NH Division of Economic Development
YouTube Facebook Twitter Twitter
Why New Hampshire Move Start Grow About Us

Add Government Contracting to Your Post-COVID-19 Business Strategy

April 13th, 2020
Dave Pease is the program manager for the New Hampshire Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our lives in a matter of weeks, business strategies need to focus on survival, current opportunities and future growth. Here at NH PTAC, we are seeing all of these strategies every day in government contracting.

Government spending is continuing, particularly when it comes to defense spending, which is unabated, or accelerating, and as the pandemic daily creates new demands for supplies and service to meet new needs.

NH PTAC encourages its clients to spend some time considering:

–          Existing government contracts and subcontracts and whether your performance will be impacted by workforce limitations and/or supply chain reliability,

–          Current rights and obligations under existing contracts & subcontracts

–          Positioning your company to achieve optimum results in challenging economic times;

–          Updating key systems, including SAM registrations, as well as NAICS codes to reflect any changes to your products and services;

–          Reviewing your Dynamic Small Business Search to ensure your capabilities narrative and key words are current.

There is another side of this global pandemic to consider, especially its effect on world economies and what will be needed rebuild or recharge them.

Now is the time to think about what’s ahead. In the context of a recession, is government contracting more attractive to you while B2B opportunities are recovering? Will your business be positioned to compete effectively for government contracts?

As we all work to flatten the curve, which may be providing a little extra downtime right now, think about investing that time in government market research; updating, or achieving small business certifications, such as WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), and developing new strategies and longer-term opportunities.

NH PTAC is a free service for New Hampshire businesses and can help you with any of the suggestions outlined above. Contact govcontracting@livefree.nh.gov  or click on our webpage for more information.

Call FOR Covid-19 Supplies

March 25th, 2020
New Hampshire companies and manufacturers with the capacity to meet the critical demand COVID19 is placing on the nation’s healthcare centers can now connect with the State of New Hampshire for coordination.

The State seeks companies that can donate or produce lab, testing or diagnostic supplies, personal protection equipment (PPE), or medical expertise.

“New Hampshire companies are nimble, innovative and ready to produce for critically needed supplies in the fight against COVID19,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “This portal will help us assess the capabilities of companies and make sure their products reach the medical professionals who need them.”

Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Commissioner Taylor Caswell said he wants to hear from companies that can immediately produce PPEs, including N95 and medical face masks; surgical gowns; face shields; ventilators; latex gloves, and swabs.

“I’ve already heard from dozens of companies who are ready to adapt and adjust their operations to provide the protection, equipment and knowledge base to stop the spread of COVID19,” he said. “I am confident our companies can make a significant contribution to this effort.”

On www.nheconomy.com/covid19, companies will find a link to a list of the needed products and links to the Center for Disease Control guidelines for their production. BEA will work with companies to coordinate and facilitate distribution.

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES

March 20th, 2020
The past few weeks have presented challenges not only here in New Hampshire, but all over the world. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs has already heard from hundreds of businesses and we are working with our federal and state partners to bring forward resources to help address the needs of our business community.

We have launched a one-stop resource for businesses needs during this difficult time and it will be updated regularly.  Click here to access that information.

Governor Sununu requested a disaster declaration from the US Small Business Administration to speed the delivery and access of federal low interest loan products to New Hampshire businesses.  On March 18, New Hampshire received a statewide declaration of disaster from the SBA, which means that business in all counties within New Hampshire are eligible for the loan program.

More information is available on our web portal.

This situation is unlike anything we have seen before.  On the upside, we go into this downturn with many strong economic fundamentals.  Our goal is to do whatever we can to reduce the financial burden facing businesses across this state in hopes that when we come out the other side of COVID-19, we do so in as strong of a position as possible. 

I urge you to use BEA and other state resources to help you in this regard.  We will not be able to solve every issue, but we are damn well going to try.  I say all the time our strength in this state are our communities, and among the most admirable of those is New Hampshire’s business community.  

I wish you, your families, and your employees the best for whatever is next. BEA and the State of New Hampshire are here if you need us.  

Respectfully,
Taylor Caswell
Commissioner
Department of Business & Economic Affairs

Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Round Now Open

March 4th, 2020

The Northern Border Regional Commission’s 2020 Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant materials are now available. Eligible organizations, which include nonprofit and government entities, with projects located in Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, and Sullivan and parts of Belknap and Grafton Counties, are eligible to apply.

“This Northern Border Regional Commission grant program is geared toward projects that strengthen infrastructure and promote economic development,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

An information session will be held from 10  – 11:30 am, March 12 at the Plymouth Town Offices, 6 Post Office Square, Plymouth. Proposals will be accepted for projects related to transportation, telecommunication, renewable energy and basic public infrastructure; business and workforce development; basic health care; and resource conservation, tourism and recreation.

