Nearly 200 partners, stakeholders, and economic development professionals gathered at Manchester Community College for the 2024 EconForum on Nov. 15.
Organized by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), the annual event brings together state, regional, and local collaborators to discuss ideas and possible solutions to issues challenging the economy. This year, regional partners were honored for their work in their communities in areas including recreation, childcare, and affordable housing.
“The 2024 EconForum was a successful follow up to the summit in 2023, enabling our partners meet in person, network, learn from each other, and strengthen efforts to continue to grow economic prosperity across the various regions of the state,” said BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell. “This is also a valuable opportunity for everyone to coalesce around challenges such as workforce development and affordable housing.”
Underscoring the importance of the collaboration and problem-solving, BEA recognized five initiatives that are helping the state address challenges to economic growth
The awards were:
- The Statewide Partner of the Year Award recognized the City of Lebanon for its strategic approach to developing housing within the growing city. City Councilor Karen Liot Hill and Planning and Development Director Nathan Reichert accepted the award from BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell.
- The Northern CEDR award to the Mt. Washington Valley Trails Association its work building and maintaining multi-use trails and recreation paths in the area. Association President Christopher Meier accepted the award.
- The South-Western CEDR award recognized the Bring It Home Project, a regional initiative to improve access to childcare in Cheshire County. Monadnock Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Cody Morrison accepted the award.
- The Central-Southern CEDR award recognized the work of Chinburg Properties in revitalizing and creating affordable housing at the Stevens Mill in downtown Franklin. Jen Chinburg, vice president of marketing and corporate development at Chinburg Properties, accepted the award.
- The Seacoast CEDR award recognized the work of SoHo Creative Studio for its development on an employer toolkit to help business recruit and retain talent. SoHo CEO Michael Cinquino accepted the award.
The daylong forum also featured discussions on workforce development, affordable housing, and topics related to planning and zoning.
BEA presented the 2024 EconForum with its partner, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and its sponsors: Eversource, Google Cloud, Millipore Sigma, and Novocure.
For information about BEA and its programs related to workforce development, housing, and planning, visit
www.nheconomy.com.