Posts Tagged ‘New Hampshire Employment Security’
Monday, January 9th, 2012
Strategies for securing business financing, tips for how to do business with the state, a look at this year’s top policy issues from the state’s top legislators and more will be the focus of the Business and Industry Association’s 7th Annual Small Business Day at the State House event to be held Jan. 31 at the Holiday Inn, Concord from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The annual small business event, held in partnership with the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC), New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, and local and regional chambers of commerce, is meant to engage small business owners and managers in public policy discussion and debate, as well as provide them with practical and relevant information to help manage and grow their business. Small Business Day is sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire, Bank of America and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.
Small Business Day at the State House will begin with a panel discussion with some of the state’s top elected leaders: Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen and House Minority Leader Terie Norelli (expected). The state leadership panel will focus specifically on top small business issues of 2012 and how state elected leaders will resolve them.
Two presentations will follow the legislative panel. First, New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Linda Hodgdon will explain the ins and outs of doing business with the state. Small business owners interested in supplying the state with everything it needs to function, from pencils and pens to computers and calculators, will learn how to engage in this process.
Next, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon will discuss the recently enacted NH Working programs and how they can help small businesses find the right job applicants. She will also provide an overview of the Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau (ELMI), the type of information available through ELMI and how small businesses might use it to their advantage.
Following a short break, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Chris Way will moderate a panel discussion called “Strategies for Financing Your Business.” Small business owners who feel like securing capital can sometimes be an uphill battle will hear from a panel of commercial lenders and representatives of alternative lending programs about financing options that may be open to them and help their business meet its growth objectives.
Gov. John Lynch has been invited to make closing remarks.
Participating chambers of commerce include the Exeter Area, Greater Peterborough, Hampton Area, Hanover Area, Lakes Region, Merrimack, Mount Washington Valley, Northern Gateway Regional, Plymouth Regional, Waterville Valley Region and Wolfeboro Area chambers of commerce.
The cost to attend Small Business Day at the State House is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast. To register, visit nhbia.org, Events or call 603-224-5388 x116.
Tags: Bank of America, Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, Chris Way, Jeb Bradley, Linda Hodgdon, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, Public Service of New Hampshire, Sylvia Larsen, Tara Reardon, Terie Norelli Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Seventh Annual Small Business Day Slated for 1/31
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) have introduced legislation that would help Americans find and keep employment through on-the-job training (OJT) programs.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen
“Today’s job market is changing rapidly and on-the-job training is an effective and efficient way to transition workers to new industries by giving them both a new job and new skills,” said Shaheen, a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. “These programs are a cost-effective way to provide both training and a livable wage to workers who have fallen into unemployment. By working directly with employers, they exemplify the kind of public-private partnership our recovering economy needs.”
“On-the-job training programs are important for preparing workers for a changing and increasingly diverse job market. Our legislation would provide enhanced resources for matching potential workers with employers who need qualified employees. Mississippi is among the states that successfully use on-the-job training programs to ensure that industry, whether traditional or high-tech, has access to well-prepared workers,” Cochran said.
The On-the-Job Training Act of 2011 authorizes the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to establish and support local OJT programs. OJT programs, which connect unemployed workers with jobs and provide employers with training subsidies, have a proven track record of helping unemployed workers gain new skills to find and retain employment. OJT programs also provide important incentives to small businesses to encourage job growth. The legislation is similar to a bill introduced by Shaheen and Cochran last year.
“I strongly support The On-the-Job Training Act of 2011 as a valuable way to get workers the training and jobs they need. Through on-the-job training, program participants gain workplace experience and have the opportunity to develop both the skills and personal relationships needed to get a job and keep it. I am grateful to Senators Shaheen and Cochran for their continued leadership,” said George Bald, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development.
The Shaheen-Cochran measure is also supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), CLASP, National Skills Coalition, Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW), New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES), New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).
