By Kyle Peschler
From the May / June 2024 issue

TThe New England states are known for their scenic fall landscapes and quaint seaports. New Hampshire is not only a popular vacation destination for tourists from across the United States and beyond, but is also becoming a popular destination for businesses.

Many industries have settled in New Hampshire to do business. Technology and healthcare industries have found a home in the Live Free or Die State. While technology companies used to focus on larger cities, this has changed as New Hampshire experiences a technology revolution. New Hampshire cities like Manchester and Portsmouth are gaining a national reputation as launching pads for the technology industry.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (DBEA), Manchester was once home to the largest textile manufacturing operations in the world. Today, “Manchester's revitalized factory buildings along the Merrimack River are home to high-tech companies, growing startups, incubators, and an urban campus for the University of New Hampshire. Supported by companies like DEKA Research and Development, the area has become a launching pad for tech innovation.”

Portsmouth is now home to more than 250 companies employing over 10,000 people. Portsmouth is an economic engine for the coast and has a number of technology companies such as Bottomline Technologies and Adtech Systems.

The healthcare industry has also seen a steep rise in New Hampshire. As one of the state's largest industries, the healthcare industry in New Hampshire is booming and is expected to grow at least 15.7% by 2026, according to the DBEA – indicating tremendous opportunities for job seekers.

With the founding of the $300 million Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, Manchester has become an innovator in regenerative human medicine. Other New Hampshire cities, such as Lebanon, are teeming with rapidly developing medical device and biotechnology startups.

New Hampshire has also seen a significant increase in exports. “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Hampshire's exports reached a record high for the third year in a row, exceeding $7.6 billion in 2023, while exports of American goods nationwide declined 2.2 percent,” the New Hampshire DBEA said in a recent press release.

Even though U.S. exports declined in 2023, New Hampshire still had a record year, shipping products around the world, including to Canada, Germany and Mexico.

Claremont, NH: An Emerging Community

Claremont, New Hampshire, has so much to offer: natural beauty, historic architecture, and a high quality of life. Located in the scenic Connecticut River Valley, the city's 13,000 residents have access to world-class manufacturing and technology jobs, as well as some of the area's best recreational opportunities.

Companies with international reputations are based here and there are numerous location options available for incoming companies. While Red River Technology is located downtown in a beautifully renovated historic factory building on the Sugar River, Mikros Technologies and North Country Smokehouse have chosen locations in the industrial parks of Claremont.

There are eight available lots in Syd Clarke Industrial Park and two available lots in Ashley's Landing. Both industrial parks are owned by the Claremont Development Authority (CDA), an agency tasked with expanding business opportunities in the city.

Strengthening and expanding the recreation economy through partnerships and grants is also a high priority in Claremont. With growing interest in Claremont as a mountain biking destination, the city partnered with two established local businesses to strengthen both organizations. The Wheel House, a full-service bike shop owned by cyclists, is now located in the city's Arrowhead Recreation Area.

This shared location is now managed by Wheel House Bike Shop and the non-profit Arrowhead Recreation Club. During the winter months, Arrowhead offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and access to snowmobile trails. During the rest of the year, Arrowhead offers hiking trails, ATV trails, and downhill mountain bike trails with access to the “Arrowhead Enduro Trails,” built and operated by Wheel House Bike Shop, which are some of New England's most exciting mountain biking terrain.

The Arrowhead Recreation Area in Claremont is now the annual host of three major national mountain bike events.

In 2022, Claremont was one of 25 cities across the country selected to receive planning assistance through the second round of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service, and Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), the program helps communities develop action plans to strengthen their outdoor recreation areas and revitalize their downtown areas.

Focus on workforce: choice of location and quality of life

Community engagement and access to a wide variety of activities and amenities have moved up the list of factors in location decisions. Read more…

The City of Claremont has also applied to and received $800,000 from the EPA for assessment, remediation and reuse planning/development of priority sites along the north side of the Sugar River. This grant can be used for up to five years. The reuse planning and development will focus on community and recreational activities right in the downtown area.

The EPA Multipurpose Grant Steering Committee has been established and will be responsible for, among other things, community engagement, reuse/cleanup planning, site assessment and remediation.

The City of Claremont is also actively involved in a new regional organization called Discover Sugar River Region, which was created to raise awareness of the beauty, recreational activities and opportunities in this part of the state.

While rural communities face many challenges, Claremont is fortunate to have an active and innovative community with citizens whose ideas and willingness to put in hard work help this special community continue to grow and thrive.

For more information, visit www.claremontnh.com/advantage.

Find out the latest news on economic development, business relocation, corporate expansion and site selection in New Hampshire.