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Archive for December, 2014

It’s 2015. Do You Have a Plan to Grow and Prosper?

Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

Here comes 2015!

Is your business ready to find new markets? Do your employees need to learn new technology to help your company stay competitive? Are you ready to grow and prosper in the Granite State?

Great!

The team at the Division of Economic Development is ready to help you do all that and more.

But don’t let us tell you … see what businesses have to say.

Then give us a call.

Live Free and Grow!

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development

‘Tis the Season: Happy Holidays from NH Economy!

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014

tree

We’re winding down for the holidays, putting order to our desks, finishing up a few projects and catching our breath as 2015 gets ready to round the corner next week. We’re looking forward to it.

Before we get there, we’re spending time with our families and friends, exchanging presents and stories, catching up on the year past and the year ahead, as we hope you are doing, too.

From our office to you and your, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year … see you in 2015.

Your friends at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development

Carmen Lorentz, director
Chris Way, deputy director
Lorna Colquhoun, communications director
Carol Miller, broadband and technology director
Dianne O’Neil, administrative assistant

Business Development
Michael Bergeron
Cindy Harrington
Bridgett Beckwith

Business Resource Specialists
Deborah Avery
Gary Chabot
Beno Lamontagne
Chris Wellington
Patrice Meyers

NH Procurement and Technical Assistance Program
David Pease
Amanda Duquette
Martha Keene
Audra Gilson-Archundia

Office of International Commerce
Tina Kasim
Laura Mayo
Nathaniel Nelson

 

Business Continuity: A Plan Worth Preparing

Monday, December 22nd, 2014
Plummer

Director Carmen Lorentz, Director Perry Plummer

Once a month – at 3:05 pm every third Wednesday – NH Economy hosts New Hampshire Business Matters on WTPL-FM 107 (through the sponsorship of Sugar River Bank). Guests of Director Carmen Lorentz include business leaders who speak about highlights, trends and resources available to help their industries grow and prosper.

This month, Perry Plummer, director of State Homeland Security and Emergency Management, came on the air waves to talk about preparedness in when business is disrupted in events like storms, power outages and even illness.

Being prepared for the things you may think will never happen to you is important. Why? About 40 percent of businesses never reopen after a disaster.

It’s worth a listen to this month’s program, especially to find out more information about the new app debuting next month – NH Alert. Our website also has information about preparing your business continuity plan.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development

 

Spotlight on Government Contracting: NH’s $2B Industry

Tuesday, December 16th, 2014

New Hampshire Public Radio took an extensive look at government contracting on Monday, after spending a morning recently at a training seminar in Littleton with David Pease, program manager for the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Program.

NHPTAPNH PTAP (for short) is one of the free services we offer here at the Division of Economic Development and its mission is to assist small businesses in navigating the waters (and currents) of government contracting. It’s not exactly easy, but patience and persistance can pay off.

Chris Jensen, North Country correspondent for NHPR, produced this segment and if you are a small business, it’s well worth the  four-minute listen.* And then visit our NH PTAP website.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development

* Some examples of the kinds of services and products for which the government is contracting with New Hampshire businesses include: Bags and sacks; bakery products; ball and roller bearings; battery and power systems; biological studies; body armor; building rental; buoys; packaging materials; paint; paper shredders; paving; plaques; plumbing, heating, HVAC; precast concrete; property management … and that’s only part of the list!

High Liner Foods Opens US Headquarters in Portsmouth

Monday, December 15th, 2014
High Liner Foods cuts the red ribbon on its new corporate headquarters in Portsmouth.

High Liner Foods cuts the red ribbon on its new corporate headquarters in Portsmouth.

We headed out to Portsmouth on Friday to join the festivities as a company celebrated the opening of its US headquarters at the Pease International Tradeport.

High Liner Foods cut a red ribbon on its brand-new, state-of-the-art building, which will be home to 110 full-time employees, relocated from its former US headquarters in Danvers, Mass.

“The opening of this new facility is an important milestone for High Liner Foods,” said Keith Decker, president and chief operating officer. “The company has grown significantly over the last several years, particularly in the U.S., and the relocation and design of the new building will help us serve our customers better and attract and retain the top talent required for continued growth into the future.”

High Liner Foods are sold around the world and in North America, under brands including under the High Liner, Fisher Boy, Mirabel and Sea Cuisine.

HIGH LINER FOODS INCORPORATED - High Liner Foods' New U.S. HQ

High Liner Foods US Headquarters, Portsmouth

Its new facility features advanced communications technology, a cutting-edge culinary innovation center and research and development facility, an open workspace environment that encourages employees to collaborate and it was designed and built using sustainable building principles.

