FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Adrienne Rupp
Business and Industry Association
Office: 603.224.5388 x114
Mobile: 603.731.7754
arupp@BIAofNH.com
BIA launches online Blue Book
Popular NH reference guide to government and politics now available as an online subscription-based service.
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CONCORD, N.H. – Jan. 28, 2013 – The Business and Industry Association – New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce – has launched an online version of the Handbook of New Hampshire Elected Officials (the Blue Book).
BIA acquired the popular New Hampshire reference guide to government and politics last summer, which includes biographical information and photos of the New Hampshire governor, executive councilors, state senators and state representatives, as well as selected roll call votes, the lawmaking process, committee assignments, state agencies and commissioners, New Hampshire lobbyists, and the New Hampshire Constitution. The Blue Book is published every two years at the start of the biennium.
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The online Blue Book, nhbluebook.com, is a subscription-based website that contains content from the print book in an easily searchable database. It also contains graphical committee seating charts, which are not available in the print book.
Subscriptions are available with purchase of a print book, which retails for $49. An individual subscription package with print book is $79; a corporate subscription package, which includes unlimited users within a company or organization, is $199. The subscription gives users access to the site during the current biennium. Access to content expires at the end of the biennium, at which time users may purchase the next edition of the Blue Book and a new subscription for online content.
According to BIA President Jim Roche, subscribers to the online Blue Book will appreciate the site’s convenience and functionality, as well as knowing the information is current and relevant.
“The print edition is a valuable reference tool for business and political leaders and the media, but as with any print publication, it can become outdated quickly when legislators resign or change committees and new legislators take office,” said Roche. “With the print book and accompanying online subscription, users are guaranteed access to the most comprehensive, relevant and up-to-date information about the New Hampshire Legislature at any time and any place.”
Subscribers may also access the online Blue Book from portable devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
The website, which has e-commerce capability, is currently accepting orders for print books and online access. The 2013/2014 print edition and access to online content will be available mid-February. Also available for purchase through the website is the BIA’s legislative pocket directory for $10. The BIA will continue to offer one complimentary copy of the pocket directory to all association members and legislators.
BIA has contracted with McLean Communications, publisher of New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Bride, Parenting New Hampshire, New Hampshire Home and other custom publishing pieces, to produce the print Blue Book and Hopkinton-based StoreyManseau LLC, an integrated marketing firm, to develop the Blue Book website.
To reserve a copy of the 2013/2014 Blue Book and subscribe to online content, visit nhbluebook.com or call 603-224-5388 ext. 100.
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About the BIA: The Business and Industry Association is New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading business advocate. The BIA represents more than 400 members in a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing, high technology, professional services, financial services, health care, hospitality and tourism, public utilities, higher education and insurance. Member firms employ 86,000 people throughout the state and contribute $4.5 billion annually to the state’s economy. Through advocacy with state legislators and regulators, the BIA works to promote a healthy business climate and robust economic future for New Hampshire.
The BIA’s 2013 public policy priorities include: preserving the New Hampshire Advantage through support of fiscally conservative state budgets with a business-friendly regulatory and tax structure; supporting business tax policies that foster economic growth; supporting infrastructure development; supporting efforts to increase the availability and affordability of housing for working people; supporting pro-business labor rules and regulations that consider the rights and responsibilities of workers and management; supporting efforts that enhance outcomes and reduce/slow the growth of total healthcare costs for employers and the state; supporting efforts to develop New Hampshire’s future workforce; working towards mitigating the long- and short-term costs of energy; supporting efforts to reform the state’s telecommunications regulations to ensure fairness and equal competition among all service providers; and supporting environmental policies, legislation and administrative rules that balance economic development with the long-term viability of the state’s natural resources through a collaborative process. For more information about the BIA, visit http://www.BIAofNH.com.