Tags: CLASP, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Jeanne Shaheen, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, National Association of Workforce Boards, National Skills Coalition, New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, Thad Cochran, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Wider Opportunities for Women Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Shaheen and Cochran Introduce On-the-Job Training Act
Monday, November 8th, 2010
FairPoint Communications today announced it is introducing a powerful economic development modeling tool to assist economic development and planning professionals in forecasting regional growth. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the State of New Hampshire Legislative Office Building in Concord. Joining FairPoint Communications State President Teresa Rosenberger were Commissioners George Bald of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Tara Reardon, Department of Employment Security, George Copadis, Department of Labor and Liz Gray, Governor Lynch’s Special Assistant for Policy.
Fairpoint Communications State President Teresa Rosenberger
The Connect NNE Economic Scenario Model™ is a FairPoint-sponsored Microsoft Office Excel-based software tool created to provide information on existing economic conditions and estimate potential impacts of new development and job creation scenarios in New Hampshire and across northern New England. The model allows users to estimate impact on jobs, earnings, output and gross domestic product (GDP) resulting from changing a region’s economic focus.
“In the past two years, we have heard from economic development leaders that they are looking for tools to help them understand influences on the local economies,” said Teresa Rosenberger, state president for FairPoint in New Hampshire. “This software tool will provide local communities with quantitative data to support economic development initiatives that will help the communities grow and prosper and, in turn, provide a benefit to all.”
NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald
“This model will provide economic development professionals across the state with a much needed tool that will allow us to benchmark the region’s current economic status and forecast the impact of future economic and community development strategies,” said George Bald, commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development speaking on behalf of Commissioners Copadis and Reardon as well. “With New Hampshire-specific data, we can compare public infrastructure projects competing for limited available funds as well as calculate the economic impact of a capital investment proposal.”
The model was launched in Maine and has been used by economic development professionals there to show the impact that a soon-to be-abandoned rail spur in Aroostook County would have on jobs and gross domestic product, gaining the attention of Maine’s legislature and providing data to support a bond initiative. Supporters of a charter school in northern Maine used the model to calculate the economic benefit to the area in earnings and jobs, adding quantitative data to the discussion that resulted in the school staying open at its existing location. Output from the model has also been part of discussions on the impact of various plant closures, helping benchmark equivalent job replacement strategies. Annual updates ensure that the model is using the most up-to-date data and that its functionality continues to be improved.
FairPoint is offering hands-on training sessions led by its economic development arm, Connect NNE, at six sites across New Hampshire.
November 8th (2:30-5:00 pm)
Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, 151 Main Street, Nashua, N.H.
November 9th (9:00-11:30 am)
Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Avenue, Concord, N.H.
November 9th (2:00-4:30 pm)
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, 54 Hanover Street, Manchester, N.H.
November 10th (2:30-5:00 pm)
Granite State College, 53 Technology Lane, Suite 150, Conway, N.H.
November 12th (9:00-11:30 am)
Great Bay Community College, 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, N.H.
December 7th (9:00 – 11:30 am)
Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Keene, 74 Railroad Street, Keene, N.H.
Economic development professionals interested in attending one of these sessions are asked to contact jill.wurm@fairpoint.com.
Tags: Connect NNE Economic Scenario Model, Courtyard by Marriott, FairPoint Communications, George Copadis, Granite State College, Grappone Conference Center, Great Bay Community College, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Jill Wurm, Liz Gray, New Hampshire Department of Labor, New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, Tara Reardon, Teresa Rosenberger Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on FairPoint Communications Announces New Economic Development Tool
Monday, June 28th, 2010
With the demand for skilled information technology workers continuing to rise, Microsoft is offering free training to help Granite Staters gain the certification necessary to score well paying jobs and pursue an upward career track.
Through a special initiative, unemployed job seekers have been taking part in free Microsoft training and certification at the 13 NH Works Career Centers throughout the state. On July 1, the vouchers for this training become available on a first come first served basis to anyone 18 years or older.
New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy said the $1.7 million worth of training vouchers distributed through the Microsoft Elevate America initiative will improve the skills and resumes of job seekers taking advantage of the one-time offer.
