Archive for June, 2011
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
The man who helped revive a Lakes Region community, an organization that helps the state’s Vietnam veterans and a city with a bold vision for the future are this year’s recipients of the Profile Awards, presented Sunday afternoon in Franconia Notch.
Created in 2003 after the fall of the Old Man of the Mountain, the Profile Awards are given annually to an individual, an organization and a community, recognizing their work in preserving the resources and character of New Hampshire in the spirit of the state’s icon. This year’s recipients are Rusty McLear of Meredith; the Vietnam Veterans of America – New Hampshire Council, and the city of Rochester.
 Rusty McLear McLear was recognized for his work and dedication that has helped revitalized Meredith over the past 20 years.
“Rusty has been an outstanding leader in preservation and economic development in his community, turning vacant asbestos mills to premier hotels and helping to inspire others in preserving their own properties,” said Union Leader Corp. President Joseph McQuaid, who serves on the Profile Awards’ selection committee of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund. “Rusty’s ability to inspire others has brought state and local officials, non-profit and civic organizations, volunteers, and local businesses together in efforts to maintain and continually increase the preservation of historic buildings and land conservation.”
Working throughout the state to make sure veterans get care and support they need, four chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America – NH Council work tirelessly to provide just that. From organizing fairs and fundraisers to supporting local families when they need it, to tackling issues lie Agent Orange, post-traumatic stress disorder and caring for homeless veterans at Liberty House in Manchester, the organization strengthens the bonds forged in times of war.
“It is fitting to recognize the Vietnam Veterans of America– NH State Council for this year’s organization award,” McQuaid said. “March 30, 2011 was declared ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,’ 38 years after troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.”
The award also honors the 46,000 Vietnam-era veterans living in New Hampshire, he said, and remembers 227 New Hampshire soldiers who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
McQuaid also noted, “Franconia Notch Forest Reservation and Memorial Park was dedicated in 1928 as a memorial to the men and women of New Hampshire who served the nation in times of war.”
Long known as the Lilac City, Rochester has become one of the fastest growing cities in New Hampshire. Where mills once hummed, the city has undertaken protection of its historic, scenic and cultural assets, while attracting high quality commercial, residential and industrial development.
“Rochester residents have a strong sense of volunteerism, supporting causes that make the city a livable and friendly place,” McQuaid said. “Keep a watch on Rochester, NH. It is a special community with a bold vision for its future.”
Presentation of the Profile Awards followed the dedication of the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza on the shore of Profile Lake. The plaza features seven ‘profilers,’ which, when viewed from a specific angle depending on the height of the viewer, puts back on the cliffside the visage of the Old Man of the Mountain. The plaza is laid with more than 250 engraved granite blocks purchased by people, companies and organizations who are now a part of the enduring legacy for future generations of the Old Man of the Mountain. For more information about the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, visit www.NHOldMan.org.
Tags: Joseph McQuaid, Liberty House, Old Man of the Mountain, Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, Profile Awards, Profile Lake, Rochester, Rusty McLear, Union Leader Corp., Vietnam Veterans of America - New Hampshire Council
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Hypertherm has announced plans to hire and train up to 16 more CNC Machine
apprentices this summer. Hypertherm has hired over 45 CNC machine operators since the beginning of 2011.
 “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.
The CNC machinist positions are for second and third shift operations. Workers will earn a starting wage of $13 per hour with full benefits. Wages may increase incrementally over two years to $15-17 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 27 college credits and a Certificate in Advanced Machine Tool Technology 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 Tuesday, June 28th 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.
Tags: Charles Vaughan, Hypertherm, Hypertherm Technical Training Institute, Jim Miller, New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, River Valley Community College, STAR Program, Steve Budd, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, US Department of Labor
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Antioch University New England was named the 2011 Cornerstone Award winner by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) at NHBSR’s 8th Annual Spring Conference at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH.
