Take 5: Amazon investments, AI skills and U.S. democracy
NH Business Review's biweekly snapshot of business and industry statistics
Take 5: Amazon investments, AI skills and U.S. democracy
NH Business Review's biweekly snapshot of business and industry statistics
IN New Hampshire, Amazon has invested more than $1 billion since 2010, based on its 2025 State Economic Impact Report. Amazon investments have contributed $1 billion+ to the state’s GDP, driving economic growth. Amazon currently has more than 1,500 full- and part-time employees across the state and supports more than 1,000 indirect jobs across the state in industries like construction, logistics and professional services.
TO provide insights and practical guidance for the graduating Class of 2026, WalletHub found that the best entry-level job is hardware engineer I based on immediate job opportunities, growth potential and job hazards. The worst entry-level job on the list was for a welder, ranked at No. 108.
NEW research from Robert Half shows that nearly 4 in 10 (36%) of business executives say new job seekers need to demonstrate AI knowledge when applying, reinforcing that AI skills are now baseline expectations. Eighty percent encourage evaluating first roles based on long-term growth potential, not just pay or title, and 67% of respondents say being open to in-office work can accelerate learning, mentorship and relationship building.
SONARA’S AI in the Workplace Report found 77% of workers say AI helps them do their job better. The report also showed that 70% of workers say their employer allows AI use, and more than one-third say it is actively encouraged. The most common uses include writing or editing (69%), brainstorming ideas (53%), and data analysis or reporting (29%). Among the 30% whose employers do not allow AI, 5% say they use AI anyway without their employer’s knowledge.
IN a March 2026 Pew Research Center survey, 68% of Americans say democracy in the United States used to be a good example for other countries to follow but has not been in recent years. Far fewer (24%) say U.S. democracy is a good example for other countries to follow. Another 7% say the U.S. has never been a good example.
