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“Green Scene” to Debut Today

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire and the “New Hampshire Today Show With Jack Heath” on WTPL 107.7 FM are making a scene and companies throughout the Granite State couldn’t be happier.

green-recycle-img1Today, the aforementioned partners will be debuting a new radio segment called the “Green Scene.” To be aired at 3:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month, the “Green Scene” will be dedicated to New Hampshire companies and initiatives geared toward energy efficiency, sustainability and responsible energy practices.

On today’s inaugural segment, “New Hampshire Today Show” host Jack Heath will be joined by Dennis Randall, owner and CEO of Portsmouth-based EARTHTEC, an apparel manufacturer that utilizes recycables to create outerwear. EARTHTEC has created jackets for the NH Fisher Cats staff, winter hats for a UNH men’s hockey giveaway and soft shell jackets for the Portsmouth Police Department among many other customers. For more details about their great work, visit www.earth-tec.com.

Special thanks to Public Service of New Hampshire for their sponsorship of the segment and to Jack Heath and the WTPL staff for the opportunity to share some great stories via the airwaves. Please be sure to listen to today’s segment and all that follow!

– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director

Job Seekers Being Provided With Tools to “Begin With Yes”

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

When developing an effective job search strategy, it’s best to keep this simple theory in mind – Positive attitude plus positive action leads to a positive result.

begin-with-yesThat’s the philosophy of award-winning human services CEO and local author Paul Boynton who is working with a team of State and private sector partners to help unemployed New Hampshire citizens access the tools and resources they need to return to the workforce.

Boynton, CEO of Manchester-based social service agency The Moore Center, announced today that he will be offering free downloads of his successful “Begin With Yes” inspirational book to any unemployed New Hampshire citizen throughout 2011 via a special download from his www.beginwithyes.com Web site. In tandem with this effort, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, White Mountains Community College, Public Service of New Hampshire, Logo Loc and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review will hold the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” at White Mountains Community College in Berlin on Tuesday, March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

“The lessons you learn in my book about the power of being positive and setting attainable goals are all good, but there needs to be a corresponding action plan to turn those good thoughts into activity,” Boynton said. “That’s why we’re not only offering free downloads to folks who are out of work, but are also providing them with the concrete set of tools they need to conduct an effective job search. It’s a two-pronged approach.”

In addition to Boynton’s keynote address, there will be four other general session workshops – “Job Search – Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters” (White Mountains Community College speaker TBD), “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search” (Dr. Russ Ouellette, Sojourn Partners), “Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You” (Kevin Shyne, North Country Tech Prep Director and Leadership North Country Executive Director) and “Social Media Basics for Job Seekers” (Allen Voivod, Epiphanies, Inc.).

“Recognizing that helping to develop a job ready workforce is a primary goal of education, White Mountains Community College is thrilled to be a part of this event,” said White Mountains Community College President Kathy Eneguess. “We look forward to lending the expertise of our staff in developing and coordinating workshops that provide valuable information to citizens looking for a fresh start backed with new ideas.”   

Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream and Portsmouth-based Kinney Hill Media Partners, the entire event will streamed live at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream .  

“Though the event is taking place in the North Country, we are definitely committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to this great information,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Whether you’re someone who has been out of work for a long time or someone who is underemployed and is just seeking a new career direction, you’ll truly benefit from the combination of Paul’s book and the interactive workshops.”

“Public Service of New Hampshire is proud to take an active role in sponsoring and being on the coordinating committee of such a creative and proactive event in the state’s North Country,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “Helping our citizens to get back to work and build a stronger workforce and local economy is a mission that everyone embraces and we’re just happy to be able to do our part.”

Unemployed citizens can download copies of “Begin With Yes” free of charge at http://www.beginwithyes.com/purchase.html. They will need to click the “ebook” option and enter YESNH in the discount code box. Admission to the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” is also free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.

Strategies for Managing Healthcare Costs Focus of Panel at Small Business Event

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

A discussion about strategies and opportunities for controlling healthcare costs, 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 6th Annual Small Business Day at the State House event to be held Feb. 1 at the Holiday Inn, Concord from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

small-business-webThe 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 and business associations, 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, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire, and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.

