Dignitaries cut the ribbon at Comcast’s new call center in Hudson.
A great big red ribbon was cut Friday morning in Hudson for the ceremonial opening of Comcast Cable’s brand new, state-of-the-art call center. Already, 122 people are employed here; another 65 are in training. Eventually, 600 people will be hired, providing support to 1.6 million customers in New Hampshire, Maine and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands.
With the new positions, Comcast will have more than 1,700 employees across the state, and more than 5,000 across its reach from Greater Boston. The call center joins 12 offices in the Granite State and last year, its total employee investment, including payroll, payroll taxes, benefits, healthcare, training and tuition reimbursement, totaled more than $150 million. Comcast also contributed nearly $2 million in community investment across the Granite State.
“The opening of Comcast’s new facility is exciting for the Hudson community and the State of New Hampshire, creating hundreds of good jobs and representing why New Hampshire is as well positioned as any state to lead the country in innovative economic growth,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan.
Since Comcast announced its plans last May to develop the call center, the transformation of the 127,000-square-foot building has been dramatic. Light, bright and open, the center features the latest tools and technologies at the fingertips of its employees.
Company officials say locating the center in New Hampshire puts in the middle of an outstanding pool of talent.
“In addition to being a center for superior customer care, all employees in Hudson will be afforded continuous professional growth opportunities and we’ll add hundreds of new team members in the near future,” said Matthew Cohen, vice president of Customer Care Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. “This is an ideal location with a strong and talented labor market and we’re grateful to once again be growing in the Granite State.”
Congratulations Comcast!
Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development
This post was provided by State Broadband Director Carol Miller who was one of the driving forces behind the Telecom Summit – great job by all associated with this event!
The 2011 NH Telecommunication Summit on May 11 at the Radisson in Manchester NH was an exciting gathering of service providers, technology companies, state agencies, regional planning commissions, municipalities and business. Sponsored by NH Business Review, the NH Division of Economic Development, the New Hampshire Telecommunications Association, Head Networks and G4 Communications.
Roy Duddy, Interim Director, Division of Economic Development welcomed a crowd of close to 150 participants. He thanked everyone for their support and interest in the discussion surrounding expansion of broadband to unserved and underserved communities in the State of NH.
Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technologies at the Division assumed the role of master of ceremonies keeping attendees on track for the keynote, breakout sessions, and a service provider panel as Industry Leaders share their insight.
“This represents the first time in several years that providers, municipalities, and businesses have gathered to share information and resources about telecommunications,” she said.
The keynote was delivered by Scott Valcourt, UNH on the Network NH Now, and other initiatives that build upon the federally funded assets in construction that will build middle mile fiber to all 10 counties of NH. The Public Safety Microwave Project encompasses a planned upgrade of state agency facilities to a multi-user platform to free up space on state owned mountain tops for wireless broadband providers. The New Hampshire Fastroads LLC will bring that fiber to the customer premise in two last mile projects in Rindge and Enfield. In addition, Valcourt talked about the impact to economic development and the way it will change and enhance telemedicine, education, and job growth opportunities for the people of NH.
Breakout sessions included “Wireless/Cellular Technology Today” by AT&T’s Brian Krause, “Where’s My Broadband?” by Michael Blair of the NH Mapping and Planning Program at UNH, “Telecom 101 for Businesses and Municipalities” by Cisco’s Paul Gasparro and “Who Needs Broadband?” hosted by Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technologies for the State of NH.
The Service Provider Panel was moderated by Matt Cookson, Executive Director of NH High Tech Council. The Panelists were Brad Scofield, Regional Director of Product Management for Comcast, Jeremy Katz, CEO of segTEL, Gunnar Berg, CEO of Cyperpine Wireless and Bill Meehan Director of Segment Marketing of FairPoint Communications.
Each panelist described their company products and footprint. They answered questions about expansion to rural areas, and business incentives to enhance investments in infrastructure.
Allen Voivod of Epiphanies Inc., provided the social media blitz for the Summit thanks to the generous sponsorship of G4 Communications. Video from the event can be seen online at the following location: http://www.youtube.com/NHEconomy, and photos can be seen at http://on.fb.me/2011TelecomSummit. Read the event’s comments on Twitter by following the hashtag #NHTelecom.
New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy was recently featured on Comcast’s Newsmakers program providing an overview of the resources available to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the state through the MyExpertNet initiative.
