By Suzanne Laurent
LONDONDERRY — Looking to change the image of Southern New Hampshire from "old and cold" to one of a dynamic corridor of economic development and progress, the Economic Development Task Force unveiled its new Web site Tuesday during a press conference.
The Web site — www.thriveinlondonderry.com — touts the newly named NH Enterprize Corridor, centered by Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and sandwiched between Interstate 93 and Route 3, which connects to Interstates 495 and 95 in Massachusetts.
"We're looking to attract evolutionary companies who value their lifestyle as much as their working environment," Londonderry Community Development Director Andre Garron said.
The marketing of Londonderry was part of the 2008 economic development plan. The Web site, which sports an apple with fiber optic cable through the center, will pitch Londonderry to interested businesses as not just a great place to work, but to live and play as well. The site's logo is "Business is good. Life is better!"
"When we have everyone speaking in one voice, with one coordinated message about New Hampshire being a great choice, I'm sure our high-tech membership will be welcoming many of their contemporaries to the state," said John Farrell, chairman of the Economic Development Task Force.
The airport is a key player in the NH Enterprize Corridor.
"We are one of the largest, if not the largest, economic engines in the state," airport director Mark Brewer said. "The airport has a $1.24 billion impact on Greater Manchester each year."
The Web site home page has an airplane in the upper right-hand corner that links directly to the airport's site. Also on the home page are links designed to attract the "brain power" demographic category of 25- to 45-year-olds.
"This age group can live anywhere in the country," Gary O'Neil said. "We want to attract them to come here."
O'Neil of O2 Generations of Creative Energy was the marketing consultant for the new Web site.
"Public Service of New Hampshire told us that our image around the country is one of being 'old and cold,'" he said. "We want to change that."
The site boasts the region's educational institutions and state-of-the art health care under a Lifestyles tab which planners hope will attract young people who want to work and live in Londonderry. The town Web site, www.londonderrynh.org, will still function as a place for residents to look for meeting information and notices.
