SHAHEEN GIVES DC CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE NEW HAMPSHIRE

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and the New Hampshire State Society welcomed more than 35 New Hampshire businesses to the fourth annual Experience New Hampshire reception on Capitol Hill this evening.  The annual reception, which followed the New Hampshire Business Day luncheon, brings together businesses, organizations and policymakers in showcasing Granite State small businesses and products.

New Hampshire businesses and organizations offered handmade foods and drinks from hotels, inns, vineyards, and breweries from across the state to the more than 300 guests in the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building.  Shaheen and attendees had the opportunity to experience a sampling of New Hampshire and learn about the state’s bustling tourism industry – New Hampshire’s second-largest industry.

“I am thrilled to share so many of New Hampshire’s finest goods and services with Washington. Experience New Hampshire gives the entire delegation a chance to highlight the charm and delicious specialty items that make New Hampshire such a wonderful destination,” Senator Shaheen said.  “This is a great event that I am proud to host and I want to thank the New Hampshire State Society and every participant for making it such a success.” 

"The New Hampshire State Society is proud to partner with Senator Shaheen in showcasing some of the best of what the Granite State has to offer," said Jeffrey Rose, president of the New Hampshire State Society. "Whether it’s our rich tradition of the Grand Hotels, fine culinary offers, distinctive business climate, or wonderful tourism opportunities, we welcome the opportunity to bring some New Hampshire charm and flavor to our nation’s capital"

“Experience New Hampshire is an outstanding opportunity to showcase what makes our state such a wonderful place to Live Free and visit,” said Lori Harnois, Director, New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development.  “This event provides a sampling of the many wonderful things there are to see, do, experience and savor in our state and we think it is a great way to pique interest in what we have to offer.  We are so grateful to Senator Shaheen for her leadership in making this event a reality.”

“We couldn’t be happier to be a part of this showcase of New Hampshire in Washington DC.,” said Great New Hampshire Restaurants CEO Tom Boucher. “As our corporate name implies, Great New Hampshire Restaurants provides a great New Hampshire experience at our seven T-BONES and Cactus Jack’s restaurants.  We take advantage of New Hampshire’s four beautiful seasons and the amazing local seasonal foods that both locals and visitors enjoy when they dine with us.”

"We're honored that Senator Shaheen has invited us to participate in the Experience New Hampshire event each year to serve as an example of the WOW hospitality, great food and value offered in the Granite State," said Jason Lyon, CEO of The Common Man family of restaurants in New Hampshire.  "We have a wonderful time introducing new guests to our cuisine and bringing a slice of New Hampshire to Capitol Hill."

Attendees included U.S. Senators and Representatives, and other federal government officials. The event was hosted by the New Hampshire State Society, along with BAE Systems, Comcast, FairPoint Communications, Fidelity Investments, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Velcro, Marriott International, Inc. and Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH).

Participating businesses and organizations included: Bellows House Bakery; Boggy Meadow Farm Cheese; Candia Vineyards; Cheetah Design Studio; Chutters; Common Man Restaurants; Echo Farm Puddings; Farnum Hill Ciders; FIRST; Granite State Candy Shoppe; Great NH Restaurants; Hanover Street Chophouse; L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates; LaBelle Winery; Le Rendez Vous Bakery; Mitchell’s Fresh; Moonlight Meadery Winery; Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa; New Hampshire Made; New Hampshire Maple Producers Association; New Hampshire Travel & Tourism; Omni Mount Washington Resort; Popcorn Passion; Redhook Ale Brewery; Rumbletree; Rustic Crust; Sap House Meadery; Segway; Smuttynose Brewery; St. Anselm’s NH Institute of Politics; Stonyfield; Sweet Baby Vineyard; Tuckerman’s Brewing Company; White Birch Brewing Company; White Mountain Attractions Association; New Hampshire Art Association; and Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery.

For more information on this event please visit www.experiencenh.net. Photos from the event will be posted on facebook.com/SenatorShaheen.