Our May Leadership Greater Nashua session on Economic & Community Development and Entrepreneurship offered a powerful reminder that effective leadership requires understanding not only where our communities are today, but how we got here and where we’re headed.
We began the morning at the Millyard Museum, where Executive Director Jeff Barraclough guided us through Manchester’s rich history. From the Abenaki people and Amoskeag Falls to the rise of the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, we explored how industry, immigration, and innovation shaped the region we know today. The museum experience highlighted the deep roots of Greater Manchester’s economic development and the evolution of neighborhoods, workforce dynamics, and adaptive reuse that continue to influence our communities.
Next, we shifted from history to one of New Hampshire’s most pressing challenges: housing. At McLane Middleton, Elissa Margolin, Director of the Initiative for Housing Policy & Practice at Saint Anselm College, shared a compelling overview of the state’s housing crisis and the structural realities behind affordability and supply challenges. We learned about zoning, infrastructure limitations, and innovative approaches, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), cottage courts, and public-private partnerships, that may help communities create more housing opportunities while preserving local character. Her presentation underscored how thoughtful policy and courageous local leadership can shape the future of our region.
We also had the opportunity to hear from Gena Lavallee, Director at McLane Middleton and Leadership Greater Nashua Class of 2024, who provided insight into the firm’s work and the many ways legal expertise supports businesses, nonprofits, and community development. From company formation and business transitions to governance and data privacy considerations, the discussion highlighted the critical role legal frameworks play in helping organizations and leaders navigate complexity and growth. McLane Middleton’s commitment to supporting leadership development and community initiatives, including hosting Leadership Greater Nashua, was evident throughout the session.
A sincere thank you to McLane Middleton for generously sponsoring lunch and hosting our group. Their investment in Leadership Greater Nashua and commitment to fostering community dialogue and leadership development made for a meaningful and engaging experience.
The morning’s throughline was clear: leadership happens at the intersection of history, policy, and action. To lead communities well, we must understand the systems that shape them, the people they impact, and the opportunities we have to create meaningful change together.
Written By: Laura Noel
Laura Noel Consulting LLC
Our final afternoon session began with a panel discussion on the Impact of Housing on Our Region, featuring:
· Jay Minkarah, Executive Director, Nashua Regional Planning Commission
· Lydia Foley, Owner/Broker, Purple Finch Properties; Board of Directors, City of Nashua Business & Industrial Development Authority (BIDA)
· Matt Sullivan, Community Development Division Director, City of Nashua
We explored local, state, and federal factors that influence housing, from land availability and zoning codes to affordability, access to funding, and urban development grants. One major question arose: is the traditional post-WWII “American Dream” still attainable? Can people still afford a house with a yard and a white picket fence, or do we need to rethink what homeownership looks like?
Over the next 10–15 years, the American Dream may evolve toward attached homes, duplexes, multigenerational dwellings, or vertical living. While we didn’t reach a definitive answer, these discussions highlighted the challenges community planners, developers, legislators, and future leaders face in shaping our region’s housing landscape.
After the panel, we toured Labelle Winery in Amherst, NH, and enjoyed an informal discussion over cocktails and appetizers with Amy Labelle, vintner and winemaker. Amy shared how her passion for wine, combined with ambition, persistence, and support from friends and family, fueled the success of Labelle Winery. I learned a surprising fact: only 4% of wineries worldwide are owned and operated by women.
We concluded our day with a panel discussion on Nashua Entrepreneurship, featuring:
· Medina Gauthier, Owner, Mint Printworks
· Fouad Mahfuz, Owner/President, PRG Rugs
· Christopher Brackett, Owner, Greater Nashua Technology Consulting
The panel emphasized that passion, community, integrity, opportunity, and collaboration are essential to building a successful business. Each shared stories of identifying opportunities, leveraging community connections, and collaborating with peers to create thriving businesses.
For me, and for the Leadership Greater Nashua Class of 2026, this journey has been an incredible opportunity to learn, work, and connect with the many partners who make Southern NH thrive. I’ll leave with the words of Amy Labelle:
“If you want to be successful, do one thing every day—no matter how big or small—that brings you closer to accomplishing it.”
Written By: Chris Forbes
St. Joseph Hospital
