River Valley Community College Business Training Center

Welcome Martha Mott New Job readiness Coordinator

2011-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the River Valley Community College Business Training center martha Mott, our new Job Readiness Coordinator! She can be reached at:

mmott@ccsnh.edu
(603) 542-7744 ext. 5485

No Time? Here's a solution!

2011-09-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE CLICK ON THE BOX ABOVE TO SEE THE FULL DETAILS! Cost is $ 189

Work Ready NH Program coming to RVCC

2011-08-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

A Certificate that cetifies individuals as work ready will become a new program of the College. More details coming soon! E-mail me if you have questions:

jbritton@ccsnh.edu

Hypertherm Expansion to Add Hundreds of jobs Pt. I

2011-07-06T08:27:00.001-07:00

Hypertherm Planning to Hire & Train Machinists for Fifth Time in 2010

2010-11-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hypertherm Planning to Hire & Train Machinists for Fifth Time in 2010

STAR PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION IN KEENE Oct. 5

2010-09-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Many Vermont and New Hampshire companies in the River Valley are experiencing difficulties in hiring skilled CNC machinists and machine operators – there is simply a shortage of skilled and experienced workers to fill these positions.

New Hampshire’s Department of Economic Development, in partnership with River Valley Community College (RVCC), are pleased to announce the opportunity for Vermont and New Hampshire employers in the River Valley to participate in the hiring and training of dislocated workers as part of the CNC Machinist STAR (Skills Through Apprenticeship and Retraining) program. The STAR program has been held six times in New Hampshire and Vermont, training and placing over 60 workers as CNC machine operators over the past 18 months.

The STAR program’s education and training is completely funded through a US/DOL grant. It involves eight weeks of intense CNC manual and machine training as part of a two-year apprenticeship. Employers participating in the program will be required to hire their sponsored apprentices prior to the beginning of their education and training. There will be approximately 9 sessions held over three years, with up to 15 students per session. A total of 150 dislocated workers will be retrained and apprenticed under this grant. We will be working with the NH Works offices and the Vermont DOL Career Resources Centers as part of applicant recruitment.

The next session is scheduled to run classes beginning in January 2011. Seats will be offered to employers on a first-come, first-to-commit basis.

We will be holding an employer informational session at the Corning Inc. facility located at 69 Island Street in Keene, NH on October 5, 2010 at 3pm. The meeting will last about 1 ½ hours. If you are interested in participating in the first session, or want to learn more about the details of the STAR program, please RSVP by calling Jim Britton at RVCC at 1-800-837-0658 ext. 5346, or e-mail Jim at jbritton@ccsnh.edu.

As Corning is a high-security Department of Defense contractor, there are some restrictions that must be followed. All visitors must present a valid photo ID (no foreign nationals are allowed in the building) and no camera phones are allowed on the premises. Please leave these in your car or at the office.

We truly hope you can join us on October 5th to learn how we are addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing industry. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call Steve Budd at 1-800-837-0658 ext. 5331.

Some Firms Struggle to Hire Despite High Unemployment

2010-08-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704895004575395491314812452.html?m

Lean enterprise Certificate coming to RVCC Keene in August

2010-07-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

See details at:

http://www.rivervalley.edu/documents/Lean-certificate-fall2010.pdf

Management Assistance for Small Business May 6th

2010-04-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Coming to River Valley Community College May 6th
Get one-on one counseling from Gary Oden Regional Manager, NH Small Business Development Center. Limited sessions are available by scheduling through the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce on a first come first serve basis. Contact the Chamber for times at (603) 543-1296. Sessions will be held in the Puksta Library at River Valley Community College 1 College Drive Claremont,NH.
Learn how to make your small business more successful The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center offers free, one-on-one, confidential business counseling, low cost training programs, and access to information referral. Specialized services include environmental counseling, manufacturing assistance, and innovative economic development initiatives.
NH SBDC's full-time certified business advisors provide one on one long-term management counseling to small businesses. Entrepreneurs seek advice on how to improve operations, attract capital, or bring new products to market, while others want to launch new ventures or purchase an existing business.
• Business plan Development
• Access To Capital
• Feasibility Assessment
• Financial Analysis
• Marketing & Sales
• Environmental Management
• Technology solutions
• Human Resource Issues
• Expansion, Acquisition & New Ventures
• SBIR & STTR Programs

Sponsored By River Valley Community College and the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce

New Nursing graduates are struggling to find openings at health facilities in NH

2010-03-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Great article for Nursing students at NHBR.Com:

http://www.nhbr.com/business/healthcare/666051-276/story.html

Lebanon: Governor Lynch Announces Business Outreach Series

2010-02-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Governor Lynch Announces Business Outreach Series

The first regional business outreach session will be held on Friday, March 19, in Lebanon at the Courtyard by Marriott Hanover/Lebanon beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The two-hour session will feature presentations by state agency leaders, and will provide business leaders the opportunity to meet directly with state agency heads. It will also give business leaders the chance to network with other New Hampshire businesses.

The commissioner of the departments of Employment Security, Resources and Economic Development, Labor, Insurance, Environmental Services, Administrative Services and Revenue Administration, and officials from the Community College System of New Hampshire will present overviews of their departments and the types of business services they provide.

Full story:

http://blog.nheconomy.com/?p=888

Claremont Eagle Times: Machine Tool Co. Makes Jump Across River

2010-01-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

Tuesday January 19,2010

Machine Tool Co. Makes Jump Across River
By ANGEL ROY
Staff Writer

Having outgrown its home in Springfield, Vt., precision grinding equipment manufacturer CNC North has begun its move across the river.
"We are excited," said Patrick Harrington, one of the company's three owners, of the move. "The people here have been very friendly and helpful." The transition of the business to the city, which was officially incorporated into the Granite State Jan. 1, is set to be complete Feb. 1, Harrington said.

_________________________________________________________
‘[River Valley Community College] is very innovative. Once we get to the point where we are ready to bring new employees in we will discuss possible specific training needs for our people.’
______________________________________________________
The five-year-old machine tool company now shares a building with Claremont-based component manufacturer Belfon Machine Co. - a CNC North supplier.
Bob Hawkins, another CNC North owner, said the space was ideal because it has the necessary interior systems in place for their business, including air compressors and cranes.
Harrington called the move to Industrial Boulevard a ³win-win² for both companies.
"It will probably make them strong as well and we will be able to do more work with them," he said.
Harrington said that although business was on the down side in 2009, it has already booked more work for this year than it did last year.
CNC North, he added, was also able to avoid laying off its five employees and hopes to be in a position to bring on additional employees this year.
"So far we have been able to expand every year," Hawkins said. "If we can do that, then we will certainly continue hiring more people." Harrington said he has also contacted River Valley Community College for training possibilities for his employees.
"RVCC is very innovative," Harrington said. "Once we get to the point where we are ready to bring new employees in we will discuss possible specific training needs for our people."

