Concord became cool while no one was looking.

Have you checked out Concord lately? It is morphing into the new cultural center of New Hampshire.

The creative economy is on the move. A recent study conducted by Dreezen & Associates found that creative sector businesses accounted for 37 percent of net new jobs between 2003 and 2005, and those numbers are growing. A vibrant downtown is anchored at one end by the Capitol Center for the Arts, the state's largest performing arts center, and at the other end by the State Capitol building. In between are the new Red River independent theater, the Museum for New Hampshire History, and a host of restaurants and shops in historic buildings recognized on the National Historic Register. The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center has tripled the size of the former Christa McAuliffe Planetarium on the NHTI campus. The Concord Community Music School is rated among the top in the country. Malls and mega retail combine with downtown boutiques, farmers markets and arts markets creating a shopping destination. The list goes on and on.

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There is something very special about a community that successfully combines the sophistication and vigor of a state capital with the charm and quality of life of a small New England city. Rated #1 out of 578 micropolitan communities three years in a row by Policom Corporation and No.4 among American micro-cities in retail sales, both quality of life and economic opportunity are strong.

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is in the business of creating opportunities for our 900-plus membership. Average attendance at monthly Business After Hours is more than 200. The Concord Young Professionals Network is equally vibrant and attracts young professionals (and some older ones) from throughout the ink, president region. The chamber's involvement in public-private partnerships has resulted in the redevelopment of Concord's "opportunity corridor."

Our Visitor Information Center at Horseshoe Pond helps the chamber fulfill its role as an information clearinghouse and to serve tourists from around the world seeking information on New Hampshire. The Business and Education Partnership conducts youth leadership development among high school sophomores and provides grants for area teachers to bring innovative new programs directly into the classroom. The Government Affairs Program puts members in front of their elected officials and provides a voice for the business community before local and state government

The Chamber provides ongoing opportunities for members to expand their client base and grow their business through networking and business development programs. Membership in the Chamber is both a good buy and a wise investment. Check our Web site at www.concordnhchamber.com to find out more.