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Archive for November, 2010

Free NH Export Controls Seminar Scheduled

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

The New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center has announced that it will join with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations Division and St. Anselm College to host a seminar titled “New Hampshire Export Controls” on December 9th at the NH Institute of Politics on the campus of St. Anselm College, 100 St. Anselm Drive.

exportThe seminar, free to participants, is designed to provide manufacturers, distributors, retailers and exporters of commodities and technologies controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) an opportunity to learn about export controls. Both private industry and government officials will address the group about specific topics dealing with export controls, licensing and compliance.

Participants will learn about ITAR and EAR, and will be able to pose questions to regulating U.S. government officials. They will also learn from actual case examples why export controls are so important, how foreign entities and terrorists attempt to violate them and how to determine if an export license is required prior to the export of a product to overseas markets.

The seminar will also serve as a forum, offering businesses the ability to network with others facing similar export controls challenges.

Participants will receive a certificate of accomplishment at the conclusion of the seminar from the Resident Agent in Charge, Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, Manchester.

To reserve your seat, RSVP by email to Ellie White at ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.

State Business Development Manager Assists in Company Expansion

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Vaupell Rapid Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vaupell Molding and Tooling, Inc., has expanded to 20 Executive Drive in Hudson.  Michael Bergeron, Business Development Manager for the NH Division of Economic Development, assisted the company in exploring state and federal programs available to growing companies.

Vaupell General Manager Stratton Smith and NH Division of Economic Development Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron celebrate Vaupell’s recent expansion in Hudson.

Vaupell General Manager Stratton Smith and NH Division of Economic Development Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron celebrate Vaupell’s recent expansion in Hudson.

Steady growth over the last two years has allowed Vaupell to renovate a 37,500 square foot space and hire an additional nine people over their 50 employee base.  Vaupell is a global contract manufacturer of custom injection molded components and assemblies focused on the aerospace, medical, and defense marketplaces. The new facility has a wide variety of processes and technologies to produce prototypes to full production assemblies from a wide range of materials including plastics, metals and composites.

“Vaupell is a great example of a high value manufacturing company in New Hampshire that is very competitive in the world market and is growing in New Hampshire because of the skilled labor and lower cost of businesses,” Bergeron said.

“We considered other states,” added Vaupell General Manager Stratton Smith, “but our quality people in Hudson and New Hampshire’s business friendly attitude made the difference.”

The company continues to working with Michael Bergeron on securing Enterprise Revitalization Zone tax credits. The program is an incentive for businesses to create new jobs.  With the Economic Revitalization Zone Tax Credits (ERZ Tax Credit) Program, a company may be eligible for tax credits to be used against their Business Profit Tax and Business Enterprise Tax in a qualifying Economic Revitalization Zone Tax Credits (ERZ Tax Credit) Program project.

For more information on Vaupell, go to www.vaupell.com.

NH Among Lowest in Nation’s Unemployment

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Granite Staters have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season including one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. Check out this story written by the Associated Press and reported today.

NH and Vt. among lowest in nation’s unemployment
November 24, 2010 
MONTPELIER, Vt.—New statistics show that New Hampshire and Vermont have the fourth and fifth lowest unemployment rates in the country.

thumbs_upThe figures show that North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 3.8 percent.

North Dakota is followed by South Dakota and Nebraska before New Hampshire, with an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent, and then Vermont with 5.7 percent.

Nationwide the unemployment rate is 9.6 percent.

The states with the highest unemployment are Nevada, Michigan, California, Florida and Rhode Island, where unemployment is 11.4 percent.

Hypertherm Planning to Hire & Train Machinists for Fifth Time in 2010

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Hypertherm has announced plans to hire and train up to 16 more CNC Machinists for the
third time this year. Hypertherm made the announcement just a month after they hired 26 machinists in July through September.

“I am pleased to see one of New Hampshire’s leaders in advanced manufacturing is growing and creating jobs. New Hampshire has the fourth lowest unemployment rate in the country, and we continue to lead the region and the nation in economic recovery. If we are to continue to be a national leader, we must continue to make wise investments in our workers through job training to ensure that as companies are hiring, we have the skilled workforce in place to fill those jobs,” Gov. John Lynch said.

hypertherm-operatorThe CNC machinist positions are for second and third shift operations. Workers will earn a starting wage of $12 per hour with full benefits. Wages may increase incrementally over two years to $14-16 per hour, based on each individual’s performance.

