With February behind us, it’s a good time to look at the recent development activity at the waterfront. 

Construction of the public improvements continues at the site, with several key tasks underway. The granite toe wall being constructed along the north side of the existing bulkhead area will reinforce the site's shoreline. Eversource is working to resolve supply chain challenges affecting power delivery to the site. Vault covers have already been installed and secured.

Meanwhile, subgrade adjustments and pre-remedial action plan (RAP) surveys have been completed for the footprint of the proposed Building F on parcel 1-7, ensuring the site is ready for the next phase of development. The City is also addressing newly discovered deterioration in the bulkhead panels to maintain structural integrity. Finally, preparations are underway to construct the stairwell near the pavilion building.

On the private development sites, vertical construction continues steadily despite this year's winter weather. Construction of Building C is making significant progress, with its fifth-floor framing nearly complete and most of the roof deck already installed. Meanwhile, Building D is also advancing, with its fifth-floor framing well underway. Inside Buildings C and D, crews are focused on preparing the interior slab on grade, ensuring a solid foundation for future work.

The construction of the townhomes is progressing as well. Building E-1, consisting of 11 units, is nearing completion of its rough exterior construction, while Building E-2, with nine units, is in the midst of rough exterior framing.

In essence, the project is maintaining a steady pace, with significant progress on both residential buildings and crucial public infrastructure.

The City's waterfront project will be the focus of this year's Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City breakfast on Thursday, March 27. Joining me for this event will be Waterfront Committee Chair Norm Fracassa, Cathartes' Jackie Huber and Rob Simmons, and Cathartes' first commercial tenant, renowned local chef Evan Hennessey. Following the keynote presentation, there will be a panel discussion with an audience Q&A.

Have you subscribed to the waterfront newsletter? Sign up at https://bit.ly/dovernewsletters.

Have a great week, 

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

Erin Claire at 93 Washigton St., is celebrating its fifth anniversary this May.

Local Business Spotlight

By Reid Bickley,

Business Development Specialist

Erin Claire Marks a Milestone in Dover

At 93 Washington St., right in the heart of Central Square, you’ll find Erin Claire, a boutique that has become a beloved part of the community. Inside you’ll find a shopping experience built on connection, craftsmanship, and a deep love for supporting small businesses.

Erin Casey opened Erin Claire at the height of the pandemic, facing the challenges of small business ownership head-on. Now, as she prepares to celebrate five years in business this May, her shop has grown into a destination for unique, eco-friendly, and handmade goods.

Running a small business isn’t always easy. Erin admits the biggest challenge has been “wearing all the hats” that come with entrepreneurship. But she has leaned on her experience in both large and small retail settings, trusting her instincts and learning to push through moments of doubt. “Planning ahead can be tough, but I’ve gotten better at listening to my true self and ignoring the imposter syndrome in my mind,” she shares.

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, Yankee Magazine recently featured Erin Claire in its Home & Garden issue, highlighting the boutique as a must-visit shop. Erin takes great care in selecting her inventory, focusing on natural materials like wood, glass, ceramic, and paper while avoiding plastics whenever possible. She prioritizes women-owned businesses and eco-friendly brands, ensuring that every item in her store reflects her values.

What truly sets Erin Claire apart is the personal touch Erin brings to every customer interaction. She greets customers by name, shares the stories of the artisans she supports, and hand-wraps purchases with care.

“People don’t just come in to shop, they also come in to talk," Erin said. "The relationships I build with my customers benefit not only my business but the whole community.”

Her dedication also extends beyond the shop. She regularly donates to local charities, reinforcing the vital role small businesses play in Dover. She routinely goes the extra mile for customers, like when she noticed an online order came from a nearby resident. Instead of mailing it, she refunded the shipping and delivered it herself, taking time to chat and play with their pup.

Erin Claire's offers collections of clothing, jewelry, gifts, home decor, and locally made crafts.

As she looks ahead, Erin’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Some days are hard, but don’t second-guess yourself. Stay true to your vision.”

Visit Erin Claire Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for Wednesday hours starting again this spring. Now through May 31, every in-store purchase comes with a 15% off coupon for your next purchase or to share with a friend. Follow Erin Claire on social media for updates and inspiration, because shopping local keeps the Dover community thriving!

