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Archive for September, 2016

In Search of the Right Data, Collaboration is Key

Friday, September 30th, 2016

(Business Resource Specialist Mark Laliberte covers the Seacoast region for the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development. This is an occasional feature highlighting our team’s work with industries and communities. Contact us to connect with your regional business resource specialist. – Ed.)

Mark Laliberte

Mark Laliberte

About a year ago, we collaborated with the Department of Environmental Services, which needed data about the 17 communities in its Coastal Zone for a report being prepared for the New Hampshire Coastal Risk and Hazards Commission. Needed for the report were specific questions regarding job creation, largest industries and gross regional product.

In August, this information had to be updated and augmented with additional data. This was accomplished by Emsi, the economic modeling software we use, as well as by using US Census data suggested by New Hampshire Employment Security.

As a result of this project, the Coastal Risk report will have a comprehensive suite of data. We were also able to provide this information to an area manufacturer, who found it valuable in its employee recruitment and retention efforts.

There is a wealth of valuable data available from many sources. Finding it is the great challenge and in our fast-paced world, agencies and organizations can’t afford the staff time it takes to track down the bits and bytes needed.

Time and again, Emsi provides great information that can make a great difference for our partners in need of it for their projects.

No matter what part of the state you are in, our business retention team is ready to help your organization dive into the data pool for the specific information you need.

Mark Laliberte
Business Resource Specialist
NH Division of Economic Development

 

In New Hampshire, Manufacturing Matters Every Day

Thursday, September 29th, 2016
mfg09

Students from around the state visited their local manufacturing plants during Manufacturing Week 2015.

If it’s October, expect to see a spotlight shining brightly on manufacturing in New Hampshire and around the country.

That’s thanks in part to the national initiative, which began a few years ago when Manufacturing Day was proclaimed for the first Friday in October. It has grown since its inception and now thousands of manufacturers host students, teachers, parents and job seekers at open houses to showcase careers available and innovation happening close to home.

New Hampshire turns one day into a week of celebration, as manufacturing is the state’s largest industry. Events kick off on Manufacturing Day (Oct. 7) at New England Wire Technologies in Lisbon and continues throughout the week with the manufacturing and community college open houses throughout the state.

It all ends on a high note with the Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit on Oct. 13 at the Grappone Center in Concord. Now in its 14th year, the summit draws over 200 manufacturers from around the state.


Click here for more information and to register.


This year’s guest speaker is David Morgan, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Association of the Blind. Prior to joining that organization, Morgan served as vice president of Perkins School for the Blind and general manager of Perkins Products. His manufacturing background includes being president of BE Semiconductor’s US operation, located in Londonderry.

He’ll speak about Design Thinking and the Future of Innovation, with insight about the creativity that transforms products, grows markets and drives employment.

The Manufacturing Summit is presented by the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire; New Hampshire MEP; New Hampshire High Technology Council and New Hampshire Economic Development.

Welcome to New Hampshire, Prudential Overall Supply

Thursday, September 29th, 2016
prudentialgroundbreak1

Director Carmen Lorentz, left, and business development manager Cynthia Harrington join Stefan Schurter, senior vice president at the groundbreaking in Nashua for Prudential Overall Supply’s newest facility.

When California-based Prudential Overall Supply went looking for a place to expand its business, it chose Nashua to build its newest facility and at its groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 28, company officials said it will be a source of pride for the city.

POS is the leader in cleanroom laundry services, which is important to industries such as aerospace and life sciences that need 21st century cleanliness in their processes.

“This will be the largest cleanroom laundry in the United States,” said Stefan Schurter, senior vice president.

Business development manager Cynthia Harrington here at the Division of Economic Development, assisted the company in its expansion to Nashua. Schurter said that in the search for a location, Nashua became an obvious choice because of its infrastructure.

Ceremonial groundbreaking on Simon Street

Ceremonial groundbreaking on Simon Street

“The city has put in sewer, water, gas and electric right at the site and that is foresight that we are benefitting from,” he said. “We found the infrastructure here that was really attractive and allowed us to build very quickly – that’s a big thing.”

The new building, located on Simon Street, will be built in three phases; 70,000 square-feet in the first phase; 45,000 square-feet in the second phase and concluded with 16,280-square feet.

