Issuu

LAKES REGION

New h ampshire

editor | Mitchell Kline

contributing writers | Barbara Biehler, Laura Hill, Nancy Mann Jackson, Braxton Shoop

content coordinator | Jessica Walker Boehm

staff writer | Kevin Litwin

proofreading manager | Raven Petty

lead designer | Kara Leiby

senior graphic designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams

graphic designers | Kacey Passmore, Matt West

creative technology analyst | Becca Ary

lead photographer | Michael Conti

senior photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord

staff photographers | Wendy Jo O’Barr, Frank Ordonez

color imaging technician | Alison Hunter

integrated media manager | Zach White

sales support project manager | Sara Quint

sales support coordinator | Christina Morgan

ad production manager | Katie Middendorf

ad traffic assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

web project manager | David Day

digital project manager | Jill Ridenour

digital products designer | Erica Lampley

web development lead | Yamel Hall

web developer i | Nels Noseworthy

web designer ii | Richard Stevens

web product manager | John Hood

chairman | Greg Thurman

president/publisher | Bob Schwartzman

executive Vice president | Ray Langen

senior V.p./sales | Todd Potter

senior V.p./client development | Jeff Heefner

senior V.p./operations | Casey Hester

V.p./sales | Jarek Swekosky

V.p./content operations | Natasha Lorens

audience development director | Deanna Nelson

creative services director | Christina Carden

distribution director | Gary Smith

photography director | Jeffrey S. Otto

web services director | Allison Davis controller | Chris Dudley

senior accountant | Lisa Owens

accounts payable coordinator | Maria McFarland

accounts receivable coordinator | Diana Guzman it director | Daniel Cantrell

executive secretary | Kristy Duncan

human resources manager | Peggy Blake receptionist | Linda Bishop

Livability: Lakes Region, New Hampshire is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce of New Hampshire and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: lakes region chamber of commerce of new hampshire

383 S. Main St. • Laconia, NH 03246

Phone: (603) 524-5531 • Fax: (603) 524-5534 www.lakesregionchamber.org

visit Livability: Lakes Region, New Hampshire online at livability.com/laconia/nh

©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council Member Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce of New Hampshire

photo coUrtesy of nhdttd/kim cartensen

Lakes Region, New Hampshire

A quick, coMPreHeNSive overview oF wHAt’S gre At About tHe

There is a natural attraction to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Forests, mountains and crystalclear lakes create an alluring landscape. The region has grown while maintaining the charm and beauty that has drawn people to this community for centuries. Early American settlers found the region’s rich soil and abundance of water to be perfect for farming. People come to the Lakes Region today for summer vacations, winter recreation, exceptional business opportunities, great schools and affordable homes.

BE auT y aBOuNdS

From bridges that lead to historic homes in traditional New England villages to granite peaks overlooking lakes and valleys, the Lakes Region is a sight to behold. Summers are filled with boat rides, swimming, canoe trips, theater and musical performances. Fall brings colorful foliage and prime hiking conditions. Winter snows create a white wonderland and the opportunity to ski and ice fish. The smell of maple syrup floats through the spring air, when flowers bloom and bike trails are broken in. True to its name, the Lakes Region has more than 270 lakes and ponds.

COmmuNiT y Charm

The Lakes Region comprises communities with thriving businesses, unique charm, established lodging and breathtaking beauty. While tourism and hospitality drive the region’s economy, advanced manufacturing, education and health care also play large roles. Growing numbers of performance venues and artisan guilds have built a creative economy that draws actors, musicians and artists.

