All sorts of good, interesting and useful news is crossing our desk this week, so without further adieu:
Hats off to the Hannah Grimes Center over in Keene, which received the first Champion in Action award of 2013, presented by Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV, in the category of strengthening communities. The prize includes a $35,000 grant.
Hannah Grimes Center: Champion in Action
Hannah Grimes, for which the center is named, was born in 1776 in Keene and lived on a farm in neighboring Roxbury. What she and her family could not produce on their land, they bought and bartered for from friends, keeping the 18th century economy moving and growing.
With her life as inspiration, the organization bearing her name began in 1997 as a retail marketplace for local products. More than 15 years later, it includes a business incubator providing office space for new and emerging businesses to start, grow, thrive and move out on their own.
Hannah Grimes’ Entrepreneurship Program is a six-month intensive program focusing on raising current businesses to the next level of operation. Graduates of the program report an average sales increase of 68 percent in one year.
The original Hannah Grimes Marketplace continues to grow and now supports more than 270 local artisans, cooks and farmers. The center recently established a partnership to strengthen and support the area’s growing regional food system, which will help improve farm income, create jobs in the food production industry, and stimulate economic productivity and food self-sufficiency in the region.
The Champions in Action program was launched in 2002 by Citizens Bank and WMUR to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts in local communities.
Congratulations to everyone at Hannah Grimes.
We’ve been talking trade a lot here at the Division of Economic Development because there is so much interest in the opportunities the world over has for New Hampshire companies.
For companies that have made the leap overseas, the International Trade Resource Center has a terrific seminar coming up on Feb. 13, International Marketing: Putting Your Best Face Forward. It’s a full day of tips including how to increase website traffic and using social media in other parts of the world.
Cost is $95 and includes breakfast and lunch. Go ahead and click over to register here.
(We’ll wait for you to come back.)
It’s lights, camera, action next week for an Amherst company, which will be featured on the popular television series, World’s Greatest, which is produced by How2Media.
Vibrac is a small manufacturer marking its 53rd year and it makes the world’s most sensitive torque measurement instruments, used in aerospace, military, defense, medical, bearing and the automotive industry.
“Very importantly, they are not resting on their longevity,” said GordonFreeman, executive producer of the show. “They continue to launch new product lines of precision measurement instruments to help multiple industries. That makes them a company we like to feature on World’s Greatest. We think their story will be meaningful to our viewers.”
We think so, too. Click on the media link above to see where it will air near you.
We’re heading over to the 8th annual Small Business Day next Friday, Feb. 8. Brought to you by the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, the half-day event will take a look at federal health care reform, financing strategies for your small business, the new LLC act and an update on policy issues from legislators.
Gov. Maggie Hassan will also attend.
Cost is $15 and you need to register. Call 224-5388×116 or click here.
W.S. Badger Co., in Gilsum, NH, worked with the Office of International Commerce to research potential export markets.
Like many small business owners, Kathleen Johnson juggles everything from overseeing the manufacturing process to marketing her product, Lickity Bits.
Located up in the North Country town of Columbia, it caters to owners of horses by encouraging horses to accept bits. She has a niche product, but knows that she could grow … well … unbridled … especially outside the U.S.
“As a small business owner, it is a daunting task trying to navigate through international markets that may be available,” Kathleen said.
That’s where the Office of International Commerce stepped in and provided her with comprehensive information about a possible export market.
“We learned that Brazil is a potentially key market for us, since it has the third highest horse market worldwide and prospering economy,” she said.
The OIC received a grant from the Eastern Trade Council to provide market research about the Brazilian market to her and several other businesses.
Why Brazil? The South American country has the seventh largest economy in the world, which is weathering the global economic challenges better than other parts of the globe. With a diversified economy and an expected surge in infrastructure improvements from now until the 2016 Summer Olympics being held there, U.S.exports are increasing rapidly.
“In a very competitive market, (the research) located one company interested in receiving information from WMI,” said Frank Morabito, the company’s international sales product manager.
Out in the Monadnock region, W.S. Badger Co. makes organic body care products, employing about 40 people at its new Gilsum plant. No stranger to the OIC, it has worked several times with the staff, most recently to help find a distribution partner in Russia.
