Background
Despite the economic downturn, compared to the rest of the country, New Hampshire is considered to have a relatively robust economy. The unemployment rate is at 5 percent. More people are opening small businesses. The state has also wrested away some big-name employers from its neighbors. And as one of the key swing states this Presidential election year, how Granite Staters feel about New Hampshire’s economic well-being could have an impact well beyond the state’s borders.
Broadly speaking, New Hampshire is doing very well. But the economic trends–and challenges–facing the state vary from region to region, and person to person. With that in mind, StateImpact is focusing on the stories of the people behind New Hampshire’s economy. Once a week, we’ll examine a different Granite State region. On Mondays, we’ll spotlight a key trend or challenge facing a signature industry in a regional “snapshot” on the StateImpact blog. Then, Tuesdays on Morning Edition, you can hear a feature story profiling someone from that area who is getting by in a tough economy, or even getting ahead.