In the following pages you’ll see why the Lakes Region is one of America’s best places to live, work and play.

lOCaTiON

The Lakes Region is located in the middle of New Hampshire and includes areas surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound, Webster and Winnisquam Lakes.

diSTaNCES TO ThrEE majOr CiTiES NE arBy Boston, 94.6 miles Montpelier, 117 miles New York City, 293 miles

383 S. Main St. Laconia, NH 03246

Phone: (603) 524-5531 Fax: (603) 524-5534

lakesregionchamber.org

National Average: 30”

The Lakes Region has been the setting for several motion pictures including On Golden Pond, What About Bob and Grown Ups

tHINGS tO dO

The Lakes Region’s must-do attractions, activities and dining

Proceed with Speed

NASCAR thunders into Loudon twice a year at New hampshire motor Speedway, the region’s largest sports and entertainment facility. The 1.058-mile speedway can hold 105,491 spectators. Aside from NASCAR weekends, it hosts many other motorsports events including the Loudon Classic, America’s longest-running motorcycle race.

Voyage

CruiSE ThE laKE

Enjoy cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee from May through October aboard the 230-foot m/S mount Washington and two smaller vessels, the uS mail Boat, Sophie C. and the m/V d oris E . The M/S Mount Washington has banquet rooms and can be booked for weddings.

Resort

Play OuTSidE

Visit g unstock mountain resort in Gilford for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowshoeing. Gunstock features night skiing on its lower mountain slopes, while warm-weather options at the resort include hiking, zip-lining and aerial adventures.

Farm

CONNECT TO NaTurE

Year-round trails and wildlife viewing outings are two of the many attractions at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center. There are also public education programs, school field trips, flower gardens and maple sugaring in March.

Music

aTTENd a CONCErT

Enjoy live music at the Bank of Nh Pavilion at meadowbrook , an outdoor amphitheater near Lake Winnipesaukee that can accommodate 8,300 spectators. The venue recently expanded to add 3,000 seats, two parking lots and a second road into the attraction.

Fun Four Seasons of

Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, life in the Lakes Region is relaxing, adventurous and enjoyable for a number of reasons that change right along with the seasons. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the area’s variety of opportunities, ranging from water sports during the summer to ice fishing and cross-country skiing during the winter.

Hit the Slopes

Gunstock mountain Resort in g ilford has more than 25 trails and five ski lifts, making it perfect for winter recreation.

“The Lakes Region is an ideal location for a vacation any time of the year,” says Amy Landers, executive director of the Lakes Region Tourism Association. “Year-round, the area offers scenic beauty, tax-free shopping in quaint little village shops and premium outlets, and a diversity of attractions and outdoor recreation for all ages.”

Visitors are captivated by the Lakes Region’s beauty and often run out of time before they run out of things to do, Landers adds. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the area in each of its four seasons.

SummEr

On hot summer days, residents and visitors relish swimming, canoeing or kayaking in one of the area’s lakes, or hitting the links at a local golf course. There are also opportunities for guided enjoyment including “scenic boat cruises, train rides, castle tours, ziplining, segway tours, or take a splendid scenic bi-plane ride over Lake Winnipesaukee,” Landers says.

For athletes and sporting fans, the Timberman Triathlon is held every August in the Lakes Region, and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR races.

Visitors who just can’t get enough of the Lakes Region’s summer style often inhabit the islands around the area throughout

the warmer months. A mail boat is used to deliver letters and packages to these island dwellers.

auTumN

When the nights get cooler, life maintains its energetic pace. “Fall is filled with beautiful colors, hikes, scenic drives, and horseback riding,” Landers says.

Residents and visitors enjoy camping, fall foliage tours and opportunities for apple- and pumpkin-picking at local farms. The area is also home to a number of fairs and festivals during the autumn months, and evening entertainment and shows are available throughout the year.

WiNTEr

During the colder months, the region is often blanketed in snow, creating a winter wonderland perfect for sled dog tours, ice fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing and ice skating.

During January and February, daring snowmobilers enjoy drag racing in the Lakes Region. And every February, the area hosts a popular pond hockey tournament.

For those who opt to stay out of the cold, “enjoy a relaxing day in front of the fireplace and visit one of our many exclusive spas,” Landers says.

