Economic gardening pilot, AI training and manufacturers coalition highlighted as local business supports

Chris Gibbons of the National Center for Economic Gardening delivered a presentation to the COG explaining the economic‑gardening model: work with existing local "stage 2" companies to increase sales through market intelligence, strategy and 'listening posts' that identify signals of change. "If those companies do well, the entire community does well," Gibbons said, describing the model’s emphasis on companies that export innovation to bring money into a community.

Rista said NH COG allocated budget funds to sponsor five local companies to participate in an economic‑gardening engagement as a pilot. "We did put some money aside in our budget this year to help 5 businesses in our region go through this engagement," she said, adding that if the pilot succeeds they will seek additional funding.

Separately, John described an AI fellowship and a follow‑up three‑hour training session intended to build local capacity; he invited members to a workshop (noted as April 22) and asked interested parties to register. Rich announced a Manufacturers Coalition relaunch and a Digital Manufacturing 101 kickoff on April 1 at HO Products, planned with Northwest Community College and supported by DECD and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Why it matters: Economic gardening targets existing exporters that can increase local economic activity and job creation; pilot funding signals a concrete local investment. AI training and manufacturing upskilling are intended to strengthen the regional workforce pipeline for employers undergoing digital transformation.

Next steps: NH COG will recruit companies for the gardening pilot and circulate details for AI and manufacturing training events.