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Archive for August, 2017

New Hampshire Ready to Debut at Premier Defense/Security Trade Show

Friday, August 25th, 2017

When one of the world’s foremost security and equipment exhibition opens in London next week, New Hampshire will be a part of the action.

Held every other year, DSEI (short for Defence and Security Equipment International) features over 1,500 exhibitors and attracts about 35,000 people during the four-day event, Sept. 12 – 15. This is the first time New Hampshire will be represented there and we’re one of three states exhibiting.

“Over the next decade, global defense spending is projected to have steady growth and New Hampshire companies are well-positioned to meet the demand,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “The DSEI provides a great opportunity to forge valuable global partnerships and showcase New Hampshire’s specialized defense and security manufacturing industry.”


According to industry analysts, New Hampshire’s aerospace and defense sector exports grew nearly 26 percent between 2010 and 2015 and employs about 10,000 people.


We’ll be at Stand N4-462-464, joining the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium and four companies eager to make global connections:

 

Put Your Export Plan Through its Paces at Our Export Boot Camp This Fall

Thursday, August 24th, 2017

If you break out in a sweat when you hear words like incoterms, bill of lading and carnet, it may be time get your export plan into shape.

Our Office of International Commerce developed an Export Boot Camp that’s kicking off this fall to help strengthen the core of your company’s export goals. Designed for businesses ready to leap into the global market or those looking to pick up the pace of their plan, the Export Boot Camp shapes you up so you can ship out to customers around the world.


These seminars are filling up fast and the deadline to register is Sept. 22, so run – don’t walk! – to this link for more information.


Ready?
Set?
GO!

EXPORT CONTROLS AND COMPLIANCE

8:30am – 4:30pm, Wednesday, Oct. 4
Department of Business and Economic Affairs (formerly DRED)
172 Pembroke Rd., Concord
Cost: FREE*
Presented by Mike Allocca, Allocca Enterprises

EXPORT LOGISTICS
9:30 am – 2:30 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 18
Portsmouth Public Library
175 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth
Cost: FREE*
Presented by Radek Maley and Nicole Dunbar, Highland Forwarding USA

EXPORT FINANCE
9:30am – 2 pm Wednesday, Nov. 1
Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
49 South Main St., Suite 104, Concord
Cost: FREE*
Presented by Joe Kenney, The Provident Bank; Leanne Spees, The Provident Bank; Greta Johansson, U.S. Small Business Administration; John Joyce, U.S. Small Business Administration

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
9:30 am – 3 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 15
Portsmouth Public Library
175 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth
Cost: FREE*
Presented by Wendy Pease, Rapport International

Click here for more information about each seminar

*The Export Boot Camp is supported through a State Trade Export Promotion grant and partially funded by The Provident Bank. Contact Rachel Adams to confirm your eligibility for these sessions.

Center for Women & Enterprise Offering Resources, Expertise for Women Entrepreneurs

Thursday, August 17th, 2017

Nancy Pearson, Center for Women & Enterprise; Chris Way, Acting Director, Division of Economic Development

Our guest this month on New Hampshire Business Matters, which airs at 3:05 pm on the third Wednesday of the month on WTPL-FM 107.7, is Nancy Pearson of the Center for Women and Enterprise, located in Nashua.

It’s one of several offices located around New England and with funding in part from the Small Business Administration, it’s a terrific resource for women entrepreneurs, whether they are just starting out, or growing their businesses.

If that describes you, or a woman you know, tune in to this month’s show.


Upcoming events by the CW&E:


 

Effective Presentation Skills – CWE New Hampshire – Sept 5

As an entrepreneur, your ability to persuade your audience through a concise and compelling presentation is a key factor to your business success. This interactive workshop focuses on the basics of developing a strong presentation and more

Business Planning: Getting Started (5-wks)-CWE New Hampshire – Sep 5 – Oct 5

Do you have an idea for a business that you want to launch or explore more deeply? Have you always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, but were never sure just where to start?

Legal Considerations for New Business Owners – CWE New Hampshire – Sept 6

This workshop provides a high-level overview of a range of legal issues that entrepreneurs should be aware of when starting a new company. Attend this workshop to learn how to avoid common mistakes and employ preventative measures and more.

Branding for Your Small Business – CWE New Hampshire – Sept 7

Branding goes beyond a mere color palette and logo—it’s your reputation, and is essential to keep your customers returning. However, many small business owners struggle in developing a strong, solid brand. In this workshop, you will gain a better understanding of the importance of good branding and more.

Marketing on a Shoestring – CWE New Hampshire – Sept 12

Competition for a spot in the marketplace and in the media is tough. Learn how to maximize your resources to gain visibility for your products and services. Find out how to market your product, determine and refine your target audience, and reach customers with the right message and the right media.

Keeping the Books: Basic Recordkeeping & Accounting – CWE New Hampshire – Sept 14

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced business owner, staying on top of your financial recordkeeping is critical to your success.

New Hampshire Companies London-bound for Premier Defense, Security Trade Show

Wednesday, August 16th, 2017

When one of the world’s foremost security and equipment exhibition opens in London next month, New Hampshire will be a part of the action.

Held every other year, DSEI (short for Defense and Security Equipment International) features over 1,500 exhibitors and attracts about 35,000 people during the four-day event, Sept. 12 – 15. This is the first time New Hampshire will be represented there and we’re one of three states exhibiting.

