On episode 27 of Granite Goodness, Andy talks to Nate Hastings at the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, who explains to Andy that the networking organization “Catapult Seacoast” does not in fact involve an actual catapult. The two also discuss:
Chamber of Commerce Mission: The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth supports businesses through advocacy, networking events, public policy work, and tourism initiatives.
Chamber Alliance: Six chambers of commerce in the Seacoast region collaborate to serve businesses and communities across city lines, sharing resources and events to amplify local impact.
Evolving Perspectives on Networking: Nate was once skeptical of networking’s value but now views it as essential, particularly in a fluid job market where relationships can lead to opportunities.
The Chamber Podcast: Nate helped revive the Chamber’s podcast, “Collaborate & Listen”, aiming to highlight local businesses and organizations that might otherwise be overlooked, especially those without physical locations.
Chamber Ambassadors: The Chamber relies on a group of dedicated volunteers, known as chamber ambassadors, who assist with event logistics, member onboarding, and creating welcoming networking experiences.
and more!
Nate Hastings is Vice President at the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.
Links & Notes:
Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth
Instagram:
Linkedin:
Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth
AI Generated Episode Summary*
Can you tell us about your journey in New Hampshire?
I’m a New Hampshire native, born in Peterborough, and I’ve lived here almost my entire life. From college at UNH to a career based here, the Granite State has always been home. I even worked at UNH for years before transitioning to the Chamber of Commerce, so I’m deeply rooted in this community.
How did you get involved with the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth?
I’d been involved with UNH and the local community for a long time, but I was looking for a change after working in higher education. The Chamber offered the perfect mix of community, business, and daily variety—every day is different, from formal meetings to informal chats over a pint at a brewery.
How would you describe the role of a Chamber of Commerce?
At its core, a chamber is a membership-based organization that advocates for the business community. While we’re here primarily for our members, our work often benefits the wider business community, too. Every chamber has its own flavor, but we all work to support businesses and community events in our regions.
What’s the advantage of having multiple chambers in a small area?
In the Seacoast region, six chambers work together, forming what we call the Seacoast Chamber Alliance. We support one another and even co-host events. This collaboration helps us tailor our services to the unique needs of each town while sharing resources and connections across the region.
How has your view of networking evolved over time?
I used to roll my eyes at the idea of networking, but now I see how essential it is. In a fluid job market, you never know when a past connection might open a door. I now approach networking with a focus on building real relationships, rather than just collecting contacts.
How do local collaborations benefit small businesses?
Collaborating with other chambers and local organizations gives our small businesses access to a wider audience and more resources. When we join forces for events or mixers, businesses can meet a broader network of potential partners and clients, which is especially valuable for smaller or newer companies.
What’s the Chamber’s podcast about?
We started a podcast to highlight local businesses and interesting members, especially those without physical spaces. It’s a way for us to promote members who might not get as much visibility otherwise. We batch record episodes to make the production manageable, and it’s been rewarding to see the response.
How does the Chamber embody Portsmouth’s “City of the Open Door” motto?
Portsmouth has a long-standing motto as the “City of the Open Door.” I think of the Chamber as a place where we truly live up to that—welcoming businesses, helping them network, and encouraging collaboration. We want everyone who does business here to feel like they’re part of a supportive community.
How does the Chamber support public policy work?
We bring candidates and elected officials to our members so they can ask questions and express their concerns directly. For example, we host events where each candidate speaks and takes questions individually, helping our members build familiarity with their representatives, which is crucial when advocacy needs arise.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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