Author: NH Business Review Staff

Social media accounts and the departing employee

Q. As marketing manager at Widget Company, Katie's job description includes maintaining a Twitter account and tweets information about the company and its products. She has attracted 8,000 avid followers with her often witty and entertaining tweets. What happens to…

Flotsam & Jetsam

Bienvenue au MississippiIt's nice to have a role model, but sometimes you have to think about the choice you've made.For instance, the state of New Hampshire's insistent attempts to find value in looking up to the state of Missisippi, which…

Is all that studying necessary?

To the editor:Regarding an article in the April 6-19 issue ("$20m grant to fuel study of N.H. economy, quality of life"), $20 million is a lot of money.I wonder what percentage will be devoted to studying forests?It's interesting to note…

Creating an environment for job growth is working

As promised, many of us at the State House have been highly focused on passing bills which will improve the climate for job creation, cut red tape and allow for economic expansion.Some of these bills may have missed your radar…

Don’t stifle the North Country’s voice in government

With a seemingly minor slice of the redistricting knife, an important Senate committee has cut the heart of rural representation in the State House and, if this plan holds, will decidedly quiet the voice of rural values and culture in…

The tall tale that won Republicans the State House

In 2010, the Republicans came up with a clever story for their campaign. They claimed that four years of reckless spending by Democrats resulted in a 25 percent increase in state spending and a huge deficit. Not one part of…

Like prohibition, the drug war has failed

Five officers were shot in Greenland. The much-beloved chief - just eight days from retirement - was killed. Hearts across New Hampshire suffer from this horrible tragedy.How many more families of police officers will suddenly find themselves in mourning?Michael Maloney…

Concrete used at new National Guard facility questioned

Construction has been halted on the $25 million National Guard Regional Training Institute and Barracks Facility in Pembroke due to concerns over alleged problems associated with the use of concrete mixed with fly ash.The concrete mixture led Gov. John Lynch…

N.H. 1Q home sales data best in years

In a continuing trend for the state's housing market, two new reports have found that home sales are on the rise in New Hampshire, although the median price is falling.The two reports, released by RE/MAX of New England and the…

The Renegade Leader increases client profits 50%

There's no denying it -- today's business climate presents unprecedented challenges. Lack of capital, poor sales, reduced consumer confidence and disengagement by U.S. employees are impacting profits, productivity and customer service.Even the most experienced leaders are looking for new solutions.Since…

Tighe & Bond expands services and staff in Portsmouth

It's been an exciting time for us. On April 1, Appledore Engineering - the well-known, 24-year old civil engineering firm located in Portsmouth - officially changed its name to Tighe & Bond. Although our two firms joined forces in January…

Graham & Graham, P.C.: The Solution Group for 30 years

Graham & Graham, P.C. is a full-service accounting and consulting firm located in Laconia and Concord, NH and Springfield and Essex, VT. We provide professional services to a wide variety of clients ranging from individuals to medium-sized corporations. Our accountants…

Environmental experts with a flair for customer care

Absolute Resource Associates (ARA) of Portsmouth, N.H. believes in business success that comes the old-fashioned way: by working hard, behaving ethically, and providing the very best in quality and service.The expertise of the ARA team and its reputation within the…

A trusted advisor for business insurance

With an 84-year track record and a staff of more than 85 seasoned professionals, the Protector Group has the resources, depth and experience to meet the insurance needs of mid- to large-size companies in today's challenging risk management environment.As one…

Fine food, delicious drink, classic character!

As you walk through the custom-made copper door, you immediately feel a vibe and energy that lifts your spirits.High ceilings with exposed timber trusses and architectural forged steel detail help create a feeling of grandness that is well put together.Handsome…

Finding the right financing solution for your business

Bank, their purpose was to help its members save money and make loans available to enable them to purchase homes and improve their condition.And while we are still dedicated to these original principles, our vision has expanded -- including our…

Exec council weighs private prison process

If a private prison is actually built in New Hampshire, Gov. John Lynch is in favor of importing prisoners to help fill it.Lynch expressed his feelings at the Wednesday morning breakfast meeting of the Executive Council, where the councilors discussed…

NHTB income rises, earnings dip slightly

An influx of federal cash was part of the reason that New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares shareholders had a very slight decline in quarterly earnings per share during the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.The Newport-based…

Business tax study puts N.H. in the middle

Another study of New Hampshire's business climate has determined that the state's tax burden on small business is neither among the best nor the worst in the nation.The Granite State's small business tax climate ranks 25th best in the country,…

Sturm Ruger shatters gun sale target

Sturm, Ruger and Co. ended last year with 1.25 million bangs. That's how many guns the company sold in 2011 through its Million Gun Challenge, and that's how many dollars the company will donate to the National Rifle Association as…

N.H. SBIR grant workshops scheduled

The N.H. Inspires Innovation program, a collaboration of the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center and the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, will conduct a series of workshops around the state for companies interested in applying for competitive federal grants…

SNHU plans social media ‘BootCamp’

Southern New Hampshire University will host a "Social Media Business BootCamp" on Thursday May 24 at its campus in Manchester.The event - which be held from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at 2500 N. River Rd. in Manchester - will…

