AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined bipartisan calls to reverse the Russian diesel waiver, as lawmakers question whether it will help lower fuel costs for businesses. Commercial Property: A Nashua industrial flex building sold for $6.8 million, and a medical facility is being considered for the Seacoast Landing development. Power Infrastructure: UNH and Eversource won a $47.7 million federal grant to upgrade New England’s transmission network; construction has also begun on a Hooksett landfill solar project. Local Business: Watsco completed its acquisition of The Granite Group, a plumbing and HVAC distributor with $500 million in revenue across the Northeast. Farm Economy: Agritourism—from pick-your-own activities to farm stays—offers New Hampshire farms another revenue stream, provided farming remains the primary operation.

Commercial Development: Avatar Construction has completed Grand Central Suites, a 77-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail in downtown Manchester. Seacoast Growth: Newington’s Seacoast Landing project could add a 75,000- to 100,000-square-foot medical facility, with restaurants, shops and a hotel potentially following. Business & Manufacturing: Watsco completed its acquisition of New Hampshire’s Granite Group, a plumbing and HVAC distributor with $500 million in revenue across the Northeast. Salem-based Analogic is part of a newly combined security-screening business backed by $1 billion in financing. Energy Infrastructure: Eversource and Dartmouth’s Thayer School were selected for up to $47.7 million in federal funding to improve transmission capacity across the utility’s regional network, including New Hampshire. Local Industry: Ashland textile maker Minus33, a family business dating to 1916, reports sharply higher revenue and profits under its latest generation of leadership.

Agriculture & Retail: Tendercrop Farm plans to open its fourth location in Stratham by the end of October, adding a new Seacoast outlet for local produce, meats and prepared foods. Energy Costs: New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse plans to allow Russian diesel imports, warning the move may violate federal law as high fuel costs pressure farmers, truckers and other businesses. Construction & Manufacturing: Gilbane is nearing completion of a 70,500-square-foot UNH facility that will house ocean-mapping research and the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center; it is expected to be finished next fall. Wholesale Distribution: Watsco completed its acquisition of New Hampshire-linked plumbing and HVAC distributor The Granite Group, which generates about $500 million in revenue across the Northeast.

Business: Watsco has completed its acquisition of Concord-based Granite Group, a plumbing and HVAC distributor with about $500 million in sales and 82 locations across seven states. Granite Group will remain an independent business under its current leadership. Energy Costs: Southwestern Community Services has received about 200 more applications from new households for heating assistance in Cheshire and Sullivan counties than last year. Heating oil is nearing $6 a gallon, while the state’s maximum winter benefit has risen to $2,500. Utilities: A national analysis found New Hampshire water bills rose about twice as fast as household incomes from 2015 to 2025, adding pressure on residents and spotlighting the cost of maintaining aging systems. Workforce and Infrastructure: Manchester School of Technology students have completed a second aircraft, a project that gives students hands-on construction experience. In Hooksett, construction has begun on a landfill solar project, and a new $1 million state program aims to expand New Hampshire’s electric-vehicle charging network.

Energy: New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of six senators urging the Trump administration to drop its plan to buy Russian diesel, saying it could violate sanctions and funnel money to Russia while fuel prices remain high. Roads and Construction: Roadwork at Route 101A and Continental Boulevard in Merrimack is expected to cause delays Tuesday and Wednesday. In Jaffrey, a new $23 million bridge is open to Route 202 traffic; roundabout construction at both ends is planned for next year. New Hampshire Business: Max Faro is building his career at the family-owned Tuscan Brands, starting with restaurant work and later helping develop Tuscan Village in Salem. Agriculture: Apple picking is winding down at New Hampshire orchards, with pumpkin season taking over.

Franchising: Aroma Joe’s operator Aaron Wiswell, whose locations include New Hampshire, was named the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchisee of the Year for business leadership and community service. Clean Energy: Construction has begun on a ReVision Energy solar project at the Hooksett landfill, while New Hampshire has launched a $1 million program to expand its electric-vehicle charging network. Defense Manufacturing: BAE Systems extended its contract to supply electronic-warfare systems for F-35 fighter jets, supporting a key regional aerospace and defense sector.

