(Lebanon, NH)- Yesterday, at Hypertherm in Lebanon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) heard directly from Upper Valley business leaders about the employment landscape in the region 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 earlier this 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.

“Despite New Hampshire’s low unemployment rate, challenges remain for many families in our state who are trying to get ahead,” said Kuster. “That’s why I’m focused on expanding economic opportunity so that every Granite Stater can make a decent living and raise their family here. The Jobs and Opportunity agenda I released this week has been shaped by the conversations I have had with workers, businesses, education, and community partners across the Second District, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to discuss it at Hypertherm. Those gathered with me are influencing the workforce of the future in ways that help both workers and businesses succeed. Hypertherm continues to implement innovative training programs that provide college credit while also doing important outreach in the community to help students become interested in STEM education at an early age.  I look forward to sharing their insights with my colleagues as we continue working to help create jobs and boost the economy.”

“It was Hypertherm’s pleasure to host Congresswoman Kuster along with representatives from FUJIFILM Dimatix, Alice Peck Day Hospital and Red River Technology for an engaging discussion around workforce development and the shared challenges Upper Valley businesses face,” said Stacey Chiocchio, Community Citizenship Manager at Hypertherm; and Matt McKenney, Workforce Development Manager at Hypertherm.  

Kuster was joined at yesterday’s discussion by Stacey Chiocchio, Community Citizenship Manager at Hypertherm; Matt McKenney, Workforce Development Manager at Hypertherm; Mike Baymiller, Jenny Levy, and Destine Hicks of Hypertherm; Jeff Horten, Sue Cunningham, and Charmane Sablock of FUJIFILM Dimatix; Shelly Bragg of Geokon; Brian Nolan of Alice Peck Day Hospital; Hillary Halleck of Red River Computers; Sarah Currier, Director of Workforce Development at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; Sheryl McDevitt of Mascoma Bank, Sarah Robbins of Novo Nordisk, and Gerry Ghazi of the River Valley Workforce Institute.

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