The impacts of Tuesday's tragic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge will be felt for a long while. This bridge, like so many others in our cities, is a conduit of not only people but commerce. Infrastructure is one of those hidden aspects of business development: If we don’t invest in our roadways, utilities, and buildings, we will struggle to attract and retain businesses. That said, it is one thing to construct new projects, it is wholly another to maintain what we have. 

In the past eight years, the City has invested in replacing the Whitter Street bridge and repairing and maintaining downtown's Central Avenue bridge and Chestnut Street bridge. Soon, work will begin on replacing the retaining wall on Portland Avenue, a key public and commercial route in Dover. 

Now, we are building infrastructure on the waterfront. The investment in waterfront infrastructure includes new roadways, utilities, and a public park. The park will be the last part, but it might be the most visible. Nebi Park, as it will be known, will be a welcoming and inviting place with walking trails, benches, a plaza for gatherings, and thanks to a grant, a pavilion with space for people to enjoy. We hope that this investment is enjoyed by the residents of Dover who have waited for this development to occur and those who join our community as a result of the development. 

These investments show that Dover is invested in the private development that occurs in our community. If we don’t have pride in our facilities, why should any developer want to match or exceed our investments? This is a critical element of our development strategy. 

As we send good thoughts to those in Baltimore and wish them well, let’s be thankful for the investments made in our community for its long-term health and success. 

Have a great weekend,

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

AJ Nonwovens Reflection

By Abigail Gilbert,

UNH Semester for Impact Intern

This week, I had the privilege of joining the Seacoast Economic Development Stakeholders (SEDS) on a tour of AJ Nonwovens in Hampton, NH. AJ Nonwovens is a manufacturing company specializing in a diverse range of performance textiles, utilized in products ranging anywhere from automotive lining to craft felt. As an industry leader, AJ Nonwovens is dedicated to fostering core values of sustainability, employee safety, and product innovation. 

During the tour, I witnessed first-hand the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainability through its textile production process. Rather than discarding substandard textiles into a landfill, innovative technology is used to condense and deconstruct scraps into pellets, which are then reformed into textiles, giving them a second life. The company also utilizes advanced technology that can be used to recycle small plastic fragments, such as those derived from plastic water bottles, by transforming them into usable textiles. 

Notably, AJ Nonwovens stands out not only as an industry leader in environmental sustainability but also for its high standard practices that promote employee satisfaction and safety. The company provides its employees with an extensive variety of training opportunities, avenues for professional growth, and a zero-accident culture in day-to-day operations. Overall, the positive employee community was evident throughout the tour, with each team member passing by with a friendly smile and wave, showcasing clear social connections between all employees regardless of position. 

In reflection, this tour allowed me to explore how businesses of all scales can serve as a force for good. Manufacturing operations have large influences on the environment and local communities, and seeing the steps that AJ Nonwovens has taken to ensure that their influence has been positive promises a bright future. I believe that by prioritizing employee satisfaction and sustainability, AJ Nonwovens has set a commendable precedent within the manufacturing industry.  

Business Resources

Community-Driven Economic Empowerment Accelerator

From March 18 to April 18, any entrepreneur of color with a company registered and in good standing with the State of New Hampshire may apply for the Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) Accelerator funding, which can be used for computer hardware and software, and professional services, including legal consultation, bookkeeping, and marketing, including website design.

The C-DEE Accelerator offers capacity-building funding of up to $5,000 to entrepreneurs of color. The deadline to apply is April 18 and business owners with questions about the program can email CDEE@communityloanfund.org.

Interested entrepreneurs can learn more about the program and apply by clicking here.

Small Business Development Center Panel Event

Are you thinking about opening your first business to the public, often called a “brick and mortar” business? Then join the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the City of Dover's Office of Business Development on April 15 at the McConnell Center for a live in-person panel discussion focused on the topic of assisting start-up or existing business owners who are considering making this exciting step.

Panelists will include advisors from the NH SBDC, staff from the City of Dover Office of Business Development, and a local business owner who has successfully made this move, who will share their knowledge and answer your questions.

Learn more and register for the free event by clicking here.

Question of the Week

The Office of Business Development is asking a “question of the week” to get your feedback on topics related to our local business community!

This week, we want to know:

What type of community events or business resources would you like to see promoted by the Office of Business Development?

Let us know here: https://polco.us/fkvrt6

Here are the results from last week's poll, which asked "Have you ever used generative AI as a tool in a professional capacity?"

Dover Download podcast: Your guide

to what's happening this week

In the latest episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Darren Winham, the Economic Development Director for the Town of Exeter. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of economic development in Exeter, which operates under the SB2 form of government.

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and by clicking here.

Business Event Happenings 

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!

Click here to add your events to the community calendar.