New Hampshire Business Bowl: a team effort

Sports, business media and government organizations are joining together to host the first Business Bowl, an evening of fun and competition that will celebrate the teamwork that is such an important part of successful business ventures.

Hosted by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center (part of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development), New Hampshire Business Review and the Manchester Wolves, the May 16 event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown with a free business appreciation reception; this facet of the event is open to 50 businesspeople on a first-come, first-served basis.

The reception will feature several short presentations. Roy Duddy, director of the Business Resource Center, will discuss the business incentives and services provided by his agency and the state. Jeff Feingold, editor of New Hampshire Business Review, will speak on how businesses can get their stories told in the media. Peter Morris, general manager of the Wolves, will talk about teamwork and the value of local ownership.

The reception, which will include light appetizers and a cash bar, will be followed by the Business Bowl, held at Brady-Sullivan Field at the Verizon Wireless Arena during the Manchester Wolves-Tulsa Talons af2 game.

According to Steve Boucher, communications and legislative director for the Division of Economic Development, the event “will pit teams from three companies against each other in contests that can only be called ‘extreme business.’ They might be asked to race around the field in office chairs, participate in a water cooler relay — let’s just say, we’re still testing concepts. But winning will require a sense of humor and teamwork.”

Boucher added that though the mood of the event is light, there is a very serious side to creating the Business Bowl.

“With the glut of information that local companies face on a daily basis, we wanted to reach out to business owners and tell them about our array of free services in a way that is non-traditional, fun and different,” he said. “Teamwork is the hallmark of all outstanding companies and what better way to celebrate it than by bringing businesses onto the field of competition?”

According to Feingold, “Our goal is to increase the number of businesspeople who are aware of what our three organizations offer and the services provide. We work with the Business Resource Center and the Division of Economic Development, and know the great services they provide, and we’ve a long-standing relationship with the Wolves as well. The Business Bowl will be a fun way for businesses to meet our ‘players,’ ask questions, and gain insights into the opportunities available to them.”

Morris of the Wolves said, “We also like to be able to give back to the business community, which has been so much a part of the success here at the Wolves.”

While attendance at the pre-game business appreciation reception will be limited to 50 people, attendance at the game is open to all businesses, with tickets normally priced at $19 to $29 on sale for $10.

Reservations for the event can be made by contacting the Manchester Wolves at 603-627-WOLF (9653).