Archive for August, 2010
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development has announced the hiring of Justin Slattery as Regional Business Resource Specialist.
 In his new position, Slattery will plan and implement development strategies which will build economic opportunity for businesses in Cheshire, Sullivan and Grafton Counties. He will work hand in hand with companies on issues ranging from permitting and site selection to energy efficiency and workforce training while also providing strategic counsel to local community and economic development officials.
Slattery’s prior work assignments have included helping clients recruit and acquire acute talent in several high-tech disciplines, managing operations and human resources for a New Hampshire non-profit, working with individuals and companies statewide to access training and career counseling resources available through NH Works and the Workforce Investment Act and serving as Director of Citizen Services for Governor John Lynch focusing on economic development and labor projects.
“Justin’s mix of public and private industry experience is a great advantage in understanding the needs of the business community and connecting companies with the resources they need to grow and succeed,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “He comes armed with a variety of experiences and a strong knowledge base that makes him a very valuable addition to our team.”
Slattery is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Political Science. A New Hampshire native, he grew up in Pelham and currently resides in Goffstown with his wife, Amy.
Tags: Amy Slattery, Justin Slattery, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, NH Works, Roy Duddy, Workforce Investment Act
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Slattery New Business Resource Specialist
Monday, August 16th, 2010
A new thermoplastic seal for the automotive industry has led to Hutchinson Sealing Systems being named the “Innovation Rocks!” award winner by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center for the month of August.
 The seal, which replaces conventional rubber and steel composite seals, stops water and dust intrusion while sealing automobile glass. In addition, it leads to a quieter car ride by helping to manage wind noise.
The all thermoplastic seal is completely recyclable, lighter in weight than conventional rubber and steel composite seals and is also more aesthetically pleasing.
“The thermoplastic seal developed by Hutchinson is a great advancement not only for the automotive industry but also for use in the industrial and aerospace industries,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “This type of technology that transcends multiple industries and has wide application is a great example of the incredible innovation and creativity of companies in the Granite State.”
For more information about Hutchinson Sealing Systems, Inc., visit www.hutchinsonworldwide.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: Hutchinson Sealing Systems Inc., Innovation Rocks!, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown, Rock 101, Roy Duddy, WGIR-FM
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010
There are four general rules to live by – you don’t pull on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit in the wind, you don’t pull the mask off the Ol Lone Ranger and you don’t underestimate the affect of NASCAR racing in the state of New Hampshire.
I was absolutely thrilled to be at yesterday’s press conference at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) where I learned that not only will the Granite State retain both of its NASCAR dates, it will also be adding an IZOD Indy Car race to the “Magic Mile” schedule. Three major events in three months at NHMS – can you say AWESOME?
 This announcement means a continued influx of new visitors, increased business in the state of New Hampshire and job creation, a win all the way around.
Congratulations to NHMS General Manager Jerry Gappens and the rest of his hard working staff on this great coup – New Hampshire is very lucky and proud to have such a first class facility in the state and we’re looking forward to more great things in the years to come!! (See below for the press release on yesterday’s announcement)
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Two NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekends and Return of Indy Cars
Highlight 2011 Schedule at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
LOUDON, N.H. (August 11, 2010) – With anticipated crowds exceeding the Super Bowl, Final Four, NBA Finals, World Series games, and even the Stanley Cup Playoffs , New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host the three the biggest sporting events in New England during its 2011 racing season.
For the 15th consecutive season, the “Magic Mile” will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends.
Moving from its recent late-June date, NASCAR’s elite series makes its season debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 17 for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will make its second trip to the “Granite State” on Sunday, September 25, as the SYLVANIA 300 lights up the competition for the second race in the “Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”
“As we have seen for the past couple of months, these NASCAR Sprint Cup Series dates are special and highly coveted by various venues and cities across the country,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “Though next year’s schedule realignment involved moving some dates from speedways that have hosted two NASCAR Sprint Cup weekends, I think it is fitting that the largest sports and entertainment venue in New England continues to host two NASCAR Sprint Cup races. Our two dates are directly a result of the incredible fan support we have in New England. I know first-hand that our Chairman Bruton Smith and NASCAR recognizes how important it is to have a terrific venue in this region and this New England market.”