“Employers have told us they are looking for employees with good computer skills and that it has been difficult to find potential employees with these critical attributes,” Duddy said. “The free training vouchers available at the NH Works Centers will help develop higher skills in Microsoft Office products, as well as some advanced Information Technology (IT) programs.” Duddy’s office launched the program last month in coordination with New Hampshire Employment Security.
The 5,675 vouchers offer training in Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 suites and several IT courses and provides free certification examinations.
Applicants fill out a simple form at a NH Works Center and will receive the free voucher via email or regular mail.
Vouchers must be activated by August 19. For more information, visit http://www.nhworks.org/elevate.cfm.
Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft Elevate America, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, NH Works Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Free Microsoft Training Offer Extended to General Public
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
Governor John Lynch has announced that New Hampshire has joined forces with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to unemployed residents across the state.
Through Elevate America, Microsoft will work with the Office of Workforce Opportunity, Department of Resources and Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security and NH Works Career Centers to distribute 5,625 vouchers for free, online technology training and certification.
(L. to R.) NH Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon congratulates Penny Letourneau of Concord, the first recipient of an Elevate America technology training voucher as NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald and Microsoft General Manager for State and Local Government John Bunn look on.
“Providing training for our workers is one of the best investments we can make in our economy. Through my New Hampshire Working initiative and the Job Training Fund, we have made helping workers get the skills they need to get good jobs a priority,” Gov. Lynch said. “The Elevate America initiative is helping our continuing efforts to get workers the skills and certifications they need so we can help them get back to work.”
The first vouchers were recently distributed at the NH Works Center in Concord by George Bald, Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, and Commissioner Tara Reardon of NH Employment Security. Joining Commissioners Bald and Reardon was John Bunn, Microsoft’s General Manager for State and Local Government.
The free vouchers are available to unemployed residents only until July 1, when vouchers will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis. Vouchers must be activated by users by August 19, 2010.
Vouchers include 2,500 for Microsoft Business Certification Training; 2,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification examinations, and 625 vouchers for advanced Microsoft IT Professional online learning.
“Elevate America helps people to get the critical technology skills they need to get a job in today’s competitive workplace,” said Microsoft’s Bunn. “We believe that this type of public-private partnership will play an important role in rebuilding New Hampshire’s and the nation’s economy by offering immediate access to basic technology literacy and skills training to ultimately improve recipients’ employment prospects.”
“Job seekers can use these online courses from their computers at home, and access the training for up to a year once activated,” said Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon. “Offering access to computer skills training will greatly improve recipients’ employment prospects.”
“Employers at our recent Governors Job Cabinet Roundtable discussions expressed the hope that today’s job applicants be trained in new technology skills, and this opportunity comes at an appropriate time, as employers begin to hire again,” said DRED Commissioner George Bald. “The Elevate America program will help New Hampshire companies remain competitive in today’s marketplace.”
Microsoft Elevate America vouchers can be obtained at the 13 local NH Works Centers throughout the state.
Vouchers can be used for the following training and certifications:
Computer Basics for Beginners – Access basic computer concepts and skills. Perfect for those new to computers. No voucher is required for the beginner courses.
Programs requiring vouchers:
Intermediate Level, Business Worker Online Learning – Select from: Microsoft Windows Vista, Office 2003 or Office 2007 online training. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. E-Learning is accessible for 12 months from activation date.
Advanced Level IT Professional Online Learning – Select a training from Microsoft’s online learning library for IT Professionals and Developers. The cost of certification exams at this level is not covered by this program. Voucher must be activated by August 19, 2010.
Intermediate Level Certification Exams – Certification exams must be taken at a Certiport Testing Location. Select from Office 2003 or Office 2007 exams. Voucher must be activated by August 19, 2010. Certification exams must also be completed by August 19, 2010.
