Dear GAzette Readers: A lot of people have come in contact with the Green Alliance since our inception and many of these folks - and even some of our members - have posed an interesting question: what is the Green Alliance, and what do you do? It's a great question, as we do many things. So we're providing a FAQ that will shed light on what we do and help you understand that this is: Your Green Alliance. Your Community. What is the Green Alliance? It's a community of conscientious consumers and responsible business owners and managers. What is the mission of the Green Alliance? To create the kinds of economically strong, environmentally friendly communities we want for ourselves and our children through education, advocacy and consumer pressure. Why should I join the Green Alliance? Your "Green Card" entitles you to discounts at over 90 green businesses across the region, and gives you membership in a growing community that includes events, special offers, info about local businesses, and knowledge-sharing that make life more enjoyable! We make green buying easy, and sustainability accessible. What does the Green Alliance do for businesses? We report on businesses' sustainability efforts, promote them in the media, and connect them with our Green Cardholders in an effort to help them achieve success. We're probably different from any organization you know or belong to; we're a small, for-profit company that does a lot of things you may associate with non-profits, but we need your support to exist. Please consider joining the Green Alliance if you're not yet a member; if you are a member, tell a friend, so that we can grow, thrive, and become a positive force on the local economy that can not be ignored!   Sincerely, Sarah Brown GA Director

  

New ReStore a testament to green growth

It’s safe to say any business that opened its doors three short years ago would welcome even modest recession-defying growth.

But doubling your growth? In this economy, such an expansion would seem the stuff of legend.

Not for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which opened its new – and decidedly massive – Newington storefront on October 1st.

At 20,000 square feet, the store – located in the old Roller Skate Newington complex – is nearly double the size of ReStore’s original Dover quarters. In lieu of the sparse parking spots that peppered the store’s former Sixth Street locale, customers will soon have 90 parking spaces from which to choose.

Talk about growth.

Where donators once had to navigate confusing one-way streets – and the aforementioned lack of parking – the new ReStore will offer a “drive-thru” drop-off option; simply pull up, and a store crew will unload that unwanted refrigerator, cabinet set, or cans of paint.

“It will be a lot more convenient for everyone,” says Manager Doug Willey of ReStore’s new drop-off feature. “It’ll be like a gas station with attendants there to help you out.”

But perhaps most impressive about ReStore’s much-anticipated expansion is how the whimsical charm of the building’s former tenant will be maintained – embraced, even: The cement floors, ticket booth and brightly painted walls that adorned the near three-decade-old roller rink will all remain....read more in our blog here!

For the entire month of October, your Green Card saves you 15% on everything in ReStore! Click here to learn more!
 

The brand new 9-panel array and accompanying 330-gallon tank – the first commercial application of the technology anywhere in the city – were officially put online two weeks ago and, according to installer Jack Bingham of SEA Solar Store, the system is already surpassing expectations.

“It was a cloudy day when we turned it on, but by the end of the first sunny day, the water tank had gone from 50 degrees to 140 degrees, which is pretty incredible,” Bingham said. “It certainly bodes well as far as future payback is concerned.”

Coupled with a high efficiency propane hot water system – also supplied by SEA – Bingham expects the new solar array to generate upwards of a 56% annual savings for Jumpin’ Jay’s.

That could translate to as much as $30,000 over 20 years. Coupled with an additional $15,000 in incentives, that adds up to quite the payback, Bingham noted... Read more on our GA blog by clicking here!

Green Alliance (GA) members, Chris & Alison Pyott knew they wanted to incorporate as many local and sustainable features as possible when they began renovating their mid 19th century carriage house earlier this year.

The Pyotts, who live in Portsmouth, chose the Middle Street abode in 1998 for its unique space, compact size, affordability and location. But after nearly 13 years, even the most beloved home will tend to present its fair share of overhaul demands.

Five rounds of architectural drawings and one near addition ground-breaking later, the couple finally decided that more space wasn’t nearly as important as the right space, and the freedom it provided.

“Over the years we’ve really become accustomed to the flexibility our home provides,” Says Chris Pyott. “We love to travel, we love to enjoy life, and we just decided to stick with what was most important to us and refresh it in a responsible way.”

Their efforts started with a comprehensive Energy Audit from Henningsen Home Inspections – a Green Alliance partnering business – to help guide their remodeling decisions. Much to their pleasant surprise, the Pyotts were relieved to learn that the 25 year old casement windows were still efficient, saving them money that they could then spend on other cosmetic improvements.

