The sky is no limit for business recruitment effort

The New Hampshire Business Resource Center has joined with Independence Air in an unprecedented partnership aimed at stimulating business expansion in the state.

The airline, which flies out of Manchester Airport, recently presented the center with 10 free airline ticket vouchers that will be used to bring out-of-state business owners to the state to explore expansion and relocation possibilities, and to send the state’s development managers to targeted trade shows or to vital meetings with company owners.

“We can now fly our strongest business prospects to New Hampshire and show them what we have to offer,” said BRC Director Roy Duddy. “Seeing is believing, and their firsthand experience with our personalized approach to doing business and favorable business climate, as well as the Granite State’s enviable quality of life, will show them that our great state is the best choice and make their decision for relocation or expansion an easy one.”

The partnership came about after state officials approached Independence Air executives with a cooperative marketing proposal, and the company enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity, said Rick DeLisi, the airline’s director of corporate communications.

“The travel industry is an economic engine,” DeLisi said. “Independence Air is proud to be part of Manchester Airport’s all-time record high number of passengers and is pleased to contribute to New Hampshire’s economic activity as America’s newest low-fare airline and a resourceful community partner.”

DeLisi, a former New Hampshire resident, said he has seen how much the state is growing, adding that Manchester Airport — with its attractiveness, convenience and friendly management — was the ideal location for the airline’s expansion plans.

He also said Independence Air’s partnership with the state is a perfect fit for the company’s business goals.

“The Business Resource Center is a tremendous resource and partner to the airport, and it’s great to see a progressive airline come forward to actively assist the state with its business recruitment efforts,” said Kevin Dillon, the airport’s director.

BRC officials said the Independence Air initiative is a valuable addition to the center’s Business Ambassador Program, a business recruitment strategy developed last year that unites New Hampshire business leaders with out-of-state business owners who are interested in starting, expanding or relocating their business in the Granite State. The ambassadors speak with business prospects, host facility tours and participate in sales presentations featuring the many benefits of doing business in New Hampshire.

“We work closely with our business prospects and clients to assist them in meeting the challenges of today’s economy,” said Duddy. “We act as a single point of contact by providing them with one-on-one service, organizing a team of local and state partners, and helping them access the resources they need to be competitive in today’s marketplace.”

In addition to the business ambassadors and Independence Air, several other entities are assisting the state with its business recruitment efforts. To further promote New Hampshire as the best place to do business and live, Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center, Verizon Wireless Arena and the Manchester Monarchs all have pledged to give visiting business owners free tickets and facility tours.

“One of New Hampshire’s greatest assets is the way public and private entities work together to find new ways to promote economic growth in our state,” said state Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Sean O’Kane. “This is a creative opportunity to build on our state’s travel industry and overall economic base by creating more jobs and business.”

This article was provided by the New Hampshire Business Resource Center.