Diversity in New Hampshire (Changing Population)

Sunday, October 22, 2006
N.H., Maine buck U.S. diversity trend
document.title = unescape("N.H.%2C%20Maine%20buck%20U.S.%20diversity%20trend") + " - Fosters";
By NATE PARDUEStaff Writernpardue@fosters.com
Northern New England gradually is becoming more ethnically diverse, but its largest demographic shift is still its aging population.The nation's population reached 300 million on Tuesday, almost 39 years after the 200 million mark was reached on Nov. 20, 1967, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.Some demographic analysts in New Hampshire and Maine say relocation services for immigrants and an increasingly global workforce are making the area more diverse, although the shift is still minor compared to other parts of the country.The percentage of each of seven non-white race categories listed for New Hampshire remained even or rose since 2000, except for the "two or more races" category, which fell from 1.7 to 1 percent, according to the 2005 American Community Survey. The survey is assembled by the U.S. Census Bureau.The largest increases were in the Hispanic or Latino population, which rose from 1.7 to 2.2 percent and the Asian population, which rose from 1.3 to 1.8 percent. The national figures for those groups rose from 12.5 to 14.5 percent and 3.6 to 4.3 percent, respectively.The national population was 74.7 percent white. New Hampshire's population was 95.5 percent white, down .5 percent since 2000. Similar patterns were recorded in Maine. Russ Thibeault, president of Applied Economic Research in Laconia, said there are some parts of New Hampshire, especially Nashua and Manchester, that are becoming more diverse and will continue to do so.Thibeault said those communities are attractive to immigrant populations because there are more services available, such as job placement and relocation assistance.Other cities, like Portsmouth, Dover, and Rochester, don't offer as many services at this point, but Thibeault said the pattern is changing.One example is the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Program in Concord. The program operates through the federal Immigration and Naturalization Act, passed in 1980.The program helped 133 refugees resettle in New Hampshire from October 2005 through the end of September in places like Concord, Manchester, and Laconia. The program helps refugees find housing and jobs with the goal of helping them become self-sufficient.Laconia has become a popular resettlement location for Meskhetian Turks from Georgia, a formerly Soviet-controlled nation bordering Turkey.Senior Program Manager Amy Roach said Laconia is a favorable location for resettlement because it has good schools, a functional transportation system and accessible social services, the same attributes that make New Hampshire a desirable location for immigrants in general."When you look at many of these communities, you'll find that many of them are wonderful, accepting communities," Roach said.Programs like Refugee Resettlement help to make the area more diverse, but Thibeault and others say the biggest demographic shift remains the growing age of the population.Brian Gottlob, head of PolEcon Research in Dover, said smaller family sizes and lower mortality rates are "irreversible consequences" of the area's aging population. Gottlob analyzes economic, demographic, labor market and industry trends for private sector, government and not-for-profit organizations.New Hampshire and Maine have high percentages of well-educated, working women, resulting in low fertility rates in both states, Gottlob said.Both states also have lower mortality rates because the 65 and older population tends to be "healthier and wealthier" than those in other parts of the country, Gottlob said.Thibeault added that the first of the baby boomers in New Hampshire and Maine, as with the rest of the country, are turning 60 this year.Lifestyle advantages, such as a favorable tax base and cheaper housing, also are keeping the older population in state and attracting retirees here, he said."People can cash in their million dollar homes in Massachusetts and buy a house here for $500,000 and still have a very nice house. It's really driven by lifestyle," Thibeault said.Jamie Bulen, director of communications at AARP New Hampshire, said the organization presents many programs to educate the state's growing 50 and older demographic.Some of the programs offered include safe driving courses, the basics of Social Security and educational programs about Medicare.Bulen agreed the aging population in New Hampshire reflects the national trend."The boomers are coming. They're going to be everywhere," Bulen said.The group also has assembled studies about New Hampshire's aging workforce.One report, called "Preparing for an Aging Workforce: A Focus on New Hampshire Employers," found that six in 10 employers believe their businesses are likely to face a shortage of qualified workers in the next five years, but only one in 10 are prepared for it.AARP used the results from the study to emphasize the need for the tools it offers to help businesses with workforce planning, such as recruiting and retention strategies and workplace law.The aging trend will continue to go strong in the coming years, but Maine and New Hampshire's distance from major border states will prevent them from becoming as diverse as places like Texas and Florida, Thibeault said."More people are migrating here from Massachusetts than Mexico," Thibeault said.

How can we best accomodate the changing population in New Hampshire and what would be the best way to address Diversity? I don't see a lot of information out there for us to learn how best to stucture our business to capitalize on this growing, diverse real estate segment.

"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"

Mold Basics:

The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Can mold cause health problems?
How do I get rid of mold?
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Mold growing outdoors on firewood. Molds come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here. (click on the image for a larger 300dpi JPG file)]
Top of page

EPA Publication #402-K-02-003
Table of Contents
Mold Basics
Mold Cleanup
Mold Cleanup Guidelines
What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas
Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips
Hidden Mold
Additional Resources
A PDF version of this guidance is also available (PDF, 20 pp, 257KB About PDF)
How to Order Publications from EPA
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.
Top of page
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

All Discussion is Welcome....Please feel free to make a comment or post something of relevance.

HOW TO HANDLE THE CHANGING MARKET!

Real Estate Marketing
by Don Hobbs
How do you handle the changing market?

Enlarge
Everyday I hear from our clients and agents we speak with, that the market has really slowed down. I even hear people talking about how to make it in a tough market.Let's stop talking about this "slow market". Although this market maybe slower than the blistering, record setting last 5 years when, and don't take this personally, but almost any agent could make good money, this is NORMAL. This is the way real estate is 7 years out of every decade. I believe these conversations are coming from the vast majority of agents who have been in the business less than 5 years, agents who have never seen "normal", and never lived through the normal things most veterans have lived through.In the end, let's remember, the upside of a changing market is great opportunity. While agents are pulling back on marketing and other business investment areas, you should keep your course and even accelerate your investing. Today's consumers aren't as inclined to call Uncle Harvey to sell their house. They want the agent they see all the time, the agent who is getting the result. And when they call YOU, they are more willing to listen to your price and, ultimately you'll get more listings at the right price!
What do you think?


Posted August 18, 2006 3:28:00 PM