Posts Tagged ‘Senator Jeanne Shaheen’
Monday, January 30th, 2012
On Wednesday and Thursday, (1/25 & 1/26), New Hampshire Businesses had the opportunity to meet and speak with Martha Johnson, Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA).
Johnson heads this 12,000-employee federal agency, charged with providing administrative support to the entire federal government. Some examples of their responsibilities:
- Manage 370 million square feet of workspace, providing working environments for 1.1 million federal workers
- Provide credit card services for purchase, travel and fleet services
- ~3,000,000 cards
- ~ 100,000,000 transactions per year
- $30 billion in expenditures
- Operate a fleet of 214,000 vehicles
- Federal Acquisition Service – purchasing goods & services for federal agencies
On Wednesday, Johnson met with about a half-dozen veteran-owned businesses in Keene. The Thursday event, held at St. Anselm’s NH Institute of Politics in Manchester, drew ~30 businesses. Over an hour of the 90-minute session was devoted to Q&A, with most companies seeking insight into how to capture more business with the government.
In addition to Administrator Johnson, GSA was represented by Regional Administrator Robert Zarnetske and Regional Small Business Utilization Director Jerry Smith. Also attending were Amy Bassett from the US Small Business Administration, Scott Merrick representing Senator Shaheen’s office and Dave Pease of the NH Procurement Technical Assistance Program.
Tags: Dave Pease, GSA, Jerry Smith, Martha Johnson, NH SBA, NH-PTAP, Robert Zarnetske, Scott Merrick, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on General Services Administrator, Martha Johnson, meets with NH Businesses
Monday, October 31st, 2011
There’s nothing on a Monday that people enjoy more than good news, so here you go. Our friend Chris Wellington from the City of Manchester Economic Development Office sent us a copy of a release talking about a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting event to celebrate not one….not two….not three, but FOUR brand new retail businesses in downtown Manchester this week. Way to go Manchester!!
Downtown Manchester Celebrates Retail Resurgence with Four Grand Openings on Nov 3rd
The City of Manchester Economic Development Office in cooperation with Intown Manchester announce there will be a Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting event to celebrate (4) brand new retail businesses in downtown Manchester happening Thursday, November 3rd from Noon – 1 p.m. (schedule below).
 A booming restaurant scene in downtown has acted as a catalyst for retail resurgence in downtown Manchester. Several niche retail locations have opened since September, helping to add to the growing unique shopping district within the Central Business Service District. In addition to the businesses to be spotlighted in Thursday’s event, there are three other new retailers who have decided to make downtown Manchester their home including Statement (34 Hanover Street) which sells high-end European/Canadian women’s clothing; Euphoria Emporium (89 Hanover Street) – Manchester’s first oxygen bar and Appcessories (941 Elm Street) who specialize in accessories for Apple products.
The Grand Opening of three more new retail locations as well as the newly opened ’36 Delux’ restaurant will begin promptly at noon Thursday, November 3rd beginning at 36 Delux (36 Lowell Street) followed by Mill Town Market (1053 Elm Street) at 12:15 p.m., Vino Aromas (997 Elm Street) at 12:30 p.m. and ends at Dancing Lion Chocolate (917 Elm Street). Each ribbon cutting will be attended by Mayor Ted Gatsas and representatives from Senator Shaheen and Congressman Guinta’s office.
“There is a downtown retail resurgence and Mill Town Market is proud to be a part of it,” stated Jane Beaulieu, the owner of the Mill Town Market which offers locally-grown gourmet meats and produce as well as locally-made breads and desserts. One of the only items missing from the Mill Town Market is wine. Fortunately Vino Aromas, also celebrating their grand opening on November 3rd, has got you covered. “We offer more than 108 wines from all over the world,” stated Dan Villafranca, owner of Vino Aromas. In addition to buying a bottle of wine, customers can purchase a glass of wine which can be accompanied by a fruit or cheese plate made fresh on-site.
Retail business owners are working with the Open Doors Trolley Tour happening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday night to help lure people downtown to take advantage of all the new retail stores. “Art and Chocolate are a perfect match,” stated Rich Tango-Lowry, owner of Dancing Lion Chocolate which sells premium handmade chocolates not available anywhere else in the country. Rich is a true master of chocolate having studied in France and Tuscany. “I want my customers to see what chocolate should be and provide them with a learning experience when they walk in my door,” stated Tango-Lowry. Dancing Lion Chocolates will be offering formal chocolate tastings and wine pairings throughout the year.
