How are New Hampshire business leaders coping with, managing through, and even finding opportunities in this time of economic uncertainty?
In this NH Business Review webinar, moderators Matthew Benson and Scott Ellison, business attorneys at Sheehan Phinney, will dig into the issues with:
From tariffs and trade wars to visa delays, energy costs, and inflation, this conversation will explore how these leaders are tackling:
The panel will also share insights on the tools, resources, and strategies they’re using to adapt, and where they still see room for growth in uncertain times.
Ambix is a group of companies that provide niche services in the plastics engineering industry, including plastic product design, failure analysis, material selection, prototyping, and on-site contract manufacturing. In 2009, Melissa managed the transition from a premier design firm to a full-contract injection molding manufacturer with ISO 9001 and ITAR certifications and FLL licensing. With thirty years of manufacturing experience focused on human resources and operations, Melissa has built a strong employee team within a lean manufacturing floor that showcases the latest technologies, positioning Ambix to compete in the global markets on price and with high-quality precision parts.
Melissa lives and works in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she serves on the Small Business Association Office of the National Ombudsman Regulatory Fairness Board for Region One, the Carroll County Communications District Board, the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains District Council, and as Planning Board member in the Town of Freedom. Melissa graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell with a B.A. in Psychology and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. She also holds certifications from World at Work and Society of Human Resource Management, where she has written papers and presented on topics such as “Competency Based Succession Planning” and “Smart Staffing.”
Val ZanchukGraphicast, Inc. is a Jaffrey, NH manufacturer of precision-machined zinc alloy castings. The company has been an Inc. 5000 company, a two-time recipient of the Manufacturing Leadership Award, and named one of the best companies to work for in New Hampshire twice since 2009.
Prior to Graphicast, Val was president of TAFA, Inc., a Concord, NH manufacturer of thermal spray equipment and materials.
Val had previously been with Air Products and Chemicals, New Jersey Zinc Company, and Phelps Dodge Copper Products Corporation. He holds several patents and is the author of many technical and business articles. Val holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Lehigh University.
He is on the boards of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the New Hampshire Learning Initiative, the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, and the See Science Center in Manchester, NH.
Jon Greer“Don’t screw it up” is the advice Jon Greer was given when taking over as President at Wire Belt company of America. As the fifth-generation leader of this family owned, multinational business, Jon takes this challenge seriously and with a sense of humor. He is proud of where the company’s legacy and credits both family and non-family leaders who paved the way.
Wire Belt is a values-driven organization with a clear goal: to be the most trusted, respected, and preferred metal belt manufacturer in the world. In addition to taking excellent care of our customers, we aim to take great care of our employees. With 12 years on Business NH Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For list, and six in the hall of fame, we think we’re on the right track.
Previously with the firm Cook Little, Matt Benson joined Sheehan Phinney as a partner in 2022. He is a corporate attorney and advises his business clients on a variety of legal and business issues. Benson represents entrepreneurs of all types and at all stages of their businesses, from start-up to exit. He is Chair of the BOOST for Startups Practice Group at Sheehan Phinney.
As Chair of the BOOST for Startups Practice Group at the firm, Benson works with startups and other privately held companies. He has counseled his clients on a variety of corporate matters, including entity formation, obtaining angel round financing, venture capital or other debt and/or equity financing, executive and employee compensation, contract issues, equity ownership matters, and exit strategy issues. He also advises his technology-related companies on a wide range of matters specific to them, including software licensing, licensing of intellectual property and website development matters.
Benson also advises doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals on a variety of matters, including ownership issues, the buying and selling of medical practices, and negotiating employment and other contracts with hospitals.
Scott EllisonScott is a Shareholder in the Corporate Department at Sheehan Phinney. Previously with Cook Little, his clients rely on his advice and experience for business, commercial and corporate law matters, and merger and acquisition activity. Typical clients include small and medium sized privately held companies. Scott strives to understand the details of his clients’ business operations, so he can produce legal solutions that are practical and aligned with the clients’ concerns. The respected legal directory Chambers USA quotes clients who have said about Scott that he “is always prompt in his responses and creative in his solutions.” He strives to provide his clients with “win-win” solutions to help them achieve their business goals in a practical and cost-efficient manner. He takes a practical approach, and does not let legal principles eclipse the client’s business realties.
Almost every business strategy and transaction has tax implications. Scott advises clients on such implications to help them make the best decisions for their business. Scott’s expertise in the tax area was gained by obtaining a Masters of Law degree in taxation.
When he is not helping clients, Scott enjoys taking advantage of all the outdoor activities New Hampshire offers, mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, and hiking year round. Scott is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club 4000 Footer Club, working on his Winter 4000 Footers.
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