Holly Bourassa
North Branch Construction welcomes new safety director
North Branch Construction (NBC) of Concord welcomed Holly Bourassa as the firm’s new safety director. Bourassa joins the firm upon the retirement of the firm’s former safety director, Rich LeVinus.
A graduate of Keene State College with a bachelor of science degree in Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences, Bourassa brings over eight years of professional safety experience in the construction industry to the role. Bourassa will be responsible for managing all aspects of North Branch Construction’s safety program, including weekly jobsite visits, establishing worksite safety plans, and employee training.
“North Branch Construction is dedicated to doing everything we can to maximize jobsite safety. Holly brings a wealth of education and experience implementing and monitoring jobsite safety programs and training that is sure to serve our employees and company well,” said Joseph Campbell, NBC president.
Tighe & Bond, a Northeast engineering, design and environmental consulting firm, has acquired Cape Cod-based Coastal Engineering Co., Inc., a civil, structural, and waterfront/marine engineering firm that specializes in projects located in environmentally sensitive areas.
This acquisition aligns with Tighe & Bond’s vision of being a trusted advisor by offering clients a comprehensive, single-source solution to their engineering, design and environmental science needs. The addition of Coastal Engineering’s staff bolsters the breadth and depth of services that Tighe & Bond currently offers to clients, particularly those located in Cape Cod, the islands, and coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Tighe & Bond President and CEO, Bob Belitz, said “To create a more sustainable future, there is a growing need to shore up our coastal assets and infrastructure, both existing and new. We believe adding Coastal to our team will help support our clients’ growing needs in these areas. In addition to our aligned missions to make a positive difference in the built and natural environment, our firms both have strong cultures of employee ownership: we are collectively invested in our clients’ outcomes.”
John Bologna, Coastal’s former CEO and president, will now serve as vice president within the firm’s Building Services Business Line. He adds, “After teaming with Tighe & Bond on some projects, we realized we were aligned in our vision to create economically feasible and environmentally responsible designs, and that our firms have the potential to be stronger together. We look forward to bringing our clients additional expertise, as well as providing new opportunities for our employees.”
Smith seeks to revitalize Ossipee-to-Conway rail line
The trail head for the Friends of Ossipee Rail Trail is seen at left next to the Ossipee Tailor Shop at 90 Main
Street. The group is looking at making a trail along a state-owned 5.5-mile section of rail line from the town
center to Route 41. (Photo by Daymond Steer)
State Rep. Jonathan Smith, who is also a selectman in Ossipee, has filed legislation for the creation of a master plan for the rail line that runs between Conway and Ossipee.
Smith (R-Ossipee) sponsored HB 1468, “Directing the department of transportation to develop a Conway branch rail line master plan.”
The Conway branch line is 21 miles long and runs from Route 28 in Ossipee to West Main Street in Conway. It is owned by the state DOT but is being managed by the New Hampshire State Parks which allows a limited amount of recreation on it.
If passed, the bill would require the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to complete a master plan for the Conway branch rail line north of Route 28 to Conway by Dec. 31 of this year.
The Conway branch is not currently used by trains, according to Smith and Rep. Mark McConkey (R-Freedom) who chairs the Public Works and Highways Committee which oversees DOT.
Smith hopes one day the Conway Branch could be put to better use running freight and or as a rail trail. The first step is creating a “master plan” for the Conway Branch. For example, the plan could determine if it’s possible to have a rail trail next to the rail line. The Master Plan could also be about just having an all season rail trail.
The New Hampshire State Parks Department uses the former rail line as a recreation trail in winter months for activities like walking, skiing and snowmobiling if there is enough snow on the ground. Rail car clubs use the line also.
Asked why people can’t use the trail in the summer, Craig D. Rennie, chief supervisor of the state Bureau of Trails, said Monday he believes trains are using the branch line in the summer.
Told of Rennie’s statement Monday, McConkey said the Bureau of Trails is incorrect.
Smith said only recently did State Parks allow snowshoeing on the Conway Branch.
Asked why he wanted to file the bill, Smith said he’s been working with Friends of Ossipee Rail Trail for the past few years. They want to have a 5.5 -mile walking trail from the center of town to Route 41.
“I’ve been working with DOT, you know, trying to get a straight answer as to what can and can’t be done, and — to put it bluntly— they really haven’t moved anything,” said Smith.
Smith says getting this rail line back in action doing so would reduce a lot of heavy truck traffic on Route 16.
According to the fiscal impact report attached to the bill, the cost of the master plan would cost the DOT about $200,000.
Dec. 31, 2026 would be a “more feasible deadline,” the DOT said.
Smith said the bill will go before the Public Works and Highways House Committee on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
Ossipee Selectmen supports the bill. Ossipee is collecting public input on the bill and will forward it to Concord.
Send emails or letters of support to the Town Administrator at msawyer@ossipee.org and be sure to include your name and contact information. — Daymond Steer/Conway Daily Sun
Dean Poritzky
Engel & Völkers opens first shop in New Hampshire
Engel & Völkers, the global luxury real estate brand, has opened its newest shop, Engel & Völkers Portsmouth. Spearheaded by license partner Dean Poritzky and supported by Vice President and Marketing Director Paige McVay, this duo brings over 40 years of collective expertise in the real estate realm. The new shop will provide the brand’s world-class service to the New Hampshire Seacoast, Lakes Region and Mountains, as well as the southern coast of Maine.
Poritzky is the founding principal of Engel & Völkers Wellesley and leads a highly successful team generating over $160 million in annual sales. Holding an MBA from The Wharton School, his background includes founding Dean Poritzky Custom Homes after a career as a portfolio manager. Blending business, construction and interior design expertise helps him lead a team that achieves the highest level of client satisfaction, trust and success.
McVay, a marketing professional with over 18 years of experience in real estate sales and marketing, holds a master’s in communication from New York University and has been a key contributor to the growth of the Engel & Völkers Wellesley shop since 2016, leveraging her skill set, extensive knowledge and collaborative approach to drive business development and revenue goals.
“It’s an honor to help lead the way for this inaugural launch in the Granite State with a team of highly competent advisors, unparalleled service, sophisticated systems, and intimate local market knowledge,” said McVay. “As a brand of the highest caliber and a global leader in providing luxury real estate experiences, Engel & Völkers will allow us to reach the top of the market.”
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group welcomes two agents to the North Conway office
Stephanie Cajdric and Melissa Carr
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group welcomed new additions to its North Conway office: Stephanie Cajdric and Melissa Carr.
Cajdric, hailing from Concord, Massachusetts, spent 40 years exploring the beauty of the White Mountain region, which helped her transition from a career in the dental field to real estate. Her expertise in customer service, marketing and sales positions her as a valuable asset to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group.
Melissa Carr is a graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Since moving to Mount Washington Valley in 2003, Melissa has been an integral part of the community. With a background in property management, she became licensed in 2011 and a Broker in 2015. Melissa successfully owned and operated a property management company from 2016 until 2023, when she sold the business to focus on helping others buy and sell properties in the Valley.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie Cajdric and Melissa to our North Conway office at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group. Both bring unique skills, experiences, and a deep commitment to providing outstanding real estate services. Their passion for the community aligns perfectly with our culture and values,” said Kerry MacDougal, Sales Director at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group, North Conway office.
For more information or to inquire about real estate opportunities in the North Conway area, please contact our office at www.masiello.com/north-conway-nh.