There are more than 300 companies in NH that make components for the aerospace and defense industries, and a new consortium aims to unite them so they can help each other take off.
The NH International Trade Resource Center in Concord launched the NH Aerospace and Defense Consortium last month with the help of a $300,000 federal grant that will be used to create a website, promote branding and to provide specialized services and activities to help companies begin or increase export activities.
The trade resource center works with companies in all sectors and this is [a] chance to focus on one, says Tina Kasim, program manager for the Center, which is part of the state Division of Economic Development. It's also a way for businesses to leverage each other's expertise and knowledge. Kasim says now is an important time to do this as domestic sales are lagging, but there is increased demand overseas, making it a prime time for businesses to build more international sales.
The Center held a series of meetings in March to introduce the consortium and find out what services would be most helpful. While the state is launching the consortium, Kasim stresses that industry members---not the state-will decide the vision and scope of the consortium. For more information, visit www.nhadec.com.
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