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Posts Tagged ‘Southern New Hampshire University’

A Different Kind of Marketing Conference

Monday, November 10th, 2014

 

When you see “Dare. Play. Breakthrough.” on the signs promoting a business conference, you know you’re in for a different kind of experience.

The ‘A-Ha!’ Summit, which this agency helped launch back in 2009, is celebrating its sixth year of bringing the latest information in marketing and social media to New Hampshire professionals. This year, the conference is happening from 9 am to 4 pm, Thursday (Nov. 13) at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

Lani and Allen Voivod, the co-owners of Epiphanies, Inc. in Gilford and co-founders of the Summit, say that they’re thrilled to showcase “top experts in email marketing, mobile marketing, digital media, Instagram for business, content creation, results-driven success coaching, community building, online visibility, and energetic technology.”

The mix, they say, has to do with delivering the right combination of cutting-edge stuff, plus topics that help people get better at the things they’re already doing, and sessions and activities that get people out of their comfort zones.

Definitely not your typical business event.

Of course, we’ve been to the conference every year, and there’s a great opportunity for networking, too, since it draws attendees from a wide range of industries. Business owners, entrepreneurs, marketing managers and staff, and nonprofits groups have all been represented in the past.

One new wrinkle in the event is their keynote speaker, Roderick Russell, and his bio is unusual, to say the least. He’s described as a “professional sword swallower, mentalist, hypnotist and  speaker, driven by an intense desire to explore the fringe of human experience. The author and host of Remarkably Human: The Art & Science of Being Remarkable, his work has been also featured on the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel, CNN, MTV, Maxim Magazine, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and more.” Seems like the right guy to be giving a talk called “Dare to Be Remarkable.”

The other notable in the agenda is the “Online Domination” panel, which promises to cover “branding, responsive design, Internet performance, inbound marketing, search engine optimization, and trend-watching in business for 2015 and beyond.” And what conference would be complete without a free lunch and continental breakfast?

Lani and Allen tell us there are a few seats left, and the place to get tickets is at http://AhaSummit.com. Be sure to find us there and say hello!

Women & Money Forum: Start the New Year on the Path to Prosperity

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

This year’s State of Women-owned Businesses report by American Express finds that women-owned firms account for 27 percent of business in the Granite State, employing 6 percent of the workforce and 6 percent of total revenue.

New Hampshire leads New England in terms of its women’s entrepreneurial economic clout, so … hear us roar.

The annual Women & Money Forum is a must-attend for women (and, yes, men are invited, too) looking to chart a prosperous course for their businesses. Hosted by the Center for Women’s Business Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University, this day-long event is worth learning more about it, so executive director MaryAnn Manoogian takes it from here.

We hope to see you Jan. 9.

Cultivating Prosperity

Does the thought of applying for a loan, buying a car, negotiating a contract, or investing your money make you wince? Do you absolutely love the creative side of your business but can’t find time to determine why you are not making enough money to get ahead?  When someone asks you about your ‘break-even,’ ‘margins’ or ‘forecasts’ and ‘projections’ for growth, do you cringe?

If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, than join us on Jan. 9 for the 2nd annual Women & Money Forum at the Center for Women’s Business Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University (CWBA), Southern New Hampshire University’s Robert Frost Hall, 8:30 am – 4 pm.

Workshop topics will be directed to new and seasoned business owners, as well as how to manage your personal finances. We want to make sure New Hampshire small businesses have the tools necessary to succeed.  Given that the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy finds that 30 percent of new businesses fail within the first two years and 50 percent survive less than five years, the CWBA, in coordination with the state Treasurer’s Office, the US Small Business Administration and lead underwriter Citizens Bank Foundation have assembled a team of CPAs, bankers, attorneys, financial advisors and other top-notch professionals to share their expertise on a variety of topics.

Workshop topics include How to Negotiate; Social Media for Sales; How to Price Your Goods;  How to Price Your Services; Understanding Cash Flow; Top Ten Wage and Hour Mistakes; Registering as a Women-Owned Business; How to Choose a Financial Advisor and Crowdfunding, among many others.