“Over the next decade, global defense spending is projected to have steady growth and New Hampshire companies are well-positioned to meet the demand,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “The DSEI provides a great opportunity to forge valuable global partnerships and showcase New Hampshire’s specialized defense and security manufacturing industry.”


According to industry analysts, New Hampshire’s aerospace and defense sector exports grew nearly 26 percent between 2010 and 2015 and employs about 10,000 people.


We’ll be at Stand N4-462-464, joining the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium and four companies eager to make global connections:

 

VisitNH.gov Honored as One of the World’s Top 25 Tourism Board Websites

Wednesday, August 9th, 2017

The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development’s website, VisitNH.gov, is one of the top 25 tourism board websites in the world for 2017, according to Skift, the travel industry’s largest intelligence platform. The selection highlighted VisitNH.gov for its captivating photos and video, as well as its trip inspiration generator function.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Skift for our innovative and engaging website that has become an essential tool for travelers visiting New Hampshire,” said Victoria Cimino, director of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development. “We understand competition for tourism dollars is at an all-time high and have responded by implementing the latest technology across the division’s marketing efforts, including VisitNH.gov. The website design, and particularly the trip inspiration generator, is a major component of DTTD’s long-term strategy for delivering personalized experiences for travelers.”

Skift highlighted DTTD’s “compelling video that plays when travelers first enter the site.” In addition, Skift points out the trip inspiration generator, in which travelers can “take a three-question survey that curates recommendations based on what kind of vacation they want to have.”

VisitNH.gov also features a rotating gallery of travelers’ Instagram photos, which “helps travelers imagine themselves visiting these places,” according to Skift.

DTTD worked with its marketing agency, GYK Antler, and interactive partner, SilverTech, to develop the engaging and interactive design and execution for the website. The most recent iteration of the site was unveiled in May 2017, highlighting DTTD’s summer marketing campaign featuring New Hampshire’s “limitless” summertime activities, destinations and events.

“We have been working with DTTD to develop and highlight the content that most resonates with the travelers we want to attract again and again,” said Travis York, president and CEO of GYK Antler. “When we have a phenomenal product to feature, as we do in the case of New Hampshire as a tourism destination, it makes it considerably easier for us to create compelling, impactful content that engages the user.”

In compiling the 2017 list, Skift prioritized “websites with the best user experience overall, especially on mobile; the most modern modular layout, seamless navigation and impactful visuals, and the most nuanced multi-format storytelling.”

“Our major emphasis was ensuring VisitNH.gov was easy to use, intuitive and engaging,” said Nick Soggu, president and CEO of SilverTech. “In implementing the trip inspiration generator function, we are creating an interactive experience that also allows us to build out personalized experiences for users.”

Commissioner Caswell Sworn in to Lead Department of Business and Economic Affairs

Tuesday, August 1st, 2017

Taylor Caswell becomes first commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

Taylor Caswell was sworn in by Gov. Chris Sununu as the first commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs on Tuesday afternoon.

The new department was created July 1 by an act of the state legislature. In his new role, Caswell will oversee the Divisions of Economic Development and Travel and Tourism Development.

“I look forward to continuing to strengthen New Hampshire’s economy as the first commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs,” Caswell said. “Through increased collaboration and finding new ways to enhance the state’s role as a partner, we will provide increased opportunities for existing and potential Granite State business owners, help create jobs for our citizens, and continue to grow as a destination for visitors from near and far.”

Caswell, a resident of Hollis and Littleton native, was most recently the executive director of the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, where he served for three years. As commissioner of the BEA, he brings more than 20 years’ experience from the public and private sectors, including as the New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a small business owner, and more than a decade in Washington D.C.

The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs was established to provide focused leadership on the mission of expanding the state’s economy. The Department’s two major missions include providing a broad, integrated and collaborative set of economic development and tourism industry supports for New Hampshire businesses, its communities, and the people who live in them.

Business Meeting: Visit with DR Dimes American Furniture of Northwood

Tuesday, August 1st, 2017

Mark Laliberte is one of five regional business resource specialists with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development. He covers the Seacoast.

Mark Laliberte and Doug Dimes of D.R. Dimes American Furniture, Northwood

Reaching out to businesses in all corners of New Hampshire is what I do every day, but I am also here when businesses reach out to me with a question or about how to tap into our business resources.

That’s how I met up with Douglas P. Dimes, president and chief designer at D.R. Dimes American Furniture in Northwood. A few weeks ago, he had a question, I had the answer, and ended up having an opportunity to visit and take a tour of the plant.

He’s the second generation producing 18th century reproduction furniture, incorporating 21st century technology.

“We’ve really embraced CNC machining for the production of our products,” Dimes said. “It’s a passion of mine to make things leaner and more efficient.”

D.R. Dimes, Northwood

He showed NH Economy a process that increased precision to one-thousandth of an inch, while reducing production time dramatically.

D.R. Dimes American Furniture is noted for its Windsor chairs

“The customer cares about product, not process,” Dines said, adding that improving the quality of the product also includes a commitment to Lean manufacturing, which, he said, leads to more productivity on the shop floor.

Some well-known restoration projects are furnished by D.R. Dimes, including the Bridges House; the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, for which it created 100 desks, and Harkness tables for Philips Exeter Academy.

“When we see a furniture line or a product we want to build, we work extremely hard to get up-to-speed,” said Dimes. “I see it as a challenge; to quote Calvin Coolidge, ‘Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.'”

 

Mark Laliberte
Business Retention
NH Division of Economic Development