The commission, created by Congress in 2008, provides funding for projects in rural counties across northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.


The application materials are available at nbrc.gov.


In 2019, the NBRC awarded 14 grants in New Hampshire totaling over $3.7 million and leveraged over $2.5 million in other funds to complete projects.  Projects funded in the last round include the expansion of a culinary workforce development project to support the hospitality industry; a road reconstruction project that supports the redevelopment of a mill building; and several water projects that support existing businesses and business development.

The deadline for submitting applications is May 15. For more information about the grant program, contact Mollie Kaylor at the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs at 271-6305 or mollie.kaylor@livefree.nh.gov.

New Hampshire Business Matters Segment Explores Housing and the Economy

February 28th, 2020
Will Arvelo, Dean Christon, NH Housing Finance Authority on WTPL- FM

A strong indicator of a healthy economy in New Hampshire is also one that presents a challenge. The state’s historically, and continuing, low unemployment rate and low interest rates has increased the demand for housing, and decreased the supply of available units.

In this month’s New Hampshire Business Matters on WTPL-FM 107.7, Division of Economic Development Director Wil Arvelo discusses the state’s housing market with Dean Christon, executive director and CEO of the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.

Tune in for an interesting discussion of the situation and what is being done to ease the market.

During the month of March, the NHHFA hosts free homebuyer fairs across the state, which will give prospective home buyers resources to get them on their way to owning a home of their own.

For more information, click here.

New Hampshire Exports Set New Record, Top $5.8 Billion

February 19th, 2020

For the third straight year, New Hampshire exports set a new record, topping $5.8 billion in 2019, up 10 percent from 2018, according to federal trade data.

“The latest export numbers show that New Hampshire has entered the global arena as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “With an educated workforce, access to regional markets, and a pro-business environment, the Granite State is the most desirous state in the nation for companies to locate themselves.”

Aircraft parts for civilian aircraft was the state’s top export in 2019 and Germany continued to be the state’s top trading partner, followed by Canada, Ireland, Mexico and Japan.

Aircraft and spacecraft parts rose 68 percent to $1.3 billion from 2018, overtaking industrial machinery as New Hampshire’s leading export, followed by electric machinery, pharmaceutical products, and optics.

“New Hampshire businesses recognize the importance of global markets, which we’ve seen reflected in record-setting trade statistics over the past three years,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “More than ever, we are committed to helping domestic and international businesses access new markets for their products.”

As part of New Hampshire’s pro-growth initiatives, Sununu established the nation’s first state-level United States-Mexico-Canada trade council to encourage further growth and improved trade relations with Canada and Mexico.

Caswell, chairman of the new state trade council, said the trade statistics demonstrate New Hampshire’s value for international supply chains.

“New Hampshire stands alone on the East Coast of North America as a low-tax, pro-growth location for domestic and international business market access into the U.S. or the East Coast, and we have every intention of aggressively growing the competitive advantage for our employers,” he said.

In addition, BEA’s Office of International Commerce is recruiting partner businesses at ILA Berlin, which highlights aviation, defense and security, and unmanned systems for companies interested in the European market May 13-17, 2020.

OIC works with state federal partners, including the US Commercial Service, to provide New Hampshire businesses export compliance training and other resources to expand into world markets. For more information, visit nheconomy.com/office-of-international-commerce.

Nation’s First State-level Trade Council Reaffirms Export Relations, Growth in Global Markets for New Hampshire Businesses

January 23rd, 2020

The Jan. 22, 2020 executive order by Gov. Chris Sununu establishing the nation’s first state-level trade council widens New Hampshire’s trade doors for businesses, manufacturers, tourism and more.

Following U.S. Senate ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the new trade council will leverage growth and opportunity with industry leaders experienced in North American trade. It will also serve as a clearinghouse of information for state businesses, a forum focused on accessing and understanding USMCA provision details, develop resources and training for companies exploring or expanding into markets in Canada and Mexico, and help facilitate investments by companies in those countries in the New Hampshire economy.

“The new trade council will allow us to quickly help New Hampshire exporters take full advantage of the new agreement and navigate the new rules,” said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the Department Business and Economic Affairs, and chairman of the new state trade council.  “New Hampshire has grown its export value by over $1 billion over the past four years, and we expect 2019 to be another record setting year. 

“The trade council,” Caswell continued, “will bring together industries, state, provincial, and federal resources in all three countries, academia, and will reaffirm our strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico.”

The three countries historically have been New Hampshire’s top trading partners. As of November 2019, trade with Canada is up 30 percent over 2018, while it has dipped with Mexico by 3.4 percent. The top commodities exported to both countries include aircraft and spacecraft parts, industrial and electric machinery, and medical and surgical optics, which are key economic drivers of the state’s economy.

