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    A message from Hilary Calistro, Chamber President

    Your Chamber has done it again! Another year of solidifying itself as THE basecamp for tourists and community members who want to explore the White Mountains.  We have successfully continued to be one of the lead tourism-focused Chambers in New Hampshire by connecting with local businesses, highlighting them through efficient marketing and advertising, and incorporating community events to drive interest in the area.  Each component is an important piece that works together to attract more people  to the Lincoln, Woodstock, and Franconia area to help the region thrive.

    How did we do it? With Kim, the Executive Director, and Emily, the Member Services Coordinator, at the helm in the office, more connections between the local community and the Chamber were made.  Alongside them are the dedicated volunteers that make up the members of the Board of Directors as well as committee members.  These individuals come together bi-monthly and continue to come up with new ways to enhance the area.

    Their accomplishments over the past year in no particular order are:

    Emily continues to visit and connect with local businesses face-to-face and through e-blasts.  We have connected with and welcomed eleven new members to the Chamber.  The ambassador program she started last year is developing.  She continues to write monthly e-blasts and e-newsletters to help support Kim.  She has also come up with a calendar idea that can highlight Chamber members.

    We continue to work with the team at LGA Media on marketing initiatives and creative messaging and design.  We saw a growth in website traffic over the year again, and engagements on our social media channels have increased as well.  During FY2025, Kim worked extra hard and secured $55,500 in matching JPP grants from NHDTTD, increasing the reach of our marketing funds.

    Kim and Emily spearheaded the events this year.  Our Mystery in the Mountains event in April drew 190 players, up from under 100 last year, which was fantastic. The Rubber Ducky Regatta was met with gorgeous weather, and saw an increase in sponsorships over last year.  Plans are already underway for its 30th year!

    The chamber is constantly staying connected with business after hours, but did you know we also have done business before hours? NEDS and the Community Center hosted coffee hours, a business during hours was held at Fired on the Mountain.  We are reaching out to more venues to host these events, which in turn allows us to connect with more members.  We hope to see you at the next one!

    We have refreshed our sub-committees to now include the Marketing, Government and Civic Affairs, and Arts & Community.  Marketing is going to focus on relaxation opportunities as well as reformatting blog content.  Government and civic affairs continues to monitor state and local meetings.  For the Arts, Kim and Renee have made great strides to logistically finding out how to add murals in the town of Lincoln and North Woodstock.   The Chamber has reached out to businesses to see what their take on adding artwork is, and many have incorporated murals on their own properties.  You may have noticed these changes, prepare to see more of this around town!

    The new membership tiers coupled with the destination marketing program helps provide sustainable support to this fantastic Chamber.  Thank you for your continued membership investment.  Feel free to contact me with any new ideas!

    Hilary Calistro, President
    Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce
    Owner, Riverbank Motel & Cabins

    Western White Mountains Chamber Staff

    Kim Pickering

    Executive Director

    Kim@WesternWhiteMtns.com

    “As the Executive Director of the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce, I enjoy working with our members, supporting local businesses, and helping strengthen the communities we serve. I love finding new ways to showcase everything that makes the Western White Mountains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit, and I’m always looking for opportunities to connect people with the resources and experiences our region has to offer.

    Outside of work, I enjoy sewing, gardening, golfing, and taking walks with my dog. Whether I’m spending time outdoors, working on a new project, or exploring our local communities, I appreciate the simple things that make this area such a special place to call home.”

    Joshua Patten

    Member Services Coordinator

    Joshua@WesternWhiteMtns.com

    “As the Chamber’s Member Services Coordinator, I love getting out into the community, meeting our members, and discovering all the unique businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make the Western White Mountains such a special place. Whether I’m visiting members, taking photos, creating social media content, or helping with Chamber events, I’m always excited to connect with people and help share their stories.

    When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the garden, behind a camera, in the kitchen trying a new recipe, or surrounded by more houseplants than I probably need! I’m fairly new to the area, so I’m enjoying every opportunity to explore everything the Western White Mountains have to offer.”

    If you see us out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello, we always enjoy meeting new people and discovering another local favorite.