Nominations Are Now Open for the 2026 Annual Awards Dinner & Celebration
The Greater Merrimack–Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that nominations are now open for our Annual Awards Dinner & Celebration!
Each year, this special evening gives us the opportunity to recognize the incredible businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who help our Chamber community thrive. Our members do amazing work every day — supporting one another, serving our communities, and helping our region grow stronger.
This year’s theme is:
✨ Illuminate! Celebrating the Spark of Success ✨
Through this theme, we will shine a light on the leaders, innovators, and community champions who go above and beyond. These are the people and organizations who demonstrate leadership, creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to strengthening our local business community.
Help Us Celebrate Our Members
We invite you to take a few moments to nominate a fellow Chamber member — or even your own organization — for the impact made over the past year.
Your nominations help ensure that the outstanding work happening across our Chamber is recognized and celebrated.
This will be a wonderful evening filled with connection, recognition, and celebration as we honor the very best of the Greater Merrimack–Souhegan Valley Chamber community.
We hope you’ll join us in shining a light on the incredible work happening across our region.
Thank you for taking a few moments to help us celebrate the very best of GMSVCC! ✨
Beyond the Paycheck: How the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Businesses Are Winning the Talent War
MERRIMACK, NH – In today's competitive landscape, the challenge for local business owners isn't just finding qualified employees—it's keeping them. As the Souhegan Valley economy continues its dynamic growth, a new frontline has emerged in the battle for talent: company culture and professional development. While competitive wages remain crucial, local experts and successful entrepreneurs argue that money alone is no longer enough to attract and, more importantly, retain the best people.
For businesses across Merrimack, Amherst, Milford, and the surrounding towns, the focus is shifting from a purely transactional employer-employee relationship to a transformational one. The question is no longer just "What can an employee do for my business?" but "How can my business invest in my employee's future?"
The New Retention Toolkit: Culture & Growth
The post-pandemic workforce has a new set of priorities. Flexibility, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for advancement are now powerful currencies. Business owners who recognize this shift are gaining a significant competitive edge.
"We used to think perks were about a holiday bonus or a summer outing," says a fictional long-time business owner in Merrimack. "Now, the most valuable perk we can offer is an investment in our team's skills. It shows we care about their career path, not just their daily output."
This sentiment is the core of the new retention strategy. Here are three actionable pillars local businesses are using to build a loyal and skilled workforce:
1. Cultivating a "Stay-Worthy" Culture: A positive work environment is paramount. This goes beyond casual Fridays. It’s about creating a culture of respect, transparency, and psychological safety where employees feel valued and heard.
Actionable Step: Implement regular, informal "check-in" meetings with employees that are not tied to performance reviews. Use this time to listen to their ideas, challenges, and professional aspirations.
2. Championing Continuous Education: The modern employee is a lifelong learner. Providing opportunities for upskilling is a direct investment in both your employee and your company's future. When you help an employee gain a new certification, master a new piece of software, or attend a leadership seminar, you are developing a more capable team and fostering deep-seated loyalty.
Actionable Step: Dedicate a modest annual budget for professional development for each employee. This can be used for online courses, local workshops (like those offered through the Chamber!), or industry conferences. The return on investment in terms of skill and retention often far outweighs the cost.
3. Rethinking Rigidity: In an era where remote and hybrid work have become normalized, even brick-and-mortar businesses can embrace flexibility. Whether it’s offering adaptable start and end times, a compressed four-day work week, or more accommodating parental leave policies, flexibility signals trust and respect for an employee’s life outside of work.
Actionable Step: Survey your team to understand what form of flexibility would be most meaningful to them. You may be surprised to find that small, low-cost adjustments can make a significant impact on morale and reduce turnover.
The Bottom Line for Your Business
In the Souhegan Valley, our greatest asset is our people. By focusing on building a robust company culture and providing clear paths for employee growth, local businesses can create an environment where top talent doesn't just want to work—they want to stay and build a career.
The Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Committee encourages you to look within your own organization and ask: Are we offering a job, or are we offering a future? The answer will define your success in the years to come.
A Night of Laughs for a Great Cause – January 24, 2026
Get ready to laugh your way into the new year! The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our annual Comedy Night Fundraiser — happening Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts in Milford, NH.
This high-energy night of entertainment will feature some of New England’s funniest and most memorable comedians, delivering a show guaranteed to warm up your winter! A portion of the evening’s proceeds supports the important youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley — so your laughs make an impact.
