New Hampshire · 12-O · statute
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No one has proposed a change to this act yet.
In this chapter: I. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs. II. "Department" means the department of business and economic affairs. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. There shall be a department of business and economic affairs under the executive direction of a commissioner of business and economic affairs, consisting of but not limited to a division of economic development and a division of travel and tourism. The department's purpose shall be to ensure the efficient coordinated function of the department, economic development policies of the state of New Hampshire and the collaborative participation of all related state departments, agencies, and authorities. II. The purpose of this chapter is to improve the administration of state government by providing unified direction of policies, programs, and personnel in the field of economic development and travel and tourism development making possible increased efficiency and economies from integrated administration and operation of these related functions of the state government. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2018, 200:4, eff. July 1, 2018. 2021, 91:68, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 79:243, eff. July 1, 2023.
Propose a changeI. Upon the recommendation of the commissioner after consultation with division directors concerned and the council of partner agencies established in RSA 12-O:7, the governor and council are authorized to approve revisions in internal administrative departmental organization as the governor and council find from time to time may improve or make more economical the administration of the department. II. With the approval of the governor and council and of the director of personnel, the commissioner of business and economic affairs is authorized to transfer classified personnel, appropriations or portions thereof relating thereto as well as necessary equipment, within any division or between divisions of the department. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeIn addition to any other powers and duties set forth in this chapter or as otherwise provided by statute, the department of business and economic affairs shall have the power and duty to plan and conduct a program of information and publicity to attract tourists, visitors, industrial concerns, and other interested persons from outside the state to the state of New Hampshire, and to encourage, coordinate, and participate in the efforts of other public and private organizations or groups of citizens in order to publicize the facilities, industrial advantages, and other attractions of the state for the same purposes. The commissioner shall assign such duties and functions as in her or his discretion will best effectuate the purposes, powers, and duties set forth in this section and as otherwise provided by statute. The department is authorized to set its logo and to establish and maintain any websites. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThere shall be a commissioner of business and economic affairs who shall be appointed by the governor and council for a term of 4 years from the date of appointment. It shall be the responsibility of the commissioner to organize and direct the work of the department. The commissioner shall appoint one member of his or her staff who shall act in the commissioner's stead when said commissioner is absent from the state and at such other times as directed by the commissioner. When acting for the commissioner said person shall have all the power, duties, and authority of the commissioner. Directors of departmental divisions shall be subject to the supervisory authority of the commissioner, which authority shall include power to establish department and divisional policy as well as to control the actual operations of the department and all divisions therein. The commissioner is authorized to establish any advisory commissions and programs which the commissioner may deem necessary to carry out the mission and operations of the department. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. There is established in the office of the commissioner the unclassified position of director of intergovernmental affairs. The director shall be qualified to hold that position by reason of education and experience and shall perform such duties as the commissioner from time to time may authorize. II. The commissioner shall nominate for appointment by the governor, with the consent of the council, this unclassified director of intergovernmental affairs who shall serve for a term of 4 years. III. The salary of the director of intergovernmental affairs shall be determined after assessment and review of the appropriate temporary letter grade allocation in RSA 94:1-a, I(b) for the position which shall be conducted pursuant to RSA 94:1-d and RSA 14:14-c. IV. Upon completion of the appointment of the first director of intergovernmental affairs, position number 40049 shall be abolished to allow for the transition of this classified position with its available appropriations into the unclassified position of director of intergovernmental affairs. Funding shall be transferred into a new expenditure class number 11 within accounting unit 03-22-22-220010-2007. Source. 2021, 91:66, eff. July 1, 2021.
Propose a changeThe commissioner of business and economic affairs is authorized to prepare, publish, and distribute reports, charts, surveys, or other documents consistent with the responsibilities of the department. The commissioner may charge reasonable fees for such documents. Fees for documents distributed by the department shall be adopted as rules under RSA 541-A. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. There shall be a council of partner agencies to assist and advise the commissioner of business and economic affairs which shall consist of the following members: (a) The executive director of the business finance authority. (b) The chancellor of the community college system. (c) The executive director of the community development finance authority. (d) The executive director of the New Hampshire housing finance authority. (e) The chancellor of the university system of New Hampshire. II. The council shall develop bylaws to guide its operations. III. The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs shall chair the council. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2020, 38:23, eff. Sept. 27, 2020.
