Opening Remarks: John Herman & Richard Ober at TEDxPiscataquaRiver

John Herman is an artist, writer, and teacher. He is also a former TEDx speaker on the subject of innovating the arts through Social Media. As NH Magazine says, "(John Herman) is in demand as a spokesman for the new revolution in communications media." The Ford Motor Company named him a "top 100 Web influencer." Indie culture touchstone Pitchfork called him "a writer, a media maker, and a compulsive ringleader." John was profiled by Chris Brogan in the book Google+ for Business. He is on the Board of Trustees of the NH Writers' Project and currently working on his first novel. He is also an improv comedian who has performed for audiences in New York and Tokyo. His latest short film "Coming of Age" which he wrote and directed will be screened at the Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA in March. This past year John was commended by Governor Lynch for his efforts to go to space. John is inspired by great ideas and honored to host TEDxPiscataquaRiver. Richard Ober is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. TEDxPiscataquaRiver at 3SArtspace, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)