SPriNg

As the weather grows warmer, spring is a glorious time to be in the Lakes Region. There are maple sugaring tours and packages available, and craft fairs to enjoy. Each spring, Castle in the Clouds, the historic Lucknow Estate, reopens for views and tours. Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park offers zipline tours and treetop climbs. Popular museums like Canterbury Shaker Village and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center are open year round.

Explore the Lakes Region, where “each season is filled with adventure, activity and relaxation,” Landers says. by Nancy Mann Jackson by staff photographer Michael Conti

fine arts and crafts festival sailing on l ake winnipesaukee pavilion at meadowbrook

Artists Welcome

C R e AT i V i T y i S PART OF L i F e i N TH e Re G i ON , WH e R e A N e W i N i T i AT i V e N u RT u R e S TH e ARTS AND ART i STS

check out crafts, textiles and other goods at Canterbury Shaker village’s museum Store

When they opened a theater in Laconia in 2004, Leslie Pankhurst, husband Neil, brother Bryan Halperin and his wife, Johanna, took “a leap of faith,” Pankhurst says, wondering if the local community would support a new arts venture.

Turns out, they needn’t have worried. Today, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse is an area gem with a national reputation and a new $3 million home.

arTS arE ParT OF liFE

In the Lakes Region, creativity is part of the fabric of life. And while others see economic development in terms of technology firms or light industry, this community hopes to attract and nurture artists, musicians, artisans and creative entrepreneurs.

“Our No. 1 challenge is attracting young people to the area,” says Carmen Lorentz, executive director of the Belknap County Economic Development Council. “Having a strong creative sector is very important in making this area attractive to people in their 30s and 40s.”

l aKES CrE aTiVE ECONOmy iNiTiaTiVE

Her organization has teamed with the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and the Lakes Region Tourism

Watch Performers Take the Stage

the Winnipesaukee Playhouse was founded in 2004 and is now located in a 200-seat theater.

Association in the Lakes Creative Economy initiative to help foster “a vibrant creative arts community that is valued and supported by residents and visitors.”

So far the partnership has hosted quarterly networking events for the creative community and shared resources for marketing and promotion.

Lorentz says the number of creative sector jobs, as reported by larger arts organizations, increased by several hundred between 2000 and 2010 and “a large number of people are doing artistic work that we don’t have numbers on but that we hear about anecdotally.” Lorentz points to the Winnipesaukee Playhouse as an example of “a group of young people who came here and are making something happen.”

WiNNiPESauKEE PlayhOuSE

The Playhouse began by staging one-night shows with magicians, actors, musicians and

cabaret performers, through word of mouth building an audience that regularly filled its 80-seat storefront theater. Today it presents a professional summer season, community theater, youth theater, classes and workshops.

In spring 2013 it moved to a new 200-seat theater on an 11-acre campus that also includes an amphitheater, workshop, paint shop, furniture storage and education building, and even housing for out-of-town actors and crew members.

“It’s what we hoped it would be when we started here,” says Pankhurst. “There is certainly a much more significant amount of artistic activity here now – jazz concerts, other theater companies, music places, some galleries. It proves that there was a want out there.”

CaNTErBury Villag E

Canterbury Shaker Village is also satisfying that desire. The national historic landmark attracts

visitors with its beautiful 694-acre forested grounds, 30 historic buildings, two restaurants and a robust program of classes and workshops devoted to traditional arts, crafts and other aspects of Shaker life.

“There’s a certain natural beauty in our area, and people who are creative look for that pureness of spirit and heart that’s here,” says executive director Funi Burdick of the area’s artsfriendly environment. “Artists work from their hearts and minds. They are drawn to an area that welcomes the creative spirit, and New Hampshire does it well.” by Laura Hill by staff photographer Michael Conti

learn more about the Lakes region’s cultural scene at livability.com/ laconia/nh/attractions

