Strengthening sector requires solving state's top challenges

A strong manufacturing sector is critical to economic success and that’s particularly true in New Hampshire. The multiplier effect of turning raw materials or parts into finished goods is unrivaled. From local jobs to research and development that drives innovation and increases productivity, manufacturing’s impact ripples throughout the economy.

BIA is ready to work with our newly elected and appointed officials to address Granite State businesses’ biggest challenges, and our recently released Business Leader Survey shines a spotlight on those challenges. Conducted in collaboration with the Center for Ethics in Society at Saint Anselm College, the survey polled more than 500 business owners and executives with respondents representing businesses of all sizes across every region of New Hampshire.

More than 1 in 4 workers in New Hampshire are age 55 and older, the highest percentage among the states. With this comes challenges to ensure the state replenishes its future workforce and takes advantage of opportunities to strengthen its current one.

Manufacturing stimulates more economic activity than any other sector as the multiplier effect from turning raw materials or parts into finished goods is unrivaled. New Hampshire is strong with innovative, high-tech production, advanced manufacturing and next-generation operations like bio-fabrication. However, the state must tackle significant challenges to achieve and sustain manufacturing growth and prosperity.

Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration on Oct. 23 to close out stellar career

Dedicated and compassionate work honored with BIA’s NH Advantage Award

The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester assists more than 11,000 community members annually with long- and short-term treatments under the guiding principles of treating everyone with respect, compassion and dignity. The private, nonprofit agency will receive BIA’s New Hampshire Advantage Award, sponsored by Bank of America.

NH Senate president to receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

For the past couple decades, Jeb Bradley was most often found in the halls of the New Hampshire State House or high atop White Mountain peaks. As the Senate president moves toward retirement many of his colleague praise his commitment to building bipartisan consensus and getting the done.

BIA, the statewide chamber of commerce and leading nonpartisan business advocate with over 400 members, is completing its four-part public policy roundtable talks in locations across New Hampshire. Our roundtables allow us to gather input from many of the state’s business leaders, more than 100 participants this year. Our 2024 talks coincide with the completion of the primary campaigns, and most notably the race for governor.

Senior advisor with Bernstein Shur one of most highly respected government affairs advisors in NH

Teresa Rosenberger, a senior advisor with Bernstein Shur, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at BIA’s 111th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, Oct. 23. David Greer, CEO of Wire Belt Company of America, and New Hampshire Senate President Jeb Bradley will also receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, sponsored by Whelen Engineering Company. The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester will receive BIA’s New Hampshire Advantage Award, sponsored by Bank of America.

Greer to receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

David Greer of Wire Belt Company of America will receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award at our 111th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, Oct. 23. Teresa Rosenberger of Bernstein Shur, and New Hampshire Senate President Jeb Bradley will also receive Lifetime Achievement Awards. The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester will receive BIA’s New Hampshire Advantage Award.

Meagan Pariseau will serve as program and membership coordinator and be responsible for planning, managing and coordinating a variety of key membership and program initiatives essential to the growth and success of the BIA.

The New Hampshire Veteran-Friendly Business Network is made up of businesses, organizations, colleges and schools in the state that the N.H. Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and N.H. Employment Security have recognized for their policies and practices that serve to empower and positively impact the lives of Granite State servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Awards to be bestowed at 111th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource

The Business and Industry Association announced the 2024 recipients of its Lifetime Achievement and New Hampshire Advantage awards to be bestowed at its 111th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The Business & Industry Association, along with leading national organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers and U.S. Chamber, have long argued for business regulations that are clear, concise and consistent. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision overturning the “Chevron deference” precedent represents a major shift in the regulatory landscape for businesses, especially manufacturers, going forward.

More than 30 BIA members accompanied by staff will take part in our second annual D.C. Fly-In June 11-12. The Fly-In gives state business leaders exclusive access and insights into the issues, policies and politics impacting businesses at the federal level. And there’s a lot happening that could impact New Hampshire’s businesses and economy.

The U.S. Chamber was joined by 230 national associations and state and local chambers in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission requesting it stay the effective date of the Noncompete Rule to allow for judicial review.

BIA and state and local chambers across the country signed onto a letter to Congress sharing concerns with the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). As currently drafted, the APRA fails to establish a meaningful uniform national data protection standard and undermines harmonized data privacy legislation already passed by 15 states.

