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January 27. 2013 7:36PM

New Hampshire Business Briefs

Franco-American Centre gets grant

MANCHESTER - St. Mary's Bank has announced a $2,700 grant to the Franco-American Centre.

The funds will be used to help create and support an online and direct sales operation in support of the center.

"New Hampshire has a very rich and long multicultural history and we recognize the need to preserve it for future generations," said Ronald H. Covey, Jr., St. Mary's Bank President and CEO.

"We are pleased to support the mission of the Franco American Centre and its plans for the future."

Since the Franco-American Centre's move from Concord Street in downtown Manchester to the campus of St. Anselm College, sales inventory has been stored in one large trailer. A second trailer has been donated to hold inventory, but work must be done to renovate them as one unit.

"We have the opportunity to increase our service to the Franco community by selling books, specialty products, and pieces of art from North American and European artists," says Centre President Raymond Houle.

With the donation of shelving from the college, the services of a web specialist to expedite on-line sales, and with a parcel of campus land to accommodate this sales unit, the grant from St. Mary's Bank "will put this opportunity together for us," said Houle.

BANK W Holdings helps out NH-ICC

Portsmouth - BANK W Holdings, and its portfolio companies KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting, Alexander Technology Group and The Nagler Group have made another stride in their support of the local business community with a substantial donation to the New Hampshire Innovation & Commercialization Center (NH-ICC). The NH-ICC, in partnership with the University of New Hampshire, is dedicated to accelerating the development of early stage high technology startups and to the commercialization of intellectual capital.

"It is wonderful to see companies that have grown successfully in New Hampshire step up and help our community with innovative projects like the NH-ICC. The team at BANK W Holdings has shown great leadership through their donation of both time and money. I can't thank them enough for their recent and continued support," said Mark Galvin, managing director of the NH-ICC.

"BANK W Holdings has a natural synergy with the NH-ICC. We were happy to make a donation to an organization dedicated to improving New Hampshire's already vibrant business community," said Jason Kroll, managing partner of BANK W Holdings.
Merrimack County Savings gives grants
CONCORD - The Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation recently presented grants totaling $48,000 to 21 not-for-profit organizations, according to Paul Rizzi Jr., president and CEO of Merrimack County Savings Bank.

Grants totaling over $48,000 were presented to Concord Community Concert Association, Concord Dental Sealant Coalition, Concord Hospital, New Hampshire Historical Society, Second Start, Concord Family YMCA, Families in Transition, Fellowship Housing Opportunities, Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, The Mayhew Program, Merrimack County Child Advocacy Center, Merrimack Valley Day Care Service, New Hampshire Association for the Blind, New Hampshire Food Bank, Penacook Community Center, Riverbend Community Mental Health, University of NH/Institute on Disability, Upreach Therapeutic Riding Center, Harbor Homes and the Salvation Army.

In making the announcement, Rizzi stated, "The Foundation was established to provide perpetual financial support to the communities we serve. We are honored and happy to give back to those who have helped us grow and prosper over the last 145 years."
Spa donates $6,000 to LRGH

MEREDITH— The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls donated $6,000 to Lakes Region General Hospital (LRGH) from funds raised at this year's annual Spalidays Holiday Event hosted by the Cascade Spa. Proceeds will benefit LRGH's Breast Health Program located in Laconia.
"We are so grateful to all our guests who joined us for Spalidays this year and are thrilled to be able to make this generous donation to the Breast Health Program at Lakes Region General Hospital," said Martha Zyla, Cascade Spa director. "The Cascade Spa has been kicking off the holidays with Spalidays for the past seven years. This year was extra special with the event's ticket proceeds fully benefitting the Breast Health Program. Our guests were able to fully enjoy themselves and relax, while at the same time, support such a great cause close to home."
According to Ginny Witkin, R.N., and LRGHealthcare Breast Health Program coordinator, the money will be used for the purchase of a computer system called "Omnicare." This software system will upgrade and enhance the timeliness for reporting mammography results to patients, as well as improve tracking results for both the "Caring for Women" department, and the existing mammography centers at LRGHealthcare.
Several vendors made donations to this initiative, including Cakes by the Lake in Center Harbor, who sold cake "shooters" at the event with all proceeds going to LRGH. In addition, Cakes by the Lake donated a wedding cake valued at $500 and Moroccanoil and Aromafloria donated gift baskets each valued at $500, as raffle items to raise additional funds.
"Many of our programs rely on the generosity of supporters like Cascade Spa, so our patients are able to get the best care and support they need," said Witkin. "We are so grateful for the Cascade Spa in making this donation to the Breast Health Program — and providing the best and most effective tools to help every woman in our community fight this deadly disease."
The event attracted hundreds of people from all over the region and brought world class industry experts and personalities to Meredith.
Camp Lincoln gets boost from Staples
KINGSTON— Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples Inc., has awarded $3,500 to Southern District YMCA-Camp Lincoln under a new program that lets Staples associates direct donations.
The grants are part of a new philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation that allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to nonprofit organizations that are focused on education or job skills. The program encourages local community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are highly engaged in volunteering or fundraising — up to $25,000 per organization.
In 2012, U.S. associates directed more than $1.4 million of Staples Foundation grants to 434 local nonprofit organizations. The new program, called 2 Million and Change, will award additional funds to organizations around the world, reaching more than $2 million in grants for the year.
"Staples Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where our associates live and work," said Katy Dobbs, director of global community relations for Staples, Inc. "Through our new program, we are pleased to support our associates and the local nonprofit organizations that matter to them most."