“This service proved itself very valuable, as it allowed us to enter the market with a company that is screened and trusted,” said Stephanie Ritchie, Badger’s international accounts manager. “Our sales have grown slowly, but steadily, and we look forward to continuing to expand our business inRussia.”
If your company is considering exporting, you may be eligible for a grant that will pay for market research. The funds are part of the State Trade Export Promotion grant, which will, for qualifying businesses, provide these services at no cost. Available through the U.S. Commercial Service, the research usually costs between $500 and $750.
Orders for the services must be placed by mid-September. For more information, contact Kasim at 603-271-8444 or email Tina.Kasim@dred.state.nh.us.
By the close of the 5-day event, orders were placed for 758 aircraft for a total of $72 billion, representing a 53 percent increase from the 2010 show. (The Paris Air Show is the sister event and is held in odd number years.)
NH aerospace companies can soar at Aero Montreal event next month.
The aerospace industry is hot.
Next month, there’s another opportunity for Granite State aerospace-related businesses and it’s closer to home – just north of the border, in Montreal.
Gov. John Lynch will lead the delegation of company representatives Sept. 26 to Sept. 28 to the Aero Montreal Global Supply Chain Summit. Funding from SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant is available to underwrite the $500 cost for qualifying companies, which includes bus transportation to and from Concord to Montreal. The cost to companies that do not fall within the grant guidelines is $750.
Topics and seminars include development of the supply chain for both aerospace and defense and how companies can position themselves; growth management; plant access and transportation to aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and preferential access to supply chain/procurement representatives.
The deadline to register is this week. For more information, contact Tina Kasim here at the Office of International Commerce, at 271-8444, or email tina.kasim@dred.state.nh.us.
The New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center has announced that it is hosting a seminar, “Doing Business in Russia” to be held from 9 am to noon, Tuesday, January 24th at ITRC’s headquarters at 172 Pembroke Drive in Concord. Registration will begin at 8:30am.
With Russia about to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), now is an opportune time to learn how to do business with Russia successfully. Russia is the world’s 11th largest economy and has the highest per capita GDP ($15,900) of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. As the largest country in the world, it spans across nine time zones and has an increasingly growing economy. Exports from the U.S. to Russia and from NH to Russia are continuously growing. In 2010, US exports to Russia were nearly $6 billion, a 12% increase over 2009; while from January through October 2011, New Hampshire exports to Russia increased by nearly 200%.
The speaker for the half-day seminar will be Aleksei Svetozarev, a business development manager for MIG Express, a global logistics company offering customized supply chain management solutions to clients around the world. With network of global alliance partners, MIG offers increased value to its clients by providing them with unmatched expertise in all aspects of supply chain management. Although MIG’s services offer worldwide coverage, it has exceptional networks and expertise in Russia.
Participants will learn the ins and outs of Russian business practices. They will be provided with an overview of Russia, its business culture, why NH companies should do business with Russia and the available resources to assist them. Other topics to be covered include common difficulties and how to avoid them, Russian customs procedures and how to expedite product delivery.
Cost for the seminar is $40. To register and pay online, go to http://www.exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx. To register and pay by check (payable to SNHU/IIB), mail your check to: ITRC Seminar, PO Box 1856, Concord, NH 03301-1856. For questions, call Ellie White at 603-271-8444 or email ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.
A bureau of the NH Division of Economic Development, the International Trade Resource Center single offers New Hampshire businesses interested in entering or expanding their reach in the global markets a full spectrum of information, programs and customized services. ITRC is located at 172 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03301. For more about these services, call (603) 271-8444 or visit exportnh.org.
With over 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the United States, there has been no better time to develop an international business plan.
Recognizing that fact, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, in partnership with Dachser USA and RBS Citizens, will hold an “Introduction to Exporting” seminar on Thursday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, 172 Pembroke Road in Concord.
The seminar will cover researching international markets, developing an international business plan, international pricing, taxes and tariffs, logistics, financing, complying with export regulations, the reasons for going global and much more.
Administered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Office of International Commerce, the ITRC plans, develops and administers programs for international trade promotion and foreign market development. For more information about the ITRC, call (603) 271-8444, or visit their website at www.exportnh.org
In cooperation with the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) will hold a seminar, “Introduction to Exporting,” on Tuesday, March 22 from 3-5pm at the Roundabout Diner, 580 US Highway RT 1 Bypass in Portsmouth.
“Since 95% of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States, developing an international business plan can be key to a company’s success,” New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center Director Dawn Wivell said. “Currently more than 2,200 New Hampshire companies export and the majority of them are small or medium-sized businesses. In 2010 alone, the Granite State exported $4.4 billion in goods and services, surpassing its previous all-time record. New Hampshire is number one among the states in rate of export growth, and we’re well above the national rate of 21.31%. That’s why this is an excellent time for businesses in New Hampshire to make exporting a part of their business plan.”
The seminar will cover researching international markets, developing an international business plan, international pricing, taxes and tariffs, logistics, financing and much more.
The event, which is sponsored by ITRC, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, People’s United Bank and the U.S. Commercial Service, is free to Chamber members and $10 for non-members. For more information or to register, please email info@portsmouthchamber.org.
Administered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Office of International Commerce, the ITRC plans, develops and administers programs for international trade promotion and foreign market development. For more information about the ITRC, call (603) 271-8444, or visit their website at www.exportnh.org
Recognizing that protecting American patents abroad can present challenges, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center will present a seminar titled “Global Intellectual Property Protection” on Thursday, March 10th from 9 a.m.-noon at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development (172 Pembroke Road).
Co-sponsored by Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA, this seminar will discuss different protection methods and how to obtain them, when and where they may be enforced and what options exist for business officials to protect their company’s intellectual property. The guest speakers for the event are Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green intellectual property expert attorneys Doug Verge, Peter Nieves and Daniel Fink.
Companies interested in shipping goods overseas are invited to attend an EAR and ITAR Licensing Issues workshop at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development (172 Pembroke Road) on Thursday, February 17th from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Presented by the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, this seminar will include a discussion of licensing issues affecting both non-military products (regulated by Export Administration Regulations – EAR) and military products (regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations – ITAR).
This session is perfect for businesses trying to determine whether a license is needed for shipment of products overseas and how to use the correct Export Control Classification Numbers on export documents.
EAR licensing issues will be covered during the morning session from 9 a.m.-noon while the ITAR licensing session takes place between 1-3:30 p.m. Registrants may sign up for just the morning session, just the afternoon session or both. Both sessions will include lunch from 12-1 p.m.
The cost of single sessions is $55 while the cost to attend the entire day is $95. To register, please contact Ellie White at (603) 271-8444 or ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.
The New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center has announced that it is hosting a seminar, “NAFTA, CAFTA and Other Free Trade Agreements.” The seminar will be held from 9 am noon, Tuesday, February 1 at ITRC’s headquarters at 172 Pembroke Drive in Concord. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.
FTAs are intended to open markets, expand business opportunities, and to help U.S. companies compete more easily in the global marketplace. The United States currently has 11 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which account for more than 42% of all U.S. exports. Other trade agreements are currently in negotiation, including the U.S.–Korea, or KORUS, trade agreement.
The half-day seminar will be presented Jeanette Reed of Evolutions in Business, a firm that specializes in training companies in export regulatory compliance. Participants will learn about existing FTAs and requirements that products need to meet in order to qualify for export under these agreements. The seminar will also cover how businesses can potentially expand to new markets, how to ensure compliance of existing exports, and how to qualify for elimination or reduction of tariffs. Rules of origin, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), and potential fines and penalties for non-compliance will also be covered.
Cost for the seminar is $55 and includes a light breakfast. To register and pay online, go to http://www.exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx. To register and pay by check (payable to SNHU/IIB), mail your check to: ITRC Seminar, PO Box 1856, Concord, NH 03301-1856. For questions, call Ellie White at 603-271-8444 or email ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.
New Hampshire had already exceeded its all-time annual export sales record eleven months into 2010, and showed the highest rate of increase in export sales among all the states, according to the New Hampshire Export Review released by the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (ITRC).
