Author: NH Business Review Staff

Designing woman

Lisa DeStefano, owner and principal of DeStefano Architects, was born and bred in Portsmouth. So when she decided to give free rein to her entrepreneurial spirit and open up her own design firm - just a handful of years after…

Official promotes the value of trade with Hong Kong

Manchester, N.H., and Hong Kong remain half a world apart geographically, but the two cities are remarkably similar in their economic development, according to Sara P.C. Wu, director of Hong Kong’s Economic & Trade Office in New York. “Hong Kong…

September foreign sales surged to a three-year high

Foreign sales of locally made goods have considerably bolstered this year as demand from around the globe has strengthened significantly. State companies have reaped the benefits of a gradually falling dollar, which works its way in boosting exports. A weak…

Proposed rule change stirs debate over bank practices

If a proposed change in federal rules wins approval, mid-sized banks won’t have to meet the same stringent Community Reinvestment Act requirements they now do to serve their entire communities. The change could affect a third of the banks that…

Pennichuck says legal costs are dampening profits

The legal costs of fighting the city’s efforts to take Pennichuck Corp. by eminent domain cut into the utility’s third-quarter profit, according to Donald L. Correll, Pennichuck’s president and chief executive officer. The water company earned $577,000, or 24 cents…

State consumer advocate sees big rate hike in ISO proposal

State Consumer Advocate Anne Ross has joined with attorneys general, business advocates and energy companies around New England in opposing a proposed federal policy change. The proposed change is being pursued by the Independent System Operator of New England, or…

MVP Health adds another hospital

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua has become the latest New Hampshire hospital in the state to sign provider agreements with MVP Health Care. “We are making steady progress in contracting with New Hampshire hospitals, and we are proud…

St. Joseph center helps patients manage diabetes

The first hospital-based diabetes center in Nashua opened earlier this year at St. Joseph Hospital, allowing patients with the chronic disease to receive much of their care under one roof. Part of a national trend in health-care delivery, the center…

A year later, health-care institutions cope with HIPAA

It has been a year since federal regulations safeguarding patient information went into effect, and while most health-care institutions around New Hampshire are on solid footing with the new rules, certain provisions of the mandate are still causing concerns. The…

Stephen airs his Medicaid reform plan

When it comes to dealing with the state’s Medicaid program, doing nothing is not an option, according to Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen. Stephen, in unveiling his long-awaited Medicaid reform plan Nov. 10, told lawmakers that the state…

Trustees approve PSU master plan

Trustees of the University System of New Hampshire have approved a long-range master plan for Plymouth State University. The plan, said PSU President Donald P. Wharton, identifies many opportunities for the school, including a more cohesive architectural image that will…

Health-care degree to be offered on line

New England College is launching a new degree completion program designed for people who want to advance their careers in health care. The program, which begins in January, will offer working health-care professionals an opportunity to obtain a bachelor of…

Antioch New England: 40 years of academics, community service

The origins of Antioch New England stretch back four decades, to a house atop Putney Mountain when a handful of teachers and graduate students launched an experiment in education. It was a sharp departure from the typical “ivory tower” institutions…

Factors to consider when choosing a training program

Comprehensive and continuous training is as important to a corporation of any size as other fundamental needs. Over a seven-year period I’ve directed programs, in which more than 10,000 people have participated regarding the use and maintenance of CRM (customer…

Dartmouth fund-raiser has $1.3b goal

Dartmouth College has announced its largest fund-raising drive ever, with the goal of raising $1.3 billion for new dorms, classrooms, an expanded fitness center, a dining hall, financial aid and a soccer facility. It’s called the Campaign for the Dartmouth…

Continuing education benefits home builders and consumers

Universities and community colleges from coast to coast are offering advanced degree programs or other forms of continuing education. From managers looking for professional advancement to stay-at-home parents who want to learn a new skill, Americans are returning to school…

UNH spearheads state public-private R&D effort

The University of New Hampshire is expected to benefit from a new initiative making the state a participant in the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR. EPSCoR focuses on those states that have historically received…

Business ethics key part of new Rivier degree programs

Rivier College is introducing two new programs designed to serve the needs of professionals seeking to earn an MBA or finish a bachelor’s degree. Beginning in January 2005, the college will offer an accelerated executive MBA program in organizational leadership…