Whether you are planning a family vacation or romantic getaway, plan on Shalimar Resort. The resort is located on the shores of

and

• Complimentary breakfast

• Dinner packages available

• Indoor swimming pool

• Private, sandy beach

• Pet friendly

• Free Wi-Fi

• Sunday brunch

Defying Conventions

l akes region is home to seVeral oUtside-the-box restaUrants

From a restaurant channeling the Golden Era of the 1950s to an eatery that began on a quiet turkey farm, the Lakes Region’s dining venues give residents a buffet of delectable options.

extraordinary eats

uNuSual rESTauraNTS KEEP diNiNg SCENE FrESh

Tilt’n d iner sports a hip 1950s style and offers American food like fried pickles, biscuits and gravy, and homemade pies. In September 2008, Tilt’n was named Best Company to Work For in the Food Industry by The Griffin Report of Food Marketing and was ranked as one of the Top 100 Private Companies in New Hampshire by Business NH Magazine

Founded in 1954, hart’s Turkey Farm restaurant in Meredith has been in the Hart family for more than 50 years. The restaurant, developed from the family’s farm, has grown into a 500-seat establishment and serves specialty turkey-based items like turkey marsala and turkey croquettes.

Restaurant and Tavern

ENjOy a mE al WiTh a ViEW lyons’ d en restaurant and Tavern is located in Gilford along Lake Winnipesaukee’s south shore. The Den, which overlooks Smith Cove, features lunch and dinner menus that include delicacies such as chicken nicole, steak au poivre and veal lauren.

Watering Holes

graB a driNK aNd rElax

Cactus jack’s g rill & Watering hole in Laconia is a subsidiary of Great NH Restaurants Inc., but it maintains its own unique identity. Some of Jack’s menu items include a chipotle taco burger, its panseared prime rib meatloaf and its buffalo chicken saucewich. Many of Jack’s meals are made from scratch, which helped it earn New Hampshire Magazine’s awards for Best Hamburger in the local chain category for the seventh consecutive year and Best Kid’s Menu.

Classic Cuisine Meets inviting Ambience with convenient locations in Manchester and Laconia, Fratello’s Italian Grille offers a menu that features italian-American cuisine such as pastas, seafood, chicken and pizza as well as gluten-free dishes. Fratello’s serves these items in its casual dining atmosphere that often has live music.

Onions Pub & restaurant is a family-run business that is located in the same building as the Tilton Inn, a site that has been investigated by the Ghost Hunters and classified as truly haunted. Onions features live entertainment and a varied menu that encompasses typical fare as well as specialty dishes inspired by Bermudan cuisine.

Opened in 1987, Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford showcases a relaxed atmosphere thanks to its comfortable tables and booths; a 25-seat, U-shaped bar; and several high-definition televisions. These amenities and its quality menu helped Patrick’s earn the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association’s Restaurant of the Year award.

By Braxton Shoop

learn more about the Lakes region’s restaurants at livability. com/laconia/nh/food

Absorb the Arts

the l akes region is packed with historical Attr ActioNS , PerForMANce veNueS ANd MuSeuMS

Consider yourself a “culture vulture”? You’ll never run out of fascinating things to experience and explore in the Lakes Region, which has a varied mix of history-rich destinations and entertainment hot spots.

Historical Attractions

lOCal mill S rENOVaTEd aNd rEOPENEd

Textile mills have played a major role in New Hampshire life since the early 19th century. The oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States, the Belknap mill in Laconia, was nearly demolished in 1969, but was saved by passionate citizens and went on to become one of the first buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today the structure is the official meetinghouse of the State of New Hampshire, and houses a museum, gallery and more.

In Meredith, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, mill Falls at the l ake was once the site of a dilapidated 19th-century linen mill. Today it is a luxury lodging-shopping-dining-spa destination whose 14 acres and many buildings provide plenty to do.

Live Performances

OPEra hOuSE SETS ThE STagE FOr ENTErTaiNmENT

Take in a concert or a live event at the Franklin Opera house. Opened in 1893, this Romanesque-style building was both a cultural venue and a home for Franklin’s municipal offices. In its early heyday, it presented lectures, plays, musical events and vaudeville performances. But demand for office space eventually prevailed, and for years the Opera House, as it was called, was offices-only. It was revived and refurbished in the early 2000s, and today audiences once more enjoy concerts, talent shows and other entertainment.