“We are fortunate to have the challenge of expanding our workforce needs to meet growing demand for our products. How well we meet this challenge will be determined by how well we can hire and educate a trained workforce,” said Jim Miller, Hypertherm’s Vice President of Manufacturing.

The hiring will be conducted through their partnership with the River Valley Community College’s STAR program. The STAR program launched in December of 2008 offers workers an accelerated, two-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship while being employed with Hypertherm. At the same time, these workers will earn college credits which can be applied towards an associate’s degree at the college.

“River Valley Community College is committed to the creation of education and training that serve the needs of employers, the New Hampshire workforce, and the economic development needs of the state and our region. This partnership represents a strategy that builds upon the strengths of the college, our state economic development agencies, and the private sector in delivering a truly comprehensive program leading to job placement,” stated Steve Budd, President, River Valley Community College.

“It’s exciting to see one of the state’s most innovative manufacturers continue to grow and add jobs,” said New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald. “As manufacturing is the state’s number one industry, offering good paying jobs with opportunities for career growth, this is great news.”

Program participants will be selected through a rigorous recruitment process beginning with a mandatory job fair to be held on Saturday, December 18th at the Hypertherm Technical Training Institute in Lebanon, NH starting at 8:00 a.m. The job fair will include presentations from Hypertherm staff as well as assessments and interviews with Hypertherm recruiters.

Participants will also have the opportunity to receive a nationally recognized industry certification through the USDOL Apprenticeship Division. “The New Hampshire State Apprenticeship Council is proud to be a part of this program,” says Charles Vaughan, of the New Hampshire US/DOL apprenticeship office. “The STAR education model is unique and will give us an opportunity to evaluate a different way of thinking about training apprentices throughout the state.”

The STAR program is funded by two grants from the US Department of Labor, one secured through the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and one secured through the office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

“New Hampshire’s and Vermont’s desire and commitment to recruit and educate CNC machine operators meets a critical need of the Upper Valley business community.” said Jim Miller. “We very much appreciate the support we are receiving on both sides of the river. Although we are located in New Hampshire, many of our associates live in Vermont.

Applications are encouraged as soon as possible. Individuals interested in applying to the program must visit the college website at www.rivervalley.edu to fill out an online application. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Jim Britton, River Valley Community College, at (603) 542-7744 x5346, or email at jbritton@ccsnh.edu. Up-to-date program information will be posted regularly on the website.

Skelley Medical Cited for Participation in New Export Initiative

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

In his recent trip to India, President Obama cited Hollis-based Skelley Medical as one of a small number of companies including GE and Boeing, as part of the New Export Initiative. The New Export Initiative will create over 50,000+ jobs here in the US from selling goods and services in India.

skelley-medicalOver the past year, Skelley Medical has dramatically increased its sales of certified pre‐owned medical equipment to India as a direct result of the trade mission it went on with the U.S. Department of Commerce this year.

“We are very gratified to be mentioned by President Obama in his speech. Improving patient care and reducing the cost of health care is a global challenge and our team is working hard to make a contribution,”  company President Bill Skelley said. “The recent recession forced us to think differently and develop a successful business model of acquiring surplus equipment from U.S. hospitals and exporting the equipment worldwide, primarily to India.”.

In addition to providing surplus equipment, Skelley Medical also repairs equipment and recently opened a repair shop in Mumbai, India to service Indian based hospitals. With the tightening capital budgets in U.S. hospitals; Skelley has actually helped hospitals increase capital by buying their used equipment.

“As a small business, our success is imperative on building relationships with companies inside the United States and abroad to find new and cost effective solutions for our customers,” Skelley added.

Business Resource Center’s Allain Honored by AARP

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Congratulations are in order to our own Fran Allain who was recently honored with AARP’s Community Partner of the Year Award.  Great job Fran – we’re very proud of you!!

