MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Joyce Craig announced the launch of a new joint initiative to guide and support Manchester’s continued economic growth and success during the March 21 Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) State of the City breakfast forum. In collaboration with the GMCC, the Manchester Business Council will bring together city officials, municipal staff, and business leaders to help create a more business-friendly environment in Manchester that will aid business attraction and retention efforts and expand the municipal tax base.
Click here to view Mayor Craig’s full remarks
“Manchester’s businesses are thriving – a testament to the work you’ve all done in our community,” said Craig in her State of the City address. “I know the ideas that will drive our economic future will not all come from City Hall, but from listening to you, the business community. That is why today, I’m honored to announce that I will establish the Manchester Business Council to create a plan for short- and long-term economic growth.”
Craig expressed that ensuring a strong and vibrant business climate is critical to the success of any community. Manchester has made great strides over the past several years in growing and expanding business opportunities. There is, however, much work to be done if Manchester is going to maintain this positive momentum and fully realize its potential as a thriving, regional hub of innovation, commerce, and entrepreneurship.
“The council will also help bridge communications and collaboration among the many city departments, nonprofit groups, and stakeholders involved in economic development, community planning and visioning, and marketing,” said GMCC President & CEO, Mike Skelton. “This enhanced collaboration will ensure that the strategies undertaken by various stakeholders are coordinated and aligned with one another and efforts and resources are not being duplicated.”
Initial focus areas of the Manchester Business Council will include:
- Identifying opportunities to streamline regulations and promote a predictable, efficient, and flexible regulatory system.
- Develop new resources that communicate and market the processes for starting a business in Manchester and/or obtaining permits and regulatory approvals.
- Coordinating the various economic development and marketing strategies being pursued by various community stakeholders.
- Providing a forum for open communication and collaborative dialogue between City elected officials, department heads, and business leaders.
About the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Incorporated in 1911, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is the largest business organization in New Hampshire, focusing its efforts primarily on Manchester and the surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, and Merrimack. It is the Chamber’s mission to be the leading force in the improvement of the business environment, the economic health and the general vitality of the region. The GMCC provides members with marketing opportunities, economic indicators, legislative bulletins, and representation in both local and state government. For more information visit www.manchester-chamber.org.
