Archive for March, 2010
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
Gov. John Lynch and his Jobs Cabinet today announced a regional Business Finance Fair will be held on April 30 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside , giving businesses the opportunity to meet with representatives from area banks, credit unions and other financial resource organizations. The fair is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in starting a business.
During Gov. Lynch’s Jobs Cabinet Roundtable Series held over the last several months, many businesses leaders expressed concerns about a difficulty in obtaining financing. This finance fair is in response to those concerns.
“Businesses continue to tell me how they are struggling to find the credit or working capital to grow their companies. If our companies are not able to grow, they cannot create new jobs and our economy will not be as strong as it could be,” Gov. Lynch said. “Meanwhile, local financial institutions tell me they have money to lend. The goal of this Fair is to help businesses connect with financing options so that they can continue to grow.”
The Finance Fair will also several workshops on ways businesses can use credit enhancements, on preparing to speak with lenders and on how to work with alternative financing.
 Bank of America, Service Credit Union, the New Hampshire Banking Department and the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development are sponsoring the event.
“For some local business leaders, securing financing can be intimidating given the different options and effect each may have on a company’s balance sheet,” said John Weeks, New Hampshire president, Bank of America. “By bringing together lenders and providing valuable educational workshops, organizers of the inaugural Business Finance Fair aim to provide clarity around the process.”
“Service Credit Union is honored to sponsor the Finance Fair. It provides a unique opportunity for business leaders to learn about the local resources available to them. At Service Credit Union, we recognize that building strong relationships are key to success in business,” said Gordon Simmons, president and CEO of Service Credit Union. “We are proud to support Governor John Lynch’s business initiative and to share our vision of being a leader in corporate citizenship. It is a great pleasure to be a major sponsor of the Finance Fair and we look forward to expanding our cooperation in these venues.”
“I want to make sure we are doing all we can to foster our business friendly environment here in New Hampshire,“ Gov. Lynch said. ”It is my hope these fairs will provide business leaders with a better understanding of the financing options that may be available to them and how to pursue those options.”
Businesses interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP with the New Hampshire Banking Department by calling 271-3561 or by sending an e-mail to events@banking.state.nh.us.
Tags: Bank of America, Gordon Simmons, John Weeks, New Hampshire Banking Department, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Service Credit Union, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Governor Announces Regional Business Finance Fair
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Well, as you know, the No Bull Business Blog tries to keep an open mind about all things, including music, and we’ve been known to bust a dope rhyme every once in awhile.
In that spirit, we’d like to introduce you to a new rap video created by two sons of the Granite State, St. Anselm English major Alex Letvinchuk and Fairfield University film major Dan Dunn. These two young men used their creativity, musical skills and undeniable love of New Hampshire to create “The 603,” an homage to all things Granite State.
Special thanks to our comrade in arms Tai Freligh from the Division of Travel & Tourism Development for turning us on to this soon to be local classic and great job Alex and Dan!
Tags: Alex Letvinchuk, Dan Dunn, Fairfield University, New Hampshire, New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development, No Bull Business Blog, St. Anselm College, Tai Freligh
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Recognizing that protecting property rights abroad can present challenges, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center will present a seminar titled “Global Intellectual Property Protection” on Thursday, April 1st from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development (172 Pembroke Road).
 Co-sponsored by Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA, this seminar will compare U.S. and foreign patent, trademark and copyright protection, paying special attention to how rights can be protected. Other topics to be discussed include intellectual property licensing considerations, how the Internet has changed the landscape for intellectual property issues, what general costs exist for U.S. and foreign patent protection and what issues can prevent securing a patent. Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA Attorneys Doug Verge, Peter Nieves and Daniel Fink will be the day’s guest speakers.
The price of the seminar is $40 per person. For registration details, please visit www.exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx. For questions, contact Katy Reno at (603) 271-8444 or katy.reno@dred.state.nh.us.
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
Tags: Daniel Fink, Doug Verge, Katy Reno, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, Office of International Commerce, Peter Nieves, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Stranded in a parking lot at 9 p.m. with a dead car on a Wednesday evening, you have a lot of time to think.
 “Roadside Observations in the Land of Corned Beef” is my latest blog posting on the NHBR Network site. If you’ve ever wondered how SurveyMonkey, AAA customer service, convenience store clutter and lemon squishies can all peacefully co-exist within one simple blog posting, visit http://www.nhbrnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/roadside-observations-in-the.
