Cultural Chemistry helps organizations form common goals, find success

Here in the U.S., a business’ growth is almost always couched in terms of improved efficiency and productivity, and the never-ending challenge of bolstering the bottom line.

But for Mirjam IJtsma, careful accounting, creative marketing, and effective business-to-business strategies aren’t the only things a company needs in order to take its product or service to the next level – as crucial as all of these elements no doubt are.

Just as important, she claims, is an effective “cultural chemistry,” or the fostering of a positive, dynamic, and forward-thinking workplace environment. Instead of simply giving people individualized “jobs” or “tasks,” she argues, employers and managers should instead be looking to empower workers towards a collective, organizational purpose.

The result is not only a more positive environment; but tangible growth as well (30% average savings and a 40% increase in productivity are not uncommon for businesses which heed IJtsma's program).

But to understand the deeper meaning, origins, and implications of cultural chemistry – and its role as a potential business strategy – it’s important to know a little about IJtsma herself.

A native of the Netherlands, IJtsma came of age in a country whose business customs – while similar on their face to those of any other Western country – yield upon deeper reflection a somewhat different perspective.

“In Europe, Human Resource strategies are more focused on the culture of an organization, and how one can most effectively align the two,” explains IJtsma. “In the Netherlands, the goal of someone in Human Resources (HR) is getting everyone to feel like they’re apart of something bigger than just their own individual job or tasks.”

Shawnee Peak Resort opening this weekend for skiing and riding!

Good news for Winter enthusiasts; Shawnee Peak Mountain Resort will open this Saturday, December 17! They'll offer skiing and and riding on the Pine and Rabbit runs, and kick off the 2011/2012 ski & snowboard season in style.

While the weather in New England has been unusually warm during the Fall and into December, Shawnee's Peak's investments in energy-efficient snowmaking has really paid dividends this month, as they've been able to blow snow despite limited windows of snowmaking opportunities. And when the temps have gone below freezing at night, they've been cranking out the snow, thanks in part to investments in additional modern snowmaking "fan guns" that produce an exceptional quality of snow - great for base-building!

You might also see a lot of activity in Shawnee Peak's learning area this weekend; that's because Shawnee Peak runs its own "learn to ski for free" day for 150 pre-registered people this weekend, including free lift tickets, free equipment rentals, and free lessons from Shawnee Peak's highly acclaimed ski school staff!  Some of these first-time skiers are affiliated with WinterKids, a thriving, independent non-profit dedicated to getting kids in Maine out and active during the cold weather monthsom its to get them involved in this amazing sport. Maybe their ski school could even help you have fun on the slopes this Winter!

And if you're a regular skier, bear in mind that not only does Shawnee Peak offer great deals to Green Alliance members (20% off full-priced lift tickets; 25% off appetizers at Blizzard's Pub; and 50% off rental packages), but season pass holders get discounts at numerous other ski resorts across New England, including Mount Sunapee in central New Hampshire, Okemo Mountain and Jay Peak in Vermont, and Wachusett Mountain in central Massachuetts! That's because all those resorts are "Mountains of Distinctions": independently-owned resorts that strive for the highest levels of customer satisfaction and snow conditions. Because skiing and riding are more fun at resorts not owned by mega corporations!So head on up to Bridgton, Maine and get the Winter party started this weekend!

GA law firm helps fund renovation of Strawbery Banke sites

When Portsmouth law firm Coughlin, Rainboth, Murphy and Lown (CRML) decided to renovate their Middle Street office, they did so out of a steadfast commitment to preserving a little slice of the Port City’s unique historical heritage.

So it came as no surprise when the team decided to donate $1000 to the Heritage House Program (HHP), an initiative launched to help renovate underutilized buildings in and around Strawbery Banke and provide affordable housing for area residents.

HHP calls for at least ten houses in and around the Strawbery Banke campus to be restored to their original period condition within the next few years.

According to a recent editorial published in the Portsmouth Herald, the 10 newly-renovated buildings are expected to generate upwards of $300,000 annually once occupied.