Propose a changeThe council established in RSA 12-O:7 shall consult with and advise the commissioner of business and economic affairs with respect to the policy, programs, and operations of the department upon a continuing basis and for said purposes shall meet with the commissioner not less frequently than quarterly. Each agency represented on the council shall make reasonable efforts to coordinate its economic development activities with those of the department, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive represented agencies of their authority to operate autonomously. The council shall submit to the governor and council biennially a written report of the activities of the department covering the previous 2 calendar years, which report shall be a public document. A nonpublic session of the council may be called at any time for any of the reasons specified in RSA 91-A:3, II upon majority vote and shall consist solely of the members thereof. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe commissioner shall nominate for appointment by the governor and council a director of economic development and a director of travel and tourism development, each of whom shall serve, subject to the provisions of RSA 4:1, for a term of 4 years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The directors of the divisions of economic development and travel and tourism development who are in office on the effective date of the transfer of those divisions to the department of business and economic affairs shall serve for the remainder their terms, at which time they may be reappointed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Any vacancy in such office shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. Directors of divisions shall be responsible for the administration and operation of their respective divisions subject to the supervisory authority of the commissioner as set forth in RSA 12-O:5. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe annual salaries of the commissioner of business and economic affairs, and of the directors of the divisions, shall be as provided in RSA 94. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeAll of the functions, powers, duties, personnel, records, and property of the division of travel and tourism development of the former department of resources and economic development are hereby transferred to the division of travel and tourism development of the department of business and economic affairs. Whenever reference is made to the division of travel and tourism development in the statutes, it shall henceforth be construed to mean the division of travel and tourism development of the department of business and economic affairs. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeRepealed by 2021, 91:67, eff. July 1, 2021.
Propose a changeThe budget of the division of travel and tourism, including the travel and tourism development fund established by RSA 12-O:16, shall be funded at an amount no less than 3.15 percent of the net income identified by RSA 78-A:26, I for the most recently completed fiscal year. Source. 2019, 346:81, eff. July 1, 2019.
Propose a changeAll of the functions, powers, duties, personnel, records, and property of the division of economic development are hereby transferred from the former department of resources and economic development to the division of economic development of the department of business and economic affairs. Whenever reference is made to the division of economic development in the statutes, it shall henceforth be construed to mean the division of economic development of the department of business and economic affairs. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. The travel and tourism revolving fund in the former department of resources and economic development is hereby transferred to the department of business and economic affairs. The fund is hereby established as a nonlapsing revolving fund. The revolving fund shall be used for, but not be limited to, cooperative efforts with the private sector, for the purpose of bulk brochure distribution, familiarization tours, promotional programs, trade shows, and other projects generally recognized as beneficial to promoting the state of New Hampshire. II. All income received from participation in cooperative promotional programs, familiarization tours, trade shows, brochure distribution projects, and other promotional opportunities which become available, shall be deposited into the fund. III. The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs shall submit a report detailing the activities of the revolving fund annually to the governor and council and the fiscal committee of the general court within 60 days of the close of each fiscal year. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeIt is the intent of the general court that all agencies and departments of state government and, specifically, the director of travel and tourism development, under the supervision of the commissioner of business and economic affairs, shall implement their statutory responsibilities in a manner consistent with promoting and encouraging the orderly growth and development of tourism within the state. This policy shall include efforts to: I. Foster awareness and appreciation of New Hampshire's natural, historical, cultural, and scenic resources among its residents. II. Instill a better understanding among New Hampshire residents and also state employees of the importance of tourism to the state economy. III. Establish and maintain a database on matters concerning state tourism research. IV. Encourage fairs, conventions, trade shows, and other expositions of hospitality and friendliness toward visitors. V. Protect and preserve wildlife, natural resources, and geological, archaeological, and cultural treasures within the state for the enjoyment of residents and nonresidents. VI. Support tourism by developing an essential tourism infrastructure, including, but not limited to, adequate highways and public transportation networks and facilities for the traveling public. VII. Encourage, assist, and