MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Several local businesses participated in the 14th “Experience New Hampshire” reception earlier this week.

According to a news release from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office the reception brings together Grate State businesses, restaurants, institution, and vendors from around the state to showcase their products and services in Washington DC.

Among the businesses who participated is Echo Farm Puddings (Hinsdale), Jack’s Crackers (Keene), Maple Nut Kitchen (Swanzey), Shires Naturals (Peterborough), and the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association (Westmoreland).

Guests at the reception enjoyed gourmet food and drinks from culinary training programs, specialty food makers and breweries, and learned about the culture and tourism opportunities in New Hampshire, according to the release.

“Granite Staters already know New Hampshire has the best of the best, and the annual Experience New Hampshire gathering allows folks in DC to see that for themselves,” Shaheen said. “Thank you to the New Hampshire State Society for hosting, the participating vendors who shared their time and products and to everyone who helped make this year’s event a huge success.”

The event was held on Wednesday in the Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building following the annual New Hampshire Business Day Luncheon hosted by Shaheen and the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire. The luncheon is meant to provide New Hampshire small business owners with an opportunity to hear directly from government leaders and officials about federal programs and agencies that offer support to businesses.

The reception was attended by the other members of New Hampshire’s Federal Delegation – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, and Representatives Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander, and other members of Congress and federal government officials, even including Marty the Moose and Kodak the Bear. 

Other participating businesses included Contoocook Creamery, Dancing Lion Chocolate, Granite State Candy Shoppe, Loon Chocolate, Port City Pretzels, the Spicy Shark, Stonyfield Organic, concord Regional Technical Center, Lakes region Community College, NH Food Bank, University of New Hampshire College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, New Hampshire Furniture Masters, SkiNH, and more.