Preserving History

learn more about daniel webster’s early days at the 147-acre daniel Webster Birthplace in franklin. the three-time presidential candidate, senator, constitutional lawyer, U. s s ecretary of state and renowned orator lives on as one of the most remarkable figures in american political life. his birthplace is a state historic site.

Cultural Organization hiSTOry By ThE BOOKS

The l aconia historical & museum Society dedicates itself to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and culture of Laconia, Lakeport and the Weirs. The non-profit organization sponsors publications, educational programs and exhibits, and conserves artifacts, documents and more. The society is housed in the Laconia Public Library, where it is visited by more than 137,000 people annually.

Multipurpose Venue all aBOard FOr FuN

A former railroad freight depot in downtown Laconia, Pitman’s Freight room, now is a versatile function space that hosts weddings, musical events, banquets and other gatherings in a charming rustic setting. On Thursday nights it presents topnotch jazz and blues acts from around the Northeast.

By Laura Hill

Take Fun to New Heights

Adventure-seekers delight in the motorcycle riding, zip lines, and tree-top obstacle courses at monkey trunks

Extreme Aerial Adventures in chocorua, NH. known for providing fun for all ages, monkey trunks offers exciting challenges at up to 65 feet above the ground.

Stay Active

New HAMPSHire’ S L AkeS regioN FuLL oF oPPortuNitieS For outdoor FuN

The Lakes Region is bursting with options for outdoor recreation and sports, with diverse opportunities for every season of the year.

Hiking and Biking

hiT ThE Trail FOr ExErCiSE

Residents and visitors stay active by walking, running, bicycling and cross-country skiing. Also known as the WOW Trail, the four-season trail is open for all non-motorized uses. Phase 1 was completed in 2010, and planning for the next phase is underway. Once complete, the trail will connect three lakes and several communities.

Water Recreation

SPENd a day ON ThE l aKE

With its signature lakes, the region is known for water recreation. Local marinas offer boat rentals, sales and supplies. They include anchor marine at Weirs Beach, Thurston’s marina, Channel marine and l ake Side Boat rentals. At Ellacoya State Park , visitors can swim, picnic and camp while taking in views of the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Additional beaches and boat launches are available on l ake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Opechee, as well as Squam and Webster lakes. Even more outdoor recreation can be enjoyed at Opechee Park and Odell Park

Golf Courses

TEE iT uP, TaKE a SWiNg

Golfers can challenge themselves at 13 courses in the region, with varying levels of difficulty. The semi-private lochmere golf and Country Club, located in Tilton, is one of the most scenic and difficult courses in the Northeast. Pheasant ridge g olf Club in Gilford features stunning lake and mountain views, as it winds through the foothills of Belknap Mountain, 200 feet above Lake Winnipesaukee. l aconia Country Club and Bolduc Park also offer challenging golf and scenic natural surroundings. By Nancy Mann Jackson

•

Take Care

l akes region offers residents many options to maintain great health

With modern medical facilities, fitness programs and healthy living initiatives, Lakes Region residents have everything they need to live fit and healthy lifestyles.

Community initiative

hE alThy EaTiNg aCTiVE liViNg (hE al)

A collaborative effort of numerous nonprofit foundations and state agencies, healthy Eating active living (hE al ) is an initiative intended to decrease obesity rates and improve the health and quality of life of Lakes Region residents. The program seeks to advance and encourage changes that promote healthy people and places in New Hampshire. HEAL links the Lakes Region community to the resources needed to create healthy environments through its schools, worksites, health care, food outlets and more.

Health-Care Trust

lrghE alThCarE

Comprising l akes region general hospital, Franklin regional hospital, and 22 affiliated medical providers and service programs in the Lakes and Three Rivers regions, lrghealthcare’s goal is “strengthening the community’s well-being by providing patients with the highest quality health care.” LRGHealthcare offers state-of-theart medical facilities and services of more than 200 physicians representing 35 medical specialties. LRGHealthcare also employs 1,600 people, making it the largest employer in the area.

Meeting local health-care needs and staying on the forefront of patient care, LRGHealthcare opened the interlakes medical Center in Meredith, expanded Franklin Regional Hospital’s emergency department, and added 97,000 square feet to Lakes Region General Hospital.

Get Fit and Have Fun

Laconia Athletic & Swim Club features a wide variety of fitness programs designed to keep people of all fitness levels in optimum shape. Participate in one of the club’s yoga, pilates, spinning, or swim classes, or join one of their weight management programs like the 90-day commitment to get Fit! challenge. don’t know what type of exercise or class is right for you? ask for a private fitness consultation.

Fitness Center

Shalimar rESOrT

Located in Tilton, Shalimar resort offers pool and gym memberships. Buy a daily swim pass or a full membership that allows access to the resort’s Olympic-size indoor pool, fitness center, steam room and whirlpool Jacuzzi. “We have many members of all ages that use the pool for recreation, exercise, or even physical therapy,” Gabby Owens of Shalimar Resort says. “Members can have unlimited use of the pool and fitness center for one month, six months or a year.”

Charitable Organization

graNiTE STaTE uNiTEd Way

g ranite State united Way supports activities, events and initiatives that promote well-being. Through programs, such as the grassroots neighborhood effort “Better Together,” the United Way brings together community sources to provide a safe, healthy environment for all.

“We define health here as a healthy community,” says Alan Robichaud, community development director for Granite United Way, Lakes Region. “The more you become engaged, the safer communities become, the healthier they are.”

By Barbara Biehler

Learning to Succeed

l akes region schools offer s tUdents the opportUnity to excel

Quality education is a top priority in the Lakes Region area. The region offers a wide variety of schools, academic programs and early learning initiatives that promote academic excellence and a lifetime of student success.

early Learning initiative

PrOgram PrEParES KidS FOr KiNdErgarTEN

rE ady! for Kindergarten is an early learning initiative sponsored by l aconia School district and the l akes region Community Services Family resource Center of Central New h ampshire, working in partnership with l akes region united Way. This program allows parents and children who live within the Laconia School District to work together to develop skills they need to ensure their success as they transition to school. Parents take classes and then apply what they learn through “purposeful play” with their children at home and in the community. Classes are held several times at year, rotating among three Laconia elementary schools.

Public Schools

Six SChOOl diSTriCTS

l aconia School d istrict includes five elementary, middle and high schools along with special education programs and advanced learning initiatives to keep students engaged. inter-l akes School d istrict serves more than 1,100 students in four schools. The Franklin and hill School d istrict includes two elementary, one middle and one high school, which also houses a preschool program. egional received the NH Scholars Champion Award for developing effective and successful partnerships to better student progress. Two area high igh School egional School igh School istrict , rank among the Best High Schools and were awarded national bronze medals by U.S.

By Barbara Biehler

Quality Higher education

Lakes Region Community College offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs including early childhood education and computer technologies. students can also benefit from transfer programs to other area colleges, allowing them to obtain more advanced degrees. “ we have programs for students right out of high school and certificate programs for those who have been employed and are looking to improve, advance or develop new skills and knowledge,” says Scott kalicki, president of Lrcc . “An excellent way to reduce the cost of a four-year degree program is to complete the first two years with us.”

Technical Training

combining classroom instruction and hands-on learning, the Huot technical Center in l aconia provides 14 career and technical education programs to high school students in the l akes region area. students participating in these programs make two-year commitments to complete programs, such as automotive technology or early childhood education, which provide the basic instruction and skills necessary to enter today’s highly competitive job market. t hese programs offer many advantages to area students. “ we partner with many local businesses,” says Scott davis, career and technical education director of huot technical center. “ students develop a real sense of what a career pathway involves, and what education and training is needed for the next step in that pursuit.”

Prowess Production

Manufacturing remains the No. 1 economic industry in New Hampshire, with workers earning an average annual salary of $75,000 a year. The Lakes Region, often thought of as a tourism destination, has a surprising level of high-tech manufacturing.

the EP tA m Plastics facility in Northfield covers 60,000 square feet and employs more than 100 people.

Several area manufacturers make products for the aerospace, defense and/or medical industries. “The jobs are highly technical and computer-based, and such jobs aren’t going to be outsourced to other countries,” says Carmen Lorentz, Belknap Economic Development Council executive director. “The advanced manufacturing we have is not going anywhere.”

Lakes Region manufacturers are distancing themselves from the long-standing stereotype of unsophisticated, dirty factory jobs, while the industry attracts more students to present and future careers in manufacturing.

Huot Technical Center on the campus of Laconia High School plays a big part by offering students 12 career paths that include an advanced manufacturing/engineering technology program.

“Our curriculums are available to students in grades 9-12 who attend Laconia and five other high schools in the region, with interested students bused to Laconia High for 90-minute technical course blocks during every school day,” says Scott Davis, Huot Technical Center director. “Early in the advanced

manufacturing curriculum, we take students on field trips to local industries to show how clean and high-tech the companies are, and the wide variety of interesting career opportunities they offer.”

high-TECh EquiPmENT

Huot Technical Center recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included the installation of new equipment purchased and donated by local manufacturers.

“We now have top computer lab equipment, a 3D prototype printer, and high-tech mills and lathes,” Davis says. “Students are learning all aspects of the manufacturing industry including design, computer programming, prototyping and actually producing some products.”

The Huot Center also collaborates with Lakes Region Community College, which recently added a new advanced manufacturing lab of its own.

“It’s exciting that a student can ultimately end up earning a two-year degree at LRCC and soon afterward be earning up to $75,000 in the manufacturing field,” says Don Brough, LRCC advanced manufacturing training manager.

COmPaNiES CalliNg

LRCC also receives classroom ideas and input from the more than 20 manufacturers doing business in the Lakes Region, including companies such as Aavid Thermalloy, EPTAM Plastics, Freudenberg-NOK, Howard Precision, Milpower Source, Redwood Technologies, Titeflex Aerospace and Vitex Extrusion. Another area manufacturer is New Hampshire Ball Bearings, whose employees design and make precision bearing products for the aerospace industry.

“We are a high-tech, clean, invigorating, nimble company that is always looking for more skilled employees with technical backgrounds, who also have critical thinking and communications skills,” says Gary Groleau, NH Ball Bearings corporate manager of labor relations and organizational development. “The time is right now to get all students thinking about the excellent advanced manufacturing opportunities that are available in the Lakes Region.” by Kevin Litwin by staff photographer Michael Conti

titeflex Aerospace’s Laconia facility provides fluid management solutions.

Business Spotlight

P i Ch E’S SKi

& SPO r TS S h OPS

Piche’s in Gilford has a large and diverse inventory of sports gear that includes skis, boots, snowshoes, snowboards, bikes, kayaks and car racks. www.piches.com

Fay ’S BOaT yard

Established in 1944, Fay’s Boat Yard in Gilford is a marine company offering new and used boats, rentals, storage, boat repairs, equipment and apparel. www.faysboatyard.com

TaylO r CO mmu N i T y

For more than 100 years, Taylor Community in Laconia has provided assisted and continuing care for people who want an active, independent lifestyle in their retirement years. www.taylorcommunity.org

EP i Pha N i ES i NC.

Social media and online advancements are the specialties of Laconiabased Epiphanies Inc., which helps its clients advance their businesses by developing multiple communications channels. www.epiphaniesinc.com

Kram E r & hall

g O ld S mi T h S

Lilo Kramer and Keith Hall are experienced gemologists who own Kramer & Hall Goldsmiths in Laconia, specializing in handmade jewelry of gold, platinum and silver. www.kramerandhall.com

learn more about Lakes region’s business climate and workforce at livability.com/ laconia/nh/business.

