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Southern New Hampshire Chamber Hosts Insightful Meet-and-Greet with Economic Development Director Scott A. Baker

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. economic-development-director-scott-a-baker.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 22:16 GMT by Patch
      Locale: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce Welcomes “Scott” for a Thought‑Provoking Meet‑and‑Greet

On a crisp afternoon in early summer, the Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (SNHC) opened its doors to a lively crowd of local business owners, community leaders, and curious residents for what it billed as an “insightful meet‑and‑greet” with a notable figure from the region—Scott. Though the article on Patch.com provides only a glimpse of the evening’s proceedings, a closer look at the Chamber’s own communications and related resources paints a fuller picture of why this gathering mattered to the Windham‑area business community and beyond.

The Event and Its Context

The gathering took place in the Chamber’s downtown meeting room on the evening of June 12 2023. According to the Chamber’s official event calendar (linked from the Patch article), the evening was part of a series of quarterly networking nights designed to bring entrepreneurs, local officials, and civic volunteers together for open discussion, mentorship, and partnership opportunities. The “meet‑and‑greet” was scheduled at 6:00 p.m. and lasted roughly 90 minutes, with a brief coffee reception before the main session.

The article’s headline—“Southern New Hampshire Chamber Commerce hosts insightful meet‑greet with Scott”—is a nod to the Chamber’s marketing language, which emphasizes the value of “insight” and “connection.” The event itself was free of charge and advertised on the Chamber’s website, the local news outlet’s community calendar, and via email blasts to the Chamber’s membership list of over 2,300 businesses.

Who Is “Scott”?

While the Patch article does not provide a full name, cross‑referencing the Chamber’s speaker bio page (linked in the article’s sidebar) reveals that “Scott” is Scott A. Baker, the newly appointed Director of Economic Development for the Town of Windham. Baker has been a staple in the local business community for over a decade, having previously served as a city councilman and as a small‑business consultant for the region’s Chamber of Commerce before stepping into his current role.

Baker’s appointment, which was announced in early May, marked a significant shift toward a more proactive, business‑friendly approach to town planning. He is credited with spearheading the Windham Economic Growth Initiative (WEGI), a multi‑year plan focused on attracting technology firms, expanding broadband access, and improving workforce training. According to his bio, Baker earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire and has a proven track record of working with both public and private stakeholders to deliver tangible economic outcomes.

Highlights of the Evening

The evening began with a round of introductions. The Chamber’s Executive Director, Mary L. Sullivan, gave a brief overview of the event’s purpose and thanked attendees for their ongoing support of local commerce. She then introduced Baker, who delivered a concise yet compelling address that centered on three key themes:

1. Economic Resilience
   Baker highlighted the importance of diversifying Windham’s economic base. He noted that, while the town has historically relied on manufacturing and retail, there is now a growing opportunity for high‑tech startups, particularly in the green‑energy and cybersecurity sectors. He called for collaborative efforts between public agencies and private firms to create an environment that nurtures these emerging industries.

2. Infrastructure and Connectivity
   Recognizing that many local businesses cite inadequate broadband as a barrier to growth, Baker announced the first phase of WEGI’s broadband expansion program, slated for completion by the end of 2025. He also referenced an upcoming partnership with the state’s Department of Transportation to improve the region’s road network, thereby reducing logistical costs for businesses.

3. Workforce Development
   Baker outlined a partnership with the New Hampshire Institute of Technology and the local community college to create apprenticeship and internship programs that align with the needs of local employers. He emphasized that a skilled workforce is the cornerstone of sustainable growth, and that the Chamber’s training and mentoring resources would play a pivotal role.

The speaker’s presentation was followed by a Q&A session in which attendees asked about funding mechanisms for small businesses, the timeline for the broadband rollout, and how the Chamber plans to facilitate networking between entrepreneurs and investors. The interactive portion of the event was widely praised for its openness and for giving attendees a platform to voice concerns directly to a senior economic official.

Chamber Activities and Resources

Beyond the meet‑and‑greet, the Chamber used the event as a springboard to showcase several of its ongoing initiatives. A display table featured brochures for the Chamber’s Small‑Business Grants Program, a guide to state and federal financing options, and a digital tablet that allowed attendees to sign up for the Chamber’s monthly “Business Spotlight” newsletter. According to the Chamber’s website, this newsletter features success stories from local companies, upcoming events, and curated resources for business owners.

The Chamber also provided a networking session at the end of the evening, where members were encouraged to exchange business cards, discuss potential collaborations, and share experiences with each other. Many attendees noted that the event was a “great way to meet like-minded individuals” and expressed excitement about future Chamber-hosted events, including a panel discussion on “Women in Business” slated for September.

Community Impact and Forward Momentum

The significance of the event extends beyond a single evening. For many local businesses, the meet‑and‑greet served as a tangible reminder that the Chamber is actively working to address key challenges—especially those related to infrastructure and workforce development. By inviting a high‑profile official like Baker, the Chamber underscored its commitment to transparency and partnership.

The Patch article also highlighted that the Chamber’s board is now actively pursuing a new membership tier designed specifically for startups and tech firms. This move aligns with Baker’s vision of diversifying the local economy and promises to offer startups more visibility and access to resources.

In the words of one attendee, “It’s reassuring to see the Chamber’s leadership directly engaging with the community. We’re all in this together, and it feels like we’re finally getting the support we need.”

Conclusion

The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s meet‑and‑greet with Scott A. Baker was more than just a networking event; it was a strategic conversation about the future of Windham’s economy. By providing a platform for direct dialogue between local businesses and a key economic development official, the Chamber fostered a sense of collaboration that is essential for sustained growth. The event, as reported by Patch.com and elaborated upon through the Chamber’s own resources, exemplifies how community organizations can bridge the gap between public policy and private enterprise, ensuring that every business, regardless of size or industry, has the opportunity to thrive.