Other sponsors include: Geneia; the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development; New Hampshire Business Review; Labelle Winery; Rath, Young & Pignatelli and Women’s Fund of New Hampshire.

To register, visit www.cwbanh.com or call (603) 629-4697.  Registration includes participation in three workshops of your choice, lunch and opportunities to learn from the experts.

A networking wine-tasting, sponsored by LaBelle Winery, will immediately follow the all-day event.

With a little know-how you truly can take control of your business, your finances and your life.

Listen here to the Women & Money Forum conversation on WTPL FM 107.7, with MaryAnn Manoogian and Chris Way, interim director of the NH Division of Economic Development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorna Colquhoun

Communications Director

NH Division of Economic Development

Free Affordable Care Act Forum Offered to NH Businesses

Friday, July 19th, 2013

Small businesses interested in learning more about the wide-ranging effects of the Affordable Care Act are invited to a free forum scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Southern New Hampshire University Dining Center Banquet Facility.

Countdown to Oct. 1, 2013: The Affordable Care Act and Your Small Business will provide all of the information New Hampshire companies will need to comply with the employer mandate to offer health coverage to employees. Topics to be discussed include coverage for dependents and spouses, qualifications for the health premium tax credit, the composition of the new health exchange and the portion of insurance costs employers will be obligated to pay.

Athough many of the concepts explored will center around small business, larger employers will also find this conference helpful.

Tom Raffio

Tom Raffio

“This is a great opportunity to get ahead of the curve and learn how your company will be affected by this legislation,” said Northeast Delta Dental President and CEO Tom Raffio. (Read his guest blog on the topic.) “Having the right information prior to the introduction of the Act is crucial and we look forward to educating as many small businesses as possible with the help of some top industry experts.”

Presenters will include New Hampshire Insurance Department Commissioner Roger Sevigny, as well as representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Northeast Delta Dental, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Great New Hampshire Restaurants, Inc.

The forum is presented by the Center for Women’s Business Advancement at Southern New Hampshire University in coordination with Northeast Delta Dental, WGIR-AM, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University and New Hampshire Business Review.

Registration is required.

Let’s Get Social …

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Social media. It’s the buzz word these days. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Slideshare, Pinterest. The world can’t be found just in your grandfather’s newspaper anymore – it’s only as far as your computer screen and keyboard.

How to navigate these exits off the worldwide web is now a necessary part of the way we do business and that’s one of the reasons we helped Lani and Allen Voivod of Gilford-based Epiphanies Inc. to found the A-Ha Social Business Summit. It’s happening at Southern New Hampshire University Friday, Nov. 16 and we hope you will join us.

(Today is the last day for early bird registration and now in its fourth year, it’s always been a sell out.)

Naturally, if you can’t make the live event, Allen and Lani have added a Digital Pass option, so you can watch the summit in real time, with streaming online video. Also, each session video will be available on demand, via your computer, for a year after the conference.

Presenters and panelists include leaders from Constant Contact; Dyn, Inc.; HubSpot; Stay Work Play; The Common Man; The Moore Center; Southern New Hampshire University; Flyte New Media; Flock Marketing; The Meltwater Group and Epiphanies, Inc.

Topics include mobile marketing, Facebook, Pinterest, online branding, digital engagement, viral video, inbound marketing, content strategies, social storytelling, reputation management, measurement and metrics and more.

Sounds serious and time consuming. But social media can be fun and creative — and it can be done from anywhere, as Lani and Allen found last week when they were stranded in Las Vegas, awaiting a flight home after attending a social media conference.

While we’re on the social media topic this morning, are you following us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?

Give us a click. Hope to see you at the summit.

 

Lorna Colquhoun

Communications Director

New Hampshire Division of Economic Development

 

 

NH High Technology Council Launches ‘Tech Leaders’: Business Training for the State’s top Techies

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

The New Hampshire High Tech Council  (NHHTC) announced today that it is launching a new business education program, Tech Leaders, to provide leadership training to the top technical staff at the State’s leading technology companies. The Council will partner with the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) School of Business in presenting the novel business program and regularly bring in educators from other institutions and companies to provide a well-rounded program. 