AARP Honors Volunteers at Celebratory Luncheon

AARP New Hampshire honored nearly 100 volunteers at a celebratory luncheon held Thursday, November 4 at the Manchester Country Club.  The most prestigious volunteer award, the Andrus Award for Community Service, was presented to Mary Ireland, a dedicated AARP volunteer and community leader.  Others honored were Andrus Award finalists; Tax-Aide, Driver Safety and Advocacy Volunteers of the Year; Retired Educator of the Year; and Community Partner of the Year.

The Andrus Award for Community Service, named after AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes outstanding AARP volunteers who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision and strategic direction.

AARP Associate State Director - Communications Jamie Bulen, NH Division of Economic Development Employee Retention Project Manager Fran Allain, AARP NH State Director Kelly Clark and AARP NH State President Fred Kocher celebrate Allain's selection as AARP Community Partner of the Year.

AARP Associate State Director - Communications Jamie Bulen, NH Division of Economic Development Employee Retention Project Manager Fran Allain, AARP NH State Director Kelly Clark and AARP NH State President Fred Kocher celebrate Allain's selection as AARP Community Partner of the Year.

“We’re thrilled to bestow upon Mary Ireland the most celebrated volunteer award given by AARP,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark.  “Mary has spent an incredible amount of time and energy helping people and is very deserving of this award.”

Mary is a current board member and founding member of the AARP Souhegan Valley Chapter 1235 that engages in a variety of community-based projects.  She is also a past president of the Milford VFW Auxiliary; long-time member of the Milford Historical Society; and active participant at the Milford Senior Center.

“And then there’s Mary’s voice,” stated AARP New Hampshire State President Fred Kocher.  “For 16 years, she sang with the Golden Smoothies, an all-volunteer singing group that performed at nursing homes, chapter meetings, historical societies, and the Grange.”  

Others honored at the premier volunteer recognition event were:

Andrus Award finalists:  Margaret Berry, Durham; Barbara Cameron, Loudon; Barbara Coish, Windham; Alan Cooper, Londonderry; Virginia Hallisey, Nashua; Elaine Kellerman, Concord; Preston Lawrance, Loudon; Lorraine Lindenberg, Salem; Ernest “Mick” Mawn, Hudson; Roger Packard, Harrisville; Frank Rawa, Salem; John Sapienza, Stratham; Francis Talbot, Greenville; Joseph “Jay” Tivnan, Laconia; and Ileana Valentine, Manchester

Advocacy Volunteer of the Year:  Chuck Engborg, Ashland

Community Partner of the Year:  Fran Allain, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.  Resident of Merrimack.

Driver Safety Volunteer of the Year:  Robert “Bob” Bloomfield, Amherst

Retired Educator of the Year:  Virginia Hallisey, Nashua

Tax-Aide Volunteer of the Year:  Les Scammon, Concord

The day’s festivities also included a surprise “award” given to retiring AARP Executive Council member and active volunteer, Tim Gormley.  Tim was awarded a compilation of photographs, representing his participation at AARP events over the past several years.  “Even though Tim’s leadership position at AARP New Hampshire has expired, we know Tim’s dedication to the issues facing an aging population will never expire,” concluded Clark.

FairPoint Communications Announces New Economic Development Tool

Monday, November 8th, 2010

FairPoint Communications today announced it is introducing a powerful economic development modeling tool to assist economic development and planning professionals in forecasting regional growth. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the State of New Hampshire Legislative Office Building in Concord.  Joining FairPoint Communications State President Teresa Rosenberger were Commissioners George Bald of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Tara Reardon, Department of Employment Security, George Copadis, Department of Labor and Liz Gray, Governor Lynch’s Special Assistant for Policy.

Fairpoint Communications State President Teresa Rosenberger

Fairpoint Communications State President Teresa Rosenberger

The Connect NNE Economic Scenario Model™ is a FairPoint-sponsored Microsoft Office Excel-based software tool created to provide information on existing economic conditions and estimate potential impacts of new development and job creation scenarios in New Hampshire and across northern New England.  The model allows users to estimate impact on jobs, earnings, output and gross domestic product (GDP) resulting from changing a region’s economic focus.

