New Hampshire's Business News for May 3

A look at today's top business headlines, including: More NH PFOA questions, the state of NH’s economy, state’s health costs among highest in U.S., first medical marijuana dispensary opens, health, wellness and profit

Target: PFOA  Through its Air Resources Division and Hazardous Waste Management Bureau, the NH Department of Environmental Services agency is approaching manufacturers around the state who may have used perfluorinated chemicals to produce non-stick coatings used for wires, fabrics and other materials, to determine if additional sampling is needed. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW

Six times too high: Chemicals in Londonderry water  The groundwater at a gravel pit on the northwest corner of town contains more than six times the state's recommended level of perchloroethylene (PCE), a harmful chemical that can cause cancer in humans, according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. – LAWRENCE EAGLE-TRIBUNE

New fiscal report outlines NH's economic improvements, shortcomings since the Great Recession  A new report from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute outlines what has improved since the Great Recession – and what has not. – NH UNION LEADER

Lawmakers to hear presentations on economy, demographics  Lawmakers are receiving a series of briefings on New Hampshire's labor market, economy and demographic challenges. – NH PUBLIC RADIO

Why New Hampshire's low jobless rate might not be a good thing  As impressive as New Hampshire’s low unemployment rate may appear, it does not reflect a surge in hiring. – THE BOSTON GLOBE

Tight rental market an obstacle  For decades, New Hampshire's rental market has left want-to-be tenants scratching their heads. – LAWRENCE EAGLE-TRIBUNE

Study finds NH health costs some of the highest in U.S. Using data from insurance claims across the country, the D.C.-based Health Care Cost Institute found New Hampshire’s health costs were the fourth-highest, behind Alaska, Wisconsin and North Dakota. – CONCORD MONITOR

NH’s first medical marijuana dispensary opens in Plymouth  The state gave the medical marijuana dispensary the green light to open Friday afternoon. And by the end of its first day, the dispensary ended up served 45 people in all, according to its director. – NH PUBLIC RADIO

Some see Northern Pass fund as a boon  The five-year saga of the Northern Pass hydroelectric transmission project has evolved into a battle for the hearts and minds of the North Country, with the carrot of economic development dangled in front of a region bypassed by the recovery surging in other parts of the state. – NH UNION LEADER

Health, wellness and profit  Creating a satisfying and fun environment results in employees who are not only satisfied with their jobs but also loyal. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW

Providing equal justice for all  The need has never been greater for civil legal services in New Hampshire. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW

Loon Mountain resort nearing completion  With construction nearing completion, Phase 1 of the RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is planned to open soon, with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for later this month. – NH UNION LEADER

Downtown Rochester shops prepare for summer season, attract international As businesses in Rochester look to attract destination shoppers for their upcoming summer season, two local store managers are sharing their secrets to success. – NH UNION LEADER

Stores open at Rochester's Ridge Marketplace complex  More than 200 people lined up outside of Marshalls on Thursday morning for the grand opening of the store, one of the first to open its doors in the shopping center on Route 11 next to Walmart. Petco and Famous Footwear also opened last week. – NH UNION LEADER

Specialty cables from Rumney firm will help bring Olympics to the world  Stonewall Cable, a family-owned company that has carved out a niche by developing customized cables for electronic equipment in defense and civilian applications, is providing a host of equipment for broadcasters at the Olympics. – CONCORD MONITOR

Dollar General says it’s a good fit for Henniker, but some residents aren’t buying it  Asking residents, business owners and their customers what they think of Dollar General opening in Henniker, many say it doesn’t “fit” with the town’s character or community. – CONCORD MONITOR

U.S. companies starting to see relief from pains of strong dollar  The sluggish U.S. economy is proving to be a relief for U.S.-based companies struggling under the weight of the strong dollar and could lead to more positive earnings surprises in the weeks ahead. — REUTERS

Recruiting from within  The wisdom of an internally based succession planning process. – NH BUSINESS REVIEW