“It will bring some really great jobs,” Schurter said. “They are all full-time jobs with benefits. We truly believe that if you invest in people, people will invest with you.”

Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, said he joins city officials in welcoming POS to New Hampshire.

“The capabilities it provides are vital to the many companies whose advanced manufacturing processes require high tech industrial laundry services,” he said. “We looking forward to watching this company grow and prosper in New Hampshire.”

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development

NH Fall Foliage 2016: The Leaf Peepers are Coming!

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016
leaves

New Hampshire’s fall colors will attract 9.5 million visitors this year, who will spend $1.4 billion.

With its renowned foliage and outdoor recreation options, New Hampshire tourism officials predict a record-breaking fall season, expecting a 5 percent increase in visitors and a 6 percent increase in spending over last year.


Plan your fall foliage adventures at VisitNH.gov


Given a stronger economy and overall increased spending trends, coupled with the Division of Travel and Tourism Development’s strategic and innovative marketing initiatives, New Hampshire is projected to receive 9.5 million visitors and realize $1.42 billion in direct spending this fall.

Officials expect travelers from key New England and Middle Atlantic markets, as well as overnight visits from more distant states such as Florida, California, and Texas, to increase.

“Last year, New Hampshire saw more than 39 million visitors, which marks a 5 percent increase over the previous year and those visitors spent $5.5 billion, a 7 percent increase over the previous year,” said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. “The fall season is a significant contributor to New Hampshire’s tourism economy.”

“Ongoing research continues to indicate travelers are visiting New Hampshire due to the abundance of activities within accessible proximity,” said Victoria Cimino, DTTD director. “Utilizing a data-driven approach, the division is making strategic decisions in its efforts to position New Hampshire as the premier tourist destination in the northeast. Fall is an exciting and beautiful time in the Granite State. New Hampshire offers the perfect backdrop for living out the adventures of the season.”

To drive continued visitation with key target audiences, DTTD has launched an advertising effort to highlight the vast array of activities and backdrops available throughout New Hampshire.

Taking Care of Business in the Granite State

Tuesday, September 27th, 2016
schroadter

Carmen Lorentz, Adam Schroadter

When you open a business in New Hampshire – any business – you get to know the Secretary of State’s office. This is the place to go to register your entity, find a name, file your annual report and take care of other business with the corporation division.

Director Carmen Lorentz’s guest this month on New Hampshire Business Matters (every third Wednesday of the month on WTPL-FM 107.7) was Adam Schroadter, deputy Secretary of State.

Learn more about the corporation division – the latest news and initiatives coming soon – on this month’s podcast.

New Hampshire’s Report Card: How We’ve Ranked in 2016

Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
New Hampshire Rankings – 2016
#1 – Business Friendliness

CNBC

#1 – Freest State in the Union

Cato Institute

#1 – Best State in which to Live a Richer Life

GoBankingRates.com

#1 –  States of the Union

Politico

#1 – State in the NE for workforce development

Site Selection

#2 – Employment Leader, #7 Best Biz Tax Climate

Business Facilities

#3 – Lowest Tax Burden

WalletHub.com

#3 – Most Peaceful State

247wallst.com

#4 – Top 10 Tech Hotspots

Forbes

#6 – States with the Best School Systems

WalletHub.com

Now that the kids are back in school, it seems like a good time to round up the rankings that came out over the summer in which New Hampshire fared well when it came to business climate, education, quality of life and more.

Rankings are an enlightening look in from the outside, although they don’t tell the whole story, nor should they be anything upon which we rest.

Still, it feels good – like making the honor roll good.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development

 

 

 

 

 

Student Innovation: Meet Jeff Johansen, Co-Founder of MakeIt 3D

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016

Live Free and Start is New Hampshire’s one-stop business connection for innovators and entrepreneurs. We are featuring its Innovator series to introduce you to some of the very cool things Granite Staters – who may well be your neighbors – are doing. -Ed.

http://livefreeandstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/headshot-2-300x300.jpg

Jeff Johansen ~ Co-Founder of MakeIt 3D

Please provide your 30-second pitch about your company.

