News

Senate expands dependent health coverage

The state Senate Thursday approved a controversial bill that would require that employee health insurance for families cover all dependents 25 and under. The Senate also passed another measure that would require it to fully cover midwifery services. Over Republican…

N.H. colleges avoid loan kickback scandal

The student loan kickback scandal that has touched financial aid offices at some of the nation’s largest institutions of higher learning likely won't affect New Hampshire, primarily because the state is home to a nonprofit organization that handles most financial…

Duddy picked for regional board post

New Hampshire Business Resource Center Director Roy Duddy has been named to the board of directors of the Northeastern Economic Developers Association for a three-year term. Duddy, who has served as Business Resource Center director for the past six years,…

Bodi to be nominated to Liquor Commission

Governor John Lynch announced Tuesday that he will nominate Manchester ad executive Mark Bodi as liquor commissioner at today’s Executive Council meeting. Bodi, who has some 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations, is president of Griffin, Bodi…

Merchants Insurance of N.H. rating downgraded

Fitch Ratings has lowered the insurer financial strength rating of Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire from “BB+” to “BBB-” after the acquisition of the insurer’s parent corporation by American European Group. In a release, Fitch officials said AEG's operating…

StockerYale sees brighter days

Despite increases in revenue and bright prospects for this year, the cash crunch at StockerYale continues, according to the company’s annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Salem-based fiberoptics firm had $1.4 million in cash or cash equivalents…

Circuit City lays of 11 in N.H.

Circuit City, the nation's second-largest home electronics retailer, is laying off 11 employees in New Hampshire as part of its recently announced decision to give the ax to 3,400 of its higher-paid workers in favor of rehiring new staff at…

Contractors continue employee health coverage

Most contractors performing projects throughout northern New England continue to provide their employees with medical coverage despite rising insurance costs, according to the 2006-2007 ABC Wage and Benefit Survey conducted by the NH/VT chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors. The…

House speaker sets new policy on conflicts

When the House Commerce Committee held its public hearings on a bill that would cap high-interest loans made by short-term lenders like payday loan companies, Chairwoman Tara Reardon’s seat was empty. Reardon, whose father-in-law, Richard Bouley, was there quietly lobbying…