coordinate, when possible, the tourism activities of local and regional promotional organizations. VIII. Encourage law enforcement personnel to assist, whenever possible, the traveling public by providing them with a hospitable reception and appropriate information. IX. Ensure, when feasible, equal access by visitors and residents to public recreational resources. X. Ensure that the interest of tourism is fully considered by state agencies and the general court in its deliberations. XI. Harmonize, to the maximum extent, all state activities in support of tourism with the needs of the general public, the state and its political subdivisions, and the tourism industry. Any conflicts among the agencies and departments of the state in the implementation of their responsibilities under this section shall be referred to the council on resources and development established by RSA 162-C. XII. Utilize tourism activities and resources as resident recruitment tools for the state. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe director of travel and tourism development, under the supervision of the commissioner of business and economic affairs and consistent with the New Hampshire tourism policy under RSA 12-O:14, shall: I. Promote New Hampshire as a domestic and international travel destination in order to increase visitation and travel expenditures, business activity, and employment throughout the state. II. Develop and administer programs to encourage and promote the development of the tourism industry in the state. III. Provide information and assistance to local and regional officials on matters related to travel and tourism and encourage the development of locally coordinated programs. IV. Encourage partnerships among the tourism industry, business and industry, and state and local officials to expand the state's travel promotion strategy. V. Raise the perception of travel and tourism in the minds of New Hampshire residents, businesses, and government. VI. Conduct research to measure the effectiveness of promotional programs. VII. Ensure that New Hampshire maintains a high quality tourism experience for the visitor by working with the travel industry on ways to utilize natural, historical, cultural, and recreational attractions and facilitating statewide activities which can be used as resources by the travel industry. VIII. Provide marketing and promotion of film and digital media for the purpose of strengthening the cultural, educational, and economic impact of media production in New Hampshire. IX. Perform any other duties and functions as assigned by the commissioner. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2018, 200:6, eff. July 1, 2018.
Propose a changeI. There is hereby established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the travel and tourism development fund. Any appropriations received shall be deposited in the fund. Moneys in the fund and any interest earned on the fund shall be used for the purpose of promoting and developing appropriate travel and tourism initiatives through the division of travel and tourism development and shall not be used for any other purpose. The director of travel and tourism development shall oversee expenditures from the fund. The moneys in the fund shall be nonlapsing. II. The commissioner shall prepare an annual report to be presented no later than December 1 of each year to the governor and council, the fiscal committee of the general court, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives. The report shall detail the specific activities supported by, and expenditures from, the fund during the past year and shall additionally detail the activities of the travel and tourism revolving fund established in RSA 12-O:13. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeA joint promotional advertising program is hereby established to carry out the duties of the department of business and economic affairs as set forth in RSA 12-O:4 to publicize the advantages of the state of New Hampshire for tourism and to encourage continuous partnership with private industry in this promotion in order to maintain a viable and strong economic base in the state. I. The department shall administer a joint promotional advertising program. The funds appropriated for this program shall be expended for grants for advertising programs entered into with independent groups or organizations which are designed to promote travel and tourism in the state of New Hampshire. II. Funds appropriated to the joint promotional program shall only be made available to regional associations, statewide tourist groups, chambers of commerce, or other promotional organizations with the approval of the commissioner. Such grants shall only be given to those organizations which have been in existence for at least 3 years prior to the date of the grant application. III. Grant awards shall require 50 percent matching funds from private sources. Grants shall not be used for the administrative salaries or overhead expenses of any applicant selected for a grant. IV. Grant applications shall be reviewed by appropriate staff which shall recommend approval or disapproval of applications to the commissioner of business and economic affairs. A recommendation for disapproval by the commissioner shall be in writing with the reasons for disapproval stated. V. Funds appropriated for the joint promotional program for the first fiscal year of any biennium shall not lapse and shall be available for expenditure during the second fiscal year of the biennium. All funds which have not been expended by the end of the second fiscal year of a biennium shall lapse to the general fund. VI. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A after public hearing governing the joint promotional program. These rules shall include: (a) A description of the joint promotional program, stating the general course and method of its operations and the methods by which the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests; (b) The procedures and criteria used to certify groups or organizations eligible for matching grants; (c) The application process, including the information required of applicants; (d) The procedures and criteria used to evaluate grant applications; and (e) Procedures for the administration of grants by recipients including reporting requirements. VII. Three percent of the funds appropriated to the joint promotional program shall be allocated for a grant or grants to organizations that do not qualify under paragraph II. Such grants shall require 10 percent matching funds from private sources, provided that the organization: (a) Has a demonstrated program of cooperation for promotion; (b) Has a demonstrated need for promotion; (c) Has demonstrated a case of regional depression or financial hardship; (d) Agrees that this unmatched grant shall not be awarded for more than 2 successive years; and (e) Further agrees that the affected area shall not be eligible for any unmatched grant for a period of 5 years after the second year following the award of the first of any unmatched grant. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. The department of business and economic affairs shall be responsible for the staffing of all operational rest areas and welcome centers owned by the department of transportation. There is established in the department a bureau of visitor service within the office of the commissioner to administer this function. The commissioner may consult with local business representatives relative to said function, and shall have the authority to enter into contracts with private or public entities for said function as the commissioner deems appropriate. II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, the department of transportation and the liquor commission may undertake and/or participate in the development of the welcome centers in Hooksett on the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate Route 93 as authorized by the legislature. III. Subject to a memorandum of understanding with the department of transportation, the bureau of visitor service shall provide rest area management and operational services without limitation, to include staffing, training, fiscal management, grounds and building maintenance, and customer service to the traveling public. IV. The bureau of visitor service shall seek to advance initiatives and strategies to reduce state operational responsibility and cost, to provide an improved user experience for visitors, and to focus state resources on customer service for those visitors. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2019, 346:140, 141, eff. July 1, 2019.
Propose a changeRepealed by 2023, 79:242, IV, eff. July 1, 2023.
Propose a changeThe director of economic development, under the supervision of the commissioner of business and economic affairs shall: I. Establish and maintain a database on matters related to the economy of the state and its economic development. II. Plan, develop, and administer programs to assist in the maintenance and expansion of existing industry and business in the state. III. Plan, develop, and administer programs to encourage and promote the development of new industry and business in the state. IV. Provide information and assistance to local and regional officials on matters related to economic development and encourage the establishment of local development plans and programs. V. Research and analyze information on matters related to the economic development of the state to support and evaluate the effectiveness of promotional and assistance programs. VI. Prepare a written economic development strategy and operating plan as required by RSA 12-O:24 through 12-O:28. VII. Plan, develop, and administer programs to assist in the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, 29 U.S.C. section 2801 et seq., as such may be amended, reauthorized, and in effect from time to time, implement the state plan established by the governor and the State Workforce Innovation Board, and perform the following additional functions: (a) Through the youth council, select youth providers of training services in the local areas. (b) Identify eligible providers of training services in the local area. (c) Identify eligible providers of intensive services, if not otherwise provided by the One-Stop operator. (d) Develop a budget for carrying out the duties of the State Workforce Innovation Board, subject to the approval of the commissioner. (e) Oversee local programs of youth activities, local employment, and training service. (f) Establish, in conjunction with the commissioner, local performance measures. (g) Assist the commissioner in developing statewide employment statistics systems described in the Wagner-Peyser Act. (h) Coordinate workforce investment activities authorized and implemented within the state with economic development strategies, and develop the employer linkages with such activities. (i) Make available to the public, on a regular basis through open meetings, information regarding State Workforce Innovation Board activities including information regarding the state plan prior to its submission, and information regarding membership, the designation and certification of One-Stop operators and the award of grants or contracts to eligible providers of youth activities and, as requested, minutes of formal meetings of the State Workforce Innovation Board. (j) Review the operation of programs and the availability, responsiveness, and adequacy of state services, and make recommendations to the governor, appropriate chief elected officials, service providers, the legislature, and general public with respect to steps to improve the effectiveness of these services and programs. (k) Review plans of all state agencies providing employment training, and related services, and provide comments and recommendations to the governor, the legislature, the state agencies, and appropriate federal agencies on the relevancy and effectiveness of employment and training and related services delivery system in the state. VIII. Perform any other duties and functions as assigned by the commissioner. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2020, 37:31, eff. July 29, 2020.