Host Jenny Johnson and Duddy discussed the many inquiries that are flowing into the site and how the new site is providing 24-hour access to experts for budding entrepreneurs, CEOs of existing companies and line workers alike. Duddy noted that technical assistance and resources needed to be computerized for better, more efficient support of these business professionals, and that it can be confusing to search for solutions on the Internet when you don’t know who to trust. So the state pre-qualified volunteers who would serve as experts on a wide array of topics and industry areas, to give expert answers that help people through their decision processes.
Go to http://www.MyExpertNet.org to connect with the expert business help you need, all free of charge. MyExpertnet was developed by the NH-based Knowledge Institute, in partnership with Comcast, the NH Division of Economic Development, PSNH, Unitil, and Centrix Bank.
New Hampshire’s Super Secret Project will help Stay Work Play, Inc. kick off their website launch party and college tour, sponsored by Citizens Bank. The event, which is free to the public, will be held at Boynton’s Taproom in Manchester on Thursday, October 7, 2010.
The kickoff event will feature a live performance of the New Hampshire-themed music video “Granite State of Mind” by the Super Secret Project. Invited dignitaries include Governor John Lynch and Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas. In addition, there will be ample networking opportunities with young professionals and leaders from across the state.
“We believe that a bank should contribute to the growth and vibrancy of its communities, said Cathleen A. Schmidt, president of Citizens Bank. “We are excited to partner with Stay Work Play to help encourage more college students to stay, work and play in New Hampshire after graduation. The Stay Work Play website features all of the opportunities that the granite state has to offer to the young workforce today and serves as a reliable networking portal.”
Planned for the fall and winter, the college campus tour will bring entertainment to a few New Hampshire college campuses to engage students and encourage them to use the Stay Work Play web site at www.stayworkplay.org and organization as a resource for launching a career in New Hampshire. Stay Work Play is rapidly building a following on Facebook and Twitter and traffic has been building steadily since the beta launch of the site over the summer. The Stay Work Play website includes hundreds of links to other websites, as well as information, photos, and content that is divided into sections that relate to staying, working, and playing in New Hampshire. Special features include linkages to all of the young professionals networks across the state, to Facebook and Twitter feeds, a living index, and resources regarding jobs in the state, housing, events, and activities.
“As an organization, we have some great momentum right now and really look forward to the launch party, college road trip, and gaining more feedback so we can make the Stay Work Play website and other outreach efforts as effective and meaningful as possible,” said Chris Williams, co-chair of the Stay Work Play Board and President of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.
Stay Work Play is a non-profit organization established in 2009 to build off the work of the 55% Initiative, an effort originally launched by the University System of New Hampshire to help encourage more college students to stay work and play in the state after graduation. The effort gained additional support through the work of the Governor’s Task Force on Young Worker Recruitment and Retention, which recommended the creation of an independent organization to lead an effort to serve younger workers in the state and create a web portal that could serve their informational and networking needs.
Over the next several months, the organization plans to add in a customized events calendar, enhance the job search component, launch a video contest, and assist with an event that will recognize companies and individuals who excel at addressing the needs of younger workers in New Hampshire.
Stay Work Play was incorporated in 2009 by the heads of the University System of NH, the Business and Industry Association of NH, the NH High Tech Council, the NH College and University Council, and the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED). Its charter partners, Fidelity Investments, Delta Dental, Comcast, SilverTech, and DRED provided initial support to develop the site, and the organization is now supported through sponsors of the website. More information on the organization and on sponsorship opportunities can be found on the website, www.stayworkplay.org. For details on the event, http://stayworkplay.eventbrite.com, or contact Executive Director, Kate Luczko, kate@stayworkplay.org, (603) 860-2245.
As part of a continuing effort to connect businesses with the resources and services they need to be successful and grow, and to answer questions growing small businesses may have, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development yesterday unveiled MyExpertNet.
Dr. William Osgood of the Knowledge Institute looks on as Governor John Lynch announces the unveiling of the MyExpertNet initiative.
MyExpertNet is a virtual community created through a public-private partnership where small businesses can get answers to business questions from qualified experts, and connect with other members of the business community to share ideas, resources and markets. The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Knowledge Institute, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Comcast, Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and Unitil.
“Over the last several years we have worked to give businesses the tools needed to help them be successful, to grow their companies and create jobs,” Gov. John Lynch said. Under Gov. Lynch, the State of New Hampshire has reinstated the Job Training Fund, and more than 7,000 workers from across New Hampshire have received enhanced training. The State, which has 7th best business tax environment in the nation, created a Research and Development Tax Credit to help innovative companies grow.