For their interior finishes, the couple solicited the help of yet another Green Alliance business in Greenovations, a catch-all store for green building and remodeling which was launched last year. It was there that the couple met owner Christopher Ring, who helped them with many decisions throughout the renovation process...... read more here!

Green Alliance members save 15% on energy audits and 10% on radon mitigation tests with Henningsen Home Inspections! Save 10% on all stock items and $300 on a Rais woodstove at Greenovations! And save 5% on all design services with Jewett Farms & Co.! Click here to learn more!

With criticism of large financial institutions at an all-time high, few seem willing to make the distinction between big regional banks and the more local community banks.

Here in Portsmouth, Kennebunk Savings – one of the region’s oldest community banks – is planning for growth within their industry, choosing to hitch on to what has always been a tried and true wagon of growth: small businesses.

In late July Kennebunk Savings officially announced the configuration of a new small business lending program. Rather than house all of their lending under one, all-encompassing umbrella, Maine-based Kennebunk Savings will instead have separate offices for businesses large (anything over a $ 1 million) and small (anything between $5,000 and a $1 million).

John Burcke, Vice President, Small Business Lending Team Leader at Kennebunk Savings new Portsmouth Branch (located on 111 Maplewood Avenue), says the program was adapted to be more responsive to the region’s biggest economic engine.

“Certainly small businesses need to be looked after,” says Burcke. “A majority of any bank’s customers are small businesses, and here on the Seacoast they’re an even larger segment.”

Indeed, the Green Alliance secured their first business loan -- or working line of credit -- from Kennebunk!... read more here!

 

Pocos & Two Ceres offer appealing fall discounts

Owned by a family that has deep roots within the Portsmouth community, Poco’s Bow Street Cantina and Two Ceres Street may be like brothers, but they’re not twins. But now they’ve got something in common: deep discounts with something for everyone.

Known for its famous deck that just received a Taste of the Seacoast “Best of 2011” award, Poco’s is currently offering discounts six days a week with no restrictions.

First, for fans of professional football, Poco’s is offering specials during the games (Poco’s has multiple color TVs and the NFL Red Zone channel), including ½ price drafts, and a $5 football menu featuring a flatbread of the day, chili cheese dogs, pork sliders, personal-size nachos, wings, and chili cheese fries.

But the savings aren’t relegated to Sunday and Monday; every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Poco’s offers ½ price drafts, $4 well cocktails, and ½ price appetizers, so the great deals continue even after the whistle blows!......read more here!

Join the Green Alliance and save 10% on your bill at Pocos or Two Ceres Street! Click here to learn more about the many ways you can save with your Green Card!


TMS credited with Music Hall Loft's unique look and feel

Officially opened this past April, the Music Hall Loft, located on Congress Street in downtown Portsmouth, constituted the continuation of a two-year long effort which began with the rehabilitation of the late 19th century across-the-street landmark.

As with the Music Hall itself, the construction of the Loft was conducted with the goal of helping jumpstart a cultural renaissance here on the Seacoast.

And, as with the much-lauded renovation of the Music Hall itself, TMS architects – a firm known for their dual commitment to style and green ingenuity – served as the structural linchpin behind it all.

Training a well-honed green eye on a space in need of more than a little tender love and care, TMS succeeded in transforming the abandoned loft in ways that were equally as cost effective: In lieu of costly replacement, the concrete floors were instead exposed and polished; for the expansive bar, aluminum cans were cut down and repurposed as a counter to house loft libations... check out the full story in our blog by clicking here!

Receive a FREE initial consultation -- a $250 value -- from TMS Architects when you join the GA! Learn more here!


Eric Flaim: From Olympic to financial achievement

Dedication. Work Ethic. Achievement.

All of the above attributes can easily be applied to those who have achieved the glory of winning Olympic medals. But sometimes it’s not easy applying that same passion to more sedentary careers, especially once the bright lights emanating from the Olympic torch have dimmed through the passage of time.

But for Eric Flaim - New England native, current Stratham resident, and winner of two Olympic speed skating medals – the key to his transition from athletics to financial planning was to apply the same determination he demonstrated when he became the first U.S. athlete to win medals in two different Winter disciplines. And with over a decade in the financial services industry under his belt, he’s now making a name for himself off the ice.