Fourteen members honored with ‘Above & Beyond Awards’

The Business & Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, elected officers and directors for 2024-2025, and honored outstanding volunteer members at its Annual Business Meeting Wednesday, May 15.

BIA's Coffee and Crossover, our halftime review of the legislative session, is Friday, April 12

The Business & Industry Association’s Coffee and Crossover, a fresh take on our popular halftime review of the legislative session, is Friday, April 12 in Concord. In a session that started with over 1,300 bills, there’s plenty of action ahead.

Michael Skelton, president and CEO, of the Business & Industry Association recently accepted a prestigious appointment to the U.S. Chamber’s advisory committee. The Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 advises the chamber’s board of directors, enhances lobbying and coalition work, recommends programming, and strengthens outreach to the business and chamber communities.

The Business & Industry Association’s mission is to champion a competitive business climate and prosperous economic future for New Hampshire. Our mission often requires us to fight bills that may be well intentioned, but ultimately pose a threat to Granite State businesses, residents and the economy.

The Business & Industry Association joined organizations representing all sectors of the New Hampshire economy in stating opposition to a bill as currently written that would eliminate caps for wrongful death loss of consortium claims.

BIA is calling on the Biden administration to take a scientifically sound approach to regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The nascent U.S. manufacturing renaissance is bringing new opportunities to workers and businesses in New Hampshire and across the country, but there are a series of challenges, including a regulatory onslaught coming from Washington.

BIA joins in support of SB 403

The ongoing health care workforce shortage in New Hampshire is is emerging as a serious cost driver. These upward pressures on health care costs are seen in several areas, including wage inflation, ability of providers to operate efficiently, and costs of delayed care.

The staggering number of bills before the Legislature this session has swelled to over 1,000 and many could impact New Hampshire businesses and the economy.

Workforce and energy issues top the Business & Industry Association’s public policy priorities for the 2024 legislative session as the Legislature returns to action.

The House and Senate are back in session and will take up over 800 bills, many of which could help, or hurt, New Hampshire businesses and other employers. BIA is ready to advocate on issues such as workforce, housing and energy.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., have sponsored a bill, S.866, the American Innovation and Jobs Act, which would restore full expensing, increase the cap for the refundable R&D tax credit for small businesses and startups and expand eligibility for the credit.

Nonprofit that supports grieving children and families to receive BIA’s NH Advantage Award

Christine Phillips sits on a couch inside a beautiful Victorian house turned home of Friends of Aine’s Center for Grieving Children & Families. Christine, who co-founded the nonprofit agency with her husband David Phillips, talks about a dream come true in the wake of tragedy. The couple lost their daughter Aine suddenly and unexpectedly at age 8 in 2010.

Co-founder of Rath Young and Pignatelli will receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Attorney Sherilyn Burnett “Sherry” Young, a founder, shareholder and past president of Rath, Young and Pignatelli, will receive the honor at BIA’s 110th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, Oct. 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester.

Longtime senator will receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has served in elected office in New Hampshire for more than 45 years including 13 consecutive terms in the state Senate. Known for his booming voice on roll call votes, the dean of the Senate is not done, saying, “As long as I’m producing positive results, I’ll keep it going.”

The U.S. manufacturing industry, backed by federal government support, is seeing historic private sector investment with the goal of reshoring manufacturing jobs lost over the last 50 years. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new proposed regulations put that at risk.

Dean Christon to receive BIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Dean Christon was on the front lines of fighting New Hampshire’s fall into today’s housing crisis over his 34 years with NH Housing. The self-supporting public corporation has helped more than 55,000 families purchase their own homes and has been instrumental in financing the creation of more than 16,000 multifamily housing units. But much more is needed.

Presidential candidates are already beating a path through New Hampshire in the lead up to the “First in the Nation” primary. They’re discussing many national and international issues, but we hope they keep in mind perhaps the most prominent issue for Granite State businesses: The economy.

Dean Christon, Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, Sherry Young and Friends of Aine to be honored at 110th Annual Dinner

BIA announces the 2023 recipients of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement and New Hampshire Advantage awards to be presented at its 110th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration, presented by Eversource, Wednesday, Oct. 25.

The “miracle” budget passed by New Hampshire lawmakers delivers results for Granite State employers and workers on several fronts and lawmakers deserve praise for rising above the partisan fray too typical these days.

The Business & Industry Association is excited to embark on our inaugural DC Fly-in this week, joining approximately 20 of our members to bring top business-related concerns to the nation’s capital.

