Posts Tagged ‘Roy Duddy’
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.
 The 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.
Tags: Beth Roberts, Cathy Schmidt, Center for Women's Business Research, Citizens Bank, Dale Carnegie NH, Deb Titus, FairPoint Communications, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Lauran Star Raduazo, McLean Communications, Nancy McCabe, New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, New Hampshire Home Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, Parenting NH Magazine, Public Service of New Hampshire, Rosemary Tator, Roy Duddy, SERESC, Sharron McCarthy, Teresa Rosenberger, Women Inspiring Women
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on New Hampshire Conference for Women Scheduled
Monday, September 13th, 2010
Taking a page out of a Buddy Holly classic song, PaladinID has developed an outdoor color ink that truly defines the term “not fade away.” In the process, its new label solution has led to the company being named the “Innovation Rocks!” award winner by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center for the month of September.
 While most outdoor label applications use blank white labels, the Laconia-based designer of cost-saving barcode/RFID systems, created an outdoor color ink that dramatically exceeds the fade-resistant life of other inks available on the market today. It was developed specifically for outdoor appliances requiring variable print at the time of manufacture.
“This innovation is perfect for the Smart Meter market and has worldwide impact,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “No matter how extreme the elements, Smart Meter manufacturers will now have the benefit of a New Hampshire made product that has an outdoor lifespan of more than 15 years.”
For more information about PaladinID, visit www.paladinid.com.
“Innovation Rocks!” is an initiative sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center in coordination with Rock 101 (WGIR-FM) and the The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of New Hampshire innovators.
Tags: Buddy Holly, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, PaladinID, Roy Duddy, Smart Meter
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
Monadnock Paper Mills was green before green was cool. Back in 1973, the company installed its own wastewater purification facilities before federal regulations for the Mill were even established. That was just the beginning of a long, fruitful and enduring relationship between the Bennington-based paper manufacturer and the environment.
For its long history of environmental stewardship, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. was recently presented with the 2010 Greenerpalooza Award as part of the Greenerpalooza III festivities at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion. Presented by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center and the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in coordination with key sponsors Public Service of New Hampshire, Citizens Bank and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review, Greenerpalooza is a celebration of energy efficiency efforts in the state of New Hampshire. With the backdrop of a Sheryl Crow concert, attendees were able to learn more about the latest energy efficient products and services offered in the Granite State.
 (L. to R.) Citizens Bank President Cathleen Schmidt joins Monadnock Paper Mills CEO Richard Verney, Public Service of NH Economic and Community Development Manager Pat McDermott, NH Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy, Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Marketing Director Chris Lockwood and NH Business Review Advertising Consultant Trudy Sutherland at Greenerpalooza III. “Monadnock Paper Mills is a model of how businesses can both ‘go’ and ‘remain’ green,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy in making the announcement. “Long before there was a strong national push to become more energy efficient, Monadnock was demonstrating corporate citizenship of the highest order.”
Amongst the company’s many accomplishments, Monadnock generates electrical power with five turbines on four low-impact hydroelectric dams along the Contoocook River. Over the course of a year, the normal flow of the river allows the company to produce up to 50 percent of its electric needs, a clean, renewable energy option that reduces Monadnock’s overall dependence on fossil fuels.
In addition, four years ago, Monadnock replaced over 1,000 facility lighting systems from old fluorescent fixtures to new fluorescent fixtures with QHEL Supersaver electronic ballasts, reflector and supersaver lamps. They also replaced over 100 standard on/off switches and ceiling mounted fixtures with occupancy sensors. The quantity of energy saved is approximately 794,948 kWh per year, with an estimated annual savings of $115,124.
Perhaps most impressive, the mill’s solid waste, or short paper fiber extracted during the water purification process, is 100 percent reclaimed and used by New Hampshire’s local farms in applications such as compost and animal bedding as well as in the production of manufactured topsoil.
“There’s no doubt that this company is an example of how a business can not only be profitable, but also be environmentally aware and helpful to its neighbors,” Duddy added. “The Greenerpalooza Award is designed specifically for model companies like this.”
To learn more about Monadnock Paper Mills, visit www.mpm.com. To discover the latest happenings with Greenerpalooza, visit Greenerpalooza III Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greennh.
Tags: Citizens Bank, Greenerpalooza, Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, Monadnock Paper Mills, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Business Review, Roy Duddy, Sheryl Crow
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development has announced the hiring of Justin Slattery as Regional Business Resource Specialist.
 In his new position, Slattery will plan and implement development strategies which will build economic opportunity for businesses in Cheshire, Sullivan and Grafton Counties. He will work hand in hand with companies on issues ranging from permitting and site selection to energy efficiency and workforce training while also providing strategic counsel to local community and economic development officials.