Small Business Day at the State House will begin with a panel discussion with the state’s top elected leaders: Senate President Peter Bragdon, House Speaker Bill O’Brien, Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen and House Minority Leader Terie Norelli (awaiting confirmation). The state leadership panel will focus specifically on top small business issues of 2011 and how state elected leaders will resolve them.

Following a short break, a panel of experts in the healthcare sector will participate in a panel discussion titled “Health Care – Why Is It So Expensive and What Can My Small Business Do About It?” Panel participants include Lisa Guertin, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire; Steve Gerlach, an attorney with Bernstein Shur; and Dan Cronin, CEO of CGI Employee Benefits Group. They will explore various theories about why health care is so expensive in the Granite State and discuss strategies and opportunities for small businesses to control rising healthcare costs.

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center will present the event’s final breakout session titled “Move Your Business Forward with e-Tools,” a preview of two of the center’s new e-courses. Hollis McGuire of the NH SBDC will discuss the course Financing a Business in NH, which covers the variety of financing options available to New Hampshire small business owners. Christine Halvorson of Halvorson New Media will outline the second course, Social Media for Business, which unravels the array of products and uses of social media for business.

Participating chambers and business associations include the Grantham Area, Greater Claremont, Greater Keene, Greater Peterborough, Greater Salem, Hampton Area, Hillsborough, Lakes Region, Lebanon Area, Lincoln-Woodstock, Merrimack, Plymouth Regional, Souhegan Valley, Waterville Valley Region and Wolfeboro Area chambers of commerce, the New Hampshire Association of Insurance Agents, and the New Hampshire High Technology Council.

The cost to attend Small Business Day at the State House is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast. To register, call 603-224-5388 x116 or visit nhbia.org.

Common Man Captures Top Economic Development Honors

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Excellent customer service, delicious food and commitment to the community was all part of the recipe that led to the Common Man Family of Restaurants being named “Company of the Year” as part of the “2010 Commissioner’s Awards for Economic Development Excellence” recently announced at the 15th Annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit held at Southern New Hampshire University.

Common Man Owner Alex Ray (center) receives the “Commissioner’s Company of the Year” award from New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald (l.) and New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy (r.).

Common Man Owner Alex Ray (center) receives the “Commissioner’s Company of the Year” award from New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald (l.) and New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy (r.).

“With great attention directed toward creating the perfect customer experience and an unyielding desire to be a true community partner, the Common Man has become a New Hampshire treasure,” New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development Commissioner George Bald said. “This is a company that has incorporated charitable giving and service to others as part of its corporate philosophy resulting in a world class business worthy of emulation.”

What started as a small Ashland restaurant with only enough room for 35 customers, the Common Man has grown to 17 restaurants, two inns, a company story and a movie house. However, Alex Ray and his staff are known just as much for their community service and charitable endeavors as they are for their award-winning eateries. In January 2010, upon learning of the devastation caused in Haiti after a massive earthquake, the Common Man Family of Restaurants put forth a “Common Effort for Haiti,” event, donating 50 percent of all food sales at 15 of its locations to disaster relief efforts.

Closer to home, the Common Man has supported countless non-profit agencies with funding, food donations and even the creation of Webster Place Center, a non-profit, residential treatment facility to assist those struggling to overcome alcohol and other drug abuse and dependence.

Other category winners are as follows:

“Commissioner’s Special Achievement Award” – Stay Work Play organization for their efforts in youth retention and letting young people know about all of the work and cultural amenities available in New Hampshire.

“Commissioner’s Exemplary Effort Award” – Jim Hinson, State Program Coordinator/Corporate Relations for New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation for his advocacy work in helping people with disabilities to secure employment.

“Commissioner’s Teamwork Award” – New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for its efforts to streamline permitting processes for New Hampshire businesses.

“Commissioner’s Award for Media Excellence” – Business New Hampshire Magazine for fashioning a 26-year history of exemplary journalism.

The 15th Annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit was sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Sales Protocol with support from media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.

myExpertNet – Free Online Business Solutions From Industry Experts

Friday, November 5th, 2010

I’m glad to share this update on our myExpertNet initiative sent along by the Knowledge Institute’s Deb Osgood, one of our chief friends, co-conspirators and collaborators.

myExpertNet is growing!