You may know him as “Georgie the Bartender” from The Sopranos, but Frank Santorelli’s comedy career spans far beyond the legendary TV series. A seasoned performer and star of The Godfathers of Comedy, Frank has appeared in major films including Meet the Parents, No Reservations, and Crooked Lines. With his signature storytelling style and quick wit, Frank Santorelli is a comedy veteran guaranteed to keep you laughing all night long.
Kristy Kielbasinski – High Heels, High Energy, and High Laugh Count
Boston-based comedian and author Kristy Kielbasinski draws humor from the chaos of everyday life — especially motherhood. Her children’s book I Don’t Know showcases her love of comedy and storytelling, and she’s been seen on WCVB’s Chronicle. A semi-finalist in both the Boston Comedy Festival and the Funniest Person in Massachusetts Competition, Kristy performs everywhere from clubs to basements (yes… basements!) across New England — always in her stilettos. When she’s not on stage? She’s at the bus stop telling her kids to tie their shoes.
Mitch Stinson – From Navy Pilot to Stand-Up Pro
A former U.S. Navy aircraft-carrier aviator, Mitch Stinson made more than 200 carrier landings during his decade-long military career — and now he’s landing punchlines instead. Mitch has quickly become a standout in the comedy scene with his clean, original material and hilarious perspective on transitioning from “hot-shot Navy pilot” to everyday civilian life. His stories resonate with audiences across the Northeast and beyond.
🎟️ Don’t Wait — Grab Your Tickets Today!
Comedy Night has a history of selling out, and with this lineup, seats are expected to go fast. Whether you're looking for a fun night out, a unique holiday gift, or a chance to support a fantastic community cause, this event has it all.
Join us for a night of laughter, energy, and community spirit — we can’t wait to see you there!
🍽️ Restaurant Partners
We proudly partner with area Chamber member restaurants who offer exclusive discounts to our Comedy Night ticket holders. Enjoy a great meal before the show and support local businesses!
Our Restaurant Partners: ⭐ Brickhouse Restaurant & Brewery – Enjoy 20% off your food bill with your Comedy Night ticket! ⭐ Murphy's Taproom & Carriage House – Enjoy 20% off your food bill with your Comedy Night ticket!
Stay tuned as more local restaurants join the fun!
The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch our 2025 Shop Local Holiday Campaign, encouraging residents across the region to support local businesses throughout the holiday season.
This year’s campaign highlights special offers from member retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and nonprofits for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Our goal is to make it easier than ever for shoppers to find local deals, gift ideas, and ways to give back—all in one place.
The Chamber has created a dedicated Shop Local Holiday Campaign landing page, where community members can browse promotions submitted by participating businesses. New offers will continue to be added throughout the week as members share their holiday specials.
“Shopping local keeps our communities strong,” said Liz Calabria, President & CEO of the GMSVCC. “Every purchase made close to home directly supports a business owner, a family, and our local economy. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses that make the Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Region such a vibrant place to live, give, and shop.”
Residents are encouraged to explore the campaign page, share it with friends and family, and choose local first when doing their holiday shopping.
The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce our next Chamber Travel adventure — an unforgettable journey through the Imperial Cities of Central Europe: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, departing April 15–25, 2026.
This exclusive 11-day tour, operated in partnership with Collette Travel and Eagle Eye Travel, invites travelers to experience the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of three of Europe’s most enchanting capitals. With round-trip air from Logan International Airport, 15 included meals, and thoughtfully curated excursions, this trip promises a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
🏰 Highlights Include:
Prague, Czech Republic – Walk across the famed Charles Bridge, explore the Gothic beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral, and dine on traditional Czech cuisine with live folklore entertainment.
Vienna, Austria – Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, attend a classical music performance featuring Mozart and Strauss, and choose your own adventure: cruise the Danube, tour the Belvedere Museum, or take a Viennese waltz lesson!
Budapest, Hungary – Discover Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Parliament House, and cap off your stay with a romantic evening cruise on the Danube River—wine glass in hand.
Plus visits to Cesky Krumlov and Bratislava, and a Renaissance dinner at a castle in Visegrad.
Book by October 16, 2025 and save $150 per person!
Prices include air from Boston, taxes, and transfers.
Travel protection is available for $549 per person, and flight upgrades (Premium Economy or Business Class) can be arranged.
🌍 Ready to Book?
Space is limited and reservations are first-come, first-served. To reserve your spot or request a brochure, contact: Kim O’Hara, Eagle Eye Travel 📞 (603) 682-4836 | ✉️This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