“From our perspective, the downtown area is a work in progress. We managed to weather the retail exodus in the late 90’s and then brought in a first class entertainment arena, the ballpark and we became an arts & culture stronghold. As we have seen in other downtowns, restaurants make way for retail. We have experienced a dining boom and have become a dining capital in the Northeast and the success of those restaurants has paved the way for retailers to recognize downtown as a strong business community. We have seen a dramatic influx of new street level businesses in central downtown and I have no doubt that these new businesses are the beginning of a new niche retail market that will only continue to grow,” said Samantha DePrima, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Intown Manchester.
Whatever you are looking for, downtown Manchester now has you covered. All retail businesses, as well as 36 Delux, will remain open until at least 7:00pm on Thursday, November 3rd and the public is encouraged to attend all four ribbon cutting ceremonies from 12:00-1:00 p.m. For more information regarding the activities schedule for Thursday, November 4th, please call Chris Wellington at 603-624-6505. For a complete list of downtown retail stores, please visit www.intownmanchester.com or call 603-645-6285.
Tags: Appcessories, Chris Wellington, City of Manchester Economic Development Office, Congressman Frank Guinta, Dan Villafranca, Dancing Lion Chocolate, Euphoria Emporium, Intown Manchester, Jane Beaulieu, Mayor Ted Gatsas, MillTown Market, Open Doors Trolley Tour, Rich Tango-Lowry, Samantha DePrima, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Statement, Vino Aromas
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Downtown Manchester Celebrates Retail Resurgence with Four Grand Openings on Nov 3rd
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Senator Jeanne Shaheen will be the keynote speaker at the first annual Small Business Week Forum hosted by Mayor Ted Gatsas and Manchester’s Economic Development Office. The kick-off event will be held on Monday, May 16th from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Southern New Hampshire University. The Forum will also feature a panel discussion on financing options for small businesses, followed by a Small Business Resource Fair. Manchester’s Small Business Week is presented by Citizens Bank.
 U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen As a past Governor and current Senator, Jeanne Shaheen understands the important role small businesses play in our City and State’s economy. “Innovative small businesses are the drivers of job creation in Manchester, in New Hampshire, and across the nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “Their creativity and ingenuity are important keys to America’s future economic prosperity and international competitiveness.” During the event, Senator Shaheen will discuss how she and her colleagues in Washington are working to help small businesses grow and prosper in New Hampshire.
“This week-long event celebrates the contributions small businesses make to our city’s economic vitality, and will provide business owners with resources to help them succeed,” said Chris Wellington, City of Manchester, Economic Development Office. “If you own your own business, or are thinking of starting one in Manchester, this is a great opportunity to network and learn.”
The Small Business Week Forum’s panel will include Kimberly Dee, Senior Vice President, Business Banking Group at Citizens Bank; John Hamilton, Vice President of Economic Opportunity and Managing Director, Vested for Growth at the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund; Marilyn Bogue, Acting District Director at the NH Small Business Administration; and Robert Schwartz Jr., a corporate attorney with Devine Millimet.
Other programming events of Small Business Week include small business workshops at Devine Millimet and FairPoint Communications, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Pecha Kucha; tour of downtown office space by Intown Manchester; New Hampshire High Technology Council Entrepreneurial forum; and a networking event hosted by DYN. The week culminates in the Mayor’s Small Business Awards Breakfast which will recognize three businesses that have demonstrated strong business growth, an innovative approach within their business model, and a commitment to community service. For more information about the activities taking place during Small Business Week, visit www.yourmanchesternh.com
The Small Business Resource Fair following the Forum will feature local and statewide business resource organizations that provide assistance and support to small businesses. Representatives from the various organizations will be available to provide information and advice for a number of topics important to small businesses including financing, healthcare options, city regulations, creating a business plan, legal issues, legislative issues, “greening” your business, social media, marketing plans and much more. Registration forms for the Small Business Week Forum are now available online by visiting www.yourmanchesternh.com and clicking on the Small Business Week link.
The Manchester Small Business Week is made possible by presenting sponsor Citizens Bank and supporting sponsors Devine Millimet, DYN Inc, Fairpoint Communications, Public Service of New Hampshire, MVP Healthcare, WEDU and Printer’s Square.
For more information about the programs and events scheduled during Manchester Small Business Week or to register for an event please contact Chris Wellington at 603-624-6505 or visit http://www.yourmanchesternh.com/smallbusinessweek/default.aspx.
Exhibitors for the Small Business Resource Fair scheduled for the kickoff event at Southern New Hampshire University include: Citizens Bank, Devine Millimet, MVP Healthcare, Public Service of New Hampshire, Fairpoint Communications, WEDU, Printers Square, NH Small Business Development Center, NH Division of Economic Development, abi Innovation HUB, NH Community Loan Fund- Vested For Growth, Manchester Young Professional Network (MYPN), Interface Financial Group, City of Manchester Fire Department, City of Manchester Health Department, City of Manchester Building & Planning Department, City of Manchester City Clerk’s Office, Manchester Economic Development Office, SCORE, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Intown Manchester, NH High Technology Council, NH Small Business Administration, Business and Industry Association of NH, StayWorkPlay NH, New Hampshire Businesses For Social Responsibility, and Capital Regional Development Center.