EAGLE TIMES REPORT: Structal Bridge

2010-01-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 23,2010

Structal to hire 40 from local college

By ANGEL ROY
Staff Writer

CLAREMONT ‹ When Structal Bridges faced hiring challenges it turned to where many local companies looking for skilled workers go - River Valley Community College.
Now, with a partnership in place to train to the company¹s needs, the River Road bridge giant is preparing to hire 40 welders and fitters over a 12-month period.
The idea for the partnership began when Tony Levesque, Structal Bridges project manager, discussed the challenges with Jim Britton, RVCC director of continuing education & business training.
"We basically had trouble finding skilled help in the area with bridge welding and fitting experience," Levesque said, adding that "the company had sought out potential employees from other bridge shops in Connecticut and beyond. We were also doing some training of other tradespeople locally with good building trades experience," he said. "We basically invested the time to train them for bridge fabrication." Britton was able to link Levesque with the River Valley Workforce Institute, formerly Vermont HITEC, to set recruitment plans in motion.
RVWI also worked with RVCC on the Jan. 16 recruitment of 15 new hires for Hypertherm, which drew 200 applicants.
"We feel comfortable with their model of finding and screening candidates," Levesque said.
New hires will be trained through the Skills Through Apprenticeship Retraining program, an eight-week accelerated program funded through a $1.8 million grant from the state Department of Resources and Economic Development New Hampshire Work Opportunity Council. The funds were awarded to the department from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Selected candidates will earn $12 an hour during the program, with successful graduates starting at $14 an hour with benefits and potential for bonuses. Upon completion of the program new hires will have earned 27 credits from RVCC to apply toward an associate's degree and a U.S.
Department of Labor certificate of apprenticeship as a welder-fitter.
Levesque said the company was also attracted to the college training model because of its educational benefits for employees.
"They are starting as full-time employees at Structal Bridges and in addition are full-time students at RVCC," Levesque said.
The college, Britton said, is working to format a curriculum for the program and how to fit it into its existing programs as it does not currently offer a credited welding program.
Britton said the college is likely to look at existing programs and course outlines from two colleges in the Community College System of New Hampshire and work with the technical center in Newport, which offers adult education in welding.
Levesque said the company is looking for an educator to instruct four classes of 10 candidates and wants to kick off the first within the next two to three months.
"Basically they have a criteria they will need to reach," Levesque said of new hires. "If they can do that, if they can be a success, then we can take on more than 40 , I hope that it is." Structal Bridges has an estimated 80 employees, a number that Levesque hopes will increase to 150-200 over the next few years.
"We are really looking to attract good candidates that will be here for the long haul," Levesque said.
Along with growing its staff, the company has big plans for its facility.
The company is slated to move its operations to the part of its building formerly occupied by Sullivan Paletek so expansions and improvements can begin at the plant.
"We plan to invest $10 million to $12 million in this facility," Levesque said. "It will increase capacity a fair amount." Over the past two years Structal Bridges, has spent $3.5 million on capital improvement upgrades, training employees and replacing all tools.
"The plant," Levesque said, "is shaping up to be the United States headquarters of the company."
The company purchased the assets of its predecessor, Eastern Bridge, in 2007; Canam, a Canada-based company that owns Structal Bridges, purchased the 177,000-square-foot building Nov. 6.
Sullivan County Registry of Deeds shows a $61,500 property transfer tax which denotes a purchase price of $4.1 million from Grissom & River LLC of Antrim, N.H.
"We are real happy with being in Claremont," Levesque said.
Britton said RVCC hopes to have application information on its Web site next week.

Governor Lynch announces NH Working Program

2010-01-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

During Today's state of the state address Governor Lynch announced a 3-pronged NH Working Program which addresses the economy with several key strategies:

1. State to Partner with business and workers to provide an alternative to layoffs

2. Those who are on unemployment will qualify for 6 weeks of training to better psotion them for being skilled for avaialble jobs

3. Prepare workers to be ready to work by assessing their basic skills and readiness for work

4. the NH Job training grant fund will be expanded to $ 2 million and will also be used to train unemployed workers.

More details will follow as they become available.

Upper Valley Workforce Training

2010-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Check out the following article about workforce training in the area (From the Valley News):

http://www.vnews.com/12202009/6250752.htm

Claremont: Community jobs Creation Forum held at Claremont Savings Bank

2009-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Numerous busainesses and local organizations participated in a discussion on how to create jobs as part of the President’s forum on jobs.River Valley Human Resource Association, Claremont Savings Bank, and River Valley Community College will be sponsored the community job forum on December 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Claremont Savings Bank Community Room.

This discussion, among community leaders was intended to be a source of insights and ideas that will inform the President’s approach to job creation. The results and feedback of the discussion will be sent to the White House for reviewwhere it will be compiled and combined with other forums across the country into a report that will be sent to the Oval Office for review.

Although this event is not affiliated with the Governor’s office, one of the goals in putting this discussion together is to share the feedback from this forum with the Governor’s office. This is one way to help the Governor continue to be aware of the concerns and ideas from CEOs, small business owners, economists, financial experts, labor union representatives, nonprofit groups, HR Professionals and regular Americans in the Upper Valley region (including Claremont) of New Hampshire.

