Surprise presentation of the City of the Open Door Award capped off the event 

PORTSMOUTH--The Portsmouth business community gathered Dec. 2 to celebrate the year in business, from small to large, from volunteer to collaborator to non-profit with 41 nominees and four ultimate award recipients, and one surprise. 

The awards luncheon hosted by the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth at the Colwen Hotels, and Ben VanCamp, president and chief collaborator of the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth were highlighted by a surprise award- The City of the Open Door Award presented by Newburyport Bank--given to Peter Egelston and Joanne Francis of the Portsmouth Brewery, and accepted by Egelston. 

The Market Street restaurant, still marked by the heady giant brew sculpture above its door, was a hotspot for collaboration throughout its 32 years, from 1991 to its abrupt closure in June 0f 2023 due to a massive flood caused by a sprinkler pipe rupture. 

VanCamp said, “The Portsmouth Brewery created more than delicious beer and great food, they created community.  The brewery was a gathering space for friends, for community fundraisers, and a place where all were welcome. It is missed in our downtown today.” 

“Even in the closing of the Brewery, Peter and Joanne's generosity did not stop, all non-perishable food went to feed our community through Gather. Today the fridges and many other kitchen appliances are sitting in a storage unit waiting for Gather's new facility so they can be put back into service by serving those experiencing food insecurity.” 

The Chamber is delighted to present the 2024 Chamber Collaborative Awards to: 

Small But Mighty Business of the Year presented by First Seacoast Bank 
 
Stroll Cafe & Wine Bar  With two locations, and one great purpose (community!) you’ll find Stroll partnering up with many organizations—catering for them and hosting them--and you’ll also find them quietly offering you up a cup of coffee when you need it most.  

 
 
Large Business of the Year presented by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital 

C&J Bus Lines is a Portsmouth-based transportation company offering convenient and comfortable bus services connecting the Seacoast region to Boston, Logan Airport, and New York City. They're reliable with modern amenities, and they take the stress out of travelling to Boston and beyond! Plus: They played an integral role in the 2024 life! celebration! 

Collaborator of the Year presented by Novocure 
 
Ryan Kaplan, Envision Group at Compass Real Estate is a licensed Real Estate Broker and a team lead of the Envision Group at Compass Real Estate in Portsmouth. He’s the president-elect of the Seacoast Board of Realtors. Ryan is also an alumni of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors (NHAR) Leadership Academy and serves on the NHAR Board and the Public Policy and Legal Committees. And, nearest and dearest to our hearts, Ryan is a Chamber Ambassador, and a chair of the Chamber’s Friday Connect & Collaborate group. Things wouldn’t run as smoothly without him! 

 
Non-Profit of the Year presented by WIN Waste Innovations 
 
Connections Peer Support offers an alternative or complement to traditional treatments for mental health issues by promoting the health, wellness, and recovery of its members through groups and educational opportunities. The Chamber enjoyed getting to know them at a ribbon cutting for their recently renovated space on Islington Street. They offer peer support, warm lines and are always Reaching for Connection. Rooted in Recovery. 

 
Volunteer of the Year presented by Bangor Savings Bank 
Elaine Mirona Road? YES! Take the last shift at the desk for Business After Hours? OK! Everything is done well, enjoyed, and with a genuine smile and a laugh. (Plus, she then provides great social media!) 

City of the Open Door Award presented by Newburyport Bank 
Peter Egelston and Joanne Francis, Portsmouth Brewery,  

If you knew the Portsmouth Brewery simply as the restaurant with the amazing giant mug of heady beer (is it Old Brown Dog?) hanging above its Market Street door, then here’s more. Holding the descriptor of New Hampshire’s original craft brewpub, the Brewery was a hospitality hotspot for locals and tourists alike until a massive flood caused by a sprinkler pipe rupture in June of 2023. But they gave to nonprofits until the very end-- donating their kitchen equipment to Gather. 

Additional event sponsorship was provided by The Portsmouth Collection, Centrus Digital and Portsmouth City Lifestyles. 

About the Chamber Collaborative 

The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth’s mission is to lead the greater Portsmouth business community as a convener of people, businesses, and organizations, through innovative and responsive communication, education, advocacy, and collaborative opportunities. Learn more at PortsmouthCollaborative.org.