There is space for future expansion and is located only two miles away from the company’s Portsmouth manufacturing facility at 1 Highliner Ave., bringing management and the culinary team in closer proximity to the manufacturing site.

“With a design that reflects our updated branding, we believe the new building will inspire employees to continue fulfilling our recently formalized mission: to radically simplify selecting, preparing and enjoying seafood at its best,” Decker said.

High Liner Foods worked with the Division of Economic Development as it explored the move to New Hampshire.

“The property was really perfect for the relocation,” said Michael Bergeron, senior business development manager. “It’s close to the manufacturing facility and the cost of establishing the US headquarters was less expensive here than in Massachusetts.”

If you are keeping track, High Liner Foods is the latest company in the past few months to relocate its corportate headquarters from the Bay State to the New Hampshire Seacoast, joining Andover Healthcare and SMC Aerospace.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development

 

The Value of the Ex-Im Bank to NH Businesses

Friday, December 12th, 2014

Nathaniel Nelson is an international trade officer for the Office of International Commerce, which welcomed him aboard this fall. He takes a look at the discussion about the Export-Import Bank and how it works for New Hampshire businesses. -Ed.

With its charter set to expire sometime next spring, there is much discussion about the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and its value to American businesses.

Recently, New Hampshire’s Office of International Commerce joined in the conversation by attending a roundtable discussion with US Sen. Kelly Ayotte and the Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President, Fred Hochberg. The roundtable discussion, hosted at Seaboard International Forest Products in Nashua, focused on the impact the Ex-Im Bank has had on helping New Hampshire businesses pursue and finance export opportunities.

The discussion highlighted the importance of reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank’s charter and how Granite State businesses can make that happen.

The Ex-Im Bank is the export credit agency of the United States, providing export financing when there are gaps in what private lenders can provide or situations where lenders are unable, or unwilling, to accept credit risk. Businesses are able to obtain Ex-Im Bank products, such as working capital guarantees and export-credit insurance. Exporting is important to New Hampshire businesses. International trade helps them to reach new markets, increase sales and create jobs.

The long history of the Ex-Im Bank speaks to its value and importance. Over the last five years, Ex-Im Bank resources have supported 1.2 million American jobs, generated $2 billion in surplus for U.S. taxpayers and financed exports with a value exceeding $188 million.

Here in New Hampshire, the Ex-Im Bank has been a tremendous resource to our businesses; its authorizations translate into $375 million of total export value.

In the debate about the reauthorization of Ex-Im Bank, there has been great debate. Both sides have valid points.

At the recent roundtable, the consensus was that the Ex-Im Bank provides a great service, especially to small businesses.

For example, international sales at Boyle Energy Services and Technology in Concord have grown about 75 percent in the past few years, according to CEO Mike Boyle, in part because Ex-Im Bank had resources that made it possible.

Another business representative noted that his company’s access to Ex-Im Bank resources reached down the supply chain, helping to finance companies with which it works.

Sen. Ayotte called for the Ex-Im Bank to be reauthorized for a longer period and encouraged businesses and residents to let Congress know of its value.

The global market place is growing, evidenced by the United Nations’ projections that the global economy will grow more than 3 percent by 2017.

Now is the time for New Hampshire businesses to take advantage of the resources, like the Ex-Im Bank, that will launch them into global markets.

Nate

 

 

 

 Nathaniel Nelson
International Trade Officer
Office of International Commerce

Commissioner Rose Recognizes New Hampshire Businesses at Annual Meeting

Thursday, December 11th, 2014

The 19th annual meeting of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development is in the books and it was, all kinds of weather aside, a great opportunity to bring together our friend and partners on a topic important to us all: Keeping our economy strong and vibrant.

A tradition of our annual meetings is the presentation of awards by Commissioner Jeffrey Rose to recognize businesses that keep our economy robust.

Companies of the Year

Codet Corp.

DED-Codet

Stephane Lefevbre, left, and Vincent Audet, right, of Codet Corp., accept the Company of the Year Award from Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Rose. Presented to the Colebrook company, which is headquarted in Coaticook, Que., the award recognizes Codet’s expansion and its commitment to New Hampshire. Earlier this year, announced it would build an 11,500-square-foot addition and hire 25 new employees. The company makes outdoor and protective apparel with the Big Bill brand. “Over 20 years ago, in 1992, the Department of Resources and Economic Development worked with the company on its move across the border into Colebrook, where it has been ever since, becoming one of the cornerstones of the local economy,” Rose said.

Comcast Corp.