Mastering Instagram Stories for Business Growth

Instagram Stories are a valuable tool for small businesses looking to boost engagement and attract new customers. These short-lived photo or video posts disappear after 24 hours, making them a great way to share timely content and create a sense of urgency. If you're new to Instagram Stories, consider watching a beginner-friendly tutorial to get familiar with the basics. To keep your audience engaged, aim to post 3-5 Stories daily with a mix of content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, product demos, customer testimonials, and exclusive promotions. Interactive features like polls, quizzes, and question stickers encourage engagement and provide valuable insights into your audience’s interests.

To make your Stories more impactful, take advantage of Instagram’s built-in tools – GIFs, music, and text overlays – to add personality and visual appeal. You can also explore Instagram’s templates and trending formats to enhance your content’s visibility. Create a sense of urgency with countdown stickers for upcoming sales or events, and use links to direct viewers to your website and product pages. Don’t forget to track your Story analytics to see what resonates with your audience and refine your strategy accordingly. With consistency and creativity, Instagram Stories can become a powerful tool for growing your brand and driving sales.

Tip of the Week!

Use Instagram Story stickers like polls, quizzes, and countdowns to boost engagement and keep your audience actively interacting with your brand. The more engagement your Stories receive, the more likely Instagram’s algorithm will push your content to the top of your followers’ feeds!

Trend Tracker:

Economic Insights for Dover Businesses

Uncovering the stories and significance behind economic indicators that matter to local businesses

The hidden costs of New Hampshire's childcare shortage

New Hampshire's childcare crisis isn't just a problem for parents – it's creating substantial economic ripple effects across the Granite State that impact businesses of all sizes.

A recent report from the NH Fiscal Policy Institute suggests the shortage's true cost: when parents can't find childcare, businesses face reduced productivity, higher turnover, and significant revenue losses.

The report's numbers tell the story:

• NH families lost between $114-178 million in potential earnings in 2023 due to inadequate childcare
• Businesses lost $35-55 million from employee productivity declines and benefits paid while employees weren't working
• State and local governments missed out on $9-14 million in tax revenue

For every single unavailable childcare slot, the state's economy loses up to $35,000 in combined family income, business revenue, and tax proceeds, according to the NH Fiscal Policy Institute report.

What's driving the shortage? Between 2017 and 2024, licensed childcare capacity for children under five dropped nearly 13% – a reduction that outpaced the decline in the under-five population. Low wages for childcare workers (median $15.62/hour in 2023) contribute to high turnover rates, estimated at 17% annually.

Business impact: When employees lack childcare, businesses face substantial hidden costs through:

• Lost productivity when parents supervise children while working
• Continued pay and benefits costs during employee absences
• Expenses for recruiting and training replacement workers when parents leave the workforce

As businesses navigate today's challenging hiring landscape, understanding these childcare-related economic impacts helps explain one significant factor affecting workforce participation and business growth potential.

Question of the Week

The Office of Business Development is asking a “question of the week” to get your feedback on topics related to our local business community.

This week's question: What Dover businesses have made a positive impact on your daily life?

Let us know here: https://polco.us/fy4m9w.

Here are the results from last week's poll, which asked, "Have you attended a First Friday event in Downtown Dover?"

Dover Download podcast: Your guide

to what's happening this week

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with the Police and Fire chiefs, and the directors of the Recreation and Planning departments about their proposed FY26 budgets.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or find it here.

Business Event Happenings 

Andrea Paquin & April Cushman at Milk St. Studios, March 15, 7 p.m.

6 Milk St. Enjoy an intimate evening of acoustic music with acclaimed singer-songwriters Andrea Paquin and April Cushman at Milk St. Studios. Tickets start at $23, with VIP options available, and include free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

New England Irish Harp Orchestra, Dover High School, March 16, 2 p.m.

21 Alumni Dr. Enjoy the enchanting sounds of traditional Irish harp music with a lively performance by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra at Dover High School.

St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza, Endzone Bar & Grill, March 17, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

421 Central Ave. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music, swag giveaways, and a special holiday menu at Endzone. Kick off the fun with breakfast from 6 -11 a.m., then enjoy festive food, drinks, and entertainment all day long.

Complete Listings

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!

Click here to add your events to the community calendar.