RVCC: NEW COURSES FOR BUSINESS TRAINING FOR 2010

2009-11-30T12:37:00.001-08:00

Check the following link for the Business Training Classes RVCC has scheduled for our upcoming semester in 2010:

http://www.rivervalley.edu/documents/WorkforceTrainingSpring2010.pdf

More details on InVest Classes for Insurance

2009-11-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

Here's more details on InVest courses:

27314 WKS0042 InVEST in your future – Fundamentals of Personal Insurance Mondays & Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 p.m. Jan. 20th-March 17th $299.00 M. Bard This class will help you to understand the basics of personal automobile and homeowners insurance and careers available in the insurance industry. Fires, floods, earthquakes, car accidents and break-ins are the common claims that we all face and need to plan for. For each of these situations, insurance is available to help you pay for damage to your property, or to pay others on your behalf when you injury someone or damage their property. Skills acquired in this class will aid participants and set them apart in seeking employment in the insurance field. The class is also beneficial to those interested in increasing their understanding of their own personal insurance needs. No Class Feb. 15th.

27315 WKS0043 InVEST in your future – Fundamentals of Business Insurance Mondays & Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 p.m. $299.00 M. BardThis class will help you to understand the insurance needs when owning a business; in addition to careers available in the insurance industry. Business owners insurance, or commercial insurance, is designed to meet the specific needs of small to midsize businesses and their employees. This class will help you to better understand the claims exposures of business owners and the insurance solutions that are used to handle these exposures. Skills acquired in this class will aid participants and set them apart in seeking employment in the insurance field. Students must complete the InVEST in your future – Fundamentals of Personal Insurance class prior to enrolling in this class.

Walpole : Bensonwood does work on restoring a work of Thomas Jefferson

2009-11-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

See complete story on Keene Sentinel web site:

http://www.sentinelsource.com/articles/2009/11/23/news/local/free/id_380314.txt

See Bensonwoods website at:

http://bensonwood.com/

Keene: InVEST Insurance classes to be offered at RVCC in Keene

2009-11-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

The schedule for the InVest classes in Keene is as follows : 2-8 week modules:

Personal Insurance: Jan 20- March 17: 5- 6:30 p.m. MW (no Class on Feb. 15-President's Day)
Business insurance: Mar 22-May 12 5-6:30 p.m. MW

Detailed Course descriptions are coming soon-the RVCC course brochure should be out in a couple of weeks!

Structal Bridge to Stay in Claremont

2009-11-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Valley News reported that Structal Bridge has bought the building they have been leasing. This means they will be staying in Claremont for the long term!

To learn more about Structal Bridge check their website at :

http://www.structalbridges.ws/www/v4/estrucb.nsf

Claremont's Pro-Investment Slate Wins Big

2009-11-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Spending Cap Gets Crushed see story at Valley News Web Site:

http://www.vnews.com/11042009/6132786.htm

Walpole: Commissioner Bald Featured at Networking Event sponsored by Hannah Grimes Center

2009-10-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Hannah Grimes Center featured NH Department of Resources & Economic Development Commisssioner George Bald at its CONNECT Annual Entrepreneur Event Thursday, October 22nd at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. The 2009 Hannah Grimes Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Brian Foucher from WiValley.

The Hannah Grimes Center mission - to help communities and entrepreneurs innovate, connect, and thrive - is rooted in the vision that the success of either is inextricably linked to the success of both. We believe that a local economy cannot thrive without a vibrant community - and, in turn, a community cannot be vibrant without a thriving local economy.

Check out Hannah Grimes website at:

http://www.hannahgrimes.com/

Keene: Fate of the Pumpkin festival?

2009-10-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

The fate of next year’s Keene Pumpkin Festival remains up in the air.City government subsidies were cut sharply this year, and the festival had to dip into its rainy day fund.But last weekend’s event drew big crowds, and revenue from merchandise and some costs haven’t been totaled yet.

See story at Keene Senitnel's web site:

http://www.sentinelsource.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/local/free/id_376036.txt

7th Annual Governor's Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit held without Governor Lynch

2009-10-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Business and Industry Association, in partnership with New Hampshire High Technology Council, New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnershipand The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, held the 7th Annual Governor's Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit yesterday. The program began with a session led by Beth Goldstein, President of Marketing Edge Consulting Group and author of The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Toolkit. She led participants in a lively, interactive discussion on the importance of developing a powerful brand based on customer's needs. Participants then had the option to attend two of three concurrent workshops related to case studies on lean green and energy, growing international business and introducing a system for reliable growth.The luncheon keynote speaker was Michael Reopel, Principal of Deloitte Consulting. His presentation, "Reexamining Advanced Manufacturing in a Networked World - Prospects for Resurgence in New England", identified five subsectors within the New England manufacturing industry that are poised for growth. He also discussed the challenges these industry subsectors face, and identified the opportunities they provide for sustainable economic growth even during these difficult economic times.