Tech Leaders will provide basic training in essential business disciplines for engineers and technical personnel who are or will be taking on more management responsibility; being asked to collaborate more with their peers in other departments; or moving into management and general business positions within their companies. 

“Through continuous discussion with NHHTC member companies, we’ve identified a gap in available training targeted at engineering and technical professionals who require additional development of core business skills related to finance, marketing, and sales to succeed in their growing job roles,” said Council Chair Tom Daly. “Tech Leaders is an opportunity for New Hampshire businesses to enroll top technical and engineering staff into an intense training program specifically designed to broaden the expertise of the typical knowledge worker.” 

“The program focuses on cross discipline skill development enabling collaboration across all company departments and functions,” Daly continued, “to ensure that those who develop products are able to understand the requirements of the marketplace, to understand the customer through the sales process, and to ensure effective reporting to the company’s finance functions. This type of skill development broadens the scope of knowledge of company operations, enabling greater big-picture thinking, and hopefully, better decision making at all layers, driving company growth.” 

Bill Gillett, dean of the SNHU School of Business, added, “Our faculty is committed to emphasizing applications of theory and knowledge in the real world, with teaching as our first priority.  When the Council approached us about helping with Tech Leaders, it is a natural and logical extension for us.  We are able to leverage our teaching strengths in the classroom and apply them to help local businesses and the State’s economy.”

Tech Leaders classes will include established and emerging leaders that have professional technology-oriented responsibilities within their company or organization.  Applications will be accepted for the 2011-2012 Tech Leaders Program beginning Monday October 3, 2011 and ending Monday October 31, 2011.

The NHHTC Tech Leaders Program will run from December 2011 through June 2012.  The Program begins with an evening Reception in December 2011.  The program includes five all-day sessions which will take place on weekdays at SNHU in Manchester from January through June 2012.   The program days will run from 8 AM – 5 PM.  Links to more information and the registration form will be available on both the NHHTC and SNHU web sites within the next week.  In the interim, they can be requested by e-mailing info@NHHTC.org.  The cost of the five-month program is only $1,200 for individuals employed by NHHTC member companies and $1,500 for non-members.

Senator Shaheen confirmed as Keynote Speaker for Manchester Small Business Week Forum

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

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.

Amoskeag Business Incubator Relaunches as abi Innovation Hub

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Congrats to our friends at the abi Innovation Hub!!

The abi Innovation Hub (abi) (formerly Amoskeag Business Incubator) has unveiled its formal rebranding and 2011 strategic plan focused on technology innovation. The 14-year-old 501(c)(3), originally formed as a collaboration between Southern New Hampshire University and the City of Manchester, believes its stable foundation coupled with its new vision will elevate its relevance and attract the most innovative minds, ideas and businesses in New England. 

abi-innovation-hub“It’s invigorating to have the abi back on the path to changing the business landscape in New Hampshire by creating jobs and wealth, fostering the area’s entrepreneurial climate and accelerating growth of local industry. The rediscovered energy is contagious,” said Ed French, long standing board member and MBA Director from Franklin Pierce University. 

In October 2010, the abi brought on Jamie Coughlin as VP, Strategic Initiatives & Entrepreneur in Residence focused on strategic growth, recruitment of technology startups and innovation, strengthening of affiliate programs, formation of business and non-profit partnerships, building of support programs and services for members, and the creation of a national voice representing the abi and innovation out of New Hampshire.  Working alongside Michele Petersen, VP, Operations, who has been with the abi for three years, Coughlin, a serial entrepreneur and graduate of Princeton University, will lead a new vision of open source entrepreneurship.  

“These are exciting times for people with big ideas and the new abi will literally be a hub for all things startup,” added Coughlin. “In recent years, there has been an influx of new innovation centers, business mentor programs, next generation incubators, angel and venture capital portfolios forming and seeing great success. We recognize that we’ve been behind the times a bit and that many of these organizations have thrived in larger cities, but our new leadership and board is dedicated to harnessing and catapulting innovation in our region.”  

