1. Swim With a Mission (SWAM) announced the distribution of nearly $2 million in annual grants to 31 veteran service organizations throughout the region. SWAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports veterans and their family members through fundraisers and initiatives. SWAM supports veterans and their families through fundraisers, initiatives and programs.
2. Socha Companies held the grand opening of its latest development with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Boulder Way at 800 Harvey Road in Manchester. This development will add 70 rental townhouse units to the area. The 1,832-square-foot townhouses each feature three bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 bathrooms. Socha Companies, a family-owned business, delivers new-construction townhomes to the Manchester area.
3. On Oct. 10, Easterseals NH held a graduation ceremony in Stratham to recognize four staff members who received certification through its partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). From left are Easterseals NH Direct Support Professionals DeAnne West, Teresa Fortune-Woodward, Aria Lynn Day and Brianna Pratt. The ceremony reaffirms Easterseals NH’s commitment to caring for people with disabilities.
4. Bank of New Hampshire announced its sponsorship of Mountain Top Music Center’s 2026 Concert Series as a $5,000 season sponsor. Mountain Top Music Center in Conway offers music education for all ages as well as performances around the region. From left are Mountain Top Music Center Executive Director George Wiese; Katelyn Quint, banking office manager of Bank of New Hampshire’s Conway office; and Dr. Therese Davison, Mountain Top Music Center trustee.
5. The Common Man Roadside recently celebrated 10 years of its partnership with the state at its Hooksett Welcome Center locations, as well as a new store in Derry at 56 Crystal Ave. In December, Gov. Kelly Ayotte joined The Common Man Roadside’s leadership team to celebrate the company’s continued growth around New Hampshire. According to a press release, this public-private partnership has generated more than $21 million in state revenue.
6. The Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) partnered with the NH Bankers Association to host a food drive throughout October during the #NHBanksGiveBack statewide month of service campaign. Donations were delivered to eight local food pantries. Protein-rich foods were collected at The Merrimack’s nine locations. The New Hampshire Bankers Association is a statewide, nonprofit trade association representing NH banking institutions.
7. The family-owned and -operated Fimbel Garage Doors celebrated the groundbreaking in Epping of its second showroom. The site will house Fimbel Seacoast, currently in Brentwood. The facility is expected to support the growth of the company in the Seacoast region as well as expand its service area, which ranges from Maine to Rhode Island. Chris Babineau, general manager of Fimbel Seacoast, was a presenter at the groundbreaking.
Now that 2026 is underway, New Hampshire employers should turn their attention to the state’s new Parental Medical Leave law (PML). Effective January 1, 2026, most employers with 20 or more employees are required to provide unpaid leave to allow employees to attend childbirth-related medical appointments, postpartum care and pediatric visits during a child’s first year.
Business and event happenings around the state of NH
The Latest is a roundup of the comings and goings of the movers and shakers in NH's business community
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