Slattery’s prior work assignments have included helping clients recruit and acquire acute talent in several high-tech disciplines, managing operations and human resources for a New Hampshire non-profit, working with individuals and companies statewide to access training and career counseling resources available through NH Works and the Workforce Investment Act and serving as Director of Citizen Services for Governor John Lynch focusing on economic development and labor projects.
“Justin’s mix of public and private industry experience is a great advantage in understanding the needs of the business community and connecting companies with the resources they need to grow and succeed,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “He comes armed with a variety of experiences and a strong knowledge base that makes him a very valuable addition to our team.”
Slattery is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Political Science. A New Hampshire native, he grew up in Pelham and currently resides in Goffstown with his wife, Amy.
Tags: Amy Slattery, Justin Slattery, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, NH Works, Roy Duddy, Workforce Investment Act
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Monday, August 16th, 2010
A new thermoplastic seal for the automotive industry has led to Hutchinson Sealing Systems being named the “Innovation Rocks!” award winner by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center for the month of August.
 The seal, which replaces conventional rubber and steel composite seals, stops water and dust intrusion while sealing automobile glass. In addition, it leads to a quieter car ride by helping to manage wind noise.
The all thermoplastic seal is completely recyclable, lighter in weight than conventional rubber and steel composite seals and is also more aesthetically pleasing.
“The thermoplastic seal developed by Hutchinson is a great advancement not only for the automotive industry but also for use in the industrial and aerospace industries,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “This type of technology that transcends multiple industries and has wide application is a great example of the incredible innovation and creativity of companies in the Granite State.”
For more information about Hutchinson Sealing Systems, Inc., visit www.hutchinsonworldwide.com.
“Innovation Rocks!” is an initiative sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center in coordination with Rock 101 (WGIR-FM) and the The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of New Hampshire innovators.
Tags: Hutchinson Sealing Systems Inc., Innovation Rocks!, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown, Rock 101, Roy Duddy, WGIR-FM
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Sometimes remembering to bring your cell phone along can be as difficult as memorizing the words to the Gettysburg Address.
Thankfully, a new product designed by Manchester-based Bringrr is providing helpful reminders for forgetful cell phone users as well as reassurances for busy people “on the go.” For its efforts in creating a product that saves both time and productivity, Bringrr has been named the “Innovation Rocks!” award winner by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center for the month of July.
 With CTIA – The Wireless Association announcing that there are over 276M cell phone subscribers in the United States, Bringrr’s development of a product that gives users a “safety net” to ensure that they have their mobile technology when they need it most is particularly timely.
The way that Bringrr works is simple – it works in any car and with any phone that has Bluetooth capabilities. All the user has to do is plug it into a car’s power port or lighter outlet and pair it with a cell phone. Once the car has started, Bringrr searches for the cell phone to confirm that it is in the car. If the phone is found, Bringrr sends out a short, reassuring auditory confirmation and its light turns blue. If the cell phone isn’t detected, Bringrr sends out an auditory warning and its light turns red.
“Everyone knows how incredibly frustrating it can be to leave home on a busy day without your cell phone,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “That’s why a product like Bringrr is particularly noteworthy and important to everyday living. While in the past, you could drive 20 or 30 miles before realizing that you’ve forgotten your phone, now you can resolve that issue before you even leave the driveway.”
For more information about Bringrr, visit www.bringrr.com.
“Innovation Rocks!” is an initiative sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center in coordination with Rock 101 (WGIR-FM) and the The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of New Hampshire innovators.
Tags: Bringrr, CTIA, New Hampshire Business Resource Center, Rock 101, Roy Duddy, The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown, WGIR-FM
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Bringrr – Improving Memories One Cell Phone at a Time
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
On Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11—on what normally would have been a quiet weekend—cars and trucks with ATV trailers packed parking lots along Route 110 in Berlin and filled municipal lots with access to the local ATV trail. The reason: the Can-Am Jericho ATV Festival, a first-time event at Jericho Mountain State Park that brought thousands of ATV enthusiasts to the North Country.
 (Photo Credit: Lorna Colquhoun/NH Grand) Roy Duddy, Interim Director of the NH Division of Economic Development, the agency that provided the seed money to develop the event through a federal grant administered locally by the North Country Council, says the event exceeded expectations.
“A crowd of more than 2,000 spectators and ATV and UTV riders and enthusiasts attended the two-day event—a huge turn-out for a new event,” he said. “We’re especially pleased because the Festival is part of a key economic development initiative funded by the State that’s designed to bolster and stabilize the economy of Coos County and establish it as an outdoor recreation center. The event introduced the newest State Park to a wide audience and showcased it as off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) hub for the region.”
Duddy praised the many agencies, organizations and individuals who made the event possible.
