Kicking off the MWV Chamber Business Forum and Expo was the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor Kyla Brustin. Thousands of businesses have started, grown and have become more successful by working one-on-one with an advisor from the SBDC. This is an amazing resource provided so businesses don’t have to go through unique challenges on their own. Kyla works with clients in Carroll and Coos Counties. As a long-time North Conway resident, she is proud to play a role in helping the economy of the White Mountains by strengthening the local business community.
Speaking on behalf of Mt. Washington Valley Workforce Initiatives panel featured Executive Director of Carroll County Adult Education, Crystal Sawyer; Tri-County Cap Mobility Manager, Scott Boisvert; Executive Director of the Gibson Center, Marianne Jackson, and Shawn Earle with Commute with Enterprise.
Each representative shared innovative ways their organizations are approaching workforce issues facing the Valley including NO cost for hospitality staff training presented by Carroll County Adult Education, Subsidized Low-Income Vehicle Repair managed by Tri-County Cap, and a The Gibson Center shared its insights on a new demographic of workers re-entering the workforce.
James Penfold, Director of eMobility Solutions with ReVision Energy; Gary LeMay, Director of Facilities/Renewable Energy Engineer with NH Electric Co-op; Steve Conte, EV Project Manager-Electric Mobility at Eversource; and Jessyca Keeler, Executive Director of SkiNH shared their insights on the future of EV infrastructure in New Hampshire. Moderated by Mark Sanborn, NHDES Assistant Com the panel shared information on funding, implementation, and opportunities for small businesses. New Hampshire’s need to stay competitive in EV infrastructure is only becoming more imperative. Visitors are increasingly making decisions on where to visit, or where to recreate based on the ability to charge their car. If New Hampshire can’t meet that demand, visitors will go elsewhere.
Tyler Ray of Granite Outdoor Alliance hosted a panel discussion between Janel Lawton, Director of the NH Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development; Mardi Fuller, writer, speaker, and Outdoor Afro Volunteer; Alex Belenz, an interdisciplinary planner with the SE
Group; and James Innes, District Ranger on the Saco Ranger District on the White Mountain National Forest.
Alex Belenz also hosted a break-out session with local guides to determine pain points and opportunities within the market.
Mardi Fuller shared valuable insights on how best to collaborate with BIPOC visitors, and how to make outdoor recreation spaces in Mt. Washington Valley more accessible to this market that holds a 13% user stake.
Panel discussions gave way to an afternoon of networking in the exhibitor hall that held 35 exhibitors representing businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley. An After Hours followed where attendees enjoyed refreshments, networking, and door prizes.
“I’m so grateful to all the exhibitors, panelists, and speakers, who were a part of this event, to share their expertise and resources in topics being discussed throughout the community,” says Executive Director, Michelle Cruz. “This day was filled with opportunities for collaboration and learning more about what we can do as a business community. Attitash provided such a great space to bring the community together.”
The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce thanks each of its sponsors for its support in being able to provide this event to its membership. Sponsors include Attitash Mountain Resort, Chalmers Insurance and Patriot Insurance, Settlers Green, Memorial Hospital MaineHealth, Granite Outdoor Alliance, NH Electric Co-Op, Northway Bank, NH Business Review, Lakeside Security, OutFront Media, Eversource, and Fidium.
We continue to receive positive feedback due to businesses who took the time to share their resources. We’re sorry if you missed it, but we are happy to put you in touch with our exhibitors so you, too, can learn more about their resources.
Attitash Mountain Resort
Tin Mountain Conservation Center
UNH Recreation Management & Policy Program
ApprenticeshipNH-The Community College System of NH
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