June 2021
Digital Tradewinds is a monthly publication highlighting members of the
Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Exeter Hospital's Griset Retires

Addie Griset, the woman who for 18 years was the first person people saw at Exeter Hospital, retired June 18, after 18 years of service.

Griset, 71, an Exeter resident, manned the front information desk. She gave visitors directions to where they needed to go, and answered questions about almost everything that didn't require a medical person. This is a second career for Griset, her first also being in a business where she offered customer service. She spent 26 years as a flight attendant for TWA, working international flights. Her husband Brian was also a flight attendant and they were perfect for each other, she said. As a flight attendant, Griset said she helped with weddings, honeymoons, lost luggage and a myriad of situations that tested her problem-solving skills.

According to Griset, "People who are flying have a lot of anxiety," she said. "People coming to the hospital have a lot of the same emotions. They might be having a baby and they are excited, nervous. They might be coming for help. I can start the conversation or answer questions. Mostly, my role is to provide comfort and to help them begin their journey, getting them to where they are supposed to be. I can provide a wheelchair, help find an interpreter for a language issue. My main goal is to show them that here at Exeter Hospital - we care."

To read the full article, Click Here.

Visit exeterhospital.com to learn more.
Raymond's Meloni Wins at
New England Nationals

Nick Meloni only had to drive three miles to get to New England Dragway. When he got there, he squared off with competitors from across the country, and at the end of the weekend Meloni, who lives in Raymond, held homecourt in earning his first Top Dragster win in an NHRA national event.

Meloni said he has had his fair share of success, especially at New England Dragway, but earning his first “Wally,” the name given to the trophy handed out to winners of NHRA national event wins, is one of the biggest moments of his career. John Harper is a regular at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but the Wiscasset, Maine driver picked up his first Super Street national event win on Sunday, taking home the coveted “Wally” trophy from his home track. Ray Knight, another New England Dragway regular battled through invaders to square off with Harper in the final, but Harper was able to drive his beautiful black and red 1955 Chevy to the win. John Gray of Hudson, Massachusetts picked up the win in Stock Eliminator, while Joe Santangelo of Marlborough, Connecticut (Super Stock), John Labbous of White House, Tennessee (Super Gas), and Amanda Boicesco (Super Comp) of Warminster, Pennsylvania also picked up wins.

Learn more at nedragway.com.
Leone, McDonnell & Roberts Welcomes Summer Interns

At Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, summer interns are trained in tax and audit engagement, gaining valuable experience into the industry, profession and client relationships. They are afforded the opportunity to develop time management, communication and project management skills, while being fully immersed in the culture at the firm, learning the value of teamwork.

Interning at the firm’s Dover office, Hannah Cloutier is from Stratham, NH. She is a University of New Hampshire accounting and finance student, and is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2022. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievement every semester of college so far.
Hailing from Center Conway, NH, Griffin Hill recently completed his junior year at Endicott College, pursuing his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. fishing, swimming and gardening. This summer, Griffin will be working out of the LMR North Conway office.
Rebecca Howe is a resident of Laconia, NH and attends St. Bonaventure University where she is studying business administration in accounting and is expected to graduate in 2022. Rebecca will be interning close to home at the firm’s Wolfeboro office.

Visit lmrpa.com to learn more.
Epoch Reopens as Exeter's Newest Gastropub

Hay Creek Hotels is thrilled to share that Epoch Gastropub will reopen its doors on Thursday, July 1. Epoch has been one of Exeter’s most beloved culinary destinations and will re-emerge with an entirely new concept and guest experience, one with a fresh new way to eat and drink with more edge and attitude. When Epoch Gastropub debuts this summer, a new adventure awaits for neighbors and visitors of Exeter. 

Epoch Gastropub reopens with a new face and set of chops at the helm of the kitchen. Executive Chef Tyler Brooks is an alum of Emeril Lagasse and culinary maven of various high end establishments, most recently the Breakwater Inn and Spa located in Kennebunkport. With the new menu at Epoch Gastropub, Chef Tyler Brooks takes taste buds on a culinary adventure as he enhances approachable and modern classics with global flavors. Tyler’s new menu features a curated mix of small plates, sandwiches, large plates, sides, and sweets to delight even the most discerning palettes. Chef Tyler has a passion for using seasonal ingredients and sourcing from local purveyors whenever possible, such as Brookford Farm, Three Rivers Farmers Alliance, Vernon Family Farm. The summer bounty is plentiful on the new menu with a burrata and heirloom tomato bowl, sweet corn arancini, tempura squash blossoms and butter poached native lobster rolls to name just a few. 