 In addition to the two Sprint Cup Series races at NHMS, a “New Breed of Speed,” invades the track when the IZOD IndyCar Series returns after a 13-year hiatus. On August 14 Dario Franchetti, Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, and all of the IZOD IndyCar Series stars will bring close wheel-to-wheel action and speeds reaching up to 200 miles per hour.
“Because of the date changes with our NASCAR weekends, we had to move this much-anticipated event from its originally announced July 31 date to August 14. With this change, it gives fans from New England, Canada and across the country three consecutive months of major racing events. This will be a tremendous boost to the economic benefit the speedway provides and increase in tourism to our great state.” Gappens added. “In addition, I really
appreciate Randy Bernard and all of the officials of the IZOD Indy Cars Series for working with us to make this change. It creates some travel and logistical challenges for their group, but it further demonstrates their commitment to bringing open wheel racing back to New England.”
The 2011 season will also provide top-quality action in all forms of racing for fans; including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the American Canadian Tour. Other series include the Loudon Road Racing Series, a major snowmobile event, vintage racing, and the oldest motorcycle racing event in the world.
Gappens also announced that there will not be a price increase for NASCAR events in 2011.
“In addition to not increasing prices for the past eight years, we have actually lowered ticket prices in several areas the past two years and offer interest-free payment plans, which offers several affordable options for our fans, Gappens said.”
NASCAR Sprint Cup tickets for next year range from $39 to $110 and tickets for the IZOD Indy Car Series race are priced from $35 to $75. Fans buying all three events can save an additional 10-percent.
The next major event scheduled for NHMS, is the SYLVANIA 300, September 16-19. Purchase your tickets now by calling our ticket hotline at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting us online at www.nhms.com.
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Great News for New Hampshire’s Economy
Friday, August 6th, 2010
This year’s Greenerpalooza concert goers will be more stylish, coiffed and manicured than ever before…guaranteed. That’s thanks to Acorn Organic Salon who are donating their “green” hairstyling services to ensure that this eco-friendly show is the social event of the year.
 A team of Acorn Organic stylists will be on hand at the August 12th Greenerpalooza III concert featuring Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion to provide a wide array of services including hair cuts, herbal foot soaks, updo/styles and chair massages. They will also hold a raffle for a “spacation” where the winner and three friends will receive manicures, pedicures, massages and deep conditioner treatments as well as dinner and drinks. Other raffle winners will receive gift certificates and product baskets. All proceeds will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation to help wildlife affected by the BP oil spill.
“We thought that it was only fitting to use our skills and talents to raise money and awareness at this premier green event,” said Laura Mackay, co-owner of Dover-based Acorn Organic Salon. “Our whole business model revolves around reducing toxicity, reusing materials, and recycling, so participating in Greenerpalooza is a natural for us.”
Now in its third year, Greenerpalooza is a celebration of energy efficiency/green efforts in the Granite State. Set against the backdrop of the Sheryl Crow/Colbie Caillat concert, there will be over 30 exhibitors displaying the latest in wind, solar and other alternative energy sources as well as “green” products and services. The event is sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion as well as media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.
Acorn, a member of the Green Alliance Co-op, has long supported sustainable business practices, utilizing all organic products in their salon, reusing bags, performing online booking instead of utilizing paper appointment books and shipping collected hair to be woven into oil spill hair mats as part of the Matter of Trust initiative.
 “This is a business that is 100 percent dedicated to doing the right thing in every aspect of their operations,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “From the products they use to their charitable endeavors in the community, Acorn is a company that is setting an example worthy of emulation in the Granite State.”
At Greenerpalooza, Acorn stylists will be offering a variety of services at reduced cost in order to maximize contributions to the National Wildlife Federation.
“Greenerpalooza is a great way for the New Hampshire business community to send a strong message that going green and protecting the environment is within everyone’s grasp,” said Acorn co-owner Alle Degan. “There are little things that each one of us every day can do to make the small differences that really add up.”
Tickets to the Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat concert, which include entry into the eco-village, are available online at www.meadowbrook.net. To learn more about the latest happenings with Greenerpalooza, visit the newly created Greenerpalooza III Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greennh. To learn more about Acorn Organic Salon, visit www.acornorganicsalon.com.
