BIA Purchases New Hampshire Blue Book

The Business and Industry Association, a NH statewide chamber of commerce, has purchased Northeast Information Services, publisher of the Handbook of New Hampshire Elected Officials (the Blue Book). The BIA will continue publishing the Blue Book, which has served as a reference book of government and politics in the state for 32 years.

Former owner and publisher of the Blue Book, Donald Grissom of Cotuit, Mass., says the BIA is a good fit for the book and is pleased to see the publication in such good hands. The Blue Book was in need of an organization with the financial resources, marketing and technological expertise to bring it to the next level. This next level includes technological innovations and applications, as well as advancing and increasing the book's distribution channels. I have been privileged to be associated with the New Hampshire Legislature and I will miss publishing the Blue Book, Grissom said.

BIA President Jim Roche said, The Blue Book is a great fit for the BIA and will complement our existing legislative pocket directory. Roche added that, in addition to the two print publications, BIA will explore creating a searchable, online directory.

The Blue Book includes biographical information and photos of the governor, executive councilors, state senators and state representatives, as well as selected roll call votes, the lawmaking process, committee assignments, glossary of terms, lobbying law, lobbyists and the New Hampshire Constitution. BIA has contracted with McLean Communications to produce the Blue Book and sell advertising and sponsorships in the publication.

The 2013/2014 Blue Book will be available in February.