Learn more at epochrestaurant.com.
Exeter's Petroski Named Best DARE Officer in America

Stephen Petroski has been a police officer in Exeter for 35 years, but it wasn’t until the later part of his career that he found his true calling as the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer. He’s a man of few words but his devotion to the students he works with is obvious to those who see him on the beat. Petroski was recognized nationally when he was named the DARE America International Officer of the Year.   

He started work as a full-time police officer in Exeter in 1985, mostly on patrol, before retiring from full-time service in 2008. But he couldn’t leave the career entirely and continued in a part-time capacity while also substitute teaching at the Cooperative Middle School. After a few years of substituting, he became a paraprofessional at CMS, where he found he really enjoyed working with students. When the DARE officer position opened in 2015, he decided to give it a try. Petroski was nominated for the national award by Trooper First Class Richard Perreault, the state training coordinator for DARE, who began working with him in 2015. While Petroski had a passion for the program, Perreault was not sure how the reserved officer was going to interact with kids. 

Learn more at exeternh.gov/police.
Nathan Wechsler & Company Welcomes New Associates

The regional accounting firm of Nathan Wechsler & Company, PA is pleased to announce the addition of Katie L. Kurowski as an associate. Kurowski works on a variety of clients, and her responsibilities include accounting, auditing, compliance, financial statement preparation, tax return preparation, and special projects. Kurowski attended Keene State College, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Economics and a Bachelor of Art in Sociology. She is currently working toward her Certificate in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth and anticipates graduating in December 2021.

The firm was is pleased to announce the addition of Michael J. Stevens, CPA as tax manager. Stevens specializes in partnerships and S corporations, multistate taxation, mergers and acquisitions, tax compliance and consulting, and high-net-worth individual taxation. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Stevens holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Taxation. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. When not working, Stevens enjoys cooking, spending time with his family, and taking his Golden Retrievers on long walks.

Visit nathanwechsler.com to learn more.
June Chamber Spotlight:
Seacoast SCORE
Since 1964 Seacoast SCORE has been providing free
expert help to Seacoast small businesses – for entrepreneurs with a start-up dream and for
ongoing businesses looking to grow. Their more than 50 volunteer mentors bring years of business experience across a broad range of industries and expertise. Last March when the Covid lockdown began the chapter’s volunteers moved fast to respond to a groundswell of
client requests for information about government-funded loans. And they pivoted from in-person mentoring sessions and workshops to Zoom contact. No wonder that Seacoast SCORE ranks #4 in client satisfaction of the 300 SCORE chapters across the country. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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June New Members
NerdsToGo
18 Lafayette Rd., Unit 6, North Hampton

Movement Mortgage
436 Amherst St., Suite 102, Nashua

Red's Restrooms, Inc.
23 Hale Street, Unit A, Newburyport, MA
June Renewing Members

New for 2021, for those members who renew during their renewal month or before they will be entered in a raffle for a complimentary EBlast, valued at $150.
June's winner was Lamprey Health Care . Congratulations!
Membership Milestones
Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a milestone year with the
Exeter Area Chamber!

15 Years

10 Years

5 Years
Congratulations to our 2021 Community Award Winners!

2021 Community Awards ~ Edward Pease Excellence in Education
Katie Young ~ East Kingston Elementary School
The Chamber’s Educator of the Year award recognizes an educator with an Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community. 

As shared from her nomination: “Katie young has been an amazing educator during these hard times and remote learning. She went above and beyond to provide many activities for her students and helped the school put together a presentation for the school board for returning to school safely.” 


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Become an Ambassador Today!
The Exeter Area Chamber Ambassadors are the heart and soul of the Chamber. They are one of the first faces a new member sees, they check in with the Chamber's 300 + membership on a regular basis, and they assist with the various events and programs the Chamber puts on throughout the year. In addition, ambassadors are constantly meeting new contacts for their business.
Email Bobbi at [email protected]
"The ambassador committee has been a great opportunity and journey as a member at the Exeter Area Chamber. I have been able to build relationships and friendships that have helped me to learn about the community and build our business. Between volunteer opportunities and monthly meetings, the experience has encouraged me to get to know the fellow members and encourage them to make the most of their membership as well. There is also a great sense of camaraderie within the committee that helps to make committee membership a fun experience."
Krista Cambara, Voluminous Properties, Ambassador Committee Chairperson
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Did you know that the Exeter Area Chamber office is also a Visitor's Center? For many people visiting the Exeter Area, the Chamber is their first stop so they can ask questions about the area and pick up brochures.

Don't miss the opportunity to get in the hands of visitors, new residents, and people just wanting to learn more about our community. This is a Chamber Member ONLY benefit!
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Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce