Chamber News
Cheshire County Proclaims October 21, 2026 Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
Cheshire County Proclaims October 21, 2026 Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
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The Cheshire County Board of Commissioners presented the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce (GMC) with an official proclamation on October 21, 2026, recognizing Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day.
Signed by Commissioners Terry Clark, Claudia Stewart, and Skipper DiBernardo, the proclamation acknowledges the role chambers of commerce play in supporting economic prosperity, enhancing quality of life, connecting businesses and communities, and addressing shared challenges. It encourages Cheshire County residents to learn more about their local chamber and its impact, and to support local businesses.
The proclamation also recognizes GMC’s history, building on the longstanding Keene Chamber of Commerce and its subsequent merger with the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce in early 2021. The organization became the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce in March 2023, serving businesses and communities throughout Cheshire County and the greater Monadnock Region.
GMC represents more than 450 member organizations with over 16,000 employees. Its work includes business advocacy, networking, leadership development, workforce attraction, and regional promotion.
With federal and state grant support, GMC has invested more than $700,000 in recent years to promote the Monadnock Region as a place to visit, live, work, and do business. This work includes a $240,000 workforce campaign developed with regional employers to connect job seekers with manufacturing opportunities and career pathways at Keene State College.
GMC connects the regional business community through more than 40 events annually, bringing together over 1,200 attendees, and through its nine-month Leadership Monadnock program, which has developed a network of more than 500 alumni since 1996. Alongside this work in networking and leadership development, GMC advocates for the business community on issues including workforce development, housing, higher education, tourism, and small business growth.
In recognition of Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, GMC is inviting members to share how chamber involvement has supported their businesses, organizations, and professional development. Information about the observance, GMC’s 2025-2026 Impact Report, and resources for participating are available at: greatermonadnock.com/2026/10/20/october-21-support-your-local-chamber-of-commerce-day/
October 21 Is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day!
October 21 Is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day!
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce (GMC) connects businesses, develops leaders, promotes the Monadnock Region, and advocates for our regional business community.
On Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, we invite you to explore that impact and share what being part of GMC has meant for you!
The Value of Chamber Involvement
In a 2024 national survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, 81% of U.S. adults agreed that their local chamber is a trusted resource for businesses, and 77% agreed that their local chamber represents the collective voice of businesses in their community.
Your Membership Supports Regional Impact
GMC serves as both the regional chamber of commerce and the regional promotion organization for the 34 towns of New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region. Our more than 450 member organizations represent over 16,000 employees.
Your membership helps support:
- Regional promotion: With federal and state grant support, GMC has invested more than $700,000 in recent years to promote the region as a place to visit, live, work, and do business.
- Workforce attraction: A $240,000 campaign developed with regional employers connects job seekers with manufacturing opportunities and career pathways at Keene State College.
- Business connections: More than 40 events annually bring together over 1,200 attendees for networking, learning, and relationship building.
- Leadership development: Leadership Monadnock has developed a network of more than 500 alumni since 1996.
- Business advocacy: GMC represents the business community in discussions about workforce development, housing, higher education, tourism, and small business growth.
For a closer look at this work, read our full Impact Report.
Share Your Chamber Story
What has being part of GMC meant for you?
Perhaps you met a future customer at an event, found a resource through another member, developed leadership skills, gained visibility, or built a collaboration. Your experience helps show how chamber involvement creates opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
E-mail your story to Jessica, our Director of Marketing and Communications at jessica@greatermonadnock.com. Tell us what brought you to GMC, how you’ve been involved, and a connection or experience that has made a difference.
Help Spread the Word
Share your experience on social media for Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! Save one of the images below to use with your post and personalize any of these suggested messages.
Celebrate Your Membership
It’s Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! We’re proud to be a member of the Greater Monadnock Collaborative and part of a network supporting businesses and communities throughout the Monadnock Region. #SupportYourLocalChamber #ChambersChangeThings #GreaterMonadnockCollaborative
Tell Your Story
Through our involvement with the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, we’ve [share a connection, opportunity, or result]. On Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day, we’re celebrating the people and relationships that have helped us along the way! #SupportYourLocalChamber #ChambersChangeThings #GreaterMonadnockCollaborative
Invite Others to Join
We’re a member of the Greater Monadnock Collaborative because [share your reason]. Membership has helped us [describe the benefit]. We encourage other businesses and organizations to explore membership and get involved! #SupportYourLocalChamber #ChambersChangeThings #GreaterMonadnockCollaborative
Tag us when you post so we can see and share your story!
Introduce Someone to GMC
Know a business, nonprofit, or professional who could benefit from chamber involvement? Share your experience, invite them to an event, or introduce them to our team.
Each new member brings additional knowledge, relationships, and perspectives to our regional network.
GMC Announces the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2027
GMC Announces the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2027
October 13, 2026
Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Leadership Monadnock Class of 2027 presented by Savings Bank of Walpole. For the next nine months, these 32 community leaders will devote one day each month to immersive learning, civic engagement, and community building that connects and empowers changemakers across the Monadnock Region.
This year’s class includes professionals from a wide spectrum of industries, each committed to fostering community engagement, inclusive leadership, and creating lasting impact within their communities across the Monadnock Region:
· Alex Hibbard Head of Account Strategy for Freitag Marketing
· Amanda Chisolm Development and Outreach Coordinator for Keene Housing Kids Collaborative
· Amanda Cocivera President for Keene Young Professionals Network
· Ashley Hall Financial Advisor for Edward Jones
· Ashley Okola Shelter Manager for Monadnock Humane Society
· Caitlin Blakeslee Front Office Supervisor for Monadnock Community Hospital
· Christy Keefe Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for Peterborough Players
· Clay Dennie Maintenance Aide II for Keene Housing
· Dan Petrone Real Estate Salesperson for eXp Realty/Petrone Real Estate
· Dee Fitzgerald Executive Communications Manager for W.S. Badger Company
· Don Tilley Plant Operations Manager for Corning Inc., Keene
· Erin Allgood Founder/Principal Consultant for Allgood Strategies, LLC
· Jess Sigafose Relationship Banker for M&T Bank
· Jessica Johansson Director of Marketing & Communications for Greater Monadnock Collaborative
· Julia Miramontes Branch Services Manager for Savings Bank of Walpole
· Julia Morgan Director of Planning and Development for Keene Housing
· Justina Patrick Owner of Kona Ice of the Monadnock Region
· Kaitlyn Gonzales Medical Forensic Care Manager for Cheshire Medical Center
· Kate Wasserloos Director of Human Resources for RiverMead
· Kathleen Lamendola Housing Program Manager/Property Management for Southwestern Community Services
· Kim Farris Director of Inpatient Services for Cheshire Medical Center
· Kim Rumrill Executive Director of The Hub 50+ (Keene Senior Center)
· Lisa Bergmann Commercial Lines Segment Leader for Clark-Mortenson/Hilb Group of New England, LLC
· Liz Newcombe Financial Planner for Chartered Financial Services
· Maggie Graul Population Health Epidemiologist and Evaluator for Cheshire Medical Center
· Megan Hillock Director of Voucher Programs for Keene Housing
· Megan Whittle Annual Fund and Membership Manager for The Colonial Theatre
· Nick Phillips Superintendent for Cheshire County Department of Corrections
· Nicole Howe Benefits Administrator for City of Keene
· Ryan Cooley Airport Director for City of Keene - Dillant Hopkins Airport
· Stacey Nachajski Director of Marketing for Bensonwood
· Talee Messenger Public Relations and Community Liaison for Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services
“We are excited for these community leaders to meet, get to know each other, learn together, and to collaborate in a variety of meaningful ways going forward. Their energy, commitment, and innovation are exactly what our communities need as we work toward an even stronger future for the Monadnock Region,” said Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock for Greater Monadnock Collaborative. “We are deeply grateful to each of the organizations investing in their employees’ active participation, as well as the local experts serving as session presenters, and to our sponsors for their support and partnership: Savings Bank of Walpole, Eversource, Mascoma Bank, Cheshire County, Freitag Marketing, Franklin Pierce University, Monadnock Ford, and RiverMead.”
Throughout the program year, participants will engage in experiential learning, collaborative conversations, engaging presentations, and deep dives into critical topics such as economic development, community building, government, mental health, and education.
The Leadership Monadnock network includes over 500 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take on influential roles in municipalities, nonprofits, education, and business—amplifying the ripple effect of this transformative program.
About Leadership Monadnock
Started in 1996, Leadership Monadnock is an intensive nine-month community leadership program, held one day a month, October through June. Each session is designed to immerse participants in the truly critical aspects that drive the dynamic nature of the regional economy and quality of life. Each session is structured to present multiple aspects of a topic through a combination of presentations by experienced professionals and subject matter experts, group discussions, and other experiences. Participants have access to other community leaders who are experts in their respective fields including business, government, education, nonprofits, social services, the arts, and other organizations throughout the region.
For more information about Leadership Monadnock, the Leadership Monadnock Alumni Network, or to sign up to receive notifications on how to apply for the next cohort, visit greatermonadnock.com/leadership-monadnock/or contact Michelle DellaVita at michelle@greatermonadnock.com.
Greater Monadnock Collaborative Launches Leadership Monadnock EMERGING
Greater Monadnock Collaborative Launches Leadership Monadnock EMERGING
September 28, 2026
New program introduces students to leadership, career readiness, and the regional economy.
KEENE, NH — The Greater Monadnock Collaborative (GMC) Regional Chamber of Commerce is launching Leadership Monadnock EMERGING, a professional development pilot program for high-school students that will train participants in both soft skills and technical concepts in preparation for local internships.
The program is being piloted with Making Community Connections Chartered Public School (MC2) during the 2026–27 school year, with the hope of expanding it to other high schools in the future. This pilot is sponsored by Corning Incorporated, the world’s leading innovator in glass science and optical physics. Corning’s Keene manufacturing facility specializes in advanced optical solutions.
The pilot is designed to provide professional development to 20 to 30 MC2 students in support of the school’s Learning Outcomes for Internships in preparation for successful internship experiences with local organizations. Its focus areas include soft skills development and application, as well as exposure to manufacturing concepts, including a visit to Corning.
“This is exciting, not just for the linkage and student learning opportunities between Corning and MC2, but for the ultimate expansion of the Monadnock Region’s workforce pipeline,” said Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock at Greater Monadnock Collaborative.
Modeled after GMC’s Leadership Monadnock signature program and adapted for young people, Leadership Monadnock EMERGING connects students with leaders, employers, nonprofits and community partners representing a variety of industries, career pathways and perspectives. Experiential learning through hands-on activities, discussion, team-based problem solving, and site visits provides multiple ways for students to participate, learn, and contribute.
The MC2 pilot includes six sessions throughout the school year:
- Insights & Communication
- Design Thinking & Project Management
- Misdeal Card Simulation
- Misdeal Card Simulation Debrief
- Regional Manufacturing Overview
- Sustainability & Action Plan
The pilot’s session topics are designed to be interactive and keenly focused on learning activities that introduce students to manufacturing in the region.
“We’re proud to support Leadership Monadnock EMERGING and the important role it will play in helping local students build leadership skills, explore career pathways, and gain early exposure to opportunities in manufacturing,” said Donald Tilley, Plant Operations Manager, Keene, Corning Incorporated. “At Corning, we value opportunities to reinvest in the communities where we live and work, and we’re grateful to support an initiative that helps inspire and prepare the next generation in the Monadnock Region.”
Program impacts include making leadership development, career exploration, and community connection accessible to a broad range of young people. By partnering directly with MC2, the pilot brings these experiences to students through their school environment and, thanks to Corning’s sponsorship, does so at no cost, helping remove financial, transportation, and awareness barriers to participation.
DellaVita is collaborating with GMC member Jocelyn Acampora, founder of RealityWise Consulting and a specialist in operational excellence, to deliver the curriculum.
“I am thrilled to be working with the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, MC², and Corning on Leadership Monadnock Emerging,” said Jocelyn Acampora. “Most leaders aren’t simply born; they are developed through experience, guidance, and opportunities to lead. We can wait for those experiences to happen over a lifetime, or we can intentionally create opportunities for emerging leaders to learn, practice, and grow. LME gives us the chance to help develop the future leaders of our community today.”
The pilot runs from August 2026 through April 2027. Participants will receive Leadership Monadnock EMERGING Certificates of Completion and will be recognized at the MC2 Mentor Recognition Dinner at Keene State College in May 2027.
About Greater Monadnock Collaborative
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce is a regional business and community organization serving businesses, organizations, and municipalities across the Monadnock Region’s thirty-four towns. Through business support, leadership development, regional promotion, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, GMC works to strengthen the regional economy and connect businesses, organizations, and people across the region.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is the world’s leading innovator in materials science, with a 175-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics, along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping its customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.
Julie’s Recent Op-Ed: Keene State College is vital to the future of the region
Julie’s Recent Op-Ed: Keene State College is vital to the future of the region
Keene State College is an incredibly important part of the Monadnock Region. It is an educational institution, an employer, an economic driver, and a place that brings young people into our community.
In a recent op-ed in The Keene Sentinel, GMC President & CEO Julie Schoelzel reflects on just how closely Keene State and the Monadnock Region are connected. She also highlights a few examples of the many ways Keene State students and graduates are already making an impact here.
At a time when employers across the Monadnock Region are thinking about their workforce needs, there is so much opportunity in the connections between our college, our businesses, our students, and our broader community. Keene State gives us so much to be optimistic about as we look to the future of our region.
Magnify Monadnock Takes the Stage at 100+ Women Who Care-Cheshire County
Magnify Monadnock Takes the Stage at 100+ Women Who Care-Cheshire County
August 11, 2026
GMC board member Joanna Zambella recently had the opportunity to represent the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Foundation in front of a room full of engaged community members and leaders. The occasion was a meeting of 100+ Women Who Care-Cheshire County, a giving circle whose members each donate $50 every quarter to a nonprofit chosen by group vote.
Any member of 100+ Women Who Care can nominate a nonprofit for consideration. After nominations are submitted, three organizations are randomly selected to present a short pitch to the full group, and members then vote on which organization receives that quarter's collective donation.
Joanna nominated the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Foundation and its Magnify Monadnock initiative, and the Foundation was one of the three organizations selected to present.
"It was one of the best pitches I've ever seen explaining our tourism and workforce development work," said GMC President & CEO Julie Schoelzel. "I even found myself learning new ways to tell our story."
Following the presentation, Joanna and Julie took part in a Q&A with the group. Julie said it was clear that everyone left with a much stronger understanding of what the Chamber does and why it matters.
This quarter's funding ultimately went to GMC Chamber Member, Hundred Nights, Inc., a well-deserved recipient for the important work they do here in our community. Even so, the presentation gave the Chamber's work new visibility. Several attendees approached Julie afterward to say they had no idea the organization was involved in this kind of work.
We are grateful to Joanna for taking on this project and representing the organization so well in front of such an engaged audience. We also thank the members of 100+ Women Who Care-Cheshire County for their time and consideration, and for the meaningful impact their quarterly giving has across the region.
Interested in supporting Magnify Monadnock?
GMC Celebrates the Graduating Leadership Monadnock Class of 2026
GMC Celebrates the Graduating Leadership Monadnock Class of 2026
June 11, 2026
We are thrilled to announce the graduation of an outstanding group of local community leaders from Leadership Monadnock Class of 2026. These individuals have successfully completed an immersive, nine-month-long journey of experiential learning, civic engagement, and community-building designed to connect and empower change-makers across the Monadnock Region.
This year’s graduating class includes professionals from a wide spectrum of industries, each committed to fostering community engagement, inclusive leadership, and creating lasting impact within their communities across the Monadnock Region:
- Debra LeClair, PsyD, Executive Coach & Psychologist for re-Sourced
- Erin Beaudry, Individual Giving Officer for Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children
- Gabrielle Libby, Project Manager, National Project Management Office for C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Gina De Santis, Executive Director for Stonewall Farm
- Greg Seymour, Deputy Chief of Fire Department Operations for City of Keene
- Heather Scheck, Regional Vice President & Branch Manager at West Street - Keene, Winchester, and Rindge Branches for Savings Bank of Walpole
- Heidi Schwieger, Director of Development for MoCo Arts
- Jess Barbarow, Director of Critical Care and Emergency Services for Cheshire Medical Center
- Jessie Carpenter, Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams Metropolitan Keene
- Jocelyn Goldblatt, Executive Director for Cheshire Children's Museum
- Joe Axne, Manager Regional Operations, Western Region for Eversource
- Judy Hoffman, Supervisor of the Keene Academic Center for River Valley Community College
- Kate Blaha, Marketing, Culture & Events Specialist for The Richards Group, an IMA Company in Keene
- Max Beebe, Development Liaison for Hinsdale Economic Development Corporation, Owner of O'Mega Images LLC, Co-Owner of ByteWise Digital, and REALTOR® Associate with Greenwald Realty Group
- Michelle Walker, Director of Education for Historical Society of Cheshire County
- Miranda Stevens, Assistant Branch Manager for Service Credit Union
- Paul Andrus, Director of Community Development for City of Keene
- Peter Carvell, Senior Vice President & Commercial Loan Officer for Savings Bank of Walpole
- Sara Lang, Senior Philanthropy Advisor for New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
- Sara Powell, Program Director for The Hannah Grimes Center
- Sarah Croteau, Agency Fiscal Director for Southwestern Community Services
- Sareen Sarna, Senior Director of Growth and Development for Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services
- Scott Arlen, Maintenance Supervisor for Keene Housing
- Scott Brown, Branch Manager III Officer for Mascoma Bank
- Scott Symonds, Chief Excecutive Officer for SMART Ride LLC
- Scout Mercer, Youth Services Librarian II for Keene Public Library
- Seamus Batdorf-Dwyer, Certified Recovery Support Worker for Cheshire County Treatment Court
- Shane Moynihan, REALTOR® for Shane Moynihan Realty LLC (Realty One Group Next Level) and local multifamily investor
- Stephanie Latini, Internship and Business Outreach Manager for Monadnock United Way
- Sudesh Joshi-Chhibbar, Director of Surgical Services & Birthing Suites for Monadnock Community Hospital
“We are thrilled to celebrate these accomplished community leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to building a stronger, more connected community. Their energy, collaboration, and innovation are exactly what our communities need as we work toward an even stronger future for the Monadnock Region,” said Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock for Greater Monadnock Collaborative. “We are grateful for each of the organizations that invested in their employees’ active participation, as well as to our sponsors, Eversource, Mascoma Bank, Freitag Marketing, Keene Young Professionals Network, Savings Bank of Walpole, and Monadnock Ford.”
Throughout the program, participants engaged in experiential learning, collaborative conversations, engaging presentations, and deep dives into critical topics such as economic development, community building, government, mental health, and education.
The Leadership Monadnock alumni network now includes over 500 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take on influential roles in municipalities, nonprofits, education, and business—amplifying the ripple effect of this transformative program.
About Leadership Monadnock
Leadership Monadnock is an intensive nine-month community leadership program, held October through June. Each session is designed to immerse participants in the truly critical aspects that drive the dynamic nature of the regional economy and quality of life. Each session is structured to present multiple aspects of a topic through a combination of presentations by experienced professionals and subject matter experts, group discussions, and other experiences. Participants have access to other community leaders who are experts in their respective fields including business, government, education, nonprofits, social services, the arts, and other organizations throughout the region.
