The revitalization of old mill buildings, village centers and cemeteries were topics at a recent summit. Nearly 150 community leaders from across the state came together in Concord to discuss strategies. With tight state and municipal budgets and no funding for building preservation projects from the popular Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, conference goers emphasized the need for networking, private fundraising and volunteerism.

Governor Craig Benson urged audience members to combine their creativity and passion with entrepreneurial actions "to help change New Hampshire for the better while preserving the past." Our special places along with our people and volunteer spirit, is what makes New Hampshire so attractive to businesses and visitors, he said. Recent studies show that preservation investments yield quality jobs and serve as a substantial stimulant for community development.

National demographics expert Peter Francese described how many towns current development policies often exclude young families that are our biggest retail consumers and make up our workforce. He emphasized that the strength of New Hampshire's economic future will depend to a large extent on how well each community preserves its distinctive character, provides affordable housing, and safeguard this uniquely attractive and livable environment.

Workshop topics included saving structures, adaptive re-use, design guidelines, heritage commissions, new technology tools, and communications with elected officials and the media.

Sponsors include Public Service of New Hampshire, Henry Page House Restoration, Citizens Bank, First Period Colonial Preservation/Restoration, Merrimack County Savings Bank and CMK Architects.