And after you’re done reading my latest missive, please join one of the state’s fastest growing social networks at www.nhbrnetwork.com. You’ll gain valuable information, tips and assistance from a team of contributors that include NHBR Editor Jeff Feingold, Andy Volinsky, Chuck Sink, Heidi Page, Steven Feinberg, CPA, Bill Ryan, Jason Blais, Deb Titus, Deb LeClair, Cindy Kibbe, Bob Sanders, Dr. John Benson, Clyde Terry and . Sign up today!!
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Tags: Andy Volinsky, Bill Ryan, Bob Sanders, Chuck Sink, Cindy Kibbe, Clyde Terry, Deb LeClair, Deb Titus, Dr. John Benson, Heidi Page, Jason Blais, Jeff Feingold, New Hampshire Business Review, Steven Feinberg, SurveyMonkey
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
The economic impact of the new federal prison in Berlin is the subject of a new research report recently released by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP).
 PTAP, which helps local businesses with government contracting, focused its initial research on construction-related opportunities for jobs and materials. Now that construction is in its final stages, attention has shifted to jobs with the Bureau of Prisons and opportunities for local businesses to sell their goods and services to the prison. The Bureau of Prison’s Purchases of Goods and Services report summarizes the buying history for five federal correctional institutions similar to the new Berlin facility.
“Not surprisingly, food and medical services are at the top of the list as far as items most in demand at federal correctional institutions,” said PTAP Program Manager David Pease. “While those two categories are most dominant, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other opportunities for New Hampshire companies to conduct business with the new Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin. The report actually contains a comprehensive list of other products in need as well as an itemization of how much is needed and when.”
The report was authored by PTAP Program Specialist and Berlin resident Kathleen Frenette and will be made available to area economic development groups and libraries. It is also available on the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Web site at www.nheconomy.com/sell-to-the-government and on the City of Berlin’s site at www.berlinnh.gov under “News.”
NH-PTAP is a cooperative program of the Defense Logistics Agency (U.S. Department of Defense) and the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.
Tags: Bureau of Prisons, David Pease, Defense Logistics Agency, FCI, Kathleen Frenette, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Procurement Technical Assistance Program, U.S. Department of Defense
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Berlin Prison Buying Habits Focus of New Research Report
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development announced today that Bob Reals, Jr. has been hired as Business Energy Efficiency Program Manager as part of the state’s Business Resource Center.
 Bob Reals, Jr. In this role, Reals will direct and coordinate business energy efficiency programs and policy planning initiatives as well as facilitate collaboration between public and private entities advocating for sustainable in-state energy practices. He will also seek resources from government sources and non-profit organizations to promote the State’s business energy efficiency program planning and green technology development.
“With energy efficiency and the development of green jobs taking on added importance in our overall state economic development planning, Bob is a key addition to our team,” New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy said. “He has over 15 years of experience in implementing residential and commercial energy efficiency programs and truly has the pulse of the latest technologies that will help the local business community to save money while preserving the environment.”
Reals previously served as Energy Services Manager at NH Electric Co-op where he supervised staff and contractors for the delivery of $12M in energy efficiency products and services to over 10,000 residential and business customers. As Senior Consultant for Plymouth-based Business & Energy Services, he also assisted the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority with the presentation of its energy and environmental offerings to New York’s 47 municipal and four rural co-op electric systems.
A resident of Plymouth, Reals completed his MBA with at the University at Albany and was designated a Certified Demand-Side Services and Energy Procurement Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers.
Tags: Association of Energy Engineers, Bob Reals, Business & Energy Services, Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, NH Electric Co-op, Roy Duddy, University of Albany
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Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
How would you like to know the future of everything? Playing Nostradamus might be fun for awhile, especially when it comes to discovering what’s in the forecast for the economy and leadership trends.
 Thankfully, there are some visionary thought leaders who are doing this high level thinking. One of them, Dr. Russ Ouellette of Sojourn Partners (author of “Tomorrow’s Business Advice Today” which can be found on our homepage), will be our special guest tomorrow March 17th from noon to one on our next New Hampshire BizCast free webinar.
“Leadership in the 21st Century” will be the focus of the session and Dr. Ouellette, a recognized expert in high performance coaching, will discuss what leadership will look like over the next couple of decades, future opportunities for businesses and workers and current trends that are shaping changes in today’s workforce. This is a must see for any existing or emerging leader looking to build their skills and gain insight into effective leadership practices.