“In New Hampshire, we’re really good at bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to push economic development initiatives forward in new and creative ways,” he said. “Here we have a State Park and a festival that can serve as an economic engine for Berlin thanks to the efforts of the local ATV clubs, the Trails Bureau and State Parks staffs, local businesses, and Festival sponsors. We were able to make it a free event—no admission was charged—and to encourage out-of-state riders to come, since any ATV or trail bike that was used only at the event— that is, within Jericho Mountain State Park, the Cross-City Trail and the Success Trail—didn’t need a NH registration during the Festival.”
The biggest draw of the Festival was mud pit competition at what organizers believe is the biggest such manmade “mud bog” in New England. Local ATV clubs ran an obstacle course and poker run competitions, a “romp in the hay,” a fry pan toss, and guided trail rides on the Park’s scenic trails; while the Trails Bureau ran a scavenger hunt and was on hand with information about OHRV use. Riders were able to demo the latest Can-Am ATV models or talk with representatives from local clubs about riding in the area.
For Duddy, the true test of the event was how it impacted local businesses.
Pam Feldhouse, owner of the Cedar Pond Campground in Milan wrote event organizers, “We were full of festival people! We had a great weekend—they all were happy with the festival and everyone is looking forward to next year! We sent people to local establishments throughout the weekend for meals, shopping and essentials like ice and beverages. It certainly filled a weekend we wouldn’t have normally filled.”
Janice Thompson, an attendee from Massachusetts, wrote, “Just wanted to say thanks for a great time yesterday at the ATV Festival. We live in Massachusetts (have an ATV registered in NH) and got my cousins in Vermont to join us at the festival. The trails are beautiful, and despite a bit of rain, a good time was had by all. We spent about five hours there. Hope to see it get bigger and better next year. Congratulations on a job well done and thanks again!”
Duddy says plans are already being formed for next year’s event.
“I understand that the date for the 2011 festival will likely be announced next month,” he said. “There’s such a huge potential here. As we get more people vacationing and riding in Berlin, the outlook for the local economy should improve. I wouldn’t be surprised to see ATV enthusiasts purchasing second homes in the area. All around, it’s a win-win situation.”
Jericho Mountain State Park is open year round 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except during mud season: April (or loss of continuous snow cover) through May 23. A NH registration is required for all OHRVs except during the Festival. For more information on the Park and the Festival, visit www.JerichoATVFestival.com.
Tags: Can-Am Jericho ATV Festival, Cedar Pond Campground, Janice Thompson, NH Bureau of Trails, NH Division of Economic Development, NH Division of Parks & Recreation, Pam Feldhouse, Roy Duddy
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Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Nearly 30 commercial real estate brokers recently joined the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s business recruitment team on a regional bus tour of available facilities in Farmington, Rochester, Dover, Somersworth and Portsmouth.
“Telling someone about a great site for a business expansion or relocation is one thing, but showing them allows them to get a real feel for the property,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “In addition to providing an overview of available commercial real estate, we also had a captive audience to speak to about free State services that can help their clients’ businesses to thrive in New Hampshire.”
 Sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire, the Summer Real Estate Tour gave participants insight into larger commercial projects taking place throughout the state and also provided introductions to economic development representatives from each municipality. While on the bus route between stops, State Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron gave a presentation on area demographics, labor needs and housing trends.
“I found the economic development representatives from the Seacoast towns to be very informative and positive in their presentations,” said Leonard, Lee & Company Vice President Pam Lynch. “I was very impressed to see the amount of new construction and business expansions in the area, especially in the manufacturing and medical office sectors. Those are the types of jobs that will drive New Hampshire’s economic recovery.”
“Vowing to learn at least one new thing every day, I was ecstatic to have attended the bus tour,” added Bob Anderson of Prudential Verani Commercial. “With experts from many different Seacoast cities and towns, this was a very eventful and informative trip.”
Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott welcomed the chance to participate after helping to coordinate similar tours in the North Country as well as southern New Hampshire.
“Providing commercial real estate brokers with the information they need to make wise decisions for their clients creates economic development opportunities in New Hampshire,” McDermott said. “New businesses mean new jobs and increased economic prosperity for all citizens.”
Tags: Bob Anderson, Leonard Lee & Company, Michael Bergeron, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Pam Lynch, Pat McDermott, Prudential Verani Commercial, Public Service of New Hampshire, Roy Duddy
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on State Business Recruitment Team Takes to the Road
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Hypertherm has announced plans to hire and train up to 15 more CNC Machinists for the third time this year. Hypertherm made the announcement just weeks after they hired 14 machinists in June.
“This is tremendous news for both the company and for potential employees in New Hampshire and Vermont,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Hypertherm, which was recently named our ‘Innovate in the Granite State’ award winner, continues to offer well-paying high tech jobs with an upward career trajectory. We salute their efforts and are pleased that they continue to grow and thrive in New Hampshire.”