BIA is pleased with the Senate's 24-0 vote to approve HB 1 and HB 2, the two-year state operating budget, and is now urging House leadership to support that plan and send it to the governor for his signature.

Eleven members honored with ‘Above & Beyond Awards’

New Hampshire is a great place to run a business, but the cost of electricity here is not among the attractions. Getting those costs down will require private and public action and an "all of the above" approach to new generation.

Carole Alfano will serve as director of member relations, a newly created position within the BIA, and will be responsible for coordinating the association’s outreach, recruitment and retention of member businesses across New Hampshire.

BIA backing housing and higher education investment, expanded Medicaid

Legislation that could significantly impact New Hampshire businesses has moved into the second half of the legislative session.

The N.H. House is set to vote on a proposed $15.9 billion, two-year state budget Thursday, April 6. The plan makes investments in top BIA priorities this session. BIA urges Republican and Democratic House members to support the budget, send it to the Senate for additional work keep the process moving forward.”

22 business leaders complete course to prepare them for continued success

The Business & Industry Association recently celebrated the graduates of its 2022-2023 Emerging Leaders Training Program.

BIA supports increased investment in vital contributor to state’s economy

BIA supports increased investment in New Hampshire's community college system, which is a vital contributor to state’s economy and its future workforce.

Housing affordability was a major concern among those polled in the first BIA Report on Consumer Confidence of 2023.

Granite Advantage Health Care Program a sound investment in state’s workforce and economy

BIA President & CEO Michael Skelton testified before a Senate committee that permanent reauthorization of expanded Medicaid in New Hampshire is a workforce and economic issue for the state, and among BIA’s top policy priorities.

Gov. Sununu, during his address Tuesday, Feb. 14, said his budget promotes New Hampshire as a hub of innovation to businesses across the nation, calling them the bedrock of New Hampshire’s communities.

The Business & Industry Association is working aggressively to support four particular legislative efforts now before lawmakers that could help ease the state’s workforce shortage.

Ask almost any business owner and they will tell you: One of the most pressing problems impeding their ability to recruit and retain a workforce is the lack of available and affordable child care.

The Business & Industry Association announces the hiring of Mike Skelton as BIA’s new president and CEO. Skelton, president and CEO of the Greater Manchester Chamber since 2014, will join BIA in early February.

As business and nonprofit enterprises in New Hampshire face an ultra-tight labor market, investing in their best and brightest employees can make the difference in retaining them. The Business & Industry Association’s Emerging Leader Training can give organizations the edge they need.

Will lead Maine Bankers Association

Jim Roche, CEO & president of the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire since 2005, announced his departure from the statewide advocacy group to lead the Maine Bankers Association as its next president

The executive board of the Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce, added five business leaders to its board Thursday, June 17.

For employers, there’s a lot of “Do what I say” going on at the State House this legislative session. It’s not based on best practices or trusting employers to do what’s best for employees (their most important asset).

The Business and Industry Association is urging New Hampshire House legislators to pass Senate Bill 61, a bill establishing New Hampshire as a “Right to Work” state.

The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, approved a new slate of officers and board members at the association’s Annual Business Meeting.

Gov. Chris Sununu will kick off the Business & Industry Association’s second annual New Hampshire Economic Summit, presented by Cambridge Trust, on Thursday, May 13.

The Business & Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate, announced the addition of Richard Fabrizio to its staff.

The PRO Act makes sweeping changes to federal labor laws, essentially rewriting the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947. Supporters say it would bolster collective bargaining rights, but opponents say it dramatically and unfairly tilts the carefully crafted balance between labor and management to unions.

The Executive Board of the Business and Industry Association voted to oppose language included in House Bill 2, the House-passed “trailer” bill of the state budget, relating to the “propagation of divisive concepts.”

The New Hampshire Legislature's delay in passing safe harbor protections against spurious lawsuits related to alleged contraction of COVID-19 in the workplace leaves businesses at risk.

The Business and Industry Association testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of Senate Bill 61, which would make New Hampshire the only “Right to Work” state in the Northeast U.S.

The Business & Industry Association expressed strong opposition to HR 842, the PRO Act, which was cosponsored by Rep. Chris Pappas and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster.

The Business and Industry Association is spearheading an effort to establish a legal safe harbor for New Hampshire employers who have complied with federal and state COVID-19 health and safety guidelines to protect them from unwarranted lawsuits from employees, customers or others who may have contracted the coronavirus and are seeking damages.