MakeIt 3D is a platform for 3D printing services of all types. It links consumers with hobbyists, makers, designers and inventors. The material extrusion market is growing rapidly, involving people of all skill levels, which in turn is creating the need for skillful services such as design work or prototyping. With this need comes the need for an all inclusive platform to aid these people of all skill levels. MakeIt 3D will allow users to buy and sell digital model files and contract out printing and 3D modeling work. MakeIt 3D’s will have a forum that acts as a multi-faceted tool for all of it’s users, allowing them to review designers, printers and makers. MakeIt 3D’s main goal is to help users share knowledge and learn about the world of material extrusion technology, and make some money while doing it.

What was the inspiration behind your company idea?

Growing up, technology always inspired me. From my early years learning my Windows 98 operating system, I knew that tech was my way of life. A couple of years ago, I learned about 3D printers and was totally captivated by the technology. Soon after, with the availability of printers in my school, I quickly learned that I am absolutely terrible at modeling and design work. My total lack of artistic ability has served as the inspiration behind MakeIt 3D.

What’s the best advice you have received?

The best advice I have ever received came from Ron Emrick, director of engineering innovation at Wasabi Ventures. “Make it work, make it work better”.

It’s a piece of advice that came out of my internship with Wasabi this past summer but I’ve found myself using it in every thing that I do. This piece of advice is very important for me, personally. I always look towards the end picture: make everything work perfectly, look pretty, and function effortlessly all right away. This method isn’t a great choice for building a startup.

“Make it work.” Make everything functional, there can be some minor bugs or flaws, things definitely will not look pretty, and there may be some effort required to use the app, but it works. This half of the phrase expresses the importance of a first draft, of creating a baseline. Then, “Make it work better”. After the functional baseline is completed, all the slick animations, pretty formatting and cool features are built. Through all of Ron’s advice, beyond this phrase, I have found that I’m learning more and more of what it means to become an entrepreneur and build a successful startup.

What was the most challenging part of developing and pitching your startup idea and how did you overcome it?

To date, the most challenging part of developing my startup idea was bringing a more innovative solution to the material extrusion market. It’s easy to copy someone else’s ideas, but how do you make yours new and different? Overcoming this challenge doesn’t exactly happen overnight, in fact it’s a long process. Successful companies are always innovating, creating new, attractive products and solutions. Personally, I have started to attack this problem by talking to as many people as I can about my idea. Soon, I will be working on MakeIt 3D as part of the Commercialization Academy, which will help me to add high-value patented technology to make my startup more innovative. This challenge, albeit long, has proved to be quite fun and I can’t wait to keep attacking it.

What are your thoughts now about starting your own company, either now or later?

Since last fall, when I took a Wasabi Ventures Academy course with TK Kuegler, I have wanted to build tech startups. The way he portrayed his life, his work and his business showed me exactly what I want to do. I’m starting early, as a freshman in college, so that I can have my feet firmly planted on the ground by the time I graduate. This will allow me to spend the rest of my life building companies. TK’s inspiration has sparked within me a passion for startups!

What does the future look like for your company?

Imminently, I will be working on MakeIt 3D through the Wasabi Ventures Commercialization Academy. I am incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to work with Wasabi again and to have access to all of their resources, tools and mentorship. In late October I will be pitching my company in Utica New York, with the rest of the Commercialization Academy cohort. I plan on becoming an entrepreneur with the help of Wasabi Ventures and building an incubated company!

Tune In: Three Podcasts Highlight New Hampshire’s Startup/Entrepreneur Scenes

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

LFSArt

Alpha Loft ~ Manchester

New Hampshire’s startup and entrepreneurial communities are getting some attention of late. Just a couple of weeks ago, this article highlighted the Granite State as having the ‘most beautiful’ tech scenes in the country.

This week, the Global Startup Movement features New Hampshire in not one, not two, but three  podcasts. In the first, Mark Kaplan, CEO of Alpha Loft in Manchester, talks about the state’s startup ecosystem, followed by an interview with Mike Decelle, recently appointed as dean at the University of New Hampshire’s Manchester campus, who talks about entrepreneurship and the opportunities afforded here in the state. Kyle York of Dyn rounds out the trifecta with a look at the emergence of the Silicon millyard.

All are worth a listen as you slide back into the post-Labor Day work week.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development