 The CNC machinist positions are for second and third shift operations. Workers will earn a starting wage of$12 per hour with full benefits. Wages may increase incrementally over two years to $14-16 per hour, based on each individual’s performance.
“We are fortunate to have the challenge of expanding our workforce needs to meet growing demand for ourproducts. How well we meet this challenge will be determined by how well we can hire and educate a trained workforce,” said Jim Miller, Hypertherm’s Vice President of Manufacturing.
The hiring will be conducted through their partnership with the River Valley Community College’s STAR program. The STAR program launched in December of 2008 offers workers an accelerated, two-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship while being employed with Hypertherm. At the same time, these workers will earn college credits which can be applied towards an associate’s degree at the college.
“River Valley Community College is committed to the creation of education and training that serve the needs of employers, the New Hampshire workforce, and the economic development needs of the state and our region. This partnership represents a strategy that builds upon the strengths of the college, our state economic development agencies, and the private sector in delivering a truly comprehensive program leading to job placement,” stated Steve Budd, President, River Valley Community College.
Program participants will be selected through a rigorous recruitment process beginning with a mandatory job fair to be held on Saturday, July 17th at the Hypertherm Technical Training Institute in Lebanon, NH starting at 8:00am. The job fair will include presentations from Hypertherm staff as well as assessments and interviews with Hypertherm recruiters.
Participants will also have the opportunity to receive a nationally recognized industry certification through the USDOL Apprenticeship Division.
“The New Hampshire State Apprenticeship Council is proud to be a part of this program,” says Charles Vaughan, of the New Hampshire US/DOL apprenticeship office. “The STAR education model is unique and will give us an opportunity to evaluate a different way of thinking about
training apprentices throughout the state.”
The STAR program is funded by two grants from the US Department of Labor, one secured through the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and one secured through the office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont.
“New Hampshire’s and Vermont’s desire and commitment to recruit and educate CNC machine operatorsmeets a critical need of the Upper Valley business community.” said Jim Miller. “We very much appreciate the support we are receiving on both sides of the river. Although we are located in New Hampshire, many of our associates live in Vermont.”
Applications are encouraged as soon as possible. Individuals interested in applying to the program must visit the college website at www.rivervalley.edu to fill out an online application. Questions and inquiries can be directed to Jim Britton, River Valley Community College, at (603) 542-7744 x346, or email at jbritton@ccsnh.edu. Up-to-date program information will be posted regularly on the website.
Tags: Charles Vaughan, Hypertherm, Hypertherm Technical Training Institute, Jim Britton, Jim Miller, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, River Valley Community College, Roy Duddy, Senator Patrick Leahy, Steve Budd, USDOL Apprenticeship Division
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
A strategic plan for growing the manufacturing base of the Merrimack Valley calls for increased collaboration among industry, education and workforce agencies in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Leaders from both states recently unveiled the “Merrimack Valley Regional Innovation Grant” plan, the result of a $250,000 federal grant that surveyed the needs of manufacturing companies in the two-state region.
 “The Merrimack Valley has 90,000 advanced manufacturing jobs, split equally between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, representing 18 percent of the region’s total employment and nearly 60 percent of the region’s gross domestic product,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “It’s vitally important to both states that we address the challenges and opportunities in manufacturing from a regional viewpoint.”
Duddy said manufacturers were surveyed and follow-up interviews were conducted to determine what measures are needed to prepare workers for success in the highly competitive advanced manufacturing environment.
“We know that advanced manufacturing in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics and biometrics can produce good paying jobs in homeland security, medical equipment manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace and other areas of growth,” he said. “Advanced manufacturing requires workers skills with computers, the ability to read and translate diagrams and flow charts, and the ability to work in teams. We should align our educational and workforce training programs to meet these needs.”
The grant partners included workforce development agencies in Lawrence and Lowell, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire’s Office of Workforce Opportunity.
The strategic plan also calls for increased coordination in responding to layoffs and closures to get workers re-employed, new and innovative approaches to training incumbent and dislocated workers, and increased participation by career technical schools, community colleges and other educational facilities.
The Merrimack Valley Manufacturing Advocacy Collaborative, a group of manufacturing employers in the region, has been formed to engage stakeholders, including public and private companies and institutions.
A new web site, www.mvrig.org has been launched to coordinate and distribute data and ideas for sustaining and growing the manufacturing sector in Merrimack Valley.
Tags: Merrimack Valley Manufacturing Advocacy Collaborative, Merrimack Valley Regional Innovation Grant, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Office of Workforce Opportunity, Roy Duddy
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Plan Released for Merrimack Valley Manufacturing Growth
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