The governor was not able to attend, and instead, Roy Duddy from DRED made the introductory speech in his stead.

BPI Building Analyst Training Course coming to Claremont Dec. 14

2009-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

This course is coming to Claremont Dec. 14-Dec. 30 For more details clicik on the following link:

http://www.lrcc.edu/energy/auditor/index.html

Claremont: Governor Visits RVCC For Business Roundtable Discussion

2009-09-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

See story from Valley News:

http://www.vnews.com/09302009/6045317.htm

Keene: A Vibrant Economy

2009-09-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Last night, in Keene there was a Keene Voices Community discussion hosted by the Community Master Plan Steering Committee. The discussion explored issues and questions surrounding the local economy in Keene. The goal was to generate strategic action steps for turning the focus area of the vision into a reality through the Community Master Plan.

the Vision Goals are :

* A Balanced Local Community
* Employment Opportunities

For more information about the Community Master Plan, and the Community Vision "focus areas" check the City's website at :

http://www.ci.keene.nh.us/departments/planning/master-plan-process

Lebanon: Macoma Corp. Forms partnership with Chevron

2009-09-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

See story on NH Business Review's web site:

http://www.nhbr.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090915/NEWS06/909149984

NH Unemployment up to 6.9 %--was 3.9 % last year

2009-09-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

The state’s unemployment rate climbed a tenth of a percentage point from July to August, and is 3 percentage points higher than this time last year, according to data released Monday by the state Employment Security office.New Hampshire’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.9 percent, up from 6.8 percent in July and 3.9 percent from August 2008.

New Hampshire is well below the national rate of 9.7 percent for August, an increase of 0.3 percentage points in July and 3.5 percentage points higher than a year ago, NHES said.

Claremont: Sophie & Zeke's Closes

2009-09-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Looks like one of the City's premeire establishments is no more. Word has it Sophie & Zeke's will not be re-opening.

Claremont : Advanced Leadership Course Coming to Area

2009-09-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

Leading From Within an Advanced Course in Leadership for Supervisors will be offered in Claremont beginning September 24th. For details contact River Valley Community College's Business Training Center Right away at (603) 542-7044 ext. 346

AP: NH jobless rate stays at 6.8 percent in July

2009-08-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

CONCORD – New Hampshire's unemployment rate remained at 6.8 percent for July.
The state Department of Employment Security says that the seasonally adjusted rate was unchanged from June and a full 3 points above the rate in July a year ago.
In numbers, 50,600 New Hampshire residents who were looking for work last month didn't have jobs. That's nearly 23,000 more than in July 2008.
The national jobless rate for July was 9.4 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from June.

Claremont: Eagle times To Return?

2009-08-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

See story from Brattleboro Reformer:

http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_13148163

Keene:U.S. Cellular upgrades allow for 3G service

2009-08-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

According to the Keene Sentinel:

"U.S. Cellular is offering 3G mobile broadband to its customers in the Keene area.Software upgrades were recently made to the company’s existing cellular sites in the region, said spokeswoman Kelly Cioe.Customers may use 3G for no extra charges and without making changes to their existing service plans, Cioe said.The upgrade will allow customers to open Internet pages faster and send or receive large documents more quickly, Cioe said.“It’s like going from dial-up to broadband,” she said."

Keene : Hannah Grimes Meeting

2009-08-06T10:17:00.001-07:00

Attended meeting @ HGC yesterday a.m. Topic of discussion was what are you seeing in economy right now? Talk centered around stimulus fund/Broadband initiatives, difficulty in getting bank loans for business, lack of hiring in the area, learned about news from NH regions on NHPR at this link:
http://www.nhpr.org/workingitout

Unemployment in Keene was estimated to be between 6-7 %

Newport: RDS Machine Moves into new 36,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Newport

2009-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

They will be holding an an open house at their new 36,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Newport on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. For details contact them at:

603-863-4131

Claremont: On-Line Attempt to fill news void

2009-07-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a web-site that is trying to fill the area news void since the closure of the eagle times. Check it out at:

http://yourclaremontpress.com/

Claremont: Lowe's construction set

2009-07-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

"After a nearly four-year land-decontamination process, Lowe's Home Improvement expects to begin construction of a new store on Washington Street in Claremont next month.