For more information about Leadership Monadnock or to sign up to receive notifications on when to apply for our next cohort, visit greatermonadnock.com/leadership-monadnock/or contact Michelle DellaVita at michelle@greatermonadnock.com.
GMC Staff & Board News
GMC Staff & Board News
June 9, 2026
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce (GMC) is pleased to announce several exciting updates, including a staff promotion, a new addition to the team, a new Board Chair, and board leadership appointments for two GMC representatives.
Jessica Johansson Promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications
Jessica Johansson has been promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications, a new role that reflects the growing scope of her work and GMC's continued investment in its communications and marketing presence across the region. In this position, Jessica leads the organization's marketing strategy, brand communications, content development, digital presence, and membership marketing.
Jessica served on the GMC Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024 before joining the staff in August 2024 as Membership Engagement Coordinator. She brings a blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her work, and this promotion recognizes the depth of her contributions to the organization and the communities it serves.
Welcome, Tracee Bergeron
GMC is also thrilled to welcome Tracee Bergeron to the team as Executive Administrative Assistant. Tracee serves as the first point of contact for anyone reaching out to the GMC office, whether by phone or in person, and plays a key role in keeping daily operations running smoothly.
As always, the entire GMC team remains available to answer questions about membership and the many programs and resources available through the chamber.
Andrew Richardson Elected Board Chair
At its April meeting, the GMC Board of Directors elected Andrew Richardson as Board Chair for a term running through September 2027. Andrew is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Savings Bank of Walpole and brings a strong commitment to regional economic vitality and the business community of the Monadnock Region.
GMC also extends its sincere gratitude to Chris Coates, outgoing Board Chair (County Administrator, Cheshire County), for his dedicated service and steady leadership over the past 18 months. His commitment to the organization and the region has helped guide GMC through a period of growth and momentum.
Joining Andrew Richardson and Chris Coates on the Executive Committee are Andy Bohannon, Incoming Board Chair (City of Keene), Sarah Brothers, Secretary (C&S Wholesale Grocers), and Rich Scheinblum, Treasurer (Monadnock Community Hospital), each of whom brings valuable expertise and leadership to the organization as GMC continues its work to strengthen the Monadnock Region.
Board Appointments
GMC President & CEO, Julie Schoelzel, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA), the state's chamber of commerce, where she will represent the interests of the region's business community at the state level.
Director of Marketing & Communications, Jessica Johansson, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Maps Counseling Services, a nonprofit mental health center that has provided quality therapeutic services to children, adults, and families in the Monadnock Region since 1973.
Rounding out GMC's team is Michelle DellaVita, Director of Leadership Monadnock, whose extensive involvement in community and civic organizations throughout the region continues to strengthen the partnerships and relationships that are central to GMC's work. Her leadership and commitment to the Monadnock Region are reflected in her service on numerous local boards, committees, and community initiatives.
GMC is proud to see its leadership engaged beyond the organization, strengthening the connections that benefit businesses and communities throughout the Monadnock region and the state.
About the Greater Monadnock Collaborative Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Monadnock Collaborative is a nonprofit membership organization serving employers and professionals across Southwestern New Hampshire. As the region's chamber of commerce and regional promotion organization, GMC advocates for the business community and works to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in communities throughout the Monadnock region. Learn more at greatermonadnock.com.
When Storyteller Adam Wade Returned to Keene
When Storyteller Adam Wade Returned to Keene
May 19, 2026 | Jessica Johansson
Adam Wade has told this story many times.
He has shared it on stages in New York City and beyond, to audiences who have never set foot in New Hampshire, never walked across the Keene State campus on a late April afternoon, and never shared a heart-shaped pizza from Athens Pizza on Valentine's Day.
But recently, he came back to Keene to tell it, and something extraordinary happened.
Adam Wade is a 20-time Story Slam winner at The Moth and the creator of the #1 bestselling Audible Original audio memoir, "You Ought to Know Adam Wade." He is also a proud Keene State College alum and was one of the featured presenters at the inaugural Leadership Monadnock Summit presented by Eversource, held on April 24th at Keene Country Club.