Propose a changeI. There is hereby established the New Hampshire economic development fund which shall be administered by the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs. Said fund shall be for the purpose of providing funds for grants, loans and other economic development initiatives which shall be generally considered to be beneficial to the state's overall economy as provided for in paragraph II. II. Said fund shall be distributed or expended by the commissioner with prior approval of the fiscal committee of general court and the governor and council for any of the following purposes: (a) Business financing and expansion initiatives. (b) Workforce recruitment retention and creation. (c) International trade. (d) Research and development activities. (e) Other projects or programs recognized as being beneficial to business activity in New Hampshire. III. To maximize the economic impact of expenditures from this fund, and to leverage additional funding from other sources, the commissioner may contract with such organizations as, but not limited to, the following: (a) Chambers of commerce. (b) Regional economic development or planning organizations. (c) Innovation Research Center. (d) Small Business Development Center. IV. All moneys appropriated to the fund as well as moneys returned to the department as a result of contracts between the commissioner and any other party as authorized shall be redeposited into the New Hampshire economic development fund. In addition, the department may accept gifts, grants, donations or other moneys for the purposes of this section. Said moneys shall be deposited into the New Hampshire economic development fund. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2021, 91:65, eff. July 1, 2021.
Propose a changeI. The commissioner of business and economic affairs and the secretary of state shall have the authority to establish a New Hampshire trade council to meet with one or more trade councils established by the Canadian provinces, either separately or collectively. The members of the council shall include 2 senators appointed by the president of the senate, 2 house members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, the commissioner or designee, the secretary of state or designee, and such other members as the commissioner and secretary of state may appoint. II. The New Hampshire Canadian trade council shall be authorized to raise and accept funds through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions. III. There is established in the state treasury the New Hampshire Canadian trade council fund. The fund shall be comprised of moneys obtained according to paragraph II. The fund shall be non-lapsing and shall be continually appropriated to the secretary of state's office to defray the council's administrative costs and to carry out its purposes. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2024, 202:11, eff. Sept. 10, 2024.
Propose a changeI. The general court finds as follows: (a) Ireland's ties to New Hampshire date back to 1719 when a group of Scots-Irish families built the settlement of Nutfield; (b) Irish Americans were an important part of New Hampshire early history, such as Gen. John Sullivan, who helped win the American Revolution, served in the Continental Congress, and was New Hampshire's third Governor; (c) New Hampshire is the most Irish state in the nation, with more than 20 percent of Granite Staters boasting of Irish ancestry; (d) Ireland is one of New Hampshire's largest trade partners, exporting more than $400 million in Granite State goods to Ireland annually; and (e) New Hampshire should build upon its historic, cultural, and economic ties with the Republic of Ireland. II. The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs and the secretary of state shall have the authority to establish a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council to meet with one or more trade councils established by the Republic of Ireland. The purpose of the council shall be to advance bilateral trade and investment between New Hampshire and Ireland, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to New Hampshire and Ireland, and promote business and academic exchanges between New Hampshire and Ireland. III. The members of the council shall include: (a) Two senators, appointed by the president of the senate. (b) Two house members, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. (c) The commissioner of the department of business and economic development, or their designee. (d) The secretary of state, or their designee. (e) A representative from the Business and Industry Association, selected by that organization. (f) A representative of the division of economic development, appointed by the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs. (g) A representative of the university system of New Hampshire, appointed by the chancellor. (h) Two public members, appointed by the governor. (i) Such other members as the commissioner and secretary of state may appoint. IV. The council shall elect a chairperson, whose duties shall include calling meetings. V. The New Hampshire-Ireland trade council shall be authorized to raise and accept funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone, or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions. VI. There is hereby established in the state treasury the New Hampshire-Ireland trade council fund. The funds shall be comprised of monies obtained according to paragraph V, and shall be used to defray the council's administrative costs and to carry out its purposes. The fund shall be non-lapsing and shall be continually appropriated to the council. Source. 2024, 6:1, eff. May 11, 2024.
