On May 3rd, 2023, the Leadership of Greater Nashua took a deeper look in to the Community & Economic Development of Nashua and enjoyed an informational Entrepreneurship panel.
The Leadership class kicked off their day by visiting the Millyard Museum in Manchester NH. While visiting this museum, the class dove into the history of Manchester’s Mills and the community that was built around them. Jeff Barraclough, Executive Director of the Millyard Museum, traced the history of land, starting with the Abenaki tribe and ending with the recent mill revitalization efforts. Although this segment of the day was centered on Manchester, Nashua had a similar economic start.
After Mr. Barraclough’s presentation, the class moved over to the Manchester Airport where the Director of Aviation, Ted Kitchens, A.A.E., spoke about the economic importance of the airport for the surrounding communities. One important aspect that Mr. Kitchens touch upon was the significance of utilizing the airport to ensure that major airlines continue to serve the Manchester area.
As the day continued, the class traveled down to The Nashua Regional Planning Commission. Once there, they were able to hear about the plans for extending the commuter rail to Nashua. According to Jay Minkarah, the Executive Director Nashua Regional Planning Commission, the extension of the commuter rail would include four proposed train stops, two in Nashua and two in the Manchester area. The discussion moved towards the current impact housing is having on our Nashua Community. Once the conversation shifted toward housing, Jennifer Vadeney, LGN ’14 alum and Development Manager at Neighborworks and Sarah Wrightsman, Community Engagement Coordinator at New Hampshire Housing led the explanation of what is currently being done to manage a variety of housing issues that the greater Nashua community is facing.
The Nashua Regional Planning Commission visit wrapped up with a panel discussion of what the future vision of Nashua which featured Tim Cummings, Director of Economic Development, Matt Sullivan, Community Development Director and Amber Morgan, Committee Chairman of Imagine Nashua. During this portion of the day, the panel detailed the Imagine Nashua plan and other projects that are in the works for the city. Some of the highlights from this talk included, creating a more walkable city, and establishing green space for the Nashua community to enjoy.
To round out the packed day, the class hopped over to Liquid Therapy, where they were treated to an informative discussion with local Entrepreneurs Eric Brand President of P & L Landscaping, LLC, Amber Morgan owner of Fortin & Gage Flower and Gift Shop, and Purvish Patel, President at Isha Hospitality and owner of the Clarion Inn Nashua. The panelists discussed their journey to become business owners and shared some of their experiences and advice to the class.
The Community & Economic Development Day was one full of informative details of the past and the future of the city of Nashua. It was fascinating learning about the future of the city very fitting for our last class. The Leadership of Greater Nashua class of 2023 kicked off the year by learning about the history of Nashua and it was a true full circle moment to have the last class share the future vision for the city Nashua.
Aletta Brown
Girls Inc. New Hampshire