 Governor John Lynch (middle) and NHBSR Interim Executive Director, Kate Luczko (right), present the 2011 NHBSR Cornerstone Award to Antioch University of New England, represented by Tracey Thompson (left), Vice President of Institutional Advancement. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Lomanno Photography) “NHBSR is honored to present the 2011 Cornerstone Award to Antioch University New England,” said NHBSR Interim Executive Director Kate Luczko. “Antioch has been a long-time engaged member of NHBSR and has demonstrated their commitment to corporate social responsibility. They continue to strive to do more and they serve as a role model for other NH organizations to follow.”
Antioch University New England, founded in 1964, and based in Keene, New Hampshire, serves 1,000 students and is a dynamic, innovative institution offering scholarly, practice-oriented graduate study. They have a history of high academic standards, integration of work and study, commitment to bypassed populations, and learner responsibility all intertwined with the New England traditions of self-reliance, small-community values and private action for the public good.
Their community engagement efforts go well beyond that of their organization, but also include providing “transformative education through scholarship, innovation, and community action for a just and sustainable society.” Antioch University New England educates leaders who want to create or work in organizations that are successful, effective, sustainable, and socially and environmentally responsible. Their Green MBA, is ranked in the top 5 nationally by Net Impact.
Antioch has implemented numerous energy-saving measures not only in office areas, but academic spaces as well. This year they launched Community Garden Connections to work with local human service agencies to address problems of food security by supporting the establishment of community gardens and accompanying educational programming. Their Green MBA students engage in multiple projects through which students assist businesses in putting CSR practices to work, such as COOL MONADNOCK, a three-year project that is working to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the Monadnock Region and the 10% Challenge, a collaborative effort between Antioch and the City of Keene, through which students assist Keene businesses in voluntarily reducing green house gas emissions by 10%. They currently have 30 businesses participating.
The two other finalists for this year’s Cornerstone Award were: Northeast Delta Dental and Sequoya Technologies Group.
The NHBSR Cornerstone Award is presented every year at the NHBSR Spring Conference to a company, organization or individual that exemplifies the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and promotes the concepts of CSR to the greater business community within the state of New Hampshire.
This year’s NHBSR Spring Conference, titled “Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility into Your Core Business Strategy,” focused on how businesses can fully incorporate more sustainable practices into all aspects of their organization including saving resources and creating a return on investment. The conference incorporated a variety of “green” elements including carbon offset, recycling, minimizing waste and sustainable menu choices.
Additionally, the conference featured an energetic and engaging networking session, numerous morning and afternoon educational breakout sessions, a CEO Panel Discussion, a Silent Auction, and a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability book store.
Tags: Antioch University New England, COOL MONADNOCK, Cornerstone Award, Grappone Conference Center, Kate Luczko, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, NHBSR, Northeast Delta Dental, Sequoya Technologies Group
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Friday, June 3rd, 2011
We at the No Bull Business Blog have the philosophy of “buy local and buy often.” With that in mind, we want to issue our congratulations to Trish Ballantyne for being named the new Executive Director of NH Made, an organization that truly demonstrates the power of local small business ownership. Here’s the official release:
Ballantyne Named NH Made Executive Director
New Hampshire Made announced today that Trish Ballantyne has been named Executive Director of the organization. Ballantyne brings 25 years of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, event planning and leadership to NH Made. Previously with NH Public Television, Ballantyne looks forward to leading NH Made towards continued success and growth. Ballantyne, a UNH graduate, is a recipient of several prestigious PBS Awards for Excellence.
 “Trish brings a range of nonprofit management and business development skills to the organization,” NH Board Chair, Link Moser said. “Trish knows New Hampshire and will do a great job supporting the organization’s mission of strengthening New Hampshire’s economy by increasing the awareness and demand for NH made products and supporting programs local businesses need to grow.”
Ballantyne succeeds the late Laurie Ferguson who recently passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. In her seven year tenure with the organization, Ferguson earned a number of prestigious state and regional awards including the 2007 New Hampshire Business Review Business Excellence Award and the 2010 Outstanding Women in Business Award.
Tags: Laurie Ferguson, Link Moser, New Hampshire Business Review, NH Made, NH Public Television, PBS Awards for Excellence, Trish Ballantyne, UNH
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