Tags: Alle Degan, Citizens Bank, Colbie Caillet, Green Alliance Co-op, Greenerpalooza, Laura MacKay, Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire, Sheryl Crow
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Grammy Award-winning Sheryl Crow issued a statement today regarding her participation in this year’s Greenerpalooza III event taking place at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford on August 12th.
 “Being environmentally conscious has always been important to me, I am happy to be partnering with organizations like Reverb and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion on an event like Greenerpalooza. Utilizing concerts as a background for environmental education is a great way to reduce the huge carbon footprints that shows can have.”
Greenerpalooza is a celebration of energy efficiency/green efforts in the Granite State. Set against the backdrop of a Sheryl Crow/Colbie Caillat concert, there will be over 30 exhibitors displaying the latest in wind, solar and other alternative energy sources as well as “green” products and services. The event is sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion as well as media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.
Now here’s a great twist on next week’s event – those who sign up for our Greenerpalooza Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/GreenNH) will be automatically entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to next Thursday’s show. The deadline to sign up is Friday at noon and we will notify the winner shortly thereafter. If you’ve already signed up, you’re automatically entered!!
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Now here’s a neat
Tags: Citizens Bank, Colbie Caillat, Greenerpalooza III, Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, New Hampshire Business Review, Public Service of New Hampshire, Reverb, Sheryl Crow
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Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Six NH businesses were chosen as leaders for implementing practices that are both eco-friendly and good for the bottom line in Business NH Magazine’s third annual Lean and Green Awards competition. The awards were given in three categories: Green Practices, Green Building and Green Product, and the winners were selected from numerous applicants by a panel of independent judges.
 Green Practices awards were given to four companies that demonstrated sustainable processes resulting in increased energy savings. The winner for small companies (under 100 employees) was The Mount Washington Cog Railway in Bretton Woods. Three companies were awarded in the large category (more than 100 employees): Antioch University New England in Keene as a nonprofit; and Newmarket International in Portsmouth as a for-profit venture. Also, AutoFair in Manchester received an Early Adopter award for installing LED lighting in the parking lot at its AutoFair Honda facility.
The Green Building award, for a building that incorporates sustainability in its design, construction and future operations, while demonstrating savings and efficiency, went to The Nature of Things in Nashua for its new school building.
The Green Product award winner was Kalwall in Manchester for its translucent wall and ceiling systems that harness the power of the sun.
Judges were Alison Degan, co-owner of Acorn Organic Salon in Dover, the 2009 Lean & Green Micro Company Practices Award winner; Margaret Dillon, president of S.E.E.D.S (Sustainable Energy Education & Demonstration Services) in Jaffrey; Dick Henry, executive director of The Jordan Institute in Concord; Joanne Morin, director of the NH Office of Energy and Planning in Concord; Emily Neuman, sustainability coordinator for the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society in Hanover, the 2009 Lean & Green New Building Award winner; Michael Redmond, vice president for advancement at Crotched Mountain Foundation and Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, the 2009 Lean & Green Large Practices Award winner; and Thomas Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Construction in Bedford, the 2009 Lean & Green Retrofit Building Award winner.
Award winners will be honored at the Lean & Green Awards reception at The Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center—which aims to be the first LEED-certified events center in the state—from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14.
The reception will include a keynote speech by Cameron Wake, research associate professor at the University of NH and director of Carbon Solutions New England, on NH’s environmental challenges and possible solutions. Award recipients will share their best practices and guests can enjoy free-range eggs and fair-trade coffee before touring the center’s green features.
The Lean and Green Awards Breakfast is hosted by Business NH Magazine, and sponsored by GT Solar, Public Service of NH and Optima Bank. The cost to attend is $30, and guests can register online at www.eventsNH.com or by calling 603.626.6354.
Tags: Alison Degan, Antioch University New England, AutoFair, Business NH Magazine, Crotched Mountain Foundation and Rehabilitation Center, Dick Henry, Emily Neuman, Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society, Joanne Morin, Kalwall, Lean and Green Awards, Margaret Dillon, Michael Redmond, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Newmarket International, NH Office of Energy and Planning, S.E.E.D.S., Sullivan Construction, The Jordan Institute, The Nature of Things, The Portsmouth Harbor Events and Conference Center, Thomas Sullivan
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on BNH Names “Lean & Green” Award Winners
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