Reverse stock split mulled by Presstek

Presstek Inc. is asking its shareholders for the right to issue up to a 1-to-15 reverse stock split in order to boost its share price and prevent being tossed off the Nasdaq stock exchange, according to a preliminary proxy filed…

Wolfeboro sues engineering firm over wastewater project

Wright-Pierce, a regional engineering firm, negligently steered the town of Wolfeboro into using a wastewater disposal area that failed, costing the town more than $7 million, according to lawsuit filed last week by the town in U.S. District Court in…

‘Disruptive’ event seeks to inspire entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship is alive and growing in New Hampshire, but more can -- and should -- be done to incubate the state's startup ecosystem.That sentiment was the common thread emerging from the business owners presenting at Disruptivate! 2012, a conference held…

NU: N.H. ratepayers should benefit from NStar merger

Public Service of New Hampshire consumers won't get the rate freezes and one-time credits negotiated by Connecticut and Massachusetts regulators in approving the $17.5 billion merger of PSNH's parent company, Connecticut-based Northeast Utilities, and Boston-based NStar.But that's a good thing,…

Eight firms involved in fourth N.H. bid for private prison

NH Hunt Justice Groups, the mysterious fourth bidder in the running to build, if not run, a private prison to house prisoners in New Hampshire, is a team of at least eight companies, most with experience in the corrections industry…

NHBR About Town: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation

For her volunteer work on church mission trips to impoverished countries, Harvard Pilgrim employee Carolee Churchill, left, was named the Employee Volunteer of the Year by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation at an awards ceremony last month. Child Health…

NHBR About Town: Laconia Savings Bank & the Palace Theatre

Laconia Savings Bank has signed on as presenting sponsor of the Palace Theatre Children's Series. From left, Mary Mattson, vice president -- commercial banker for Laconia Savings Bank, Peter Ramsey, president and CEO of the Palace Theatre, and Mary Beth…

NHBR About Town: Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery

Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery has broken ground on a $3 million expansion, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year and create at least seven new jobs. The eatery will remain open during the construction…

NHBR About Town: New Castle Fire Department

Volunteer firefighter Mark Syracusa presents Catherine Edison, left, and Deb Stokel, right, of Community Child Care Center of Portsmouth with a $400 donation from the New Castle Fire Department Charitable Fund. The funds will support the center's PEAK Summer Camp…

NHBR About Town: New Hampshire Restaurant Week

Gov. John Lynch has officially proclaimed May 18-25 as New Hampshire Restaurant Week, an eight-day event featuring prix-fixe menus at more than 100 restaurants across the state. Pictured from left to right are Mike Somers, president and CEO of the…

NHBR About Town: American Cancer Society & Fidelity Investments

Chris Symolon, community executive of development for the American Cancer Society, right, presents its 2011 Pacesetter Award to Leslie Gouthro, senior public affairs manager at Fidelity Investments, in recognition of the more than $10,500 that Fidelity employees donated to the…

NHBR About Town: Pats Peak

Roxy, the golden retriever mascot for Pats Peak in Henniker, sits beside the pet supplies that were collected through the "Pats Peak Becomes Pets Peak" event. Pats Peak donated the supplies and $1,325 raised through ticket sales to the Concord-Merrimack…

‘Disruptivators’ set for April 11 event

Six New Hampshire entrepreneurs who practice "disruptive innovation" will headline Disruptivate! 2012, a daylong conference organized by the New Hampshire Innovation Commercialization Center.The event will be held Wednesday, April 11, at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle.Selected…

N.H. exports plunge 23.4 percent to start 2012

New Hampshire exporters started 2012 on the wrong foot, with a 23.5 percent decline in January shipment, a drop of $74.1 million to a monthly total of $242.4 million.The year also started with two global economic shocks that increased uncertainty…

‘Disappointing and inaccurate’

To the editor:William Norton's recent article, "The state of retail in North Conway," was an extremely irresponsible piece of journalism.Basing his writing on a drive-by, an obvious lack of understanding of snowmaking and a bartender's awareness of a particular business'…

‘More survival than despair’

To the editor:As publisher of five tourist maps and guides, one specifically targeted to the retail aspects of North Conway, I would like to respond to your recent article about, "The state of retail in North Conway."Many of my retail…

Note to Norton: North Conway is alive and well

To the editor:William Norton's analysis of North Conway's commercial real estate market in the New Hampshire Business Review ("The state of retail in North Conway," March 23-April 5 NHBR) based on a drive through the town and a stay at…

Give patients an alternative to lengthy lawsuits

This session, the New Hampshire Legislature has a real opportunity to do something about the rising cost of health care - the number one concern of businesses large and small.Senate Bill 406 would give patients what is called an "early…

Goldman’s role in Solyndra’s rise and fall

Last issue, I discussed the photovoltaic, or PV, solar market, its advantages at small scales, its relative inefficiencies and the lack of an existing solution to reducing solar panel size without reducing energy output. These circumstances prompted Solyndra and others…

The potential of geo-social marketing

Have you "checked in" today? If you are one of the 6 percent of U.S. online adults using geo-social (aka location-based) applications like Foursquare, you've probably done so several times already.By sharing their physical locations at restaurants, shops, hotels, landmarks…