New Hampshire's Business News for Aug. 15
A look at today's top business headlines, including: Northern Pass experts to take questions, but not all can hear answers; Struggling Gorham Paper & Tissue paying off debts; 'Double dipping' stresses NH retirement system; U.S. open to settlement offer with Anthem, Cigna
Northern Pass experts to take questions, but not all can hear the answers The subcommittee deciding whether the state will approve Northern Pass is holding 11 public technical sessions next month in Concord. But you won’t be allowed to listen if confidential issues are discussed unless you are an intervenor who has signed a confidentiality agreement. – INDEPTHNH.ORG
'Double dipping' stresses NH retirement system As cities and towns struggle to make up the pension funding gap, the process of system retirees returning to work part-time has been criticized as making the situation worse. –PORTSMOUTH HERALD
After years of struggle, Gorham Paper & Tissue is paying off debts After years of accruing debt, Gorham Paper & Tissue – the last operating paper mill in the North Country – is paying it off, according to local officials. – INDEPTHNH.ORG
The changing face of NH: What it means to have the 2nd oldest population in the nation New Hampshire now ties for the second oldest population in terms of median age, tied with Vermont and just a step behind Maine, according to 2015 U.S. Census estimates. – NH UNION LEADER
Advocates call on feds to investigate mental health policies at NH State Prison A group of local and national advocates are calling on the federal government to investigate whether it’s unjust for people with a mental illness, who haven't been convicted of a crime, to be treated in a prison. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
U.S. open to settlement offer with Anthem, Cigna The Justice Department is open to hearing settlement offers from Anthem to resolve an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the insurer’s $48 billion takeover of rival Cigna, a government lawyer said. – NH UNION LEADER
Airbnb taking foothold around Concord A growing number of people in the Concord area listing their homes on the online marketplace Airbnb. – CONCORD MONITOR
Sign rules imperil Dover deli The Dover convenience store affected by a city zoning code on sign placement provides a look into the fast-changing landscape of signage ordinances throughout the country. – FOSTER’S DAILY DEMOCRAT
New England College expands community college transfer program The Henniker school has renewed its Community College to New England College program for another year, granting admission to any student enrolled in a community college and in good academic standing. – CONCORD MONITOR
Defining a tech ecosystem: tech companies vs. tech workers What defines a company as a “tech company” in 2016? Certainly not the same definition we used a decade or more ago. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW
Bitcoin revolution grows on Seacoast You can eat, drink and practice yoga in Portsmouth by paying with the electronic currency Bitcoin, thanks in large part to Steven Zeiler, a city resident, financial software developer and "Bitcoin evangelist." – FOSTER’S DAILY DEMOCRAT
New plans proposed for Pizza Hut lot in West Lebanon Developers again are asking the Planning Board to approve a new mixed-use building on the site of West Lebanon’s former Pizza Hut. – VALLEY NEWS
Reports: St. Paul's asks court to release ID of Laurie’s sex assault victim St. Paul's School in Concord has asked a federal judge to release the identity of Owen Labrie's sexual assault victim, should the teenager's lawsuit against the prep school go to trial. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
Poll: Clinton up in Florida, New Hampshire; extends lead on electoral map Hillary Clinton now has a dominant nine-point lead in New Hampshire, 45 percent to 36 percent – a lead that has her threatening to take that battleground state off the board entirely. – CBS NEWS
Pence to Campaign in NH Thursday The Indiana governor is scheduled to hold a town hall-style meeting at the Executive Court banquet center in Manchester Thursday. – NH PUBLIC RADIO
Laying it all out A systemic study of government may be in order. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW
Ruby Tuesday to close 95 restaurants The casual dining chain, which sold its Lime Fresh Mexican Grill brand in June, said the stores will cease operations by September and it expected to incur related pre-tax charges of $72 million to $81 million. – REUTERS
Jay Peak receiver hires attorney to lobby Congress for EB-5 changes Michael Goldberg, the court-appointed receiver for the Securities and Exchange Commission, wants to change federal EB-5 laws in an effort to obtain permanent green cards for defrauded investors in Jay Peak Resort projects. — VTDIGGER