New Hampshire Certiport Examinations Centers are located at:
Blended Solutions Technical Institute
1000 Elm Street, Manchester N H 03101
603-622-4922
Contact: Cindy Kuehl (ckuehl@bstinh.com)
New Horizons of Northern New England
460 Amherst St., Nashua 03060
603-882-4900
Contact: Todd Duhamel (toddd@nhnashua.com)
ATI Institute of Rochester
35 Industrial Way, Suite 150, Rochester 03867
603-330-3533
Contact: Christina Dame (christina@smartati.com)
Manchester Community Resource Center
177 Lake Ave., Manchester 03103
603-647-8967
Contact: Fawn Francis (info@ontracktraining.org)
New Hampshire’s participation in Microsoft’s Elevate America program makes it the 22ndstate to take part in the initiative, which is expected to provide up to one million vouchers nationwide. The program is a part of Microsoft’s overall efforts to provide technology training for up to two million people during the next three years.
Microsoft announced the “Elevate America” program at the National Governor’s Conference in February 2009. The initiative is expected to provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients. The program, part of Microsoft’s overall Unlimited Potential efforts to improve social and economic opportunities for people, will provide technology training for up to two million people during the next three years.
For additional information regarding Elevate America visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/us/communityinvestment/elevateamerica.aspx
Tags: ATI Institute of Rochester, Blended Solutions Technical Institute, Christina Dame, Cindy Kuehl, Elevate America, Fawn Francis, John Bunn, Manchester Community Resource Center, Microsoft, New Hampshire Employment Security, New Horizons of Northern New England, NH Department of Resources & Economic Development, NH Works, Office of Workforce Opportunity, Tara Reardon, Todd Duhamel Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire & Microsoft Make an Investment in Technology Training
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Gov. John Lynch today announced that starting Monday workers and businesses will able to enroll in the first part of New Hampshire Working, the Governor’s jobs initiative.
Gov. Lynch, joined by lawmakers and Employment Security Commissioner Tara Reardon, announced the launch of the enrollment process that will allow workers to participate in up to six weeks of on-the-job training from a potential employer while continuing to collect unemployment benefits. This launch represents one part of the Governor’s three-part jobs initiative.
“This initiative will reduce the upfront costs companies bear in training new workers – making it easier for them to hire. And it will allow workers to get their foot in the door at company looking to hire, giving them the opportunity to show their skills,” Gov. Lynch said.
New Hampshire Working leverages existing resources to help businesses and workers recover from the recession.
“The funding required for these programs is money we are already spending – but with New Hampshire Working we’re spending it better, in a way that is helping companies and workers, and reducing costs for taxpayers,” Gov. Lynch said.
New Hampshire Working, is a three-part approach to help businesses in this economic downturn and help New Hampshire citizens stay at work if they already have jobs, return to work if they are unemployed and ensure that they are ready to work at new jobs.
Senate Bill 501, which is making its way through the legislative process, is required to implement the two other parts of New Hampshire.
Under the other parts of New Hampshire Working, the state will partner with businesses and workers to provide an alternative to layoffs. Companies and workers would agree to reduced hours instead of layoffs, and the state would make up part of the lost wages for workers through unemployment benefits.
Workers would keep their jobs, their health insurance and most of their income. Companies would retain the skilled workers they need to recover. Taxpayers would avoid increased costs as the demand for state services increases as unemployment rises. And, with more people working, New Hampshire’s economy would be stronger.
Under the third part of New Hampshire working, New Hampshire job agencies will develop a plan for assessing the job skills of all newly unemployed workers. Workers will be able to take the results of those assessments to potential employers, giving business owners confidence that new hires will have the necessary skills.
Gov. Lynch has also proposed doubling the state’s job training fund to $2 million a year in 2011 and to allowing Employment Security to use to train unemployed workers.
“I have met a number of our people who everyday are looking for work. We must continue to do everything that we can to help them. That’s the goal of New Hampshire Working. We cannot and will not rest until everyone in New Hampshire who wants a job, can get a job,” Gov. Lynch said.
Tags: New Hampshire Employment Security, New Hampshire Working, Tara Reardon Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Gov. Lynch Announces Workers, Businesses Will Be Able to Enroll in First Part of NH Working on Monday
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
It’s no secret that small businesses are the backbone of the New Hampshire economy. As just another example of the number of people who are interested in either starting or growing their own business, the venue of the Small Business Financing Fair being organized by Senator Jeanne Shaheen has changed to a much larger location. See below for all of the details.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen officially announced today that due to overwhelming demand, the June 29th Small Business Financing Fair will be moved to the Southern New Hampshire University’s Gymnasium located at the Athletics and Recreation Complex. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with more than 40 vendors, including 16 banks and lending institutions.
The Fair will provide current and prospective small business owners the opportunity to network with potential financing partners and learn about state, federal, and private funding resources. Shaheen organized the Small Business Fair with the assistance of the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, the New Hampshire Bankers Association, New Hampshire Employment Security and Southern New Hampshire University.
Those wishing to attend the Small Business Financing Fair must pre-register online at http://shaheen.senate.gov/services/rsvp/.
WHAT: Small Business Financing Fair hosted by U.S. Senator Jeanne
Shaheen
WHEN: Monday, June 29th, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Southern New Hampshire University Gymnasium
Athletics and Recreation Complex
2500 N. River Road
Manchester, NH
Tags: New Hampshire Bankers Association, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Employment Security, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Small Business Development Center, Southern New Hampshire University Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Venue Change for Small Business Financing Fair
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Ladies and gentlemen…..start your job search. New Hampshire Motor Speedway, New England’s largest sporting facility and home to two annual NASCAR races, has been announced as the site of the WMUR Project Economy Job & Career Fair II scheduled to take place Thursday, August 27th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
“It gives us great pleasure to partner with the State of New Hampshire and WMUR to be able to help local job seekers take the next step in their career journey,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway General Manager Jerry Gappens. “New Hampshire Motor Speedway has always placed great emphasis on service to our community and this effort is in great keeping with our mission of giving back to those who’ve helped us become so successful.”
The previous Project Economy Job & Career Fair held April 9th at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester drew over 10,000 job seekers. The massive turnout created parking, traffic and building occupancy problems. Given the size of the Speedway and additional parking space at the facility, organizers don’t expect the same logistical issues.
“The Speedway is actually the best solution for an event of this size and magnitude in the state of New Hampshire,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “If the track can handle 100,000 visitors at a NASCAR race, we have no doubt that it can accommodate all of the job seekers and business owners taking part in the Job & Career Fair.”
Once again, WMUR has assembled a team of state and local partners that will bring together employers and job seekers for a day of networking, workshops and career connections. The Statewide Job & Career Expo is just one facet of Project Economy, a WMUR initiative to help viewers cope with challenging economic times and provide information on subjects as varied as retirement planning and college savings.
“We’re proud of the fact that our Project Economy initiative has not only provided excellent information to help people weather the economic storm, it has also helped many get a job,” said WMUR General Manager Jeff Bartlett. “With only a fraction of the 150 employers reporting in from the first Job & Career Expo, we can already document over 400 hires. Anytime you can put hundreds of people back to work, that’s an effort worth repeating.”
The State of New Hampshire is currently soliciting businesses interested in being part of the August Job & Career Fair. Registration is free but companies are urged to sign up as soon as possible by visiting www.wmur.com/nh-job-fair. All questions about business registration should be directed to Business Registration Coordinator Stuart Arnett at (603) 219-0043.
A separate online registration form is currently being developed by New Hampshire Employment Security for job seekers and should be operational by mid June. In the meantime, job seekers are encouraged to visit the NHES Job Match System at https://nhworksjobmatch.nhes.nh.gov/.
– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director
Tags: Jeff Bartlett, Jerry Gappens, NASCAR, New Hampshire Employment Security, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Stuart Arnett, WMUR Project Economy Job & Career Fair II Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Revving Up Your Job Search
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