The Buzz Online

This Week's The Buzz Online Spotlight

The NH Department of Education named Dr. Richard A. Gustafson its new director for the division of higher education. Gustafson was named the 2011 Business Leader of the Year by Business NH magazine for his extensive work in the NH education system and his transformation of Keene State College and the NH Community College System among many other accomplishments.

*****

Alexander Technology Group, a technology staffing and recruiting services, recently announced the launch of Cause We Can to coordinate local volunteer technologists and deliver pro bono technology help to charities and non-profits. In its first year Cause We Can will serve five local charities and non-profits including Families in Transition, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC), New Hampshire YWCA, and the ABI Innovation Hub. Cause We Can officially began in early August and will conclude with a celebration event in mid-October 2012.

*****

Delise West, president of Human Resource Partners in Dover, was recently elected to the board of directors at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, also in Dover. 

*****

David R. Farmer recently joined Mass Design Incorporated in Nashua as a sales and business development representative. He will focus on the printed circuit board manufacturer's medical, defense and aerospace markets.

***** 

The Kane Company in Portsmouth brokered the sale of a 2,800-square-foot industrial condominium in Hampton to Arakelian Plumbing and Heating, LLC to expand its business.

***** 

Watermark Marine Systems in Laconia purchased the former Burger King property on Union Avenue in Laconia and will open a store and commercial marina.

***** 

James E. Morris, an attorney with Orr & Reno in Concord, authored the NH-focused chapter of the American Bar Association's book, The Law of Eminent Domain: Fifty State Survey 2011/2012.

***** 

Calypso Communications in Portsmouth was named the agency of record for public relations, marketing and creative solutions by Monadnock Paper Mills in Bennington.

*****

KDPaine & Partners in Berlin has joined forces with News Group International and its Ppresident, Mazen Nahawi, in a three-way merger with Report International, and News Group's Dubai-based measurement group, Salience Research. The new company will deliver expanded capabilities that include:

• Vertical integration from data collection to engagement
• Ability to deliver insight and recommendations (not just more data)
• Standard-setting knowledge of research & measurement methodologies
• Ability to integrate social, traditional, & marketing metrics into a single platform
• Extensive knowledge & capabilities in data collection
• Local cultural and geographic expertise across all  continents
  

The headquarters will remain in Berlin, K.D. Paine will remain chairman.

*****
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, with NH headquarters in Manchester, announced that Charles R. Goheen, a seasoned finance executive with more than 25 years experience in both the provider and payor environments, has been named as chief financial officer.  In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Harvard Pilgrim's accounting, financial planning, tax, actuarial, underwriting and treasury operations.

*****

The University Systems of New Hampshire in Durham appointed Robin Switzer to the role of director of human resources services.

*****

The Music Hall, a performing arts center in Portsmouth, welcomed Christine Penney as its new associate director of development. In her new role, Penney is responsible for managing all aspects of fundraising with Gail VanHoy Carolan the director of institutional advancement.

*****

Centrix Bank President and CEO Joseph B. Reilly announced two personnel changes. The Bedford-based bank hired Chelsea Browne as branch operations officer for the Milford facility and promoted Kimberly Beaulieu to manage branch operations at the Portsmouth office.

*****