Claremont City Manager Guy Santagate said Lowe's expects to start building the warehouse-style store and parking lot in late August, with completion of the project scheduled for April 2010."

Macnhester Union Leader- July 13, 2009

Back from Vacation

2009-07-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry no posts for awhile- I went on vacation up in Maine. Great weather-enjoyed watching Seadogs vs. Fisher Cats in Portland, and especially the blues festival up in Rockland. Maine coast is a beautiful area of the country! Now---back to business!

Claremont : Eagle times stops publication and closes door.

2009-07-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

See link below for full story:

Claremont's Eagle Times stopping the pressesThe Eagle Times, a six-day-a-week newspaper that serves Claremont and surrounding towns, is publishing its last edition today, the owner told employees Thursday. -- N.H. UNION LEADER

Charlestown: Whelen Engineering still going strong

2009-07-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to spend a bit of time with Jean Wetherby over at Whelen Engineering this week. They are doing well in spite of the recession. I have seen most of their facilities, but this is the first time I have been in their new building. (For the record Building Number 5.) This is where their new sheet metal operation is housed. Preetty impressive-nice to see a growing company in our area continue to do well in spite of the current economy.

Charlestown : Regrets : Tim Donovan Founder of Optimum manufacturing Passes Away

2009-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Regrets-unfortunatley we have lost a true innovator and brilliant machinist, Tim Donovan, former owner of Optimum Manufacturing in Charlestown, NH. I was fortunate enough to get to know Tim a little bit, and am deeply saddened by his passing. His Obituary appears in today's Eagle times:

http://www.eagletimes.com/ET/story/090705-obit-clmt-DonovanPIX

Claremont: Taste of Claremont/ New restaurants in town

2009-06-29T11:54:00.001-07:00

Had a chance to visit the Taste of Claremont over the weekend. We found out there are two new restaurants coming to town soon. One is a Japanese hibachi restaurant on Washington Street (I don't recall the name). It will be where BistroNouveau used to be. There is also a new Italian restaurant, Carmello's going into Pleasant street where Sophie & Zeke's used to be. One thing my wife and I noticed walking down the street was how much activity there is at the North end of the street, but the south end including especially Goddard emporiuim is completely empty......There's still plenty of space available for stores on Claremont's Main Street! We also checked out the Common Man for a quick refreshment and checked out the Inn as well. Outstanding-all the way around!

Newport: Evening Welding Classes coming for fall for adults

2009-06-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

in partnership with the SRVTC-Newport, RVCC will be offering evening welding classes for Adults in the Fall. See our upcoming brochure for details.

Claremont/Keene/Lebanon New courses for business coming soon

2009-06-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

We are diligently working on new courses for the fall. There will be courses offered for our Lean Certificate Program, for Sales Training, and two different levels of Supervisor/Leadership training. Stay tuned for details...

Keene: First Course Culinary Program/RVCC Partnership

2009-06-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

River Valley Community College is Proud to announce that we are now partners with First Course Culinary Training Program in Keene. First Course provides individuals of all abilities with an opportunity to enrich their lives though life skills, job training and employment in the food service and hospitality industry. First Course has sessions that will be starting August 31, 2009. There will be a second session that will be starting October 26th. For more details on enrollment contact Denise Meadows, at First course 603-352-1385 x 210, or see their website at: http://www.1stcourse.org

Sullivan County could see a lot of Governor Lynch this week: Big Day tomorrow: Wind Farm & Mills Cermony

2009-06-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

If the budget doesn't pull him away we should see a lot of Governor Lynch in Sullivan County tomorrow. There are two big events happening, one is an open house for the Lempster Wind Farm and the other is the ribbon Cutting Cermony for the opening of Mill Buildings in Claremont. He was just here on Tuesday for Newport High School's graduation ceremony.

