Bates Resigns as President of Portsmouth Chamber

After eight years as president of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Doug Bates recently tendered his resignation to the board of directors, to be effective on Dec. 31, 2015. Chamber of Commerce Chair Ken Murphy says, “Doug’s departure comes after years of hard work and dedication to the Chamber and to the community as a whole. His thoughtful leadership has resulted in growth and stability for the Chamber, as well as a long list of accomplishments benefitting the community. He has been a tremendous asset to the City and to the Greater Portsmouth Chamber osh him well and he will be missed.”

During Bates’ tenure, he led the Chamber through building repairs and renovations, technology upgrades, increased fiscal efficiencies, development of partnerships with several local organizations, raising awareness to the strengths of the community through the initiation of such events as Restaurant Week, Shop Portsmouth Friday Nights, Fashion Night Out, Hit the Decks and the Chamber’s signature annual event, Street.life! Bates also spearheaded the commissioning of the USS New Hampshire in 2008, provided support for the Boston-Portsmouth Air Shows from 2010 to 2012 and hosted several Meet the Candidates forums. Bates has been a champion to highlight Portsmouth as a destination city.  

In his statement to the Board of Directors, Bates cited health issues for his reason for stepping down, stating, “I am very fortunate to live in a community that has allowed me to flourish. I would like to thank the Board and all those that have preceded it for their energy and support. I would also like to thank the Staff, both past and present, for working together with me to make this Chamber great. A great community deserves a great Chamber; I’m happy to have been part of both.”

Bates will receive the Boy Scout’s Annual Good Scout Award on Dec. 16 during a luncheon at the Atlantic Grill. Annually, this honor is bestowed upon a community leader who has made significant and recognizable contributions to Portsmouth.  The co-chair of the Good Scout award lunch, Ben Wheeler, who was recently the Chamber’s Chair, says, “Doug’s contributions to making Portsmouth a vibrant community made him a great candidate for the Award, and we’re pleased that he is the Honoree, he truly deserves it for his years of dedication and numerous accomplishments.”