“I’ve always been pretty focused and determined once I set my goals for myself,” said Flaim unassumingly from his office in the Pease International Tradeport district. A Chartered Financial Planning Counselor, Flaim’s financial service practice is with Ameriprise, one of the country’s leading diversified financial services companies. Chartered Retirement Planning Counselors typically work with families and business owners with their investments, retirement planning, college savings, taxation, and estate planning. Flaim is no different in this regard, but his passion for financial planning led to his creating a free, helpful newsletter for his clients and prospects... check out the full story in our blog by clicking here!

Eric Flaim is one of our newest GA Business Partners! Check back to read more about Eric in the coming days and weeks. In the mean time, to learn more about Eric Flaim and Ameriprise, click here!
 

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Fall might be quickly slipping by, but there’s still time to savor all that New England’s quintessential season has to offer.

On Monday, October 10th, Clay Hill Farm will host their Third Annual Fall Eco-Fest on the grounds of their Cape Neddick restaurant, bird sanctuary, and wedding events center.

From 11am to 3pm, attendees can enjoy a cornucopia of local food, art, music, crafts, and other activities, as well as displays from numerous local businesses, artisans, and nonprofit organizations.

Among the businesses set to attend are a few familiar Green Alliance faces, including Seacoast Energy Alternatives (SEA Solar Store), ReVision Energy, Acorn Organic Salon, Green Maids, eZee Bikes, and Simply Green.

Additionally, WXGR (101.5 FM) will be on hand to broadcast the day’s events – along with their trademark eclectic musical stylings – live from the Clay Hill grounds. Meanwhile, Kids can enjoy a day of scavenger hunts, pumpking painting, yoga, as well as the always popular fairy house building....Read more by clicking here!

Tuesday marked the official launch of the Downtown Portsmouth Zero Waste Project, a community-wide effort to establish the city's first public recycling program.

The day’s events centered around the placement of four colorful recycling stations throughout the downtown area, along with a fifth in Prescott Park.

A strategic partnership of the Islington Creek Neighborhood Association, Tim Gaudreau Studios, and EcoMovement Consulting and Hauling, Zero Waste Portsmouth has over the last two years spearheaded efforts in and around Portsmouth to reduce the amount of waste being dumped into Rochester’s Turnkey landfill through creative recycling and composting alternatives.

Karina Quintans, Zero Waste’s Director says the project began with a simple brainstorming session amongst neighbors, all of whom harbored a keen interest in helping speed up Portsmouth’s push towards sustainability. By the end, it had become clear that “zero waste” sat atop the list of priorities .

Specifically, the group envisioned recycling stations – placed throughout the town – as eye-catching as they were practical. A few months later, during a green homes tour, Quintans met Tim Gaudreau, a self-proclaimed “eco-artist” and one of the Green Alliance’s first ever Business Partners. Needless to say, Quintans had found the ideal partner for the job... Read more here!

It’s not quite yogurt. It’s not quite cream cheese. But its cullinary roots run just as deep.

This Sunday, Rollinsford’s Brookford Farm will play host to the Second Annual Brookford Farm Quark Festival. Named in honor of the traditional German cheese, the event will showcase a variety of autumn quark recipes, each prepared by its own local chef in an “Iron Chef-style” competitive showcase.

Coordinated by Brookford Farm, the festival will be held in conjunction with numerous community partners, including several area elementary schools, local celebrity chefs, non-profit organizations, artisans, and small businesses -- including your very own Green Alliance!

On the heels of a well-attended inaugural event last fall, Mary Brower, Director of Community Programs for Brookford, expects an even more impressive turnout this time around.

“Last year we had around 1,000 people show up, and this year we’re hoping to have twice that,” Brower says. “We were completely astonished by the turnout last year, and we’re hoping to be just as pleasantly surprised this time around.

Guests will be invited to sample delicious localvore cuisine from a growing list of Quark Fest participants, including Pepperland Café, The Kitchen, Flatbread, White Heron Tea, Meaghan’s Chocolates, and Henry’s Market of Newcastle – not to mention the finest local, organic, delicious festival fare anywhere, including Brookford Farm’s own storied pastured meats, grass-fed dairy, and organic vegetables.”... Read more in our blog by clicking here!

Have a community event you'd like us to post? Email sarah@greenalliance.biz! See our events calendar here!