In his storytelling special, Small Town Lover, Adam reflects on his years at Keene State College, including a memorable college date, the kindness he experienced at Athens Pizza, and mentor Bob Gunther, adviser to the Keene State College Film Society, a man with a remarkable claim to fame. The way Adam tells it, Bob was exactly the kind of person you hope to find when you are young and just figuring things out.
It is a story about place, about people, and about the unexpected ways a community shapes you. And it found its way back to where it began.
GMC President and CEO Julie Schoelzel had come across Adam's story and reached out earlier this year to invite him to speak at the GMC Annual Gala. The timing didn't work out then, but the Leadership Monadnock Summit finally brought him back.
During his storytelling session, Adam reached the part of the story about Bob Gunther, the unforgettable KSC Film Society adviser, and stopped to ask the audience if anyone knew him.
In a room filled with more than 100 community leaders from across the Monadnock Region, a voice answered. It was Marti Fiske, Director at Keene Public Library and a Leadership Monadnock alum. Bob Gunther was her uncle!
There was an audible reaction across the room as people took in the coincidence... a story Adam had told for years suddenly became something new.
At the end of his story, Adam received a standing ovation from the audience. Later, during his workshop session, he reflected on how stories evolve over time. He shared that from now on, the story would always include the moment the Greater Monadnock Collaborative brought him back to Keene to tell it, where he received a standing ovation... and unexpectedly met Bob Gunther's niece.
Stories evolve because people do. Communities do too.
And maybe that is the story beneath the story.
In the Monadnock Region, local businesses and institutions do more than serve a community. They become part of its stories.
Athens Pizza. Keene State College. The City of Keene, home to the Keene Public Library. All GMC members. All woven together in one story shared in one room on one April day.
Without these businesses, without these institutions, without the people who choose to invest in this region, there is no story.
This is what a connected community looks like.
We cannot wait to do it all again. Watch our calendar/social media for details on the 2nd Annual Leadership Monadnock Summit, coming in Spring 2027.
If you missed the Summit, you can watch Adam’s storytelling special here: Small Town Lover
Promoting and Advocating for Travel in Canada and Washington, D.C.
Promoting and Advocating for Travel in Canada and Washington, D.C.
April 21, 2026 | Julie Schoelzel
In late March, I had the opportunity to represent the Monadnock Region at the Montreal Outdoor Adventure Show, joining a group of state and regional partners working to promote travel to New Hampshire.
Canada is New Hampshire’s top international tourism market, and that matters more than most people realize.
Tourism supports not just our hospitality sector, but the broader fabric of our communities. The restaurants we frequent, the small attractions our families enjoy, and the jobs that sustain our local economy are all supported by visitors from Canada.
That’s why a concerning trend has been getting so much attention: visitation from Canada is down roughly 30%.
This decline is being felt across our region and state in hotels, inns, campgrounds, restaurants, and downtown businesses. And because tourism is so interconnected with daily life here, the ripple effects extend far beyond the visitor economy. To put the importance of travel into perspective: in 2025 alone, the U.S. travel sector generated $1.4 trillion in direct spending and $3 trillion in total economic output, supporting more than 15 million jobs nationwide.
In New Hampshire, using data from 2024 we can see that tourism is the second largest revenue-generating industry. That year we had about 14.6 million visitors who generated $7.5 billion in spending, which in turn supports more than 70,000 jobs within the state. In 2025, the meals and room tax generated more than $445 million, supporting our General Fund revenue, school building aid, tourism, and state services, with a large percentage of its revenue being returned to municipalities. Tourism is vital for New Hampshire’s economic well-being.
From Montreal to Washington, D.C.
Shortly after returning from Montreal, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill—stepping in for New Hampshire’s Director of Tourism, Michelle Cruz, who was participating at the Discover New England Summit in Burlington.