DED-Comcast

Christopher K. Hodgdon, senior director for State Government Affairs at Comcast, left, accepts the Company of the Year award from Commissioner Rose. The award recognizes Comcast’s expansion in the state this year, in developing a call center in Hudson, which has the capacity for 600 employees. “This expansion represents significant in investment in New Hampshire by a company that has already proven to be a great neighbor and partner,” Rose said, noting that the company’s total employee investment was more than $150 million and its community investments totaled $2 million around the state.

Most Valuable Partner

Lindt & Sprüngli

DED-Lindt

Robert E. Michalski, vice president of operations for Lindt & Sprüngli in Straham, accepts the Most Valuable Partner Award from Commissioner Rose. The commissioner’s award recognizes the company for its support of the division and its commitment to New Hampshire. “In the midst of its growth, Lindt recognizes its need, and the needs of its neighbors, to have a strong workforce and is working with regional partners to help address future needs,” Rose said. “It is also generous in its support of our events and initiatives and when we need to showcase the best of our state, we can count on this company to help us.”

Rookie of the Year

HALO Maritime Defense Systems

DED-HALO

Paul Jensen, CEO of HALO Maritime Defense Systems in Newton, left, accepts the Rookie of the Year award from Commissioner  Rose. The award recognized HALO for its move to New Hampshire last year and its “confidence in the resources New Hampshire has to help it grow,” Rose said.

Teamwork Award

Granite State Hospitality

DED-Teamwork

Alex Ray, left, and Rusty McLear, of Granite State Hospitality, accept the Teamwork Award from Commissioner Rose. Ray and McLear were honored for their work in the redevelopment of the Hooksett Welcome Centers. “This year’s award recognizes the vision of two men and their love of New Hampshire,” Rose said. “It also represents a public-private partnership and enhanced services that will provide a first and last impression for travelers on their way to vacation destinations on the northbound side and when they depart for home, on the southbound side.”

Employer Recognition Award

UNH-UNH Dining Services

DED-UNH

Jon Plodzik, director of Dining Services at the University of New Hampshire, center, receives the Employer Recognition award from Jim Hinson, left, of the New Hampshire Department of Education- Vocational Rehabilitation, left and Commissioner Rose. The award recognizes UNH and its Dining Services for creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Congratulations to all!

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development

What Do the Patriots, the Bruins and New Hampshire Have in Common? Andover Healthcare

Friday, December 5th, 2014
Michael Bergeron, senior business development manager with the NH Division of Economic Development, left, joins Bill Bauld, CFO of Andover Healthcare and retail lead Mayra Lemus at the company’s new facility at the Pease International Tradeport.

Michael Bergeron, senior business development manager with the NH Division of Economic Development, left, joins Bill Bauld, CFO of Andover Healthcare and retail lead Mayra Lemus at the company’s new facility at the Pease International Tradeport.

Andover Healthcare Inc., a leading manufacturer of cohesive bandages and tapes for the healthcare, animal health and sports medicine industries, has purchased space at the Pease International Tradeport and will relocate its corporate headquarters from Salisbury, Mass. in 2015.

The company has hired six new employees and anticipates hiring 20 more, as well as relocating its corporate staff next year.

“‘Live Free and Prosper’ rings true for us,” said Andover Healthcare President Tom Murphy, who lives in New Hampshire. “We are thrilled to open a facility in New Hampshire.”

Murphy founded the company in the 1976, providing athletic tape to the Boston Bruins. A few years later, the New England Patriots’ trainers began using the tape and by the mid-1990s, Andover Health had grown as an industry leader in bandages for healthcare and animal care.

Two years ago the company expanded into the retail market with customers such as Walgreens and CVS.

“We recently received a large contract with Wal-Mart,” said Murphy, “and we needed to be in production quickly – the facility in Portsmouth is the perfect fit.”

The 52,000-square-foot Pease facility will produce elastic bandages for 3,500 Wal-Mart stores across the U.S.

“We are investing $700,000 in new equipment and we will also relocate our corporate offices to New Hampshire in 2015,” said CFO Bill Bauld. “Michael Bergeron of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development was helpful to us in coordinating tax credits, financing options and job training programs.”

“On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I am honored to welcome Andover Healthcare to the Granite State,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan. “Andover Healthcare’s relocation reinforces that our low-tax environment, responsive state government and high quality of life make New Hampshire as attractive a state for business as any in the country. Andover Healthcare’s presence in our state will help expand middle class opportunity and will keep our economy moving in the right direction.”

For more information on job openings, visit www.andoverhealthcare.com.

For information on expanding or relocating a business to New Hampshire, contact Michael Bergeron, senior business development manager for the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, at 603-271-2591.

Welcome to New Hampshire!

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
NH Division of Economic Development