New Hampshire's Business News for April 4
A look at today's top business headlines including: limited access to broadband in NH's north country, changes to NH fishing industry, Robert Evans named interim CEO at LRGHealthcare, NH has shortage of in-home nurses, and Mr. Macs looking to go national and franchise
Wholesale prices low, electricity rates high The average annual price of wholesale electricity in the six-state region dropped in 2015 to the second-lowest level in 12 years, tracking the price of natural gas, which also fell to its second-lowest level in 12 years. – NH UNION LEADER
Groups lobby Hassan, council on Mount Sunapee expansion Groups for and against the proposed expansion of the Mount Sunapee Resort have been busy making their feelings known to Gov. Maggie Hassan and Executive Council members, who are scheduled to discuss and vote on the matter Wednesday. – NH UNION LEADER
PSU to build new $33 million residence hall The 350-bed Merrill Place Residence Hall and Conference Center will cost $33 million, funded through state Health and Education Facilities Authority bonds issued by the University System. – NH UNION LEADER
Missing in action: broadband in Coos County About 7 percent of New Hampshire’s residents don’t have access to broadband. But in Coos County that jumps to about 31 percent. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
At-sea monitoring fees are the latest threat to NH’s dwindling fishing industry After delaying the regulation for years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is now requiring groundfishermen to pay for the at-sea monitoring program — at a cost of an average $710 per trip, conducted at random. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW
Owners worry about home values after water contamination detected Property values have plummeted in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., due to water contamination — the same chemical that has been detected in southern New Hampshire and is already raising real estate concerns. – NH UNION LEADER
Dr. Robert Evans named interim CEO at LRGHealthcare Evans succeeds Seth Warren who after serving for six months tendered his resignation for undisclosed personal reasons last month. – THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
Shortage of in-home nurses felt across NH A shortage of in-home nurses in the state has prompted the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to raise reimbursement rates and lawmakers to call for a commission to study the nursing landscape in the Granite State. – CONCORD MONITOR
BioPower plant developer, CEO assessed over $3 million in penalties in civil case The former developer of the Burgess BioPower plant, Laidlaw Energy Group and its CEO Michael Bartoszek, have admitted to insider trading and conducting an illegal stock offering in a civil case filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. – THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
Is 'right to try' right for New Hampshire? Terminally ill patients in New Hampshire may soon have the right to request experimental drugs that haven’t gotten federal approval. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
Uncertainty, anger and jobs There are concrete and measurable reasons for the angst of the white blue-collar worker. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW
NH lawmakers take up bills to loosen drug laws Both the New Hampshire House and Senate will be in session this week but with a pretty light agenda – only about 20 bills are on the docket in both chambers. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
Rochester looks to promote 'destination businesses' As the Lilac City continues to work on downtown revitalization efforts, city officials and members of Rochester Main Street are aiming to attract new businesses downtown that will draw visitors from outside the city. They are also making efforts to help existing city businesses become destinations. – FOSTER’S DAILY DEMOCRAT
Manchester restaurant Mr. Mac's considers national move The brother-sister team of Patrick Cain and Valerie Anderson has been so effective in creating a concept, a look and a reputation for Mr. Mac's in Manchester, that some diners mistake the macaroni and cheese restaurant for a franchise. – NH UNION LEADER
Rich Ashooh will challenge Rep. Frank Guinta for 1st District seat Ashooh, a Republican, will officially launch his congressional campaign on Monday. – NH UNION LEADER
Tom Hassan accepts censure in Phillips Exeter scandal Former Phillips Exeter Academy principal Tom Hassan has apologized for the school’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations against a faculty member who was forced to retire and later banned from campus. – NH UNION LEADER
What happens if Big Beer steps into Maine? As Maine's beer industry matures, Dick Cantwell and others at the New England Craft Brew Summit in Portland Friday said it's inevitable that the country's largest breweries, such as AB InBev, will fish in Maine or New England waters for an acquisition. – BANGOR DAILY NEWS
Why a Vt. law firm chose to expand to Manchester, NH It’s clear Manchester is rapidly evolving into the heart of an expanding zone of new business opportunity. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW
