Archive for September, 2011
Friday, September 16th, 2011
Overall, a good piece in today’s Boston Globe about the Division of Economic Development’s efforts to attract Massachusetts companies interested in expanding or relocating to the Granite State. A couple of points to add clarification – the B-52s are nowhere past their heyday (don’t know how you can really say that of a band with multi-platinum sales, several MTV Video Music Awards and a recent album that hit the Billboard charts at #11 but I digress) and there will be no Powerpoint presentation – it would interfere with the frenetic networking and dancing. If you aren’t moved to dance at the first beat of a B-52s’ song, your feet may be nailed to the floor.
Thanks to the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and PSNH for their great partnership on this event – you’re incredible!
Jukebox money not required
N.H. enlists B-52s in its efforts to lure Bay State firms
By Jenn Abelson
Globe Staff
September 16, 2011
New Hampshire officials are encouraging Massachusetts businesses to roam – as long as it’s north of the border.
 A concert by multi-platinum selling artists The B-52s will be the centerpiece of a business recruitment event by the NH Division of Economic Development geared towards attracting Massachusetts companies. If promises of lower taxes and less regulation aren’t enough, Granite State officials are now trying to lure Massachusetts companies with free tickets to a concert by the B-52s, the long-running band that – in addition to “Roam’’ – is known for quirky and danceable hits such as “Rock Lobster’’ and “Love Shack.’’
The event, billed as “Live Free and Dance,’’ is scheduled for Sept. 30 at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. Ten Massachusetts companies will receive free tickets to the show, a catered meal, and a ceremonial key to the beach. The catch: Prospects need to sit through a dinnertime PowerPoint presentation on why New Hampshire is better.
The invitations tout New Hampshire as a state “whose tax atmosphere and quality of life is as solid as granite.’’ More than 300 of them were sent out last week, and two manufacturing companies from the Merrimack Valley have already expressed interest, according to Mike Bergeron, a business development manager for New Hampshire’s economic development division.
Steve Boucher, the communications and legislative director who organized the event, said he wasn’t concerned about using a band whose heyday was years ago to promote New Hampshire as a place for the future.
“Really, who doesn’t love ‘Love Shack?’ ’’ Boucher said.
As for the B-52s’ members – who couldn’t be reached for comment – it’s unlikely they have strong opinions on which of the two New England states are more fertile territory for growing a business.
“The B-52s probably don’t even know they are part of the event,’’ Boucher said. “They are the way of getting people in the door.’’
And while New Hampshire officials highlighted “Roam’’ in a press release, if someone had dug a little deeper into the band’s discography, they might have come up with these more on-point lines from “Private Idaho,’’ another B-52s song:
“Get out of that state, get out of that state you’re in!
“You better beware.’’
Tags: Boston Globe, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Spanning the Globe to Bring Companies to NH
Friday, September 16th, 2011
In partnership with the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Evolutions in Business, the International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) will hold a seminar, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Overview and Licensing Issues, on Tuesday, October 18 from 9am to 3:30 p.m. at ITRC’s offices at 172 Pembroke Road in Concord.
 This seminar is a must for any business that currently exports defense-related goods or plans to do so in the future as it will be a comprehensive review of export licensing considerations for weapons and other defense-related products. Export compliance officers, freight forwarders, international sales and marketing staffs, international customer service, engineers and technicians, and purchasing and supply management are encouraged to attend as it’s not always obvious what items and technical data fall under ITAR.
The seminar will cover a variety of ITAR licensing issues including the products and activities subject to ITAR; registration requirements, the types of ITAR licenses available and the license review process and exemptions; US Munitions List (USML), dual-use products, re-exports and transfers, penalties for ITAR violations and recent updates to the regulations. Attendees will learn how to classify defense-related articles, technology and services; what the record-keeping requirements are; and about the importance of compliance with restrictions on end-use, end-users and foreign nationals.
Cost for the event is $95 per person. For online payment and registration, go to exportnh.org and click on Calendar of Events, then Event and Seminar Registration. To pay by check, please make it out to SNHU/IIB and mail it to: P.O. Box 1856, Concord, NH 03301.
For more information or questions, contact Ellie White at 603-271-8444 or ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.
Tags: Ellie White, Evolutions in Business, International Trade Resource Center, ITAR, ITRC, SNHU, U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on International Trade Session Scheduled for October
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
Moooove yourself to become a healthier individual and enjoy some great music while you’re at it.
 Cowcello, an organic groovefest, will make its debut appearance Sunday, September 25, 2011 as part of the Eastern Propane Concert Series at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion.
Presented by the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in coordination with EARTHTEC and the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Cowcello is an “organic groovefest” to inspire and encourage individuals to embrace a life of health, wellness and fitness, environmental consciousness and awareness of natural, organic and alternative products and solutions. Concertgoers will be able to discuss and learn about the lifelong benefits of healthy eating choices from NH farmers and growers.
“Having an event of this kind at a venue that was once the site of a working farm really brings things full circle,” said Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion President RJ Harding. “Not only will this event be a celebration of some incredible music, it will also be a celebration of living an active and healthy lifestyle, a concept that all of us at Meadowbrook embrace.”
