LACONIA — Laconia Democrats will meet to elect local party officers and delegates to this year's state convention. This caucus will be held on Thursday, February 21, at 6 p.m. in the community room of the Busiel Mill, One Mill Plaza, 45 Beacon Street East
Plans for 2013 will also be discussed. Anyone registered as a Democrat in Laconia is eligible to vote.

LACONIA — Pitman's Freight Room in Laconia is pleased to present The Ervin Dhimo Jazz Trio for a return performance on February 21 at 8 p.m. Admission is $10, doors open at 7:15 p.m. and Pitman's is a BYOB venue.
European Bass Player Ervin Dhimo presents his dynamic jazz-funk project The Ervon Dhimo Trio, featuring world-known Berklee Professor Keyboardist Steve Hunt and prodigy Percussionist/Drummer Vancil Cooper.
"The Albanian-born electric bassist and his trio specialize in fierce, soulful, funky workouts on jazz, pop, and original tunes..."  writes Kevin Lowenthal of the Boston Globe.

LACONIA —  Madeira USA, one of the market leaders in embroidery thread and supplies, has announced a recent change in leadership. Shirley Clark has replaced Hajo Voeller as the president of Madeira USA.
With a strong background in sales and marketing from her years with such companies as Metrocast Cablevision and Nassau Broadcasting, Ms. Clark brings to her position an eye towards growth, maintaining market leadership and creating a more active presence in the 13 locations where Madeira USA has set up Customer Service Centers throughout the U.S.
"When I joined Madeira USA in 2010 as national sales manager," Ms. Clark begins, "I was thrilled to become a part of such a well respected company with a global presence. It didn't take long to realize that there is a very firm and loyal customer base that has come to rely on Madeira USA to play a supportive role in their day to day businesses. Although my first focus, when I was originally hired, was on the larger, corporate accounts, now I will be searching our entire customer base for areas in need of support and possible growth.
She continues, "While I see Madeira's strength as partnering with our customers, in order to guarantee a strong business role through excellent products and high quality service, I see my own strength as encouraging Madeira USA's fine staff of individuals to think creatively, produce locally, and always provide the best customer service in the industry."
Her years in sales and marketing have provided Ms. Clark with the ability to implement change where necessary and foster growth for others, as well as for Madeira. One who enjoys a good challenge, Ms. Clark is looking forward to learning the intricate workings of each of Madeira's customer categories, in order to help them to boost their sales.
Mr. Voeller, former president of Madeira USA, has returned to Germany, where he will support Madeira's worldwide presence through his new role as managing Global Operations.

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Shirley Clark (Courtesy photo)