“New Hampshire companies are more competitive than ever in the global marketplace and it is vital that we take full advantage of the new USCMA environment,” Caswell said. “International trade helps our companies diversify their customer base and create jobs, and provides new opportunities for research and partnerships in life sciences, education exchanges, and so much more in terms of economic development all over the state.”

Alberto Fierro Garza, the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, said his agency is “very much looking forward to being part of the USMCA Trade Council in New Hampshire. It is a pioneer initiative in the field and will certainly promote closer ties and enhance trade opportunities between New Hampshire, Canada and Mexico.”

Harnois Appointed as Director of NH’s Division of Travel and Tourism Development

January 14th, 2020

Tourism industry leader Lori Harnois was confirmed by the Executive Council Jan. 8 as the first state tourism director appointed by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and will begin Jan. 31.

Lori Harnois

For the past five years, Harnois served as executive director of Discover New England, a six-state collaborative international travel and tourism marketing organization based in Portsmouth. She has deep knowledge of New Hampshire’s tourism industry having previously served at the former Department of Resource and Economic Development.

“We are pleased to have Lori in this role as she brings tremendous knowledge, experience, and a forward-thinking approach,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “Tourism is critically important in New Hampshire as our second-largest revenue generator and Lori’s skillset, strategic vision, and expertise make her an easy choice for this critical state position.”

Under the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), the tourism director role includes the execution of the state’s Tourist to Talent talent attraction plan. Under this strategy, Harnois will develop associated strategies to support business and workforce recruitment, using marketing and branding created for tourism to drive workforce development and strengthen New Hampshire’s growing economy

“Lori has more than 20 years of leadership promoting New Hampshire and New England as domestic and international tourism destinations, making her uniquely qualified to assume the role of state tourism director,” said BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell. “With keen marketing insights from the entire region, Lori will allow New Hampshire to refine its marketing, stand apart in the region and draw more visitors as we continue to reinforce that the Granite State is the premier destination in the northeast for living, working and playing.”

During her tenure at Discover New England, Harnois developed and executed a strategic direction for the promotion and marketing of New England, which resulted in a 22 percent increase in international visitation and a 41 percent increase in international visitor spending. Harnois also oversaw a full rebranding of Discover New England, while presiding over the region’s largest travel trade conference.

“New Hampshire is a unique and special place, I’m excited to have the opportunity to work for the division again,” Harnois said. “I look forward to sharing my passion for New Hampshire and applying my two decades of experience to attract people to the Granite State both from a tourism and an economic development perspective.”

Amy Bassett, deputy director of DTTD, has served as acting director since April 2019.

NH Tourism Officials Expect Travelers to Make More Than 1 Million Visits this Winter

December 19th, 2019

The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development forecasts travelers will make more than 1 million visits to the state this winter and will spend more than $1 billion.  

“New Hampshire is the premier travel destination in the northeast throughout the year, but nothing compares to winter in the Granite State,” said Commissioner Taylor Caswell of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs. “During the winter season, visitors can experience world class skiing and riding, unique culinary experiences, tax-free shopping, and the beautiful scenery New Hampshire is known for.”

DTTD will launch its winter advertising campaign in early January, which targets the New England markets of Boston, Hartford, Portland and Providence, as well as New York, Toronto and Montreal.

To generate excitement for the skiing and snowboarding opportunities in New Hampshire, DTTD will display Powder Alert messages on social media and on digital billboards in key markets during snowstorms. DTTD will focus on skiing and snowboarding, family fun and snowmobiling as core winter activities, while also showcasing après ski activities and off-slope activities, such as snowshoeing, dining and shopping.

Explore www.visitnh.gov for New Hampshire winter inspiration, including:

Stay connected with New Hampshire tourism on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube; follow the #LiveFreeNH tag to see what other people are saying about winter in New Hampshire.

Happy 2020! Keep in Touch with Us Throughout the Year

December 18th, 2019

There’s a lot we do at the Department of Business and Economic Affairs and we want to make sure you know about all of it.

And New Hampshire businesses do great things, too. We want to connect with you to hear about it so we can tell the world by way of the thousands of people who are already connected to us.

Here’s where you can hook up with us out on the WWW:

Facebook – NH Economy

Facebook – Visit NH

LinkedIn

Twitter – NH Economy

Twitter – VisitNH

YouTube

NHEconomy.com newsletter

NH Business Matters blog

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.

Yes, we’re connected with the web, but we’re also connected by that time-honored instrument, the telephone. You call, we answer: 603-271-2341.

Lorna Colquhoun
Communications Director
Division of Economic Development