Propose a changeA special position shall be provided, in the division of economic development of the department of business and economic affairs, to be known as area industrial agent for the counties of Coos, Grafton, and Carroll. The commissioner shall, subject to the personnel laws of the state, employ such area industrial agent for said counties, who shall be fully qualified by specific training and experience and who shall work under the supervision of the director. She or he shall maintain a residence in one of said 3 counties and her or his duties shall be primarily concerned with, but not limited to, assisting the political subdivisions of the state, regional development organizations or groups, and individuals to maintain and expand existing industries and to encourage, assist, and aid new industries to establish operations in said Coos, Grafton and Carroll counties, and the agent's efforts shall be directed to the economic development of said 3 counties. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeI. There is established in the department the office of outdoor recreation industry development. The office shall be under the supervision of a classified director of the office of outdoor recreation industry development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner. The director shall provide administrative oversight and ensure that the responsibilities of the office described in this section are fulfilled. II. The office of outdoor recreation industry development shall: (a) Coordinate outdoor recreation policy, management, and promotion among state and federal agencies and local government entities. (b) Promote economic development in the state by: (1) Coordinating with outdoor recreation stakeholders. (2) Using outdoor recreational infrastructure and industry to promote tourism and recruit members of the general workforce. (3) Working with stakeholders and academic institutions to develop relevant training and curricula for members of the outdoor industry and manufacturing workforce. (4) Improving motorized and nonmotorized recreational opportunities in cooperation with the department of natural and cultural resources. (5) Recruiting outdoor recreation business and industry. (c) Recommend policies and initiatives to enhance recreational amenities and experiences in the state and help implement those policies and initiatives. (d) Develop outcome-driven data regarding the effect of outdoor recreation in the state. (e) Promote the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation, especially to young people. (f) Advance sustainable land stewardship initiatives recognizing the relationship between outdoor recreation and its economic benefit to the state. III. Provided that any federally funded programs managed by the department of natural and cultural resources, division of parks on the effective date of this section shall continue to be managed by the division of parks, the office of outdoor recreation industry development may: (a) Seek federal grants or loans. (b) Seek private foundation partnerships. (c) Seek to participate in federal programs. (d) In accordance with applicable federal program guidelines, administer federally funded outdoor recreation programs. Source. 2019, 346:271, eff. July 1, 2019.
Propose a changeThe division of economic development, with input and assistance from the council of partner agencies established under RSA 12-O:7 and other public and private organizations with whom it chooses to work, shall develop a rolling 10-year economic development strategy and operating plan. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeIn this subdivision: I. "Plan" means an ongoing management operating document that identifies strategies and activities, and the progress thereof, designed to expand the state's economic base and strengthen the economic health of New Hampshire, based on the needs of the state and of business and industry. The plan shall identify specific actions, and the responsibilities, rationales, timeframes, resources required, barriers if any, and the tracking and reporting of outcomes associated with those actions. II. "Strategy" means an overall direction or course that identifies how the division will convey the state's value to the business and industry community, how it will leverage its strengths and assets, and the broad themes it will emphasize that are attractive to retaining and recruiting business and industry. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe plan shall identify both goals and objectives for the 10-year period and shall track measurable results so as to be able to assess the plan. Goals and objectives may be added, amended, or deleted as both existing and emerging economic conditions and opportunities warrant. The plan shall also benchmark key economic indicators. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe following, as a minimum, shall be considered in constructing the economic development strategy and plan: I. Consideration of the entire state. II. An analysis, relative to business and industry, of New Hampshire strengths and advantages, and how they will be leveraged; analysis of weaknesses and obstacles, and suggestions on how to remedy or mitigate them; identification of opportunities and how to take advantage and benefit from them; and identification of threats and how to meet and deter them. The analysis, where appropriate, should suggest ownership of its various elements. III. A needs forecast, based on research from both existing and targeted business and industry, that identifies issues and suggested initiatives so as to strengthen New Hampshire as a business and industry destination and to reinforce retention. IV. Identification of economic, demographic, and other trends which may have both short-term and long-term influence on the economy of the state. V. The identification of business sectors that are of strategic importance to the state's economy and to the state's global business image, and development of specific strategies to promote the development of such sectors; and an analysis of new