2020 Virtual NH Leadership Summit
presented by Eversource

For five years the Business and Industry Association has hosted a leadership summit to bring together business leaders, legislative leaders, heads of state agencies, and the governor to learn about pressing issues affecting employers.  Join us for BIA's 6th annual New Hampshire Leadership Summit!

This year's Summit will be a two-day webinar series on
Tuesday December 15,2020  from 9:00 am - 12:00pm
 and December 16, 2020  from 9:00 am - 12:00pm, packed with six separate policy sessions.
December 15 & 16th
9:00 am - 12:00 pm​​
WHAT TO EXPECT
This year, as a virtual event, we’ve invited the entire 424-person state legislature, the Governor and his entire policy team, and all other policy leaders in state Departments and agencies throughout New Hampshire government. We anticipate a record number of attendees—both public and private sector—to tune in!
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The preliminary agenda includes:

Tuesday, December 15:
  • 9:00 AM -  Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund & Taxes: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on New Hampshire’s unemployment trust fund. The fund plummeted from a healthy $300 million balance in the Spring to practically being depleted this fall. Only cash infusions from the Federal Cares Act were kept the UI Trust Fund in the black. COVID-19 is still with us meaning it is likely there will continue to be higher than normal levels of unemployment which will continue to put pressure on the UI Trust Fund into 2021. Learn about strategies to mitigate higher unemployment insurance taxes on employers.
    Panelists include: Kathy Garfield, president, Keller Companies; Rich Lavers, deputy commissioner, Department of Employment Security; and Bill Peterson, vice president of human resources, Monadnock Paper Mills.
  • 10:00 AM -  ​PFAS & Packaging:  There is growing concern among businesses about over-regulation of PFAS chemicals, many which are inert and used in packaging materials and health care. Learn more about the importance of these chemicals and why NH should be cautious about generalizing PFAS chemicals in state policies. Panelists include:  John Tippett, CEO, Textiles Coated International; Rob Simon; VP of Chemical Products Technology and Chlorine Chemistry Divisions, American Chemistry Council; Steve Ahnen, president, NH Hospital Association; and Curtis Lancaster, VP, Supply Chain Division, Dartmouth-Hitchcock.
  • 11:00 AM - Fixing the State Budget Hole: Governor Sununu estimates that COVID-19 has created up to a $200 million deficit in the current budget making crafting the next two-year budget next session even more difficult. Hear strategies from state budget writers on addressing the fiscal shortfall and building a new two-year state budget. Panelists include:  Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus, Department of Administrative Services; Senator Lou D'Allesandro, NH Senate District 20; Senator Chuck Morse, NH Senate District 22; and Representative Lynne Ober, Hillsborough 37, House Finance Committee.

Wednesday, December 16:
  • 9:00 AM -  Setting the Record Straight on 5G Technology: A legislative commission has released a report expressing concerns for public health with the roll out of new 5G technology. A minority report tried to balance and correct misleading information. Now you can hear from the technology companies themselves about the benefits of new high-speed 5-G technology. Panelists include: Senator Jim Gray, NH Senate District 06; Beth Cooley, assistant vice president, State Legislative Affairs for the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA); and Robert Klein, network and construction director of New England, AT&T.
  • 10:00 AM - ​​Factors Affecting Business Location Decisions:  Manufacturing drives New Hampshire’s economy in ways no other sector does. Learn about key factors that determine where these employers locate and grow. Panelists include: Kim Cadorette, vice president of operations for the Electronics Systems sector of BAE Systems; David Greer, CEO, Wire Belt Company of America; and Tom Jokerst, general manager, Anheuser-Busch.
  • 11:00 AM - The Case for a Legal Safe Harbor:  Employers are increasingly concerned about exposure to unwarranted litigation due to the pandemic. Learn more about this pressing fear and how policymakers in other states are addressing it. Panelists include:  Senator Bob Giuda, NH Senate Districy 2, James Harris, associate general counsel, Sheehan Phinney; and Justin Vartanian, general counsel, Planet Fitness World Headquarters.
There is no-cost for state policy leaders (legislators, executive councilors, commissioners, etc.), nor BIA members or BIA Capitol Connect members to participate in the Summit, but registration is required. For non-members, the cost is $45 (or you may apply for BIA membership today and receive all the benefits). 

For questions or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lora McMahon.

Thank you sponsors: