2016 Economic Development & Infrastructure Summit

Online registration is now closed. Please call 603.666.6600 with any questions.

The EDI Summit is a half-day long gathering of the region's top business leaders and policy makers to learn about and discuss ongoing and future infrastructure and economic development projects and initiatives from across southern New Hampshire.
 

Panels will include:

The State of Our State’s Infrastructure
Sponsored by Hinckley Allen
A high quality infrastructure system is the backbone to sustainable economic development and job growth. Where does New Hampshire stand in terms of its fundamental infrastructure assets?
                                                                   
Top state officials from key agencies will discuss New Hampshire’s current position and future challenges and opportunities for transportation infrastructure, like roads, bridges, highways, and environmental infrastructure such as water and air quality. This conversation will also address how these assets are impacting the state’s economic development efforts to attract and retain businesses and where New Hampshire needs to focus over the next decade in order to remain economically competitive.

Panelists:
-Commissioner Victoria Sheehan – NH Department of Transportation
-Commissioner Tom Burack – NH Department of Environmental Services

A More Connected & Walkable Manchester?
Sponsored by VHB
In the last year, a grassroots community initiative, “Manchester Connects,” has launched in Manchester aimed at spurring interest in redeveloping the riverfront area, better connecting the Millyard to downtown, developing new strategies to address the parking and traffic challenges facing the Millyard, and creating a new identify and sense of community that connects all corners of the downtown and Millyard areas. Susan Silberberg, principal of Civic Moxie, a New England based urban planning and design firm, will provide an update and overview of the grassroots “Manchester Connects” initiative and the exciting future opportunities available to Manchester’s downtown, riverfront, and Millyard.
 
Has New Hampshire's Workforce Development Crunch Arrived?
Sponsored by Southern New Hampshire University
Across New Hampshire, employers are struggling to find qualified workers to fill open positions. Meanwhile New Hampshire’s demographic trends show the state’s population continues to age while facing challenges in attracting and retaining students and young professionals. The workforce development crunch appears to have arrived in New Hampshire and is top of mind for policymakers and business leaders. Experts from marketing, education, and housing will discuss the key ingredients necessary for the multi-faceted solution to address the workforce development challenges facing New Hampshire now and in the future.

Panelists:
-Matt Cookson – Executive Director, New Hampshire High Tech Council
-Lisa Thompson – Attorney, Hage Hodes Law Firm
-Dr. Susan Huard – President, Manchester Community College

 
“All of the Above” – A Real Strategy to Stabilize and Lower Energy Costs
As the debate continues across New England on how to address our regional energy needs and lower costs, more traditional sources of energy are headed for retirement and new projects face lengthy and uncertain siting processes. Realistically addressing our region’s energy needs will require a variety of solutions, strategies, and cooperation among all New England states. Energy experts representing pending projects and the business community will share how New England is faring in developing a realistic strategy to increase energy capacity and lower costs. 

Panelists:
-Carl Gustin – Executive Director, New England Coalition for Affordable Energy

-Patrick Smith – Vice President, Transmission Project Development, Eversource Energy
-Aaron Svedlow – Director of Permitting, Ranger Solar