If you’re ready to learn the future of everything, make plans to join us tomorrow by clicking http://www.nheconomy.com/bizcast/– you won’t be disappointed!
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Tags: Dr. Russ Ouellette, New Hampshire BizCast, Sojourn Partners
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Monday, March 15th, 2010
Wearing recycled plastic bottles on your head might sound strange to most, but not to the staff of EarthTec, winner of the New Hampshire Business Resource Center’s “Innovation Rocks!” award for the month of March.
 The Portsmouth-based company, an eco-conscious company that turns recyclable plastic bottles into lifestyle apparel, is one of the first firms of its kind. Each EarthTec garment uses approximately one dozen recycled bottles in a process that creates recycled fiber that rivals virgin polyester. Its fleece-lined and water resistant jackets are now being worn by the Portsmouth Police Department, Newington Police Department and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department at a fraction of the price of similar garments on the market.
“I had the good fortune of receiving an eco-friendly EarthTec fleece hat as a giveaway at the recent UNH men’s hockey game and can attest to its high quality,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Not only does this innovative company do work that truly benefits the environment, their products are stylish and stand up to the rigors of use. Their commitment to both sustainability and style set them apart.”
For more information about EarthTec, visit www.earth-tec.com.
“Innovation Rocks!” is an initiative sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center in coordination with Rock 101 (WGIR-FM) and the The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of New Hampshire innovators.
Tags: EarthTec, Innovation Rocks!, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, Newington Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Rock 101, Rockingham County Sheriff's Department, Roy Duddy, The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown, WGIR-FM
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Recognizing the fact that New Hampshire exported approximately $93M of goods to the Middle East in 2009 alone, the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) will host a seminar titled “Opportunities in the Middle East” at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development (172 Pembroke Road) on Wednesday, March 24th from 9 a.m.-noon.
 The seminar will feature Kam Shah of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Middle East/North Africa Business Information Center and Zenagui Brahim, New Hampshire Commercial Consul to Morocco discussing the culture, business and religion of the Middle East. The program will begin with an overview of the region followed by an in-depth examination of the business opportunities in the following markets: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel and Morocco.
Following the country profiles will be a panel discussion on the culture, history and major religions of the Middle East and how they influence business opportunities. Top exports from the Granite State to the Middle East currently include transportation equipment and parts, medical device technologies, industrial machinery, plastics, aerospace components, food products, iron and steel articles, glass articles and electrical machinery.
The cost of the program is $40 per person. To register, please visit http://www.exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx. For questions, contact Katy Reno at (603) 271-8444 or katy.reno@dred.state.nh.us.
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
Tags: Kam Shah, Katy Reno, New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, New Hampshire Office of International Commerce, Zenagui Brahim
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Gov. John Lynch and the Executive Council have approved the use of federal Workforce Investment Act funds to expand a successful program in Grafton County that offers real world learning opportunities and high school credit for students.
The $234,678 contract with the Grafton County Economic Development Council will help to expand the existing North Country Workplace Education Project.
 “We must continue to create new opportunities for real-world learning, where students can gain on-the-job training and the basic skills they need to graduate from high school and get a good job. These funds will allow us to expand a successful program, where students are learning valuable lessons, as well as high school credits,” said Gov. Lynch. “This program represents the state’s growing efforts to provide greater alternative education programs that are helping more of our young people graduate from high school.”
Gov. Lynch has made increasing New Hampshire’s high school graduation rate a priority, by increasing the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18 and expanding alternative education programs. In just the last year, New Hampshire’s high school dropout rate decreased by 30 percent. This initiative builds on those efforts.
The current program matches students from the Lisbon Regional School and Profile High School, with companies such as Garnet Hill and New England Wire. Funding from the Workforce Investment Act will fund an expansion to other North Country high schools and businesses.
“Providing students with the opportunity to gain new job readiness skills is of paramount importance to building the workforce of tomorrow,” said Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. “I’m thrilled that more and more young people will be able to access this first class project and to take advantage of this excellent public/private partnership.”
“The Governor and Executive Council’s support for this public/private partnership represents the solid support for innovative solutions to the problems in the North Country,” said Mark Scarano, executive director of the Grafton County Economic Development Council.
Tags: Garnet Hill, Grafton County, Grafton County Economic Development Council, Lisbon Regional School, Mark Scarano, New England Wire, New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, North Country Workplace Education Project, Profile High School, Workforce Investment Act
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on “Real World” Learning Opportunities Expanded in Grafton County
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