MA Businesses to be Struck by Cupid’s Arrow

A dozen lucky Massachusetts companies will be receiving gifts and love letters from a not so-secret admirer this Valentine’s Day – the NH Division of Economic Development’s business recruitment team which is trying to transform a long distance relationship into a long term marriage.

The Division of Economic Development today unveiled what is being affectionately termed the “XOXO Initiative,” a cooperative partnership with Manchester, NH-based GourmetGiftBaskets.com to encourage Massachusetts companies to expand or relocate to the Granite State. A dozen handpicked Massachusetts firms will be receiving gift baskets filled with specialty chocolate, maple syrup, dipped pretzels and a New Hampshire baseball cap. However, the centerpiece of arrangement is a love letter complete with a lipstick kiss and the “hope of starting something very beautiful together.”

Pictured: New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Business Recruiter Cindy Harrington (l.) and State Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron (r.) flank GoumetGiftBaskets.com Director of Corporate Sales Jason Bergeron as they prepare to ship Valentine's Day gift baskets to a dozen of the Granite State's hottest Massachusetts prospects.

An excerpt from the love letter: "So what do I have to offer? I offer you a lower tax burden, available real estate, a skilled and qualified workforce and a quality of life that has been rated tops in the nation for five out of the past six years. I offer you the promise of access to government officials at the highest level. I offer you a state that’s willing to do anything to help you grow, succeed and make all of your dreams come true." 

“This is a creative way to let Massachusetts companies know that we have a lot to offer and are ready to help them learn how they can prosper in a state with no sales or income tax and an excellent quality of life,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Business development is a courtship and we hope that this small gesture will demonstrate that we’re serious about establishing long lasting relationships with some great companies.”

Companies targeted through the “XOXO Initiative” range from a healthcare high tech firm to an electronics manufacturer. Each of the firms was carefully selected by the business recruitment team based on a number of criteria including firm size, proximity to the border and likelihood of relocation or expansion.

“We’re looking for companies that are both innovative and in the stage of their growth cycle where they might be receptive to our message,” Duddy said. “We recognize that this is a big decision, but are also convinced that New Hampshire offers so many great opportunities in terms of available real estate, a skilled workforce and access to state decision makers.”

GourmetGiftBaskets.com Director of Corporate Sales Jason Bergeron said that his company, which last year broke the Guinness Book of World Records record for the World’s Largest Cupcake to raise funds for Susan G. Komen’s Passionately Pink for