New Hampshire economic development officials today invited Massachusetts business owners to get “big and rich” in the Granite State through a special promotion involving a chauffeured limousine, a multi-platinum country music duo and a well honed business pitch.

Over 900 Massachusetts business owners will be receiving an individualized invitation to take part in the “Get Big and Rich in New Hampshire” promotion which will see one lucky winner receive a limousine ride from their home to the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire where they will receive VIP passes to see Grammy Award nominees Big & Rich (“Save a Horse,” “8th of November,” “Coming to Your City,” “Lost in This Moment” and “Wild West Show”), backstage passes and access to a pre-concert reception at Meadowbrook’s Center Stage Buffet with New Hampshire Division of Economic Development business recruiters. Ten other winners will receive tickets to the show and access to the reception.

“At a time when companies are looking for the best possible state to expand or relocate their business, we feel that New Hampshire has a compelling story to tell,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “With no sales tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax and a tremendous quality of life, New Hampshire is truly a state where companies can get ‘big and rich.’”

Back in November, the Division of Economic Development unveiled the “Open Invitation” initiative, a business recruitment program aimed at attracting Massachusetts firms to the state.

As part of the initiative, a chauffeured limo provided by Capital City Limousine drives Massachusetts business prospects from their company home to a special luncheon at a Common Man Restaurant location. After a discussion with a New Hampshire business recruiter, the prospect is given an overview of New Hampshire’s business atmosphere before being led on a guided tour of available properties. Later, the company owner has the opportunity to ski at Cannon Mountain, take in a Manchester Monarchs game or attend a concert at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion before spending a restful evening at the Radisson Hotel Nashua.

“The ‘Big and Rich’ recruitment idea and the Open Invitation initiative are innovative ways to draw attention to what New Hampshire has to offer,” said Pat McDermott, Economic & Community Development Manager at Public Service of New Hampshire, sponsor of the new promotion.  “In challenging economic times, the public and private sector have to join together to think creatively and not rely on old approaches. This promotion is a great step in that regard.”

Though 900 individualized letters are being sent to Massachusetts business owners, the promotion is actually open to any Bay State business interested in registering for the contest.

“As always, New Hampshire stands ready to speak with any companies interested in bringing new jobs and new opportunities to the state,” Boucher said. “We’re very excited about meeting new friends at the Big & Rich concert and showcasing a state where you can grow, thrive and turn great ideas into profitable businesses.”

Grammy nominated Big & Rich formed in Nashville around 1998, when ex-Lonestar vocalist John Rich began collaborating with songwriter Big Kenny. The duo established a performers’ roundtable at a local dive, and the event — dubbed the “Muzik Mafia” — soon gained a reputation for its casual nature and notable special guests including Gretchen Wilson and James Otto. Three releases and eight Top 40 hits later, Big & Rich are a chart topping, critically acclaimed musical force that incorporates country, rock and hip hop into their performances.

To learn more about the “Big & Rich” promotion and New Hampshire’s “Open Invitation,” visit www.nhopeninvitation.com.