(Claremont, NH)- Today at the Common Man Inn in Claremont, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined with local city and business leaders to discuss the employment landscape in the city and the types of programs that can expand economic competitiveness and opportunity in the region. Kuster was joined by Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett, State Senator Martha Hennessey, and senior staff at Red River Computer Company, among others who outlined best practices and initiatives in workforce development. As of February, Claremont had an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which underscores the need for apprenticeship and workforce development programs to generate the workforce necessary for available jobs. Kuster also discussed and received feedback on her upcoming Workforce Development and Opportunity agenda, which will include legislation advancing workforce skills, infrastructure development, export promotion, and college affordability.

“While Claremont, and New Hampshire as a whole, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, that doesn’t mean there isn’t more to be done to improve economic opportunity for Granite Staters,” said Kuster. “We need to be investing in programs that bring together employers and educators to expand training or provide apprenticeships so that businesses can fill available jobs with workers in their region. These partnerships are already having a positive impact in Claremont and communities across the state and are a win-win-win for employers, workers, and the local economy.”

“Congresswoman Kuster has been a strong advocate of economic development for NH,” said Mayor Lovett. “She has worked closely with the Claremont community in emphasizing the importance of rail to trade and tourism, and successfully spearheaded legislation in the House to expand rail to Montreal, Canada.  We look forward to working with her for the continued expansion of new economic development opportunities in the region.”

Kuster has introduced the Workforce Development Investment Act, which would create tax incentives to encourage companies and educators to partner in training programs to help workers gain the skills needed for careers in the 21^st Century economy. Throughout the past year, she has led discussions on workforce development at community colleges, four-year institutions and CTE centers across the second district.

Kuster was joined at today’s discussion by Claremont Mayor Charlene Lovett; State Senator Martha Hennessey; Kim Vacca, Sales and Event Manager at Red River Computer Company; Jon Nicholas, Director of Federal Sales at Red River Computer Company; Nancy Merrill, Director of Planning/Development at the Claremont Development Authority; Phil Pryzbezewski, Director of the NH Sector Partnership Initiative; Dr. Bonnie Ackerman, Director of the Career Technical Center at Newport Middle/High School; Joshua Molloy, Director of Technology at SAU #6-Claremont; Reggie E. Greene, Jr., President and CEO of Claremont Savings Bank; Josh Bushueff, Assistant Director at TwinState Makerspace, and Dan Osborn, Workforce Development Coordinator at River Valley Community College.

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