chamber resources

MWV Chamber Brings Together Community and Business at its Expo

The Attitash Mountain Resort Base Lodge was buzzing on Tuesday, April 18th at the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Forum and Expo. Focused on a day of collaboration; the day began with info sessions focusing on small business development and workforce initiatives followed by panels discussing Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure and the impact of outdoor recreation in our area. All events were well attended with over 50 attendees gathered in the final panel discussion. The event continued in the lodge, filled with exhibitors welcoming over 150 attendees.The event culminated into an After Hours hosted by Attitash Mountain Resort.

Kicking off the MWV Chamber Business Forum and Expo was the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor Kyla Brustin. Thousands of businesses have started, grown and have become more successful by working one-on-one with an advisor from the SBDC. This is an amazing resource provided so businesses don’t have to go through unique challenges on their own. Kyla works with clients in Carroll and Coos Counties. As a long-time North Conway resident, she is proud to play a role in helping the economy of the White Mountains by strengthening the local business community.

Kyla Brustin, (SBDC) business advisor, shared information to help businesses better understand her role as an advisor and what programs are offered through the SBDC.
Photo c/o of MWV Chamber of Commerce



Speaking on behalf of Mt. Washington Valley Workforce Initiatives panel featured Executive Director of Carroll County Adult Education, Crystal Sawyer; Tri-County Cap Mobility Manager, Scott Boisvert; Executive Director of the Gibson Center, Marianne Jackson, and Shawn Earle with Commute with Enterprise.

Mardi Fuller, writer, speaker, and Outdoor Afro Volunteer, shares insights on the power of BIPOC communities as stakeholders in tourism and outdoor recreation markets, and how to make destinations like the valley more accessible to them.
Photo c/o MWV Chamber of Commerce

Each representative shared innovative ways their organizations are approaching workforce issues facing the Valley including NO cost for hospitality staff training presented by Carroll County Adult Education, Subsidized Low-Income Vehicle Repair managed by Tri-County Cap, and a The Gibson Center shared its insights on a new demographic of workers re-entering the workforce.

James Penfold, Director of eMobility Solutions with ReVision Energy; Gary LeMay, Director of Facilities/Renewable Energy Engineer with NH Electric Co-op; Steve Conte, EV Project Manager-Electric Mobility at Eversource; and Jessyca Keeler, Executive Director of SkiNH shared their insights on the future of EV infrastructure in New Hampshire. Moderated by Mark Sanborn, NHDES Assistant Com the panel shared information on funding, implementation, and opportunities for small businesses. New Hampshire’s need to stay competitive in EV infrastructure is only becoming more imperative. Visitors are increasingly making decisions on where to visit, or where to recreate based on the ability to charge their car. If New Hampshire can’t meet that demand, visitors will go elsewhere.

Over 150 attendees networked throughout the exhibitor hall with 50 exhibitors and representatives of the business and non-profit community.
Photo c/o MWV Chamber of Commerce

Tyler Ray of Granite Outdoor Alliance hosted a panel discussion between Janel Lawton, Director of the NH Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development; Mardi Fuller, writer, speaker, and Outdoor Afro Volunteer; Alex Belenz, an interdisciplinary planner with the SE

Group; and James Innes, District Ranger on the Saco Ranger District on the White Mountain National Forest.

Alex Belenz also hosted a break-out session with local guides to determine pain points and opportunities within the market.

Mardi Fuller shared valuable insights on how best to collaborate with BIPOC visitors, and how to make outdoor recreation spaces in Mt. Washington Valley more accessible to this market that holds a 13% user stake.

The MWVCC Forum and Expo hosted four workshops and panel discussions focused on key issues facing the valley; small business development,  workforce initiatives, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the impact of the outdoor economy.

Photo c/o MWV Chamber of Commerce

Panel discussions gave way to an afternoon of networking in the exhibitor hall that held 35 exhibitors representing businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley. An After Hours followed where attendees enjoyed refreshments, networking, and door prizes.

“I’m so grateful to all the exhibitors, panelists, and speakers, who were a part of this event, to share their expertise and resources in topics being discussed throughout the community,” says Executive Director, Michelle Cruz. “This day was filled with opportunities for collaboration and learning more about what we can do as a business community. Attitash provided such a great space to bring the community together.”

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce thanks each of its sponsors for its support in being able to provide this event to its membership. Sponsors include Attitash Mountain Resort, Chalmers Insurance and Patriot Insurance, Settlers Green, Memorial Hospital MaineHealth, Granite Outdoor Alliance, NH Electric Co-Op, Northway Bank, NH Business Review, Lakeside Security, OutFront Media, Eversource, and Fidium.

We continue to receive positive feedback due to businesses who took the time to share their resources. We’re sorry if you missed it, but we are happy to put you in touch with our exhibitors so you, too, can learn more about their resources.


Attitash Mountain Resort

Granite Outdoor Alliance

NH Electric Co-op

Northway Bank

NH Business Review

OUTFRONT Media

Fidium

Visit New England

Starlight Lodge

TD Bank

Mt Washington Radio Group

Carroll County RSVP

Guineafowl Adventure Company

Hannaford

Minuteman Press

Mt. Washington Observatory

MWV Economic Council

Omni Mt. Washington Resort

Tin Mountain Conservation Center

Upper Saco Valley Land Trust

Wander the Whites

ReVision Energy

Two Pines Creative

Tri-County Cap

Commute with Enterprise

Ragged Mountain Equipment

Cranmore Mountain Resort

UNH Recreation Management & Policy Program

New Hampshire Insurance Dept.

ApprenticeshipNH-The Community College System of NH


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