Every five years, the US Department of Agriculture conducts a national census, providing for states, including New Hampshire, a snapshot of agriculture in the state, trends on the rise, the health of farms and farming activities.
The most recent census covers from 2012 to 2017 and the final report was issued in April.
Tune in herefor this month’s edition of New Hampshire Business Matters.
This month’s guest on New Hampshire Business Matters is Gail McWilliam Jellie, of the state’s Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, talking about some of the findings in this year’s census report.
New Hampshire Business Matters airs monthly on WTPL-FM 107.7
Some highlights:
Average farm size is slightly smaller than 2021
Farm-related income is up 29 percent
The number of women operating farms has increased about 20 percent from 2012.
Tune in for an interesting discussion about the state of agriculture and how it contributes to the New Hampshire economy.
With momentum building following successful fall and winter travel seasons, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs expects significant growth for the summer 2019 travel season, projecting more than 3.6 million overnight visitors will spend about $1.9 billion – a 2.7 percent increase in visitation and spending over last year.
BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell, joined by representatives from BEA’s Division of Travel & Tourism Development and a local tourism partners, kicked off the summer travel season today in Littleton, unveiling its summer travel forecast and marketing campaign.
“As our state’s second-largest revenue generator, tourism is absolutely vital to our economy here in New Hampshire,” said Caswell. “Summer is our busiest travel season, representing more than 40 percent of our total annual visitation, and this year we’re anticipating substantial growth. We pride ourselves on our variety within proximity, which is never more evident than in summer, when visitors can experience an incredible range of experiences in one trip – or even just one day.”
The state’s summer marketing campaign continues to build on the Live Free brand, while positioning New Hampshire as the northeast’s premier travel destination.
BEA will focus its summer campaign on the New England market, including Hartford, Conn., Portland, Maine, and Providence, R.I., along with the major metropolitan markets of Boston, New York, Montréal and Toronto.
In addition to New Hampshire’s strategic marketing and advertising initiatives, lower gas prices and high consumer confidence as strong indicators supporting a successful summer season.
Granite Forge LLC, a contract manufacturer of medical devices, is opening its first operation in Hudson, where it plans to hire 25 employees.
Michael Bergeron, business development manager with the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, assisted in Granite Forge in choosing New Hampshire as its location.
Granite Forge, which forges and machines implants for total joint replacement (hips, knees, shoulders), trauma surgery, and extremities such as wrists and ankles, will be a supplier to major orthopedic implant companies in domestic and international markets.
“We have invested significantly in the latest technology in order to provide the highest quality products and service to our customers,” said Chief Commercial Officer Pat O’Neill.
“We decided to locate in New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border, because of the available talent in both states, the proximity to critical suppliers and contractors, and the financial freedom that low tax New Hampshire offers,” said Mel Speidel, chief operating officer and general manager for the Hudson facility.
The new facility is, said President/CEO Greg Davis, a state of the art, 24,000-square-foot plant equipped with the latest machining, finishing and inspection equipment.
“We are looking for experienced CNC machinists, metal finishers, quality inspectors, and press operators,” Davis said. “We are also hoping to partner with local educators to help train and develop the next generation.”
Gary Stavrum, a partner and investor in Granite Forge, sees growing global demand for high quality forged orthopedic implants, and recognizes a need for additional contract manufacturers to support the growth of this market.
The New Hampshire team at BIO International, from left: Jennifer Briggs Braswell, ARMI|BioFabUSA; Michael Bergeron, BEA; Cindy Conde, NH Tech Alliance; Jared Matthews, ARMI|BioFabUSA; Colleen Cowette, ARMI|BioFabUSA ; Cynthia Harrington, BEA
One of the largest trade shows for the biotech industry is happening this week in Philadelphia, where more than 16,000 people from around the world are expected to attend BIO 2019, the BIO International Convention.
They are telling New Hampshire’s story and how it fits into the global biotech ecosystem, such as our 300+ companies here involved in life sciences and medical device manufacturing; our proximity to Boston; our business-friendly climate, and outstanding quality of life.
Who is coming by the booth? A representative of a Canadian company seeking to expand his business in the US; a French businessman wanting to know more information about visiting the state, and many, in part of the ebb and flow of trade show traffic, who stop by to reminisce about weekends, summers, holidays and vacations spent in the Granite State.
Visit us at Booth 328.
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire Showcases Growing Bio-Tech at BIO 2019
Last week’s NH Works partner conference, sponsored by the State Workforce Innovation Board, drew over 150 professionals from across the state for a daylong event at Manchester Community College featuring the theme Partnering for Recovery.
