Support program prepares guardsmen and families

Patrick Sadlemire, who is deploying to Afghanistan early next year, and his girlfriend, Kaileigh Hubbard.

2009 CFO of the Year

Another roundup!

In a difficult economy, CFOs are crucial to businesses. This year, the Washington Business Journal recognizes 18 CFOs, and I was again responsible for writing their profiles. Check out how they’ve led their businesses and videos of them talking about challenges and excitement.

Gregg, Shaheen, Hodes weigh in on Obama proposal

WASHINGTON – Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., said he thinks President Barack Obama has made the right decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, but he questioned the wisdom of setting a timetable for beginning to withdraw U.S. troops.

Gregg spoke last night after attending a meeting with the President and 30 other legislators at the White House before Obama departed for his speech at West Point.

2009 Women Who Mean Business

In its sixth year, Washington Business Journal recognizes 25 business women for their success in various industries. I was responsible for writing the profiles of all the 25 women. Every one of them has an amazing story. Check out the videos too!

Jobless benefits, homebuyers credit get OK

WASHINGTON – The Senate voted 98-0 yesterday to approve an economic relief bill extending unemployment benefits, expanding tax credits for homebuyers and offering tax breaks to businesses hit by the recession. Both Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., supported the bill.

“Many of our nation’s unemployed workers have been anxiously waiting for these benefits to come through, and I’m happy to report that relief is on the way,” Shaheen said in a statement.

Vote soon on bill to extend help for homebuyers, jobless

WASHINGTON – After weeks of advocacy by Democratic members, the Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on an economic relief bill that would extend unemployment benefits, expand tax credits for homebuyers and offer tax breaks to businesses struck by the recession.

“I’m pleased we’re finally getting to vote on Thursday,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., “but I’m very disappointed that it’s taken so long.” After an overwhelming procedural vote on Monday that moved the bill forward, Shaheen expressed confidence the Senate will approve the legislation.

Hoop Dreams founder reflects on wins, losses

A tough game: For 14 years, Susie Kay gave her all to the charity basketball tournament she founded to raise scholarship money. But the recession proved to be an opponent she couldn’t beat. Courtesy: Joanne Lawton

 

For Susie Kay the last days of the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund she founded have been a lot like the first: filled with family, friends, pride and unconditional joy.

The energetic former high school teacher has run Hoops Dreams on a shoestring budget and endless sweat equity from herself, many friends, allies in the business community and young benefactors of the program.

Shaheen urges GOP to extend jobless benefits

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., urged Republican senators yesterday to “do the right thing” and support the bill that would extend unemployment benefits in all 50 states.

“The pending bill is a great bill,” Shaheen said at a news conference. “It’s one that will stimulate the economy. It’s one that will help unemployed workers who are struggling to get back on their feet during this recession.”

Community College of D.C. ready to stand on its own

Great expectations: Jonathan Gueverra, CEO of the Community College of the District of Columbia, says ‘failure is not an option.’ Courtesy: Joanne Lawton

 

Sitting in the auditorium in the University of the District of Columbia, Tony Carr was excited to be in college the first time. He hopes to change the world, he said.

Carr, 26, was attending the Sept. 24 convocation that marked the opening of the Community College of the District of Columbia, a two-year institution created in January to operate within the university system.

Shaheen takes wait-and-see attitude

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a strong supporter of the public option alternative in health care legislation, said yesterday she wasn’t ready to commit to voting for a Senate bill that did not include the option.

The bill the Senate Finance Committee approved earlier in the day does not include a public option provision. The panel approved it, 14-9, after almost five hours of debate.

Tech center to nearly double in size

WASHINGTON – A $4 million federal stimulus money grant will allow the Dartmouth Regional Technology Center in Lebanon to almost double the size of its facility.

The center, a private nonprofit formed in 2004 to help start-up businesses by providing office and manufacturing space and support programs, has 32,500 square feet of space. The expansion will add 28,000 square feet, according to Gregg Fairbrothers, executive director of Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network, which works with the center.

Ex-Sandown man USO volunteer of the year

WASHINGTON – When Army Sgt. Timothy Donovan, who grew up in Sandown, N.H., heard he would be named the volunteer of the year by United Service Organizations (USO), he said he felt excited and happy. But his mother, Lynne Mecka, was even more thrilled.

“This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened in our town,” Mecka said at the 2009 USO Gala, held at a Washington hotel Wednesday night.