An innovative new online social community called myExpertNet is providing an essential link for individuals in New Hampshire who are interested in starting their own business or already in business.

online-business-networking1Located on the web at www.myExpertNet.org, individuals can pose questions about issues related to owning and growing a small business. These questions are forwarded to prescreened, volunteer business practitioners who offer a response at no cost based on their respective areas of expertise. Unlike most social media, this prescreening process assures that questions are responded to by individuals who work in the field or particular business disciplinary area being investigated.

myExpertNet is a free public service available to all New Hampshire residents. There are presently more than 100 “Experts” listed in 26 business topic categories. In the past four months, myExpertNet has served an average of over 1,100 visitors per month and fielded questions related to strategies for increasing sales in a down economy, how to take a patented invention to market, where to get a tax identification number and how to launch a web-based business.

The growth of myExpertNet has a lot to do with the viral marketing nature of being a social community. Registered experts are spreading the word through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and website links to help more people access the business advice they require. Individuals are emailing and texting each other as they benefit from the business advice that they are receiving.

With more individuals considering self-employment and other forms of entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to working for someone else or for subsidizing employment income, myExpertNet provides a timely and much needed source of quality networking.
 
myExpertNet is a public/private collaborative initiative between Knowledge Institute, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Comcast Business Class and Public Service of New Hampshire, Centrix Bank and Unitil. To pose a business question, register as an expert or learn more, visit www.myExpertNet.org or contact Knowledge Institute at Info@bdki.com or (603) 658-0340.

Semi-Finalists for NHHTC’s “Product of the Year” Award Announced

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

A panel of judges on behalf of the NH High Technology Council (NHHTC) selected eight semi-finalist companies vying for the opportunity to win the 2010 Product of the Year award. 

high-technologyThe semi-finalist companies are as follows:  Warner Power, Hypertherm, Ektron, JitterJam, GSSI, Skyscan, Travel Brains My Tour Guide, and VGO.

Company representatives will make formal presentations and the judges will select up to five finalists. All finalists will be awarded the Product of the Year Judges’ Award. These Finalist Judges’ Award Winners will pitch their products at the Product of the Year banquet held on November 15th at the Radisson Hotel-Center of NH in Manchester.

 “We had a very strong pool of applicants this year and the judges will be challenged to narrow it down further.  The quality of products coming out of New Hampshire companies right now is very high and we should be excited about the product development capabilities of our technology sector,” said Art Bruinooge, member of the NHHTC Board of Directors and POY event chair.

The event requires audience engagement and participation, as the entire audience casts their vote for their top product after the presentations are made.  The audience vote counts towards 50% of the final tabulation and the initial judge’s vote counts for the remaining 50%. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the banquet and will earn the prestigious NHHTC Product of the Year crystal trophy, which was designed for the Council by Pepi Hermann. The trophy and the finalist’s winning product will be on display in a highly visible location at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

Companies that have won the Product of the Year award over the past four years were Nanocomp Technologies, UltraVision, Insight Tech Gear, and Holase, Incorporated.  Several prominent organizations are sponsoring this year’s POY event.  They include DYN, FairPoint, Cook, Little, Rosenblatt, Manson PLLC, Sadler Insurance Agency, One Beacon Technology Insurance, GT Solar, Public Service of New Hampshire, Dell and JBC Communications.  Additional sponsorships are available.  For more information and to register, go to www.nhhtc.org.

Winners will be announced next week.

Winners Celebrated at 8th Business Excellence Awards

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

It was a real pleasure for the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development to be a sponsor of last night’s New Hampshire Business Review “Business Excellence Awards” at Southern New Hampshire University. This was a great celebration of New Hampshire’s  best and brightest companies and the good folks at NHBR were rewarded for their hard work with a packed room.

Special congrats are in order for “No Bull Business Blog” guest blogger Dr. Russ Ouellette of Sojourn Partners who was recognized with an award in the “Business Services” category. Way to go Russ!!

Here’s a recap of last night’s festivities:

New Hampshire Business Review honored 14 individuals at the 2010 Business Excellence Awards, which recognize the efforts and achievements owners of businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

More than 50 nominations in 13 categories were received, making the job of the 14 judges that much more difficult.

