Concord, New Hampshire, is a capital city that truly feels like home, offering a blend of history, culture, and a warm sense of community. Its charming downtown, featuring beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, invites residents and visitors alike to explore an array of boutique shops, eclectic dining options, and vibrant arts venues. From theater performances at the Capitol Center for the Arts to exhibits at the NH Historical Society, cultural enrichment is intertwined with daily life here.
Nature lovers will delight in the scenic beauty that surrounds Concord. Outdoor adventures are just a stone's throw away, with the stunning White Mountains to the north and the serene trails of Rollins Park right within city limits. Enjoy hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the natural splendor of this picturesque part of the Granite State.
Concord’s commitment to education and a robust healthcare system ensures community well-being, fostering an environment where families and individuals of all ages can thrive. Its tight-knit community atmosphere, paired with a focus on sustainable living and economic growth, makes Concord a truly exceptional place to call home. Experience the spirit of New Hampshire in Concord—where tradition m...
Discover the Charm of Concord, New Hampshire
4 | HelloConcord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue
Discover the Charm of Concord, New Hampshire: A Community That Welcomes You Home
Concord, New Hampshire, is a capital city that truly feels like home, offering a blend of history, culture, and a warm sense of community. Its charming downtown, featuring beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, invites residents and visitors alike to explore an array of boutique shops, eclectic dining options, and vibrant arts venues. From theater performances at the Capitol Center for the Arts to exhibits at the NH Historical Society, cultural enrichment is intertwined with daily life here.
Nature lovers will delight in the scenic beauty that surrounds Concord. Outdoor adventures are just a stone's throw away, with the stunning White Mountains to the north and the serene trails of Rollins Park right within city limits. Enjoy hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the natural splendor of this picturesque part of the Granite State.
Concord’s commitment to education and a robust healthcare system ensures community well-being, fostering an environment where families and individuals of all ages can thrive. Its tight-knit community atmosphere, paired with a focus on sustainable living and economic growth, makes Concord a truly exceptional place to call home. Experience the spirit of New Hampshire in Concord—where tradition meets opportunity every day.
Hello Concord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Charm of Concord, New Hampshire
FEATURED STORY
Becca Friend Brings New Leadership to BBB New Hampshire, Clear Communication First
by HelloNation Staff
Becca Friend leads BBB Serving New Hampshire, and her path into the role helps explain her approach. She arrived at the BBB after a decade in education, a background that favors clear steps, steady routines, and plain language. In a state where many transactions still begin with a phone call or a handshake, that focus on simple, shared expectations is practical.Her work centers on the basics that matter most to consumers and small businesses. People want a quick way to learn about a company before they sign a contract, and they also want a reliable
6 | HelloConcord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
forum if something goes wrong. In New Hampshire, the BBB office publishes Business Profiles that organize complaint history and responses in context. That lets a buyer see patterns while giving a business a place to show how it handles problems. It is not a courtroom, but it is a visible record that encourages better conduct.Friend’s education experience shows in the way policies are explained. Teachers break complex ideas into steps and use examples that stick. That style translates well to consumer issues like deposits, refunds, and warranties. When a resident understands why
Hello Concord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue |7
Becca Friend Brings New Leadership to BBB New Hampshire, Clear Communication First
Becca Friend leads BBB Serving New Hampshire, and her path into the role helps explain her approach. She arrived at the BBB after a decade in education, a background that favors clear steps, steady routines, and plain language. In a state where many transactions still begin with a phone call or a handshake, that focus on simple, shared expectations is practical. Her work centers on the basics that matter most to consumers and small businesses. People want a quick way to learn about a company before they sign a contract, and they also want a reliable forum if something goes wrong. In New Hampshire, the BBB office publishes Business Profiles that organize complaint history and responses in context. That lets a buyer see patterns while giving a business a place to show how it handles problems. It is not a courtroom, but it is a visible record that encourages better conduct. Friend’s education experience shows in the way policies are explained. Teachers break complex ideas into steps and use examples that stick. That style translates well to consumer issues like deposits, refunds, and warranties. When a resident understands why staged payments reduce risk, or why written change orders prevent confusion, the chance of a dispute falls. The same applies to online shopping, where confirming a seller’s contact information and return policy before purchase can prevent long delays and chargeback stress. The Concord location also shapes daily operations. New Hampshire’s economy blends main-street service businesses, trades, and professional firms that depend on reputation. A complaint process that sets timelines and asks for documents gives both sides the same ground rules. When expectations are stated clearly and responses are public, most parties find it easier to reach a fair outcome without raising the temperature. For issues that need a firmer resolution, alternative dispute resolution is available in defined circumstances, again with clear steps. Scam awareness is a steady thread. Because fraud tactics shift quickly, the emphasis stays on verification habits that do not change. Consumers are encouraged to type in official web addresses instead of using links, to be skeptical of payment requests by gift card or wire, and to keep screenshots and emails. Those habits help whether the pitch arrives as a text about a missed delivery or a social post for a too-good-to-be-true rental. The point is not to memorize every scheme, it is to slow down, confirm, and keep a record. Inside the office, the same education-first mindset helps businesses adapt. Posting policies where customers can find them, training staff to respond without defensiveness, and confirming promises in writing lowers the chance that a misunderstanding turns into a complaint. When a complaint does arise, a documented response that addresses dates, terms, and next steps reads as professional, which benefits the business and gives the consumer a concrete plan. New Hampshire’s scale keeps the focus close to home. Many residents prefer to work with local companies, and many owners want to show their standards in public. The BBB tools provide a way to do both. A company profile can highlight responsiveness alongside service details, and a consumer profile can capture a review that becomes useful context for the next buyer. When these pieces work together, trust becomes easier to build one transaction at a time. Friend’s transition from the classroom to the corner office is recent in BBB terms, yet the leadership pattern is already clear. She uses concise explanations, favors step-by-step guidance, and keeps the spotlight on the behaviors that prevent problems. In practice, that means helping people ask better questions before they agree to terms, then offering a structured path if something falls short. In a small, close-knit market, clear information and consistent process often solve problems before they start. The Concord office remains the hub. Residents can look up the local staff page to confirm contacts, hours, and location, and they can use the main BBB directory to navigate to services. The public can also see that the organization operates as a longstanding New Hampshire nonprofit with a visible address and governance history. That institutional continuity matters, because the value of a complaint system grows with time and consistent use. None of this replaces personal judgment, it supports it. A consumer who reads a profile and understands refund terms can make a better choice. A business that posts policies and answers complaints with specifics can keep a loyal customer even after a mistake. By keeping the steps simple and the expectations public, the BBB in New Hampshire gives both sides the same playbook. Under Friend’s leadership, that playbook reads in plain English.
In asmall, close-knit market, clearinformation and consistent processoften solve problemsbefore theystart.
staged payments reduce risk, or why written change orders prevent confusion, the chance of a dispute falls. The same applies to online shopping, where confirming a seller’s contact information and return policy before purchase can prevent long delays and chargeback stress.The Concord location also shapes daily operations. New Hampshire’s economy blends main-street service businesses, trades, and professional firms that depend on reputation. A complaint process that sets timelines an...
Blossoming with Economic Promise
Concord, New Hampshire, stands out as a vibrant hub of economic growth and opportunity, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern innovation. The city is experiencing a dynamic transformation, driven by a strategic vision that focuses on fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
A key factor in Concord's economic development success is its commitment to nurturing small businesses and
startups. The city provides a range of resources, from streamlined permitting processes to business incubators that nurture fresh ideas and budding entrepreneurs. The energy and creativity of Concord's downtown area, filled with local shops, cafes, and co-working spaces, reflect the community's dedication to innovation and collaboration.
Furthermore, Concord highlights its robust infrastructure, connecting enterprises with the metropolitan areas of Boston and Manchester.
Concord, New Hampshire
8 | HelloConcord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue
Hello Concord, New Hampshire • Winter Issue |9
This accessibility is further bolstered by Concord's emphasis on sustainable growth, investing in green initiatives and renewable energy projects that set a benchmark for environmental stewardship.
Concord is not just fostering economic growth but is creating a thriving, inclusive community where commerce and culture harmonize beautifully. The city’s focused approach on education, workforce...
Concord, New Hampshire
Concord, New Hampshire: Blossoming with Economic Promise
Concord, New Hampshire, stands out as a vibrant hub of economic growth and opportunity, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern innovation. The city is experiencing a dynamic transformation, driven by a strategic vision that focuses on fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
A key factor in Concord's economic development success is its commitment to nurturing small businesses and startups. The city provides a range of resources, from streamlined permitting processes to business incubators that nurture fresh ideas and budding entrepreneurs. The energy and creativity of Concord's downtown area, filled with local shops, cafes, and co-working spaces, reflect the community's dedication to innovation and collaboration.
Furthermore, Concord highlights its robust infrastructure, connecting enterprises with the metropolitan areas of Boston and Manchester. This accessibility is further bolstered by Concord's emphasis on sustainable growth, investing in green initiatives and renewable energy projects that set a benchmark for environmental stewardship.
Concord is not just fostering economic growth but is creating a thriving, inclusive community where commerce and culture harmonize beautifully. The city’s focused approach on education, workforce development, and cutting-edge technology positions it as a prime location for investors and families alike. From emerging industries to revitalized neighborhoods, Concord, New Hampshire, indeed epitomizes prosperity on the rise.