In making the announcement, ITRC’s Director, Dawn Wivell said, “As of November 30th, 2010, New Hampshire’s total year-to-date exports reached $3.889 billion. Prior to that our record was $3.752 billion in 2008—and that was for a full twelve months. To put it in perspective, this is a 40.56% increase over the same eleven month time period in 2009. New Hampshire has a lot to celebrate. The Granite State is number one among the states in rate of export growth, and we’re well above the national rate of 21.31%.”
The New Hampshire Export Review shows that 2,200 companies in the state export their goods or services. The majority of these are small or medium-sized businesses (referred to as SMEs) with fewer than 500 employees. SMEs generate approximately half of New Hampshire’s total exports of merchandise; this is the sixth highest share among the states and well above the national average of 30%.
Wivell says that New Hampshire is especially effective at marketing technology in the world markets.
“Each year the TechAmerica Foundation releases its annual report that details national and state trends in the international trade of high-tech goods,” she said. “We knew that New Hampshire was doing well in that arena, but we were especially pleased to find out that New Hampshire had the third highest tech export concentration in the nation last year; tech exports from New Hampshire accounted for half of our total exports.”
Wivell went on to explain that Mexico continues to be New Hampshire’s number one trading partner, with a 40% increase in trade in the first eleven months of 2010, while Canada continues to be second with an increase of nearly 20% during that time period. China, which was third in this category, has seen outstanding growth representing an increase of 93.54%. Other traditionally strong export markets including Germany, United Kingdom, South Korea, Hong Kong, France, Turkey, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil, Columbia and Singapore also posted double and triple digit increases.
“Our staff at the International Trade Resource Center was especially gratified to see these numbers since it really validates the work we’ve been doing to help New Hampshire companies break into and succeed in the international marketplace,” Wivell said. “I hope this will also serve to inspire New Hampshire companies that have been considering exporting to give us a call.”
With Russia about to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), now is an opportune time to learn how to do business with Russia successfully. Russia is the world’s 11th largest economy and has the highest per capita GDP ($15,900) of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. As the largest country in the world, it spans across nine time zones and has an increasingly growing economy. Exports from the U.S. to Russia and from NH to Russia are continuously growing. In 2010, US exports to Russia were nearly $6 billion, a 12% increase over 2009; while from January through October 2011, New Hampshire exports to Russia increased by nearly 200%.
Recognizing that fact, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, in partnership with Dachser USA and RBS Citizens, will hold an “Introduction to Exporting” seminar on Thursday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, 172 Pembroke Road in Concord.
“Since 95% of the world’s consumers live outside of the United States, developing an international business plan can be key to a company’s success,” New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center Director Dawn Wivell said. “Currently more than 2,200 New Hampshire companies export and the majority of them are small or medium-sized businesses. In 2010 alone, the Granite State exported $4.4 billion in goods and services, surpassing its previous all-time record. New Hampshire is number one among the states in rate of export growth, and we’re well above the national rate of 21.31%. That’s why this is an excellent time for businesses in New Hampshire to make exporting a part of their business plan.”
Co-sponsored by Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA, this seminar will discuss different protection methods and how to obtain them, when and where they may be enforced and what options exist for business officials to protect their company’s intellectual property. The guest speakers for the event are Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green intellectual property expert attorneys Doug Verge, Peter Nieves and Daniel Fink. 
Presented by the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, this seminar will include a discussion of licensing issues affecting both non-military products (regulated by Export Administration Regulations – EAR) and military products (regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations – ITAR).
FTAs are intended to open markets, expand business opportunities, and to help U.S. companies compete more easily in the global marketplace. The United States currently has 11 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which account for more than 42% of all U.S. exports. Other trade agreements are currently in negotiation, including the U.S.–Korea, or KORUS, trade agreement. 
In making the announcement, ITRC’s Director, Dawn Wivell said, “As of November 30th, 2010, New Hampshire’s total year-to-date exports reached $3.889 billion. Prior to that our record was $3.752 billion in 2008—and that was for a full twelve months. To put it in perspective, this is a 40.56% increase over the same eleven month time period in 2009. New Hampshire has a lot to celebrate. The Granite State is number one among the states in rate of export growth, and we’re well above the national rate of 21.31%.”