More than 300 people attended the Oct. 20 event, which was held at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

Because of the extraordinary number of accomplished candidates, NHBR also named a tie in the Retail category and finalists in several other categories.

NHBR also announced two inductees into the Business Excellence Hall of Fame, which singles out people whose entire careers have been marked by a consistent and impressive record of accomplishments, both in their chosen fields, in their communities, and across the state and beyond. These honorees were selected by a separate panel of judges.

“Each of the businesspeople who receive these honors has a different story to tell,” said Sharron McCarthy, president of McLean Communications and publisher of NHBR. “But what they have in common is determination, industriousness and the ability to come up with innovative solutions that have allowed their businesses to survive and thrive, regardless of economic conditions, and a commitment to serving their communities.”

NHBR Editor Jeff Feingold

NHBR Editor Jeff Feingold

Jeff Feingold, editor of NHBR, said, “We would like to salute all of the nominees, the people who nominated them and the winners themselves for their contributions toward making New Hampshire a great place to do business.”

Emcee was Charlie Sherman, host of WGIR-AM’s morning news talk program.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening benefited Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, which advocates for New Hampshire children in the state’s court system in cases of neglect and abuse.

The winners of the 2010 NHBR Business Excellences Awards were:

"Business Services" winner Dr. Russ Ouellette

"Business Services" winner Dr. Russ Ouellette

• Excellence in Business Services — Russ Ouellette, Sojourn Partners LLC, Bedford
• Excellence in Construction — G. Hayden McLaughlin, Belknap Landscape Co., Inc., Gilford
• Excellence in Financial Services — Frank Teas, The Nashua Bank
• Excellence in Health Care — Joshua Siegal, M.D., Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, Exeter
• Excellence in Hospitality — Carol Sheehan, The Red Arrow 24 Hr. Franchising Inc., Manchester
• Excellence in Media & Marketing — Linda Fanaras, Millennium Integrated Marketing Inc., Manchester
• Excellence in Nonprofits — Peter Kelleher, Partnership for Successful Living, Nashua
• Excellence in Professional Services — Jonathan Halle, Warrenstreet Architects, Concord
• Excellence in Real Estate — Quentin Keefe, Regency Mortgage Corp., Manchester
• Excellence in Retail (tie) — Susan Lozier Robert, Frederick’s Pastries, Amherst; Curt Jacques, West Lebanon Feed & Supply
• Excellence in Technology — Jason Alexander, Alexander Technology Group, Bedford

The 2010 NHBR Business Excellence Hall of Fame Inductees were:

• Alex Ray, founder, Common Man Family of Restaurants
• Lew Feldstein, former chairman, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

The judges for the 2010 NHBR Business Excellence Awards were:

• Jennifer Boulanger, loan officer at Capital Region Economic Development Corp. in Concord and former executive director of the Belknap County Economic Development Council based in Laconia
• Robin Comstock, president and CEO, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• Roy Duddy, interim director, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development
• Lou Guevin, former chairman, Junior Achievement of New Hampshire
• Julie Gustafson, president and CEO, Amoskeag Business Incubator, Manchester
• Richard Hanson, professor, accounting and taxation, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester; executive director, Institute for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, SNHU
• Mahboubul Hassan, professor, economics and finance, SNHU
• Lise Howson, vice president and business banking relationship manager, Citizens Bank
• Witmer Jones, New Hampshire district director, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Dave Juvet, senior vice president, Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire
• Patrick F. McDermott, economic and community development manager, Public Service Company of New Hampshire
• Tim Sink, president, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
• Ashley Smith, business editor, The Nashua Telegraph
• Chip Underhill, senior marketing manager, FairPoint Communications, Manchester

Sponsors of the event were FairPoint Communications, Laconia Savings Bank, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Public Service of New Hampshire, J Maze Design, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Merrimack Street Volvo, WGIR-AM 610, New Hampshire Public Television and Southern New Hampshire University. — NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW

New Hampshire Conference for Women Scheduled

Monday, October 4th, 2010

A recent study by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that women now own 40 percent of private firms and that women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion in revenue and employ 16 percent of the workforce, making them significant players in the national economy.