Energy & Transportation: New Hampshire launched a $1 million program to expand its patchy EV-charging network, while construction began on ReVision Energy’s Hooksett landfill solar project. Manufacturing & Defense: BAE Systems extended its contract to supply electronic-warfare systems for F-35s, a boost for a major New Hampshire employer. Construction & Real Estate: North Branch Construction added a business development manager as Lakes Region waterfront demand stayed strong; a market report put Winnipesaukee’s median waterfront-home sale at $2.8 million, up 8.6% in sales count and 25.9% in volume from the prior year. Energy Costs: New Hampshire residents are falling behind on heating bills as winter approaches, with fuel assistance applications rising in Cheshire and Sullivan counties.

Energy & Infrastructure: A Seabrook watchdog group urged federal regulators to intervene, saying concrete degradation at the nuclear plant is progressing faster than its owner predicted. New Hampshire also launched a $1 million program to expand its EV charging network, while construction began on a ReVision Energy solar project at the Hooksett landfill. Manufacturing: BAE Systems secured more work supplying electronic warfare systems for F-35 jets, extending a major defense contract. Real Estate: Lakes Region waterfront sales stayed strong: Winnipesaukee’s median sale price reached $2.8 million, up 8.6% from the same period last year. Flood Recovery: A federal disaster declaration opens the door to FEMA cost-sharing for emergency work and flood repairs in Madison and other Carroll County communities; officials identified more than $3.12 million in storm-related costs.

Nuclear Energy: Seabrook-area watchdog C-10 is urging federal regulators to intervene, saying concrete degradation at the plant is advancing faster than predicted and could exceed a safety limit by 2034. Research & Manufacturing: UNH has hired former NASA research adviser Ramy Rahimi to connect university research with New Hampshire’s advanced technology manufacturers; he will help lead a new regional space and technology expo this month. Local Business: Aroma Joe’s franchisee Aaron Wiswell, who operates locations in New Hampshire, Maine and Florida, has been named the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Infrastructure: Madison can seek federal reimbursement for flood repairs after a disaster declaration unlocked FEMA aid; officials identified more than $3.12 million in storm-related costs. Lake Development: New Hampshire is suing a Wolfeboro marine construction business and others over alleged unpermitted dredging near Littlest Mud Island, seeking penalties and restoration work. Housing Investment: NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire is advancing a $70 million Manchester project that will include 126 affordable apartments, townhomes and a parking garage.

Clean Energy: Construction has begun on ReVision Energy’s 1.34-megawatt Hooksett landfill solar array. Expected to start producing power in 2027, it will offset electricity costs for the town and school district, with a projected savings of more than $10 million if Hooksett buys the system in year six. Construction: North Branch Construction named Garrett Soucy business development manager, adding 18 years of regional industrial and construction experience. Chapman Construction/Design also completed renovations at SNHU’s student center, including replacing 18 gas-fired rooftop units with all-electric systems. Commercial Real Estate: Colliers brokered the $2.725 million sale of a Nashua corporate facility, while Standard Hardware’s former 43,000-square-foot Merrimack headquarters sold for $3.8 million. Housing: NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire is advancing a $70 million Manchester project planned to add 126 affordable apartments, 12 townhomes and a parking garage.

Energy Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte is promoting an “all of the above” approach, including nuclear power, as she presses to lower energy costs; Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington has yet to release her promised energy plan. Small Business: New Hampshire’s NFIB chapter endorsed Ayotte, citing tax relief, workforce development and reliable energy. The group represents more than 1,700 state businesses. Infrastructure: New Hampshire has launched a $1 million program to expand its patchy EV-charging network, while rising heating costs are leaving more residents behind on bills. Manufacturing: Kilgore Tec is expanding its distribution and workforce, a sign of continued growth in the state’s industrial sector.

Tech: Bedford-based SilverTech brought Jon Bisbing back as sales director to strengthen client and technology-partner relationships. Energy & Mobility: New Hampshire opened $1 million in grants for public EV chargers at tourism destinations, covering up to 80% of project costs. The state has the region’s fewest charging ports. Heating Costs: Oil-heated households could spend about $2,625 this winter, roughly $875 more than last year, as providers warn that assistance may fall short. Advanced Manufacturing: Hudson-based G5 Infrared’s parent, LightPath Technologies, named Scott Payette vice president and general manager to help scale its cooled infrared camera business. Business Support: New Hampshire APEX Accelerators marked National APEX Day, highlighting free guidance for businesses pursuing government contracts. Housing & Workforce: The state’s median home price reached $575,000, with an estimated $189,000 income needed to afford one. Childcare shortages also remain a hurdle for families and employers as new programs face staffing and cost pressures.

