Latest Links: N.H. Firefighters Blast Romney, Deadline Looms For Disaster Relief Loans, And A N.Y. Bank Acquires Hampshire First

New Hampshire’s Business and Economic News In Brief:

N.H. Firefighter’s Union Blasts Romney – “New Hampshire teachers and firefighters yesterday decried comments by Mitt Romney that called for fewer public sector workers.” The Concord Monitor

N.Y. Bank Completes Hampshire First Acquisition – “With all regulatory and shareholder approvals in hand, Norwich, N.Y.-based NBT Bank has completed its acquisition of Hampshire First Bank, the Manchester-based bank founded in 2006.” NHBR

Disaster Loan Applications Due Soon – “The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations that July 9 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available in New Hampshire as a result of combined effects of excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, high winds, hail, Tropical Storm Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that began May 1, 2011.” SeacoastOnline.com

Budget Leaves Manchester Middle School Courses And Teachers Facing Ax – “Middle schools would lose their Spanish program and most middle schoolers would get one language-arts class a day under proposals floated Monday by school district officials. The cutbacks are part of the shuffling of teachers that district officials say is necessary in light of the expected layoffs, retirements and resignations of 188 teachers.” The Union Leader