By Michelline Dufort, NHHTC Director of Business Relations
The New Hampshire High Tech Council will be hosting the candidates for the US Senate and Governor’s office on October 12. Why is this important? The technology sector is a growth industry in New Hampshire, and one of great importance. Many candidates use the words “innovation” and “entrepreneurism” in their platforms. The Power Forum will allow our membership to hear up close and personal from the candidates on not only the understanding of our industry’s importance, but what their plans would be to support the industry through their administration at the state and federal level.
Salaries in our tech sector are almost double the median income in New Hampshire and the sector continues to grow faster than most other sectors in the state. With about 11% of New Hampshire employees in tech related positions, it is a substantial economic driver.
When we think about technology today, we focus on not only our innovative tech companies, but also on the tech workers that provide essential services to other large industries in New Hampshire, such as education, healthcare, government, nonprofits and even the automotive industries. Having a well-trained and growing workforce is essential to the economic development of the State of New Hampshire. As a result, we expect that this event will touch on a variety of issues such as:
- Business and Internet regulations and taxation
- Training and skills development for students and adult career changers
- R&D Tax Credit and other programs that provide incentives for innovating
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- International trade and commerce policies
- Marketing and promotion of New Hampshire’s growing tech ecosystem
The town hall style will give each candidate time to broadly talk about their ideas for growth and innovation in New Hampshire’s tech sector and will allow for questions from the audience.
Our committees drive the work of the Council, and that is very true for the TechWomen/TechGirls Committee, who have dedicated their regular monthly programming to this event, and true to Power Breakfast energy and style, the room will be full of accomplished technologists who are deeply vested in the growth of technology in New Hampshire. The Power Forum is open to all members, and not-yet-member and information and registration can be found here.