In order to help spur the creation of new women-owned businesses and supporting existing firms, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire and Women Inspiring Women will host the New Hampshire Conference for Women on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SERESC Conference and Training Center, 29 Commerce Drive, Bedford, NH.

“This is a great opportunity to not only celebrate the many outstanding female business leaders in the state, but to also encourage budding female entrepreneurs to make their business dreams a reality in the Granite State,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy.

women-in-businessThe day will include five educational sessions, exhibitors and networking and begins with the “Learn, Grow and Succeed” panel discussion featuring Cathy Schmidt, President of Citizens Bank NH, Beth Roberts – VP, Northern New England, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Teresa Rosenberger – NH State President of Fairpoint Communications and Deb Titus – Managing Director of Dale Carnegie NH. It will be moderated by Leslie Sturgeon of Women Inspiring Women.

Other sessions include “Turning a Transition into a Triumph” with Nancy McCabe, “Developing Your Personal Power” with Lauran Star Raduazo, and “Make More Time for You: End the Overwhelm” with Rosemary Tator. The day concludes with “Girl Talk: An Inspirational Conversation with Sharron McCarthy,” who is President of McLean Communications and serves as the publisher of New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Home Magazine and Parenting NH Magazine.

As a result of a generous contribution from the NH Division of Economic Development and Public Service Company of New Hampshire, the registration price is only $25 and includes lunch. NH Business Review is serving as the media sponsor for the event. Reservations are needed and space is limited. Contact Women Inspiring Women at (603) 744-0400 or visit www.wiwnh.com for more information and to register.

According to Leslie Sturgeon, founder and president of Women Inspiring Women, “This will not only be a day of inspiration, education and transformation but a day filled with fun surprises, exhibitors, door prizes and great networking as well.”

Women Inspiring Women was founded in 2007 in the Lakes Region by Sturgeon to give women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get together at educational, fun and inspirational events on a monthly basis. Since that time the organization has expanded to Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Bedford and the Seacoast, hosts bi-weekly events, and quickly become the state’s largest organization for women’s empowerment, personal development and networking.

2nd Annual NH Social Media Business Summit Scheduled

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

A whopping 500,000 of Facebook’s 500 million global users live in New Hampshire. Twitter recently crossed the 100 million user threshold and became the third largest search engine in the world, besting all but Google and YouTube. More than 80% of companies, recruiters, and human resource professionals report scanning online channels – including social networking sites – to research candidates, find prospects and weed out applicants.

Epiphanies Inc.'s Allen Voivod holds court at last year's Social Media Business Summit.

Epiphanies Inc.'s Allen Voivod holds court at last year's Social Media Business Summit.

In an effort to bring this ever-growing impact and power of social media to more New Hampshire businesses, organizations and professionals, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, in partnership with social marketing and success strategies firm Epiphanies, Inc. and Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), will host the second annual “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit at PSNH, 780 North Commercial Street, Manchester, on Monday, September 27th. To ensure content is geared to the needs and skill levels of the attendees, the Summit will be split into two three-hour sessions for two different audiences, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

“The shift in how we connect and communicate is changing the way business is done in New Hampshire and beyond,” says New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “If you want to be competitive and relevant to your target market, your community, and in your industry, you have to actively explore what’s happening – and what’s possible – in the social media realm. This Summit is the place to do exactly that.”

The Morning Session, from 9:00am to noon, is designed for social media beginners, small business owners, professionals in mission-driven organizations and passionate entrepreneurs. Presentations include “Social Marketing on a Shoestring Budget” and “Facebook on Fire: Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts to Fuel Your Success on the World’s Hottest Social Network.” The last hour will feature the NH Entrepreneur Success Panel, featuring: Christy Cegelski, Drink Skinny, LLC; Stacey Lucas, Veggie Art Girl; Bill Rogers, Now or Never Media; and Steve Varnum, Communications and Marketing Director, NH Community Loan Fund.