“In the past two years, we have heard from economic development leaders that they are looking for tools to help them understand influences on the local economies,” said Teresa Rosenberger, state president for FairPoint in New Hampshire.  “This software tool will provide local communities with quantitative data to support economic development initiatives that will help the communities grow and prosper and, in turn, provide a benefit to all.”

NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald

NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald

“This model will provide economic development professionals across the state with a much needed tool that will allow us to benchmark the region’s current economic status and forecast the impact of future economic and community development strategies,” said George Bald, commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development speaking on behalf of Commissioners Copadis and Reardon as well. “With New Hampshire-specific data, we can compare public infrastructure projects competing for limited available funds as well as calculate the economic impact of a capital investment proposal.”
 
The model was launched in Maine and has been used by  economic development professionals there to show the impact that a soon-to be-abandoned rail spur in Aroostook County would have on jobs and gross domestic product, gaining the attention of Maine’s legislature and providing data to support a bond initiative.  Supporters of a charter school in northern Maine used the model to calculate the economic benefit to the area in earnings and jobs, adding quantitative data to the discussion that resulted in the school staying open at its existing location.  Output from the model has also been part of discussions on the impact of various plant closures, helping benchmark equivalent job replacement strategies.  Annual updates ensure that the model is using the most up-to-date data and that its functionality continues to be improved.

FairPoint is offering hands-on training sessions led by its economic development arm, Connect NNE, at six sites across New Hampshire.

November 8th (2:30-5:00 pm)
Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, 151 Main Street, Nashua, N.H.

November 9th (9:00-11:30 am)
Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Avenue, Concord, N.H.

November 9th (2:00-4:30 pm)
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, 54 Hanover Street, Manchester, N.H.

November 10th (2:30-5:00 pm)
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Suite 150, Conway, N.H.

November 12th (9:00-11:30 am)
Great Bay Community College, 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, N.H.

December 7th (9:00 – 11:30 am)
Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Keene, 74 Railroad Street, Keene, N.H.

Economic development professionals interested in attending one of these sessions are asked to contact jill.wurm@fairpoint.com.

myExpertNet – Free Online Business Solutions From Industry Experts

Friday, November 5th, 2010

I’m glad to share this update on our myExpertNet initiative sent along by the Knowledge Institute’s Deb Osgood, one of our chief friends, co-conspirators and collaborators.

myExpertNet is growing!

An innovative new online social community called myExpertNet is providing an essential link for individuals in New Hampshire who are interested in starting their own business or already in business.

online-business-networking1Located on the web at www.myExpertNet.org, individuals can pose questions about issues related to owning and growing a small business. These questions are forwarded to prescreened, volunteer business practitioners who offer a response at no cost based on their respective areas of expertise. Unlike most social media, this prescreening process assures that questions are responded to by individuals who work in the field or particular business disciplinary area being investigated.

myExpertNet is a free public service available to all New Hampshire residents. There are presently more than 100 “Experts” listed in 26 business topic categories. In the past four months, myExpertNet has served an average of over 1,100 visitors per month and fielded questions related to strategies for increasing sales in a down economy, how to take a patented invention to market, where to get a tax identification number and how to launch a web-based business.

The growth of myExpertNet has a lot to do with the viral marketing nature of being a social community. Registered experts are spreading the word through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and website links to help more people access the business advice they require. Individuals are emailing and texting each other as they benefit from the business advice that they are receiving.

With more individuals considering self-employment and other forms of entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to working for someone else or for subsidizing employment income, myExpertNet provides a timely and much needed source of quality networking.
 
myExpertNet is a public/private collaborative initiative between Knowledge Institute, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Comcast Business Class and Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and Unitil. To pose a business question, register as an expert or learn more, visit www.myExpertNet.org or contact Knowledge Institute at Info@bdki.com or (603) 658-0340.

Sen. Shaheen Announces More Than $2.6M for NH Biomedical Companies

Friday, November 5th, 2010

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that 12 New Hampshire biomedical companies have been awarded a total of $2,643,949.37 to help develop new medical therapies, address unmet medical needs, and reduce the long-term growth of health care costs.  The grants were created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as part of the Therapeutic Discovery Project program, which will help small biotechnology companies in New Hampshire and across the country produce new and cost-saving therapies, support good jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.  