Participants will be able to try organic wines from locally owned vineyards, enjoy demonstrations with Yoga and Pilates experts from The Practice Room, learn the health benefits associated with eating beef raised in a natural and kind environment free of chemicals and hormones with Miles Smith Farm and discover how cooking organically can not only help you and your family’s health but also keep our local farmers thriving. Other vendors include Stonyfield Farm, Apple Annie and Late July Organic Snacks.
Partnering with the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion will be Portsmouth-based sustainable clothing manufacturer EARTHTEC. At its heart, EARTHTEC’s story is pretty simple according to company founder Dennis Randall.
“We are outdoor people. Skiers, hikers, trail runners, kayakers, extreme picnickers. Our favorite place is Earth. We’ve been known to hug a tree or two. We’re into green. We are also clothing people. Put all of that together, and you have EARTHTEC, a group of people who love helping you look good and perform well in clothes that make the planet happier,” he said. “We have partnered this year with the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion to collect all the plastic bottles from the 2011 Concert Season and look forward to turning them into useful clothing for next year’s concert season.”
 The Avett Brothers Joining EARTHTEC will be the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development whose Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher said that supporting an event like Cowcello is a new and innovative way to support the state’s business community.
“New Hampshire is so very fortunate to have such a great farming industry as well as a great number of companies that are dedicated to helping people maintain healthy lifestyles,” he said. “We encourage people be part of this great event and more importantly, to buy local products. Buying local ensures that dollars stay in our community and promotes a stronger state economy.”
Cowcello will feature over nine hours of music beginning with four local and regional bands on the Magic Hat Second Stage at 2:00 P.M. Granite State bands The Crunchy Western Boys and The Chris White Band will join Caitlin Canty and The Adam Ezra Band from Boston in kicking off the festivities.
The main stage will begin at 7:00PM with Nicole Atkins, and her alluring, alternative folk rock sound. The Avett Brothers will headline the event with their organic and unique blend of a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop.
Cowcello tickets can be purchased by calling (603) 293-4700 or by visiting www.meadowbrook.net.
Tags: Apple Annie, Avett Brothers, Caitlin Canty, Cowcello, Dennis Randall, EarthTec, Eastern Propane Concert Series, Late July Organic Snacks, Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, Miles Smith Farm, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Nicole Atkins, RJ Harding, Stonyfield Farm, The Adam Ezra Band, The Chris White Band, The Crunchy Western Boys, The Practice Room
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on NH Division of Economic Development to Partner on Cowcello
Monday, September 12th, 2011
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations affected by the severe storms and flooding from August 26 through September 6 to apply for disaster loans. Home business and vacation rental owners need to be aware they are also eligible for disaster loans from the SBA.
 The disaster declaration for New Hampshire covers the counties of Carroll and Grafton, which are eligible for both physical damage and economic injury disaster loans from the SBA. In addition small businesses and some private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Belknap, Coos, Merrimack, Strafford and Sullivan.
Interest rates are as low as 3 percent for nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
SBA disaster loans are for uninsured losses. Business owners should not wait for insurance settlements before applying for SBA disaster loans. The SBA will consider making a loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay their loan.
Types of Business Loans:
·Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.
·For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers EIDL to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Your first step is to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you use TTY, call 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362 or online at www.disasterassistance.gov
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 7, 2011.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 7, 2012.
****ADDED NOTE: Disaster Recovery Centers have been established in the following locations to assist business owners:
Conway
Mount Washington Technology Village
53 Technology Lane
Opening Monday, September 12th at 12:00 p.m.
Then: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Campton
Campton Baptist Church
1345 Route 175
Opening Monday September 12th at 1200 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Then: Tuesday 9/13 and Wednesday 9/14 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Woodstock
Woodstock Town Office
165 Lost River Road
Opening Thursday 9/15 from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Then: Friday 9/16 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 9/17 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Plymouth
Plymouth Town Office
6 Post Office Square
Opening Monday, September 19th from 1200 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Then: Tuesday 9/20 and Wednesday 9/21 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Canaan
Canaan Fire Station
62 Route 118
Opening Thursday 9/22 from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Then: Friday 9/23 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 9/24 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lebanon
Lebanon Airport Terminal
5 Airpark Road
Opening Monday September 26th from 1200 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Then: Tuesday 9/27 and Wednesday 9/28 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tags: EIDL, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, SBA, U.S. Small Business Administration
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on SBA Offers Low Interest Disaster Loans to NH Businesses
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
New Hampshire’s economic development team is inviting Massachusetts companies interested in relocating or expanding to the Granite State to “live free and dance” with the assistance of a new contest announced today.
 Massachusetts business owners are being invited to "live free and dance" in the Granite State with the world's best New Wave dance band, the B-52s. A total of 10 Bay State companies considering a move or expansion to New Hampshire are eligible to win tickets to the B-52s concert at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on September 30th complete with a catered dinner and a ceremonial “key to the beach.”