This event brings together tourism leaders from across the country to meet directly with members of Congress and to share a clear mission: to make increasing travel to and within the United States a priority.
Because while New Hampshire is feeling the impact of declining Canadian visitation, the challenge is much bigger:
- The U.S. has lost 41% of its long-haul international travel market share since 2000
- Domestic travel growth has increased by only 2%, not enough to offset international losses
- The U.S. was the only major global destination to see a decline in international visitation last year (5.5%!)
- And notably, the U.S. travel trade deficit has now exceeded $70 billion, which means Americans are spending far more traveling abroad than international visitors are spending here
Policy Matters—Even at the Local Level
While in D.C., we met with staff from Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office, Senator Maggie Hassan’s office, Representative Chris Pappas’ office, and Representative Maggie Goodlander’s office to discuss specific actions Congress can take to strengthen the travel industry.
One issue that came up—both in Washington and even in conversations with Canadian travelers in Montreal—was concern about proposed updates to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that would mandate international visitors disclose social media information and other personal data. A few Canadians I spoke with in Montreal said the proposed changes had influenced their decision to not travel to the U.S., even though they hadn’t even been enacted yet.
A Smart Investment: Brand USA
One of the key priorities we advocated for was restoring funding for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization.
Brand USA plays a critical role in attracting international visitors, and it does so without relying on U.S. taxpayer dollars. Instead, it is funded through fees paid by international travelers.
The return on investment is significant: for every $1 invested, Brand USA generates $24 in visitor spending.
A recent example from a few years ago: a Monadnock Region video we commissioned was shared by Brand USA’s national platform. That exposure helped generate interest in our region and coincided with a writing retreat booking in Peterborough, bringing visitors and economic activity into our community. You can check that share here: https://www.instagram.com/reels/C0kEpjBv36U/
Why This Work Matters
For New Hampshire, this is about more than tourism. With thousands of open jobs and too few workers to meet demand, we’re using place-based marketing as workforce strategy to turn weekenders into workers. It might sound a little silly, but how many times have you opened up Zillow while on vacation? People move to places they love all the time, and we know it happens here.
That’s why initiatives like Magnify Monadnock matter. Through targeted marketing and platforms like MonadnockNH.com, we’re introducing our region to hundreds of thousands of people, all while creating real economic opportunities.
Recognizing Leadership in Travel
A cool highlight of this experience was seeing our former governor, Chris Sununu, who served as the keynote speaker in his new role as president and CEO Airlines for America.
The trip also included the Travel Champion and Travel Hero Awards, which recognize leadership and frontline service across the industry:
- Secretary Sean Duffy received the 2026 Travel Champion Award for advancing safety, security, and infrastructure
- Congressman Mark Amodei and Senator Amy Klobuchar were honored for their long-standing leadership and support of the travel industry
The Travel Hero Awards recognized frontline workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who maintained critical operations during government shutdowns, underscoring the resilience that keeps our travel system running. The impact of government shutdowns came up in discussions with our federal delegations, and we encouraged them to cosponsor and pass bills that would ensure air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid during funding lapses to prevent disruptions to the economy and the air travel system.
The People Who Make This Work Meaningful
Finally, one of the most energizing parts of the experience was connecting with others who share a deep commitment to the travel industry.
From watching Kori Johnson, General Manager at the Westin DC Downtown bring energy and care to an incredibly busy lobby, to connecting with Megan Fariel of Destination DC, Jessica Soforenko of the U.S. Travel Association, Nick Johson of Delta Airlines, along with our tourism peers from Maine, I was reminded just how people-driven this industry truly is. I was very lucky to have Tyler Gosnell from U.S. Travel Association as my guide for all my federal delegation meetings. He’s a true travel and policy expert (and laughed accordingly at my jokes and didn’t sigh every time I mentioned how hot it was, but it was really hot).
I’m so grateful to Michelle Cruz and the BEA’s Division of Travel and Tourism for giving me these opportunities. If there’s one thing I love to do, it’s hype up New Hampshire and the Monadnock Region!