Daniel Webster celebrates 10th year as a ‘cohort’ pioneer

The year 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of Daniel Webster College’s EXCEL degree completion program, which enables working adults with some college credit to complete their degrees by attending class one night a week for 18 months. The program is…

Trial set in dispute between selectman, ex-selectman

MERRIMACK - Former selectman Norman Carr and current Selectman David McCray will finally have their day in court. A two-day trial is scheduled for Dec. 13 and 14 in the ongoing legal dispute between Carr and McCray. The trial will…

Restaurant donates holiday dinners

NASHUA - Martha’s Exchange owners Bill and Chris Fokas say city residents have been good to them, and that’s why the brothers are giving back. The Fokas brothers donated 300 Thanksgiving dinners to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter using…

Area roads, airport busy but manageable

MANCHESTER - On the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest days of the year at Manchester Airport, the check-in counters for each of the major airlines were filled as families lined up to catch their Thanksgiving flights. For the…

Official won’t be punished in Heed case

CONCORD - Gov. Craig Benson and the Executive Council signed a letter Tuesday concluding Safety Commissioner Dick Flynn should face no punishment for his behind-the-scenes part in convincing then-Attorney General Peter Heed to resign. Benson’s office released the letter Wednesday…

Holiday party for library, public

WILTON-The annual Winter Holiday Party, sponsored by Friends of the Wilton Library and the Library Board of Trustees, will be held at the library on Dec. 5 from 2-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Entertainment…

Church plans holiday breakfast

WILTON - The Second Congregational Church and the Main Street Association will open the holiday season with “Breakfast with Santa,” on Saturday, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the church parish house. The event will include photographs with Santa, giveaways and fun.…

Time changes for Ramirez’s visit

NASHUA-The time has changed for World Series MVP Manny Ramirez’s appearance Sunday at a downtown collectibles shop. Ramirez is now scheduled to sign autographs at Nashua Sports Collectibles, 135 Main St., Sunday from 5:30-7 p.m. The appearance originally had been…

Holiday Closings

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Closed. MUNICIPAL OFFICES: Closed. STATE/FEDERAL OFFICES: Closed. POST OFFICES: Closed; Express Mail delivery in operation. BANKS: Closed. STOCK MARKET: Closed. SUPERMARKETS: Some open with reduced hours. CONVENIENCE STORES: Open. RESTAURANTS/BARS: Open. TRASH PICKUP: No pickup in Hudson and…

High school hosting funeral for sophomore

HOLLIS - At noon today, the Hollis/Brookline High School auditorium will open its doors to hundreds of people for the funeral of Nicholas Jennings, 16, who died after a car accident Friday night. Hollis/Brookline Superintendent Ken DeBenedictis said the decision…

Board turns thumbs down on city worker contract

NASHUA - Aldermen continued their trend on union contracts and rejected a second contract with city workers. A labor agreement covering nearly 45 library employees was rejected on an 8-6 vote, as the board balked at the medical benefits. The…

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Here is a summary of what is closed Thursday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday: PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Closed. MUNICIPAL OFFICES: Closed. STATE/FEDERAL OFFICES: Closed. POST OFFICES: Closed; Express Mail delivery in operation. BANKS: Closed. STOCK MARKET: Closed. SUPERMARKETS: Some open…

Sox star to sign autographs

NASHUA- Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez, who was named MVP of the World Series, will sign autographs at Nashua Sports Collectibles on Sunday. The signing will mark Ramirez’s first New England autograph appearance. Ramirez is scheduled to sign at…

Board hears private trash service plan

NASHUA - Privatization of the solid waste collection and disposal systems could save the city $124 million over 20 years, representatives of a private waste management firm told the Board of Public Works on Monday night.During a presentation at City…

Nashua advances its case for utility

NASHUA - Leaders in City Hall made their strongest arguments to date in filings with the state Public Utilities Commission in the effort to take over Pennichuck Water Works and other subsidiaries of Pennichuck Corp. One of the main advantages…

Selectmen OK special meeting

HOLLIS - Selectmen signed off Monday night on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting that could potentially determine the fate of Woodmont Orchard, the town’s northern gateway. The owners, Robert and Stephen Lievens, are offering 180 acres on Silver…