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen

“New Hampshire has long been a leader in the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and therapies,” said Shaheen.  “These grants will make sure that these innovative companies and entrepreneurs can continue to grow and invest, which will keep our state competitive in this emerging industry and create jobs for New Hampshire families.” 

The Therapeutic Discovery Project program is targeted to projects that show significant potential to produce new therapies, address unmet medical needs, reduce the long-term growth of health care costs, or advance the goal of curing cancer within the next 30 years.  The allocation of the funding also reflects which projects show the greatest potential to create and sustain high-quality, high-paying jobs in the United States and to advance our competitiveness in the fields of life, biological, and medical sciences.  Today, the biotechnology industry employs 1.3 million workers, and the industry continues to be a key growth engine for our economy. 

The grants cover up to 50 percent of the cost of qualifying biomedical research and are only available to firms with fewer than 250 employees.  To provide an immediate boost to U.S. biomedical research and the small businesses that conduct it, the grants are effective for investments made in 2009 and 2010.   

The companies that are receiving grants are:  

Adimab, Inc: Lebanon

Allyon Solutions, LLC:  Hanover

Alternative System Concepts, Inc.:  Windham

Balch Hill Medical, Inc:  Hanover

Celdara Medical, LLC:  Lebanon

Design Mentor Inc:  Pelham

ImmuRX:  Lebanon

Kaonyx Labs, LLC:  Durham

Mantis Enterprises LLC:  North Hampton

Microwave Imaging System Technologies Inc.:  Hanover

Novoculi Inc:  Hanover

Xemed LLC:  Durham

15th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to Explore “Growing on Solid Ground”

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Want to succeed in business? Try putting a smile on your face. Productivity and the power of positive thinking are inextricably linked in today’s global economy according to Paul Boynton, author of Begin With Yes, and keynote speaker at the 15th Annual NH Economic Development Summit to take place at Southern New Hampshire University on December 1st from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.   

"Begin With Yes" Author Paul Boynton

"Begin With Yes" Author Paul Boynton

“The world’s most successful entrepreneurs have all discovered that whatever you focus your attention on is what you attract into your life,” Boynton said. “Thinking happy, productive and positive thoughts leads to the type of bottom line results that make the difference between a good idea and a Fortune 500 company. It sounds simple, but those who’ve mastered this philosophy swear to its effectiveness not only in the boardroom but in life.” 

Boynton, an award-winning human services CEO who has been recognized for distinguished service and excellence in nonprofit management, published Begin With Yes last year and embraces its message, donating 10% of all book sales to non-profits. A personal coach, corporate consultant, and motivational speaker with degrees in social work and counseling, Boynton writes the column Making Good Things Happen at Work and hosts the weekly television talk show, Begin with Yes on MCTV. 

Boynton was a fitting choice for this year’s Annual NH Economic Development Summit which has set “Growing on Solid Ground” as its theme. Presented by the NH Division of Economic Development in cooperation with Public Service of NH, Sales Protocol and media sponsor NH Business Review, the Summit features three panel discussions – “Innovation and Inspiration – the New Hampshire Entrepreneur,” “Look Beyond the Label – Workplace Inclusion Makes Perfect Business Sense” and “Keeping It Young – Youth Retention in the Granite State.”    

Songwriter/Musician Jim Tyrrell

Songwriter/Musician Jim Tyrrell

“We really wanted this year’s event to demonstrate that New Hampshire’s economy remains vibrant, strong and creative,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “We are well positioned for growth both in-state and in terms of business attraction, so why not accentuate the positive and showcase some excellent programs and people?” 

“Public Service of NH is once again pleased to sponsor this summit which brings together economic development practitioners, elected officials, business professionals and educators to gain insight into the economy,” said Public Service of NH Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott who will provide an overview of the Hydro Quebec Project. “Information sharing is key to ensuring the strength of our business community and this event gives us a chance to network with and learn from some of the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds in New Hampshire.” 

For the third consecutive year, Scott Spradling of The Spradling Group will serve as the guest emcee of this daylong event that will also feature the “Commissioner’s Awards for Economic Development Excellence.” Songwriter/musician Jim Tyrrell, who recently released his third full-length album Onward to Yesterday, will perform throughout the day at the Summit. 

Admission is free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.