Keene/Swanzey Manufacturing: ABTech helps with NASA satellite

2009-06-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

I went to an open house at AB Tech in Swanzey last Thursday. It was well attended by State and local officials. AB Tech makes air bearings for machines. They have built an impressive machine (actually two) for Columbia University--this machine will help build parts for NASA's newest telescope. Excellent presentations were made by company president Ken Abbott, and head of Sales, Matt Keenan. For more info about AB Tech check their website at :

www.abtechmfg.com

Claremont/Newport Welding

2009-06-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Welding has been the theme of the day today. Today I met with Mary Laternau (sp?) from the Department of Education's Tech Program. I also met with Carl Speer and John Doherty from Newport's High School Tech program. We are potentially going to run some Adult Ed evening classes in Welding. Stay tuned to our Fall course brochure for more details....

Claremont/ Keene Business Visits

2009-06-16T13:57:00.001-07:00

I've been crazy busy in the last week visiting businesses. in the past few days I have been to see Structal Bridges in Claremont, ABTech in Keene, the Hannah Grimes Center in Keene, First Course in Keene, and also Claremont Savings Bank in Claremont. More details to follow when I am at my desk long enough to update...stay tuned.

Newport: Attracting Buiness to Town : Economic Development Corporation of Newport (ECON):

2009-06-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

I know the town of Newport is also working on a business development industrial park. Eagle Times has story that ran on Wednesday June 10 with more details. This story is not avialble on-line that I see. For more details contact the Economic Development Corporation of Newport (ECON):

For more information about ECON or how they might help your business in Newport, contact: Daniel P. O'Neill, President (603)863-1877 or email: manager@newportnh.netMark A. Pitkin, Vice President (603)863-3000 or email: mpitkin@sugarriverbank.com

Charlestown: Space Avaialble for business: New development area almost done

2009-06-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Grist Mill Development is nearly finished in Charlestown. For more details see this article on the Eagle times web site:

http://www.eagletimes.com/ET/story/090602-jad-chtnCedagristmilldevelopment

Claremont/Keene: Business Management Program expanded to include Associate's degree

2009-06-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

For more details see the latest news section of the river Valley Community College website at :

http://www.rivervalley.edu/

(Hint : it's at the top right of the webpage right under the search box)

Keene New Programs this Fall: Culinary Services & Paralegal

2009-06-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

For more details see the latest news section of the river Valley Community College website at :

http://www.rivervalley.edu/

(Hint : it's at the top right of the webpage right under the search box)

Keene-Lebanon-Claremont: Summer Offferings For Business

2009-06-08T11:28:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that RVCC's Business Training Center has numerous offerings specifically for business training, many are specific to Keene, Claremont or Lebanon. Remember that we can also offer some of these at your location, if there is a group of employees that you would like trained in a specific skill. To see our complete course listing click on the following link:

http://www.rivervalley.edu/documents/businessindustry.pdf

Claremont: Update ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mill buildings June 19

2009-06-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nancy Merrill, Claremont Business Development Coordinator tells me that the ribbon cutting & speeches are from 2-3:00 then there are public tours of the buildings from 3:00 – 5:00. Everything from 2-5 is open to everyone ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mill buildings is Friday June 19th at 2:00.

Keene Machining: Community Lab Update

2009-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

For those who are following the discussion of the creation of the new Community Lab for Machine Trinaing at Keene State College: Sue Newcomer, Chamber Workforce Coordinator tells me that fundraising has begun. The first contribution has come from the Kingsbury Foundation. Congratulations, Susan, on your tireless efforts for this cause, and thanks to the Kingsbury Corporation for getting the ball rolling !

Economic Stimulus Online

2009-06-04T10:26:00.001-07:00

NH's newly formed Recovery of Economic Stimulus has put online an inventory of federal stimulus programs availble in the Granite State. Check it out at:

http://www.nh.gov/recovery/

Keene: Small Business Resource Hannah-Grimes Center Claremont: Red River Computers now located in Claremont

2009-06-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I attended the monthly meeting at the Hannah Grimes Center for Economic development in Keene. This was my first meeting, Mary Ann Kristiansen was a gracious host to invite me. Their mission is to Weave together business, local economy and community. They are especially dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs. For more details see their web site at:

http://www.hannahgrimes.com/

Red River Computers has moved into the Mill District in Claremont. The Common Man restaurant is supposed to be opening next week. The ribbon cutting ceremony is also scheduled for June 19-more details will follow as they become available.