SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $432,000 FEDERAL GRANT TO BUILD BUSINESS CENTER IN RAYMOND

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced that the Regional Economic Development Center of Southern New Hampshire (REDC) has won a $432,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct a business center in Raymond.  The center will train displaced manufacturing workers in skills for technology-related businesses and provide resources to local businesses to help them grow.  Shaheen sent a letter to the EDA supporting the grant application from REDC, which serves 42 towns in Rockingham and Hillsborough counties.  Construction on the facility is slated to begin this summer.

“By arming workers with the skills they need to find good jobs, and supporting the creation and expansion of area businesses, the center in Raymond will be a spark for economic growth across the Southeastern part of our state,” Shaheen said.  “In this difficult economic climate, I’m thrilled that this center will help address the most important issue we face—putting New Hampshire residents back to work.”

“REDC is thrilled to hear that EDA will be partnering with us on this valuable project,” said REDC Executive Director Laurel Bistany.  “We appreciate Senator Shaheen’s support and her advocacy for both our project and economic development throughout the region.  The business training center will further expand our business development and training services, provide a base for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies to grow, and aid in job creation throughout Southeast New Hampshire.”

The center will be a 5,000-square-foot facility that will offer courses in partnership with area colleges, state economic development agencies and others.  It will also provide local entrepreneurs with access to instruction, reference materials, meeting space, and a high-speed internet computer center.