“We want to prove that not only do we have a state with a great business climate, responsive state government and an unparalleled quality of life, we also know how to have fun and meet prospective new Granite State companies in a cool atmosphere,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “Today’s competitive business recruitment landscape demands creativity and what more creative way to introduce New Hampshire than to invite companies to a beach party with the world’s premier new wave dance band?”
The Division of Economic Development will be partnering with the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and Public Service of New Hampshire on the “Live Free and Dance” event – the Ballroom will be providing tickets for the Bay State guests to enjoy the show and Public Service of New Hampshire will offset the costs of a pre-concert dinner to include the State’s business development team.
“We’re pleased to partner with the State to introduce one of the premier entertainment venues in New England to companies that might be interested in making a move to New Hampshire,” said Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Marketing Director Andrew Herrick. “Our state has so much to offer and we’re thrilled to be able to have some new friends over for a great night at the beach.”
“Public Service of New Hampshire is always invested in helping State economic developers spread the word that New Hampshire is open for business,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “With no income or sales tax, great energy infrastructure and a business community that is tailor made for entrepreneurs, New Hampshire is a great place to build, expand or relocate a business.”
Starting on September 7th, New Hampshire economic development officials including State Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron will be taking to the Massachusetts airwaves on WCAP in Lowell to begin spreading the message about the contest to Bay State companies. An advertising campaign will be conducted throughout the month urging Massachusetts company owners to explore the opportunity to “live free and dance” and receive information about the benefits of expanding or relocating to New Hampshire.
“One of the greatest B-52s songs is ‘Roam’ and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to encourage Massachusetts companies to do – roam and discover that New Hampshire has a great business story to tell,” Boucher said.
Massachusetts companies interested in taking part in the “Live Free and Dance” contest need only email their name and business contact information (business name, address, email address, web address and telephone number) to Michael Bergeron at mbergeron@dred.state.nh.us by September 23rd. For more information, contact Bergeron at (603) 271-2591.
Tags: Andrew Herrick, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Live Free and Dance, Michael Bergeron, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Pat McDermott, Public Service of New Hampshire, WCAP
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on NH Economic Development Team Inviting MA Firms to “Roam”
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
Hurricane Irene disrupted the lives of communities and businesses from North Carolina to New Hampshire last weekend. Business owners were hit particularly hard, as power outages forced many to close for several days.
 The first 72 hours following business interruption is crucial. Preparation can make a difference, and protect you from having to shut down for good. To kick off National Preparedness Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions will host the first in a series of free disaster preparedness webinars during the month of September.
R. David Paulison, former administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will present tips on how to be self-sufficient in the days following a natural disaster or other emergency during the webinar on Wednesday, September 7, at 2 p.m. ET.
SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies for entrepreneurs via their “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access previous webinars and additional preparedness tips. Webinars on business and community preparedness, as well as a discussion on best practices hosted by business owners who recovered from recent disasters will be held on consecutive Wednesdays during the month.
The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.
WHO: R. David Paulison, Former Administrator, FEMA
WHAT: “Culture of Preparedness—The 72 Hour Rule” will be presented by Paulison. A question and answer session will follow.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 7, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT
HOW: Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/582741824
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on SBA & Agility Recovery Solutions Host Free Webinar on Getting Through the First 72 Hours after a Disaster
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of Fall, New Hampshire businesses and attractions are looking forward to hosting visitors for the long Labor Day holiday weekend.
 “New Hampshire is a popular destination on Labor Day weekend, being our second busiest holiday weekend, following July 4th,” said Lori Harnois, Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD). “For many, it will be the last weekend to go swimming and boating for the year, and we expect that many visitors will head to the seacoast to enjoy a day at the ocean, or to the lakes region to enjoy some boating and relaxing on one of our many lakes,”
New Hampshire is also popular with visitors looking to hike and camp. New Hampshire State Parks are all open with the exception of Crawford Notch State Park. In the White Mountain National Forest, Supervisor Tom Wagner is encouraging visitors to plan ahead before heading out into the forest.
“Hikers and campers should visit our website, www.fs.fed.us/r9/white, before heading out to check on the status of trails and campgrounds,” said Wagner.
Families can enjoy the many attractions and events that are located throughout the state , especially those that are taking place this weekend, including the Hopkinton and Lancaster State Fairs.
“As the summer growing season is at its peak, farmer markets and most pick-your-own farms are also open this weekend,” said Harnois. “There are plenty of family activities including attractions and events happening throughout the state this weekend, so check visitnh.gov for a complete listing.”
Find travel tips, lodging properties, attractions, and other information to plan a visit to New Hampshire at visitnh.gov.
The Labor Day Weekend is also the last chance to enter the New Hampshire Dream Vacation Photo Contest. Download a contest sign from www.NHDreamVacation.com and start taking pictures and videos around New Hampshire and enter for your chance at either a $2,500 or $1,000 dream vacation in New Hampshire.
Tags: Crawford Notch State Park, DTTD, Hopkinton State Fair, Lancaster State Fair, Lori Harnois, New Hampshire Dream Vacation, New Hampshire State Parks, NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development, Tom Wagner, White Mountain National Forest
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire is Open for Business!!
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