Opportunities keep knocking

diVerse regional economy maintains growth

If the outdoors is your thing, you’ve come to the right place. The Lakes Region’s economy is anchored in tourism with boating, fishing and swimming during warm weather months, plus skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter.

“You can’t drive two minutes without running into a body of water in the Lakes Region,” says Carmen Lorentz, executive director of the Belknap Economic Development Council. “There are year-round attractions that make outdoor recreation a big part of life around here.”

While adventure opportunities result in tourism being a major industry in the Lakes Region, the overall economy is much more diverse. For example, the healthcare industry is also a top employer that offers quality jobs to residents.

“LRGHealthcare runs the two hospitals in our area – Lakes Region General Hospital and Franklin Regional Hospital – plus has many clinics and physical rehabilitation facilities. So with 1,600 employees, LRGHealthcare is the largest employer in the region,” Lorentz says. “There is an older population in the Lakes

Region, so health care is a vital industry today and for years to come.”

al SO imPaCTiNg

ThE ECONOmy

In addition, the local economy features numerous small businesses that include coffee shops, campgrounds, car dealerships, art galleries and golf courses. Meanwhile, local governments and public school districts also provide many jobs, while other schools with significant employment numbers include Lakes Region Community College, New Hampton School and Plymouth State University.

Advanced manufacturing remains a critical industry throughout the region, accounting for more than 10 percent of jobs.

“Manufacturing jobs are some of the best-paying in the area, with many local companies specializing in components for defense, aerospace or the medical industry,” Lorentz says. “The manufacturing sector in the Lakes Region certainly offers solid professional employment options and advancement opportunities.”

by Kevin Litwin

vitex Extrusion in franklin creates custom aluminum extrusions.

Stay Awhile

initiatiVe Urges grads to remain in region

High-tech manufacturing jobs in the Lakes Region are in demand – there are local manufacturers that would hire 50 well-trained employees today. The same goes for the health-care industry.

Those job openings are among the reasons why an initiative called “200 x 2020” (200 by 2020) was created. The goal is to have 200 area businesses involved and working with six regional school districts by the year 2020. Ideally, business officials will speak at schools and offer internships and job-shadowing opportunities to help students understand the scope of innovative, high-paying careers that are available in the region.

The 200 x 2020 initiative is a collaboration backed by the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, Belknap Economic Development Council, Huot Technical Center, Lakes Region Community College, United Way, school districts, employment offices, and local businesses and industries.

“We don’t want a majority of our students and graduates to feel that they must move to Concord or other big cities for high-paying jobs and interesting careers,” says Karmen Gifford, Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce executive director.

“The average age in this region is 48, so our goal is to ultimately lower that average age, and part of the solution is to let kids know that they can make a really good living here. This is a beautiful place to live and work.”

VariET y OF CarEErS

Gifford points out that the Lakes Region offers career opportunities in fields such as biotech, engineering, culinary, hospitality, health care and construction.

“For example, Huot Technical Center offers 12 career programs, with their health science program taught by an actual nurse, and a multimedia program that works with a local TV station,” she says.

“A General Motors Automotive Service Education Program is offered by Lakes Region Community College partnering with local dealerships. Also, a couple of manufacturing companies recently spent money to purchase high-tech equipment for a pre-engineering program at Huot.”

iNFOrmaTiON daTaBaSE

Gifford adds that a workforce database is also being planned by the chamber and the EDC to allow

area employers to post all of their internships and job-shadowing opportunities, plus allow students to create work profiles and post resumes. School districts will be able to track the database’s effectiveness, and the chamber and EDC will ensure that businesses and students are using it.

“This 200 x 2020 collaboration is a strong community engagement – it’s not going away,” Gifford says. “We are encouraging businesses to inspire students of all ages about the excellent career choices that are available in the Lakes Region. Even kindergarteners will be informed thanks to field trips and fun speaker sessions.”

by Kevin Litwin