“These have been difficult economic times for our state and our businesses. That is why it is important we continue to work with small businesses to help ensure they have what they need to grow,” Gov. Lynch said. “Through MyExpertNet, small businesses can have their questions answered by one of the many volunteer experts. It is important to connect business people with the information they need to be successful and this is one more way we are doing that.”
Over 40 business professionals have volunteered to serve as experts and provide their time, skills and expertise for the initiative. These experts will cover areas ranging from accounting and energy efficiency to federal contracting and international trade. Additional experts will be added in the future, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to have their questions answered by more than one professional in each subject area.
“MyExpertNet is an environment where all participants add value and all receive value a true win-win for all involved,” said Knowledge Institute President/CFO Dr. William Osgood, architect of the initiative. “This innovative concept also represents a model that other states can embrace to further the positive impact in building small business strength across the country. We’re pleased that New Hampshire is, once again, a leader in this critical arena.”
Comcast's Peter Marsh discusses how his company has supported the creation of the new virtual community for small businesses.
Major sponsor Comcast has committed to run a MyExpertNet promotional television spot throughout its New Hampshire operating area to help increase awareness of the service.
“Spreading the word about this innovative new initiative ensures that more businesses are given the opportunity to grow and thrive,” said Peter Marsh, Vice President of Business Services for Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. “Comcast is pleased to help small business owners stay focused on growing their business by connecting local owners with the best thought leaders on MyExpertNet.”
“In today’s fast-paced economy, the ability of the public and private sectors to work cooperatively is key in supporting job creation and building an environment where everyone feels responsible for building the economy,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Business Development Manager Gordon Tuttle. “MyExpertNet not only builds closer relationships between the government and the business community, it creates the type of virtual mentorships between experts and entrepreneurs that truly define the term `paying it forward.'”
Sojourn Partners Managing Partner Russ Ouellette, an expert in the “management” category, said that he is pleased to be part of an initiative that allows entrepreneurs to relieve some of their anxiety about business creation and development.
“Anyone who has ever started a business knows that the process is daunting at best and terrifying at worst,” he said. “To have someone who has been through what you’re going through and who is willing to take the time to help you navigate the rough waters is invaluable. This is a great initiative.”
With just three days to go to the 2nd Annual New Hampshire Business Bowl at The Acting Loft Field at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH, men’s team captain Mike Dunican has launched his first “Hail Mary Pass” by unveiling the members of his team.
Here’s the roster for the men’s squad:
1. Captain Michael Dunican – North American Equipment Upfitters – Hooksett
2. Dave Joyal – Comcast-Manchester
3. Brian Dow – Ferdinando Insurance-Manchester
4. Tim Finnegan – North American Equipment Upfitters – Hooksett
5. Bill McKone – Air Gas East – Salem
6. Matt Strazzere – North American Equipment Upfitters – Hooksett
The women’s team led by Print Savvy CEO Lisa Landry has been curiously silent, perhaps not willing to tip their hand before the much anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” match-up.
For those who aren’t up to speed on the Business Bowl, during the course of the Manchester Wolves – Albany Firebirds af2 football game, two teams of six local business professionals will take part in fun and competitive “office Olympics” style events which will test their teamwork skills. The winner of the competition will receive the second annual Business Bowl trophy, tickets to Canobie Lake Park and tickets to Wolves games for the remainder of the 2009 season.
Prior to the Business Bowl event, the Business Resource Center, the Wolves, event sponsor Cartridge World and media partners New Hampshire Business Review and WGAM will host a free business appreciation reception for the first 50 business respondents at Piccola Italia Ristorante at 5:30 p.m. To make reservations for the free reception or purchase tickets to the game (at the special Business Bowl price of $10 per ticket), contact the Manchester Wolves at 627-9653 or sbike@manchesterwolves.com.
Join us for the free pre-game reception at Piccola and purchase tickets to the game now – what are you waiting for????
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Roy Duddy, Interim Director, Division of Economic Development welcomed a crowd of close to 150 participants. He thanked everyone for their support and interest in the discussion surrounding expansion of broadband to unserved and underserved communities in the State of NH.
“We believe that a bank should contribute to the growth and vibrancy of its communities, said Cathleen A. Schmidt, president of Citizens Bank. “We are excited to partner with Stay Work Play to help encourage more college students to stay, work and play in New Hampshire after graduation. The Stay Work Play website features all of the opportunities that the granite state has to offer to the young workforce today and serves as a reliable networking portal.”
Planned for the fall and winter, the college campus tour will bring entertainment to a few New Hampshire college campuses to engage students and encourage them to use the Stay Work Play web site at 
