Gov. Hassan, Salem Kick Off National Manufacturing Week

Gov. Maggie Hassan will help New Hampshire start its National Manufacturing Day celebration Friday with a special address in honor of the Granite State's manufacturers at 10 a.m. at Scott Electronics in Salem.

New Hampshire is one of 37 states participating in National Manufacturing Day on Friday, which precedes next week's National Manufacturing Week. The goal, according to New Hampshire officials, is to raise awareness about the industry, its need for skilled workers and to encourage people of all ages — but especially high school students exploring a career path — to consider a career in manufacturing.

New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Jeffrey Rose, Mark Godfrey of Felton Inc. in Londonderry, and State Sen. and New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership Chairman Molly Kelly of Keene will also speak during Friday's ceremony in Salem.

About 66,000 people are employed in the manufacturing sector in New Hampshire, earning an average weekly wage of $1,220, compared to $938 for other sectors, according to NHDRED.

The Salem High School Vocational Center will also be one of many schools hosting a National Manufacturing Week open house from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, so individuals can learn about high school-level manufacturing programs, curriculum and projects, as well as allow businesses to meet the students who could become their future employees.