The Afternoon Session is geared for people who are already running with one or more of the major social media platforms – including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and blogging. Ideal for social media enthusiasts, community leaders, marketing mavens, brand managers, bold entrepreneurs, and visionaries of mission-driven organizations, the afternoon’s presentations include “Facebook Marketing: Customization, Fan Building, and Advertising” and “Engaging the Social Senses: Listening, Monitoring, and Measuring.” Additionally, there will be a Cross-Industry NH Success Panel, featuring Erica Murphy, Director of Communications and Community Relations, The Common Man; Paul Boynton, Author of Begin With Yes and CEO of Moore Center Services; Steve Boucher, Communications and Legislative Director at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development; and Abby Fitchner, Microsoft’s Developer Evangelist for Startups.

Summit Sessions will be presented and moderated by Lani and Allen Voivod, co-owners of Epiphanies, Inc., whom Boucher calls the Division’s “social marketing gurus,” and who’ve delivered workshops, webinars, slidecasts, and boot camps online and off, for Chambers of Commerce, trade associations, and business development events throughout the Granite State and for clients and entrepreneurs across the country.

“We received tremendously positive feedback from last year’s New Hampshire Social Media Business Summit,”  PSNH Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott said. “We’re proud to help bring these ideas and strategies to the business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders who play such an important role in New Hampshire’s economic growth and vitality.”

“Our goal is to connect the dots, empower action, and incite attendees to thrive with these tools, channels, and platforms,” said Lani Voivod. “The opportunities are here waiting for them.”

“With social media as with business, belief is everything,” Allen Voivod added. “We aim to help people believe in their own bigger picture of possibility and success.”

As a special gift to New Hampshire’s business community from the Division of Economic Development and PSNH, admission to this event is free. However, there are only 100 seats available for each session, so early registration is strongly suggested. To register, go to www.AhaNH.com. For more information, call Epiphanies, Inc. at (603) 524-5248, or email events@EpiphaniesInc.com.

Greenerpalooza to Get a Style Makeover

Friday, August 6th, 2010

This year’s Greenerpalooza concert goers will be more stylish, coiffed and manicured than ever before…guaranteed. That’s thanks to Acorn Organic Salon who are donating their “green” hairstyling services to ensure that this eco-friendly show is the social event of the year. 

acorn-organicA team of Acorn Organic stylists will be on hand at the August 12th Greenerpalooza III concert featuring Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion to provide a wide array of services including hair cuts, herbal foot soaks, updo/styles and chair massages. They will also hold a raffle for a “spacation” where the winner and three friends will receive manicures, pedicures, massages and deep conditioner treatments as well as dinner and drinks. Other raffle winners will receive gift certificates and product baskets. All proceeds will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation to help wildlife affected by the BP oil spill.

“We thought that it was only fitting to use our skills and talents to raise money and awareness at this premier green event,” said Laura Mackay, co-owner of Dover-based Acorn Organic Salon. “Our whole business model revolves around reducing toxicity, reusing materials, and recycling, so participating in Greenerpalooza is a natural for us.”

Now in its third year, Greenerpalooza is a celebration of energy efficiency/green efforts in the Granite State. Set against the backdrop of the Sheryl Crow/Colbie Caillat concert, there will be over 30 exhibitors displaying the latest in wind, solar and other alternative energy sources as well as “green” products and services.  The event is sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion as well as media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.

Acorn, a member of the Green Alliance Co-op, has long supported sustainable business practices, utilizing all organic products in their salon, reusing bags, performing online booking instead of utilizing paper appointment books and shipping collected hair to be woven into oil spill hair mats as part of the Matter of Trust initiative.

acornproducts“This is a business that is 100 percent dedicated to doing the right thing in every aspect of their operations,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “From the products they use to their charitable endeavors in the community, Acorn is a company that is setting an example worthy of emulation in the Granite State.”

At Greenerpalooza, Acorn stylists will be offering a variety of services at reduced cost in order to maximize contributions to the National Wildlife Federation.

“Greenerpalooza is a great way for the New Hampshire business community to send a strong message that going green and protecting the environment is within everyone’s grasp,” said Acorn co-owner Alle Degan. “There are little things that each one of us every day can do to make the small differences that really add up.”

Tickets to the Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat concert, which include entry into the eco-village, are available online at www.meadowbrook.net. To learn more about the latest happenings with Greenerpalooza, visit the newly created Greenerpalooza III Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greennh.  To learn more about Acorn Organic Salon, visit www.acornorganicsalon.com.