A high resolution version of the photo is available here. 

(Concord, NH) – Today at NHTI, Concord’s Community College, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) heard directly from educators at NHTI and other institutions and local business leaders about the employment landscape in the Concord area and the types of programs that can expand economic competitiveness and opportunity in the region. Rep. Kuster also discussed her Jobs and Opportunity agenda, which she released last week, and how the agenda can help advance and improve already successful and ongoing workforce development efforts in New Hampshire. Her legislative agenda outlines a comprehensive approach to expanding economic opportunity by bolstering apprenticeship and vocational training programs, addressing the out of control costs of higher education, investing in infrastructure and broadband expansion, increasing affordable housing, and supporting working families with paid family leave and childcare programs.

“As I have traveled across New Hampshire hearing from students, workers, businesses and educators, it has become more and more clear that we need an all-of-the-above approach to increasing economic opportunity for all Granite Staters,” said Kuster. “For some people in New Hampshire, a four-year degree will be the right path, but for others vocational and apprenticeship programs will get them into a fulfilling career. My Jobs and Opportunity Agenda identifies different ways to bring together workers, employers, and educators so that we can grow the workforce our businesses need right here at home. I appreciate the work being done at NHTI to bolster our workforce in the region and look forward to continuing my efforts to expand economic opportunity for all.”  

“Congresswoman Kuster’s agenda aligns with the mission of NHTI, Concord’s Community College, to create pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement, and civic engagement,” says NHTI President Susan B. Dunton. “These mutual goals are particularly important as New Hampshire faces an aging workforce, a shortage of graduates to fill STEM-related jobs, and financial obstacles to accessing higher education. We welcome the opportunity to work on these issues with our business partners and appreciate the focus this agenda brings to the challenges we face.”

Kuster was joined by Susan Dunton, President of NHTI; Tara Payne, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Granite State College; Fred Kocher, Advisor at Granite State College; Mike Vlacich, President/CEO of the NH College & University Council; Sara Colson, Workforce Accelerator Director at the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire; Greta Johansson, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration; Steve Rothenberg, Director of the Concord Regional Technical Center; Katie Merrow, Vice President of Community Impact at the NH Charitable Foundation; Tom Raffio, CEO of Northeast Delta Dental; Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Will Stewart, Executive Director of Stay Work Play, and Steve Soule, Business Manager and Principal for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2320.

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