Tags: Chris Wellington, Citizens Bank, Devine Millimet, DYN, FairPoint Communications, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Intown Manchester, John Hamilton, Kimberly Dee, Manchester Economic Development Office, Marilyn Bogue, Mayor Ted Gatsas, MVP Healthcare, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, New Hampshire High Technology Council, NH Small Business Administration, Pecha Kucha, Printer's Square, Public Service of New Hampshire, Robert Schwartz Jr., Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Southern New Hampshire University, Vested for Growth, WEDU
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Senator Shaheen confirmed as Keynote Speaker for Manchester Small Business Week Forum
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Gov. John Lynch today announced Fraser Papers has reached an agreement to sell the paper mill in Gorham to MM Consulting and Contracting Company, which if finalized would save the mill and about 240 jobs.
 Governor John Lynch “I extremely pleased that we were able work together to identify a buyer with a plan to keep the mill open. This mill is important to the North Country economy, and it’s important that we keep our workers employed,” Gov. Lynch said. “It is because of the workers – and their skills and strong work ethic – that made this agreement possible.”
In September, Fraser Papers announced it would be shutting down the mill indefinitely on Oct. 13, after a potential purchaser could not secure sufficient financing. The State of New Hampshire has been working with Fraser find a buyer that would continue to operate the mill.
“I want to thank Governor Lynch for all of his efforts. The Governor took an active role in seeking a new buyer for the mill, and it is part of his deep commitment to the North Country,” said Berlin Mayor Paul Grenier. “Governor Lynch made available (Department of Resources and Economic Development) Commissioner George Bald and all the resources the state could offer to save the mill. I am forever grateful to the Governor and George Bald for all their efforts and their commitment to the people of the North Country. It is truly a beautiful day in Gorham and Berlin.”
Gov. Lynch recently met with representatives of MM Consulting and Contracting Company to discuss the purchase of the mill. The Department of Resources and Economic Development made it a priority to identify a buyer that would keep the mill open.
If the agreement is finalized and the mill reopens, a project to bring a gas line to the mill to help reduce operating costs will also move forward. The $4 million project is being funded from various local, state and federal sources.
“I want to thank George Bald and the staff at DRED who worked tirelessly to try and keep the mill open. And I want the thank Senator Jeanne Shaheen for her efforts, including securing federal funding for the gas line project,” Gov. Lynch said.
Tags: Fraser Papers, MM Consulting and Contracting Company, New Hampshire Department of Resources & Economic Development, Paul Grenier, Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Gov. Lynch Announces Agreement Reached to Purchase Fraser Paper Mill in Gorham
Friday, October 16th, 2009
Thanks to Mike Firestone in Senator Shaheen’s office for passing on the information about new community facilities loans and grants available through USDA Rural Development. If anyone is interested in taking advantage, Mike would like to know, so that he and his staff could be helpful. Mike can be reached at: 202-224-6299 (office) or mike_firestone@shaheen.senate.gov.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY FACILITIES LOANS & GRANTS
Now is a great time to finance the capital project you have been planning! There is an unpreced ented amount of available funds. We may not see this amount of $$$ again for years!
Apply now, don’t miss out!
- COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANTS UPDATE
• To take advantage of unusual funding opportunities, we are not setting an application deadline for grants in 2010.
• We are encouraging all projects with defined budgets and matching funds to apply as soon as possible.
• Community Facilities Loans can be the match and we strongly encourage loan/grant combination applications.
• While the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are still available, we anticipate they will be committed early in 2010. Apply soon! First come, first served.
• Maximum ARRA grant is $100,000; maximum regular program grant is $50,000.
- COMMUNITY FACILITIES LOANS UPDATE
• Loan funding is plentiful and we anticipate that it will remain so throughout the year.
• Interest rates remain low – 4.25% through December 31, 2009.
- AREA OFFICE CONTACTS
• Belknap, Sullivan, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Rockingham Strafford, Merrimack Counties:
Karen Demers at 603-223-6045 or Karen.Demers@nh.usda.gov
• Carroll, Coos, Grafton Counties: Anne Getchell at 603-447-3318 Ext. 5 or Anne.Getchell@nh.usda.gov
DETAILED PROGRAM INFORMATION http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/cp.htm
Tags: Anne Getchell, ARRA, Karen Demers, Mike Firestone, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, USDA Rural Development
Posted in NH Business Matters | Comments Off on Breaking News: USDA Community Facilities Loans & Grants Available
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
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