industries that can be targeted in New Hampshire and the rationale for their identification. VI. Identification of how economic development ideas, advice, and information from relevant entities throughout the state will be solicited to strengthen strategies and plans; and how potential partners for the implementation of the strategies and plans, including, without limitation, the United States government, local governments, regional planning commissions, regional economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, business associations, investors, and other relevant entities will be integrated and engaged. Other states should also be studied to build an understanding of best practices that may be emulated. VII. Innovative programs to position and market the state to aid business recruitment and retention. VIII. Economic performance metrics, to include previous years and objectives for the 10 years covered by the plan. Such metrics shall be contained in a state economic dashboard and updated regularly. IX. Inter-department agreements with selected state agencies recognizing their role in economic development strategies, plans, and programs. X. Identification of how the state will petition for and receive moneys, such as grants, to be used for economic development activities. XI. Consideration of how workforce education and training in cooperation with the university system, the community college system, private colleges and universities, and other workforce training organizations will be leveraged and enhanced. XII. Provisions for export growth and how relationships will be fostered with New Hampshire's export-related service providers and with the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration; and provisions to improve the state's image as a destination for foreign business investment and location with overseas entities. XIII. Identification of a division liaison to communicate needs to the general court for the benefit of economic development. XIV. Provision to identify and carry out other economic development activities that the governor or the commissioner may request. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe division of economic development shall complete the initial economic development strategy and plan by December 31, 2018, and submit the plan to the governor, senate president, senate majority leader, senate minority leader, speaker of the house of representatives, house majority leader, and house minority leader. On or before December 31 of each year thereafter, the division shall similarly provide results and validation from the previous fiscal year and a comprehensive update of the plan so that each annual report shall extend the time frame of the plan by one year, thereby ensuring that a 2-year plan is always in effect. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeRepealed by 2022, 25:6, eff. June 30, 2022.
Propose a changeto 12-O:37 Repealed by 2019, 346:190, I, eff. Sept. 26, 2019.
Propose a changeThe commissioner of business and economic affairs shall plan, develop, and administer programs for international trade promotion and inward investment promotion in cooperation with the Pease development authority, division of ports and harbors, and the Small Business Development Center and other private organizations. The commissioner shall take a proactive role in targeting foreign trade shows and foreign trade missions and shall assist New Hampshire businesses desiring to participate in these shows and missions. In planning, developing, and administering programs under this section, the commissioner may draw on the fund created under RSA 12-O:39. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThere is hereby established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the international trade promotion fund. The commissioner of business and economic affairs is authorized to accept public sector and private sector grants, gifts, or donations of any kind for the purpose of funding programs associated with the promotion of international trade. Such grants, gifts, and donations shall be deposited in the international trade promotion fund and may be expended by the commissioner of business and economic affairs to accomplish the purposes of RSA 12-O:38. The moneys in this fund shall lapse to the general fund at the end of each biennium. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2022, 25:3, eff. June 30, 2022.
Propose a changeThe department of business and economic affairs, in consultation with the legislative budget assistant, shall periodically review reports issued under RSA 162-A:23-a at least once every 5 years and make recommendations to be utilized for an improved and consistent methodology for assessing the quantity and quality of jobs created and saved and the growth potential and environmental impacts of such programs. This section shall not apply to promotional literature. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe review under RSA 12-O:40 shall not apply to state loans or state loan guarantees of less than $250,000, or to state grants of less than $50,000. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
Propose a changeThe commissioner of business and economic affairs shall work with the director of the office of workforce opportunity to plan, develop, and administer workforce investment activities, programs, and grants under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, as such may be amended, reauthorized, and in effect from time to time, and shall discharge the day-to-day operational responsibilities and obligations of the State Workforce Innovation Board established under RSA 12-O:44. The commissioner shall coordinate with the State Workforce Innovation Board to promote state and local investment systems that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by participants, and, as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation. Source. 2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2020, 37:32, eff. July 29, 2020. 2023, 79:244, eff. July 1, 2023.
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