CRML’s donation went specifically towards the restoration and renovation of the Lowd House. Built in 1810 and named for original resident, cooper Peter Lowd, the building – like the 9 others slated for renovation – will see its downstairs remain a museum exhibit, while the upstairs will be transformed into a residential rental unit.

CRML partner Michael Rainboth says he first caught wind of the project through the Friends of the South End, a city neighborhood association of which he and his wife are both members. Upon hearing about HHP’s plans for Strawbery Banke, Rainboth and his partners were instantly intrigued.

“We felt it was important to do our part to help revitalize such an important Portsmouth icon,” says Rainboth, who donated – along with wife, Annie – an additional $3,000 of their own money to the project. “All of us live and work here, we’re invested in the community, and we think it’s a great program that helps tackle a number of issues.”

Not only did CRML help raise $21,000 for the Lowd House renovation project; Rainboth himself also took the opportunity to help out an old friend (and wife Annie’s uncle), recommending Steve Pearson – known for his work on colonial buildings including the Moffat-Ladd House and St. John’s Church, among others – to be the lead contractor.

New Map of Green Alliance Businesses in Downtown Portsmouth, NH

With 98 local businesses now part of the Green Alliance community, it can be hard to keep track of them all at times.

“I was out doing some Christmas shopping in downtown Portsmouth today, and since I don’t have all the Green Alliance businesses memorized, I was in want of a map showing me where I could use my Green Card,” as GA Green Card carrying member Andrew Tiebout recently put it.

Tiebout took it upon himself to solve the problem by creating this handy map of all the Green Alliance Business Partners found in downtown Portsmouth. Check it out!

View Portsmouth Green Alliance Businesses in a larger map

ReVision Installs Solar Array for D.F. Richard

In a move that brought together one of the state’s oldest fuel companies and a rapidly growing solar energy firm, D.F. Richard recently announced the installation of a 5-kilowatt solar array, courtesy of Exeter-based ReVision Energy.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated to be held at D.F. Richard’s Dover headquarters 10am on Monday, December 19th.

Nearing their 80th year in business, the investment represents a coup for New England staple Richard.

“We believe this partnership will help D.F. Richard meet new customers and develop deeper relationships with our existing customers,” said Robert Richard, Owner of D.F. Richard. “Energy sustainability is becoming one of the key issues of our time, and our company is committed to helping people use energy more efficiently and helping them explore alternatives like solar hot water and solar electric.”

Acknowledging D.F. Richard’s enormous customer base and regional recognition, ReVision General Manager Dan Clapp sees the project as providing increased visibility for his company, which recently expanded from their native Maine East and South into the Granite State.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to help more New Hampshire residents reduce their fuel consumption and their associated emissions,” exclaimed Clap. “When you can partner with a business that’s been around since 1932, you know you’re going to be bringing the power of solar to that many more people.”

Purchase a Home Maintenance Plan with Ridgeview Construction, and get a $200 credit towards an energy audit!

As most homeowners know, owning and maintaining a home is an ongoing investment. Failure to perform preventive maintenance can turn your investment into a costly liability.

That's why Ridgeview Construction has come up with a superb home maintenance plan - with a special price for Green Alliance members - to protect your biggest investment, and make sure you don't end up with nasty surprises, making it easier to love your home and enjoy your free time. 

Under this plan, you'll get 3 visits from the folks at Ridgeview Construction, one of NH's premier sustainable building and remodeling companies, to handle home maintenance projects that you either don't have time for, or know you need someone you trust to get the job done right the first time. They'll perform seasonal activities, such as gutter cleaning and storm window removal in the Spring, deck staining and waterproofing in the Summer, and caulking and storm door installation in the Fall, for a shockingly-low price of just $495. Plus, Green Alliance members who purchase the Home Maintenance Plan get a $200 credit towards a home energy audit from Ridgeview Construction. For more services that Ridgeview can offer, just scroll down to the bottom of this blog post and check out the flyer.