank you to Reid and Erin. Both have worked hard to create this newsletter and help improve outreach for the office, and it has been very much appreciated. Their energy and interest in working on this task is fun to see, and I look forward to their efforts next year.
Happy New Year to all, and I hope you have a year you deserve to have.
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Enjoy,
Christopher G. Parker, AICP
Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives
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Dover Download podcast: Your guide
to what's happening this week
In addition to each week's email edition of Dover Download, the City of Dover offers a weekly podcast. The podcast is hosted by Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker, who chats each week about the city's programs, services, public bodies and projects. Each episode also takes a brief detour to the past with a look back at the week in Dover's history.
In this episode of Dover Download, the last of season one, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker introduces "A Day in the Life," an occasional series showcasing various city services and functions. This episode digs deeper into the work of a firefighter with Fire Chief Michael McShane and Firefighter Jonathan Demers.
In This Week in Dover History, we look back to a radio program that sparked a Christmas Day fire in downtown Dover.
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What’s New?
Intern Edition
by Holly Magowan,
Business Development Intern
Hi! My name is Holly Magowan, and I am an intern at the office of Business Development this year. I am currently a senior at the University of New Hampshire, dual majoring in Community and Environmental Planning and Sustainability.
I have been interning for the City for only two months but have learned so much. I can't believe this is my last week, but I thought this piece would be an excellent opportunity to reflect on my time at City Hall.
Lesson 1: There is no typical day in the office, and that's what makes it exciting.
My main goal was to understand what it meant to work in a professional environment and what a typical day looked like in the office. Every day looks different, and it's not all sitting on the computer alone and doing database work as I expected. I have been able to go downtown to speak to business owners, visit new businesses, and even meet people outside of City Hall. Diversity in a workday has made doing the bulky work much more manageable. I have been able to sit in meetings, make connections, write for the newsletter, and, most importantly, learn what the Office of Business Development does.
Lesson 2: Connections between the city and business owners are the key to successful business development.
Walking around downtown with Business Development Specialist Reid Amy was surreal. I saw how positive relationships between her, as a representative of the city, and business owners significantly affect how a business runs. Business owners were always encouraged to reach out if they had questions or needed support. Business owners were always willing to have honest conversations and take necessary steps to improve their businesses. Having Reid as a cheerleader and expert is clearly a massive influence on their success. After hearing directly from the businesses in Dover, it made me feel even more proud to support them.
Lesson 3: The work environment significantly affects the work itself.
Having my own office with lots of sunlight has been wonderful. It makes being at a desk so much more comfortable. Part of what I learned early on is that having an open-door policy is extremely beneficial. I have enjoyed being able to interact with people without the pressure of feeling like I am interrupting. Everyone here has always greeted me, checked in on me in my office, and I have been able to go into their offices to do the same. Being able to ask Reid questions anytime has made logging all the Dover Businesses a lot easier. It has also made the transition here smooth, and I immediately felt comfortable, not just as an intern. Also, it was great to hear that some city employees are UNH alums.
I came into this opportunity not knowing what to expect without any prior experience in the professional world. Intimidated by the work, I was nervous but got over this quickly after meeting everyone here at City Hall. I will take this experience with me for the rest of my life, which I have learned that many others have as well. Even though I am not studying business, I have learned that healthy businesses are a crucial part of a happy city and city development as a whole. I have worked on my interpersonal skills, learned the importance of time management, and even helped with my school side of things, where I have achieved the best grades so far in college. I cannot thank Chris Parker and Reid Amy enough for giving me this opportunity and the Planning Department for being so kind and taking the time to speak one-on-one with me about their journeys leading here. I hope everyone had a great holiday and a Happy New Year!
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Aviation Brewing Company recently opened its doors at 47 Washington St. The company is collaborating with the former tenant of the space, Smuttlabs, to bring their core product, as well as experimental brews, to Dover. The menu features some creative choices, such as candied bacon with curried cashews, as well as classic pub fare like the Aviation Burger. They will surely be a welcome addition to Dover’s already vibrant restaurant and brewery scene. |
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Dover Jewelers opened earlier this month at 460 Central Ave. The new owners, Ed and Nancy Elfar, have also recently moved to Dover but have been in the jewelry business for over 40 years. They are excited to be a part of the Dover community and look forward to bringing their decades of fine jewelry knowledge to downtown visitors. If you get the chance, please stop by and welcome them to Dover. |
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Special Events to Ring in the New Year
First of the 400th Gala Event at Dover City Hall, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. This event is the kickoff to celebrate the City of Dover’s 400th Anniversary. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast, dancing, silent and live auctions, and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
Auspicious Brew, in the 1 Washington Mill Building, has been hard at work hosting some fantastic events alongside their tasty kombucha. They are even getting families involved this New Year’s Eve by hosting a Family Friendly NYE Party from 5-8 p.m.
The Strand, located at 20 Third St., is hosting a New Year's Eve Bash from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. The event includes comedians, dancing, and a champagne toast with a live stream of the NYC Ball Drop.
Ember Wood Fired Grill is hosting a New Year's Day Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meal includes some classics as well as some original dishes, non-alcoholic beverages, and a complimentary glass of prosecco/mimosa. Reservations are required.
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Upcoming Charitable Event
Event proceeds will go towards the mission of Less Leg More Heart; providing individuals with vital support, supplies and service to improve their quality of life as they transition into disabled
living following an amputation.
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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 |
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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.
Live Online Workshop: Shopify Tutorial for Beginners, presented by Seacoast SCORE, will be held virtually on Jan. 11, from 12-2 p.m. This course is perfect for those who have little or no prior experience with Shopify but want to learn how to open or expand their e-commerce platforms.
Financing a Business in NH is a free e-course that helps you understand debt and equity financing for entrepreneurs looking for capital. Having trouble navigating financing options such as traditional bank loans, alternative lending, credit enhancements, crowdfunding, and angel investments/venture capital investments? This course helps answer questions and links participants to appropriate New Hampshire resources. Registration is free but required, and the course is available on demand until Jan. 9, 2023.
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Launch or Expand Your Business in Dover, NH!
Contact the Office of Business Development for assistance in finding the perfect site for your business. Our team can assist you in site selection as well as 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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