Advanced Manufacturing: Hudson-based G5 Infrared has named Scott Payette general manager as parent company LightPath looks to grow its cooled infrared camera business, including defense and security systems. Business Support: New Hampshire companies can get free, one-on-one help pursuing government contracts through APEX Accelerators, which marked National APEX Day on Oct. 8. Defense Production: BAE Systems won a new contract for F-35 electronic warfare systems and upgrades, extending work at its Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua facilities. Household Costs: New data show New Hampshire water bills rose about twice as fast as household incomes over the past decade. Oil-heated households face another costly winter, with national projections pointing to a 21% increase in spending. Housing and Infrastructure: Housing costs are a major driver of poverty in New Hampshire, while scheduled ramp closures in West Lebanon and White River Junction will bring construction delays as crews work toward a November finish.

Energy Costs: New Hampshire residents are bracing for higher heating bills: oil heat is forecast to cost 31% more than last year, and more than 6,000 households have already applied for assistance. Clean-Energy Infrastructure: The state announced a $1 million program to expand its patchy EV-charging network. New Hampshire is also among nine states to legalize plug-in balcony solar, though safety standards have yet to catch up. Technology and Power: Debate over data centers is intensifying as opponents raise concerns about electricity demand and the industry’s impact on New Hampshire’s power system. Business and Innovation: ePropelled CEO Nick Grewal received the New Hampshire Tech Alliance’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work in electric propulsion and autonomous systems. Local Projects: Belmont leaders are renewing support for transportation priorities, including nearly $1 million in Route 140/Main Street safety work and a $1.9 million Union Road bridge replacement. The projects still need state and federal funding.

Heating Costs & Assistance: New Hampshire officials are urging residents to apply early for home heating help as heating oil and other fuel costs rise, with Community Action Partnership of NH noting applications already topping 6,000 this year and benefits available starting Dec. 1. Energy Policy Pressure: A multistate letter to the U.S. Energy Secretary links soaring heating oil prices to Trump-era policies and the Iran conflict, as New England households brace for winter bills. EV Charging Buildout: NH is launching a roughly $1M grant program to expand public Level 2 EV chargers at tourism-focused sites, covering up to 80% of costs per port. Water Affordability: A new national report finds U.S. drinking water bills jumped 62% over the past decade, with NH among states seeing faster-than-income increases—fueling calls to curb privatization. AI in Healthcare: NH has cleared the way for an AI system to act as a licensed medical provider for mild acne diagnosis and prescriptions, with referrals required outside the narrow scope. Local Housing/Taxes: Wilton is considering a prorated tax exemption model for new commercial construction to grow its tax base and compete with Milford. Gaming Oversight: NH’s charitable gaming rules are drawing renewed scrutiny as critics say oversight of how casino-linked charity money is used isn’t tight enough. Politics & Midterms: Cook Political Report shifts New Hampshire’s Senate race toward Democrats, while national polling continues to show Democrats gaining with key voter groups. BRESCO Incinerator Testing: Maryland’s MDE abruptly canceled a planned independent ash sampling effort tied to a New Hampshire-based incinerator operator, reigniting public health concerns.

Water Affordability: A new 10-year national study finds U.S. households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with water bills rising faster than inflation, groceries, and incomes—pressuring families and widening gaps between public and private water systems. Heating Costs in NH: As oil prices stay high, NH residents are falling behind on winter heating bills; advocates say LIHEAP and other assistance may not keep up with projected seasonal costs. NH Housing & Construction: WalletHub reports New Hampshire mortgage rates jumped about a full point in mid-2026, adding to housing strain. In Bedford, a construction worker died after being injured by a steamroller; OSHA and police are investigating. Energy & Grid: At a UNH forum, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen shifted left on energy policy, criticizing GOP-backed natural gas pipeline expansion and arguing for restoring wind/solar incentives. Regional Nuclear Push: New England governors and officials are aligning on a regional nuclear roadmap, with NH’s energy commissioner saying no single state can build new nuclear alone. Defense/Tech: Leidos completed a joint venture with Altaris, keeping a 41.5% stake, to run Analogic-branded airport and border security screening operations from Salem, NH. Healthcare Access: Dana-Farber joined US Family Health Plan of Southern New England, expanding in-network cancer care for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in NH and nearby states. Politics & Cost of Living: Trump’s $500 ACA refund checks are going heavily to midterm battleground states, while SNAP benefit rules tighten and NH providers report rising food insecurity.