EDITOR'S NOTE
 Where’s that crystal ball? Seacoast businesses look back and to the future
Published: December 2006
Where did it go? The year 2006 is quickly fading and 2007 is fast approaching.
Economically, this year has seen good news and not-so-good news.
On the plus side, many businesses prospered. They saw growth, expansions and good profits. The unemployment rate has remained low. In fact, and unfortunately, finding skilled workers is a problem for companies.
Part of the problem is the cost of housing on the Seacoast. The workers can’t afford to live here.
“We’re growing faster than any other state in New England,” said Fred Kocher, president of the New Hampshire High Tech Council. “The question is can New Hampshire continue to grow while the region’s economy is flat?”
Job creation continues to be “Job No. 1.” (See story.)
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Business owners and leaders know this and some are trying to address the situation.
It is one element of talks that began this year in the form of a Bi-State Summit. Business, nonprofit, civic and political leaders from Maine and New Hampshire met to see where the two states could find common ground and begin the process of long-term planning. It is a process they plan to continue in 2007. (See story.)
A continued success story in 2006 has been the Pease International Tradeport.
David Mullen, deputy director of the Pease Development Authority, reports that the number of jobs at the tradeport approached 6,400 this year, a record as more businesses move onto the site (including in early 2007, Seacoast Media Group, publisher of Ventures).
Business owners already at the tradeport say 2006 has been very good for them and that they are optimistic about the coming year. (See story.)
On the political side, we can expect regular visits from would-be presidents in 2007, but politics closer to home is already under way.
Shir Haberman writes that there are already a number of business-related bills in the works, including a return of legislation that would ban smoking in restaurants and bars, and bills that would affect residential building and remodeling contractors, insurance appraisers, barbers, private investigators, medical assistants and more. (See story.)
Although they are cautiously optimistic, a couple of noted economic forecasters -- Ross Gittell and Russ Thibeault -- are not predicting doom and gloom for the Seacoast. (See story.)
But demographer Peter Francese says the numbers are not adding up for job growth, housing or the real estate market. However, he does see continued growth for tourism and a demand for second homes. (See story.)
Of course, no one really knows what the economy will bring, but if it goes along as well as this year, or a little better, we’ll certainly take it.
Reach CAL KILLEEN via e-mail or 610-1193.
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