Rollover may lead to charges

NASHUA - A local mother and daughter remain hospitalized with the daughter facing possible criminal charges following a rollover crash Sunday night that was allegedly caused when the daughter grabbed the steering wheel of the sports utility vehicle her mother…

Pennichuck, CEO deal would include shareholder fund

Part of a settlement between Pennichuck Corp. and Maurice Arel, its former CEO, would include a fund to benefit Pennichuck shareholders, according to Pennichuck’s most recent quarterly financial report. The proposed fund would benefit all Pennichuck shareholders as of March…

Panel: Voters should decide ambulance issue

MILFORD - With cost, not service, driving their consideration, a volunteer committee has recommended that voters be asked whether Milford should turn its town-owned ambulance service over to a private company. Selectmen are considering the issue, details of which were…

Gottesman officially claims District 12 seat

CONCORD - It took two full working days over a three-week span and the discovery of ballots inside a locked voting machine at Hollis Town Hall, but Nashua Democrat David Gottesman survived the recount of his state Senate victory over…

Saturday accident victim identified

HUDSON - A victim in a car accident early Saturday morning was identified after a family member heard a police description of the man. The man, who was hit by a car in front of Cumberland Farms, is Timothy P.…

Messiah sing highlights array of area holiday events

The 17th annual Messiah Sing concert will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at the Mont Vernon Congregational Church. The Messiah Sing features a community chorus with an orchestra accompaniment and is…

Speaker used funds for bills, clothing

CONCORD - Over the past two years, House Speaker Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, used proceeds from an annual corn roast fund-raiser to buy groceries and clothing, fix his car, stay overnight in Concord and occasionally pay some utility bills, according to…

Dentists use Toothprints as means of identification for kids

On Thursday, during a routine visit to Dr. Aaron Watman, 11-year-old Dylan Quinn chose his favorite toothpaste flavor, picked a toothbrush from an assortment of colors, and made an impression on an arch-shaped plastic wafer that recorded his tooth characteristics…

Red Cross provides link to soldiers

In response to numerous phone calls, the Red Cross wants residents to know it can’t provide names and mailing addresses of troops in Iraq to send letters and cards to. According to the organization, the Department of Defense has asked…

Vigil held for Hollis crash victim

HOLLIS - Sobs and occasional mournful wails filled the damp night air along Proctor Hill Road on Sunday as nearly 100 broken-hearted friends of Nicholas Jennings converged at the site where the popular 16-year-old was killed in a Friday night…

Town hopes to cope with project

WILTON - During the summer of 2006, Main Street will be reconstructed using a matching grant from the state Department of Transportation. The street will be repaved, new sidewalks will be constructed, “traffic calmers” will be installed at both ends,…

Mother, daughter injured in turnpike rollover

NASHUA - A Nashua woman and her 16-year-old daughter were seriously injured after the Ford Explorer they were in went out of control and rolled over after the daughter apparently grabbed the steering wheel as the two argued, police said.…

Hearing set for gravel expansion

WILTON - The Planning Board will hold a special meeting, Dec. 8 to begin deliberations on a request by Granite State Concrete to expand its gravel excavations on Route 31 north onto an adjoining 120 acres. The meeting, set for…

Free flu shot clinic offered for children

NASHUA - Concerns about the flu vaccination shortage are not hampering the children’s vaccination program, despite a shortage of immunizations for adults. The Division of Public Health and Community Services is hosting a free clinic in two weeks to distribute…

School proposes subdivision

WILTON- Pine Hill Waldorf School has presented a proposal to the Planning Board to subdivide a seven-acre parcel from the western side of their property. The site is to be leased to the Center for Anthroposophy, which would construct an…

More news from NHBR:

Nongfu Spring From Alibabacom
Energy and Environment, Government, Real Estate & Construction

Unbottling the Nongfu Spring deal

New Hampshire’s attorney general says no improprieties by state officials preceded the sale of a large Nashua commercial building to China’s largest water bottler. But Attorney General John Formella’s report to Gov. Kelly Ayotte dated Oct. 3 says the provisions of federal law should have taken place prior to the sale of the 337,391-square-foot building at 80 Northwest Blvd. in Nashua by a subsidiary of Nongfu Spring.