Montagne Powers

06/25/2026

Brand mentions alone aren’t moving the needle.

A new study by ReputationHouse found that 96.5% of brand mentions carry no emotional signal and, as a result, have little to no measurable impact on search behavior or purchase intent.

The answer isn’t creating more emotional content, either. Overly intense messaging, especially for higher-risk products or services, can trigger skepticism instead of trust.

The sweet spot? Authentic emotional expression in the 10%-39% range. That’s where brands are most likely to see a lift in online search and engagement.

The takeaway: Stop measuring success by mention volume alone. Focus on creating conversations that connect emotionally in a way that feels genuine. That’s what turns awareness into action. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4aiFdSj

06/24/2026

Yesterday, our very own Account Executive Charlie Sebastyn graduated from Stay Work Play NH’s Rising Stars Leadership Program, capping off a four-month journey alongside a cohort of 20 other bright young professionals.

During this program, Charlie learned what it means to be a strong leader and how to be one, both in and out of the workplace, while also gaining critical insight into the state’s workforce development practices and progress, housing challenges and solutions, and the key industries driving progress in each region.

And, to top it off, MP Partner and former Stay Work Play Chair EJ Powers created the program. Charlie marks the second member of our team to complete this program, following Account Manager Taylor Toohey.

Thanks to Corinne Benfield, executive director of Stay Work Play and the program’s leader!

We are so proud to help shape the next wave of leadership in our great state!

06/23/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome James “Jim” Culhane as Granite VNA’s new President and CEO!

Jim brings more than 25 years of healthcare and nonprofit leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice and previously held a leadership position with Elliot Hospital and Health System VNA.

Jim is also no stranger to Granite VNA. From 2002 to 2011, he served in several senior management and director-level roles. Jim succeeds Beth Slepian, who recently retired after more than a decade of dedicated leadership at Granite VNA.

We look forward to seeing Jim lead Granite VNA into its next chapter and working with him for many years to come!

06/20/2026

LinkedIn is now the #1 cited source in AI search, according to Buffer.

Why does that matter to PR professionals and marketers?

AI tools are increasingly using the content you and your clients share on LinkedIn to answer questions and recommend businesses. Companies that consistently publish valuable insights today are helping shape the answers AI provides tomorrow.

The good news? It’s early in the game, so those who show up now are more likely to be found, cited and trusted later.

06/17/2026

Granite VNA President and CEO Beth Slepian retired this month after more than 30 years in home health and hospice care.

During our work with Beth at Granite VNA, we witnessed her impactful leadership—guiding the merger that formed Granite VNA and furthering compassionate, community-focused care across New Hampshire. Her impact has been remarkable.

Beth, it has been a privilege to work with you. We wish you all the best in your retirement!

06/16/2026

Thank you to New Hampshire Business Review for recently hosting “Leadership Unscripted,” with a panel of clients & friends, including Beth Slepian of Granite VNA, Jamie Trowbridge of Yankee Publishing and Richard “Dick” Ober of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Drawing on decades of experience, the panelists discussed leadership, legacy and the lessons that shaped their journeys. Thanks also to panelist Peter Ramsey from The Palace Theatres and moderator Mike Cote, editor of NH Business Review.

06/15/2026

Congratulations to the friends and clients of Montagne Powers, who were recently honored by Business NH Magazine for their business accomplishments!

Clockwise from bottom left: Mark Aquilino of Outdoor Pride Landscape & Snow Management was named Business Leader of the Year; Eric Goodwin & Tyler Goodwin of The Friendly Toast were honored as Hospitality/Tourism Business of the Year; and Joanne M. Conroy, MD of Dartmouth Health, was named Healthcare Business of the Year.

We’re proud to work with these clients who represent New Hampshire businesses at their very best! https://bit.ly/49XyPjh.

06/13/2026

You can be the best at what you do.

But if no one knows about it, opportunities can pass you by.

Visibility isn't about seeking attention for attention's sake. It's about building awareness, credibility, and trust with the audiences that matter most to your business.

06/11/2026

Les Otten, a longtime client and friend of Montagne Powers, was featured on the cover of the June 5 issue of New Hampshire Business Review, highlighting his pioneering role in corporate ownership in the ski industry.

Today, Les continues to make a lasting impact on New Hampshire’s business community through his efforts to revitalize The Balsams Grand Resort in northern New Hampshire. At Montagne Powers, we are supporting this transformative project by providing communications and public affairs counsel. We’re proud to be part of an initiative that is expected to create jobs, strengthen the regional economy and help shape a brighter future for the North Country.

With his America Skiing Company — which operated from 1994 to 2007 and ran nine resorts in New Hampshire, Maine, Utah, Colorado and California — Otten was an early pioneer of the corporate ownership model.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to BrightBridge Credit Union on another fantastic Annual Charity Golf Classic on June 8! We’re proud to sponsor such a meaningful event and support the positive impact BrightBridge continues to have in fostering financial wellness, promoting financial literacy and advancing community involvement. It was a great day with even better company—we’re already looking forward to next year!