A ‘thank you’ from Raymond to DRED

To the editor:

The Raymond Board of Selectmen and the Business and Economic Development Council were proud to host the “2014 Raymond Economic Development Summit – All Roads Lead to Raymond,” at the Regional Economic Development Center of Southern New Hampshire.

The guest speakers at this well-attended event included New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Jeffrey Rose, along with two of his professional and knowledgeable staff members: Business Recruiter Michael Bergeron and Economic Development Specialist Christopher Wellington.

Commissioner Rose exhibited the depth and breadth of his knowledge of New Hampshire and its unique setting in the New England economic development landscape. He proved himself to be approachable, affable and a wonderful communicator about the benefits of doing business in our great state. He underscored the importance of establishing community partnerships with private sector, local government and state government as key elements in any economic development strategy.

Following Commissioner Rose, Economic Development Specialist Wellington outlined a list of programs that NH-DRED has in its arsenal to assist both existing businesses and those that the state targets in its recruitment efforts.

The audience listened with rapt attention as Business Recruiter Bergeron presented in-depth information about economic trends, demographics, debt profiles of different age groups, employment statistics and data on where Raymond citizens work (73 percent of the workforce in Raymond commutes out of town to their jobs).

He went on to offer solid advice on how to appeal more to businesses looking to locate in Raymond, from having a welcoming and friendly attitude from employees and committee, commission and board members to reflecting a welcoming ambiance in the way the town hall is physically laid out. He quoted former Commissioner George Bald, who said often, “Attitude and patience is more important than water and sewer.”

The town of Raymond expresses its deepest appreciation to Commissioner Rose, Michael Bergeron and Christopher Wellington for spending the hours assisting, advising and educating us in the extremely important area of economic development in New Hampshire and for our town.

Craig Wheeler

Town Manager

Ernest M. Cartier Creveling

Community Development/Administrative Services Director

Raymond