Commissioner Caswell Applauds Concord at Luncheon Forum

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum with Taylor Caswell, the first commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs in Concord and more than 80 chamber members isat in to hear Commissioner Caswell’s vision for New Hampshire's new department, as well as his ideas for attracting and retaining both employers and a talented workforce.
 
Caswell shared that his department's mission, which include tourism, is to build economic opportunities in NH by collaborating with existing authorities like Community Development Finance Authority, NH Business Finance Authority and Concord Housing Authority as well as other state and local agencies and organizations. He emphasized the importance of tourism, workforce development, and the need to offer workforce housing so businesses will consider relocating to NH and existing businesses can grow with increased demand.
 
Caswell said he is eager to fill the position of director for the Division of Economic Development. Reporting directly to him, the division director will guide the BEA in “the development, oversight and implementation of a 10-year strategic plan aimed at enabling and expanding conditions for enhanced economic expansion within the State, including, but not limited to, coordination of business retention and expansion strategies; attraction and retention of workforce; leveraged partnerships to serve as development catalysts, and business marketing integrated with the Department’s Division of Travel & Tourism,” according to the BEA’s job description that closed to applicants on August 30th.
 
Caswell had high-praise for the state's capital city and the leadership that went into reinvigorating downtown. “When businesses opt to invest in their local community, it drives economic growth,” he said. “Concord’s Downtown Street Project is a prime example of what every community should aim for when creating a Main Street that welcomes visitors, businesses and families.”