Manchester-based marketing and advertising agency, Griffin York & Krause (GY&K), provided the new branding, packaging and positioning for the abi free of charge, displaying its commitment to entrepreneurship and technology in New England. Touted as a marketing innovation firm, GY&K, dove in with both feet helping to create the abi’s new vision and tagline, “ideas | innovation | impact.” 

The abi has also increased its board of directors from six to 10 members, many focused on Internet startups with specialties in venture capital and strategic investments, patent and IP law, technology operations and production, real estate and property management, sales, marketing, customer service and finance and accounting. Each director brings a shared focus of sustainability and long-term viability, fueled by revenue growth and profitability, which yields continued relevancy for the abi. 

“We knew that we needed to evolve and shift our positioning to return to prominence. Rebuilding our board was our starting point,” said Pete Lachance, Board Chair of the abi and CPA at Howe, Riley & Howe. “We’ve rebranded, are building out a socially connected website, assembled a stable and engaged board, livened up and wired our space, partnered with key technology companies and VC firms, and even have an event series in the works. You will see our board serve as a moving board of mentors for all abi companies past, present and future. Do you have an idea? Are you a startup or early phase business looking to work amongst likeminded entrepreneurs? Join the abi community.”

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.

ITRC to Present Seminar on Doing Business in India

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a steady 9% growth rate. The need for products and services is at high demand due to the growing middle class, making it a great time to enter or expand into the Indian market.

india-flag1That’s why the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (ITRC), in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, is offering a seminar, “Doing Business in India,” on Tuesday, November 16th from 9am to 12pm at its headquarters at 172 Pembroke Road in Concord.

“This is an opportunity for companies to gain an edge over the competition by learning ways to negotiate and create successful partnerships, while the economic relationship between the U.S. and India is growing,” according to ITRC International Training Manager Ellie White.  “The seminar will include background on Indian culture and history, a look at India’s future, strategic and practical considerations of doing business in India, as well as industry trends.”

According to White, the fastest growing industries in India include aerospace and defense, airport and ground handling, computers and peripherals, education services, electric power and transmission equipment, food processing, medical equipment, mining and mineral processing equipment, oil and gas field machinery, pollution control equipment, retail and franchising, telecommunications equipment, textiles, machinery and water.

Speakers will include Atul Sheth, president of Global Service Resources, LLC, and Chetan Chaudhari, vice president of the India Association of New Hampshire, an organization founded in 1989 to serve the needs of New Hampshire’s Indian community. A native of India, Atul Sheth has assisted a number of leading U.S. companies in creating successful partnerships with Indian businesses; and he can offer valuable insights into both the U.S. and Indian business cultures.

The cost for the seminar is $35 per person, including breakfast. Register online at http://exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx. For questions, contact Ellie White at 603-271-8444 or ellie.white@dred.state.nh.us.

White Named International Training Manager

Monday, October 25th, 2010

The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development announced today that Ellie White has been hired as International Training Manager as part of the state’s International Trade Resource Center.

ITRC International Training Manager Ellie White

ITRC International Training Manager Ellie White

In this role, coordinated through a partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, White will be responsible for organizing educational seminars for New Hampshire companies on various international trade topics. 

“With New Hampshire export numbers continuing to rise, it is vitally important to provide our companies with the most up-to-date information and training,” New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy said. “Ellie White, a skilled professional with varied international experience, is the perfect person to lead our educational efforts and help local firms find success in the international marketplace.”

White previously served as Product Marketing Manager at Transparent Language, Inc. where she was responsible for managing the creation of foreign language learning software including localization and product marketing needs.

White brings to the International Trade Resource Center a wealth of international experience she gained through living, traveling and studying abroad. In addition to English, White is fluent in German and Russian, and has conversational knowledge in Mandarin Chinese and French as well as basic communication skills in various other languages. She received her B.A. in International Studies from the University of Maine at Farmington with concentrations in Business/Economics and Chinese/French as well as a minor in Political Science.