New Hampshire's Business News for March 18

A look at today's top business headlines including: NH's business community jumps into Northern Pass debate, pipeline opponents score victory, Mount Sunapee Ski Resort expansion approved, Aldi grocery store coming to Nashua and Old Sol submits proposal for Amherst Street space in Manchester

Big employers push Northern Pass project The state's business community has jumped into the debate over the Northern Pass with both feet, as more than 50 of the state's largest employers, led by BAE Systems, urged approval. – N.H. UNION LEADER

House approves pipeline measures Pipeline opponents scored victories last week when a pair of bills potentially affecting the construction of the controversial Northeast Energy Direct pipeline passed. – NASHUA TELEGRAPH

Developer seeks project extension The developer of a proposed natural gas facility off Etna Road once again will come before the Lebanon Zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday, hoping members will approve a two-year variance extension for the project. – VALLEY NEWS

Mount Sunapee expansion approved The Mount Sunapee Ski Resort won final state approval to construct a new lift, new trails and a new base lodge in the town of Goshen after years of wrangling and delay.  —  N.H. PUBLIC RADIO

Climbing the career ladder at Hitchiner Employees dive in to Milford firm’s on-site Engineering Certificate Program. —  N.H. BUSINESS REVIEW

Senate considers removing criminal background checks early in the hiring process The state Senate delayed action on a bill that would eliminate the criminal history question on job applications, the aim of a national movement known as “ban the box.” – CONCORD MONITOR

VT House approves ban-the-box bill Vermont may become the ninth state in the nation to ban private sector employers from inquiring about a job candidate’s criminal history in the first round of applications. – VT DIGGER

Hassan responds to Little investigation Gov. Maggie Hassan's spokesman William Hinkle emailed her response to the investigation by followthemoney.org about her selection of Republican Sen. Jerry Little as Banking Commissioner. – INDEPTH NH

A feast of fresh pasta made in a Hollis barn To hear 45 year old ex-restaurant chef Dave Valicenti tell it, making a living selling food at farmer’s markets was far from a master plan. – N.H. PUBLIC RADIO

Q&A with NH Made Executive Director Alice Pearce “It can be difficult to step back and make the time to market your product and get the word out, and that’s really where NH Made comes in.”  – N.H. BUSINESS REVIEW

Low-cost grocery chain Aldi coming to Nashua The new Aldi grocery store in Nashua will open Thursday, March 31, and plans to mark the occasion with a ribbon-cutting celebration and giveaways.  NASHUA TELEGRAPH

Manchester billboard now labels local business leaders as 'drug dealers' The profanity that screamed from an electronic billboard on South Willow Street in Manchester is gone. But in its place, the sign now labels as “drug dealers” two of the city's most prominent business leaders — who happen to be the partners building a new nonprofit addiction recovery center. – N.H. UNION LEADER

Old Sol submits proposal for performing arts center on Amherst Street In addition to providing a much-needed, mid-size performance space in downtown Manchester, Old Sol is confident that it will contribute positively to the city and state’s long-term economic forecast. – MANCHESTER INKLINK

City anticipates increase in housing supply The amount of housing in the city of Portsmouth could jump by almost 10 percent in the next few years. – PORTSMOUTH HERALD

Hampton Beach officials expect drop in visitors from Canada  A projected drop in the Canadian dollar’s exchange rate with the United States dollar this summer is causing Hampton Beach officials to rethink marketing strategies.  – HAMPTION UNION

Business owners: Rochester sign ordinance unfairly enforced  Six months after the city’s sign ordinance went into effect, some in the business community are questioning whether it’s being fairly enforced.  – ROCHESTER TIMES

Simply Sweet duo to open ice cream, decor shop next door The owners of Simply Sweet Creations, a mother-and-daughter confectionary shop at 38 Pleasant St., are about to open another sweet business. – CLAREMONT EAGLE-TIMES

UNH ‘Data Day’ to promote collaboration with industry  The University of New Hampshire will host a “Data Day” on April 6 with the goal of giving companies interested in data research, networking and analytics direct access to UNH researchers. – N.H. BUSINESS REVIEW