The new year will bring some new players to Exeter's economic scene.
Last week, Hannaford announced it will open a store in the old Stop & Shop building on Portsmouth Avenue. The new Hannaford will employ 150 workers, a company official said. Stop & Shop closed its Exeter store and its five other New Hampshire locations in August.
Barry Sandberg, chair of the Exeter Economic Development Commission, said he was thrilled with Hannaford's announcement.
"Hannaford will be ... a great employer and a new economic and civic partner for Exeter," he said.
Earlier this month, town officials approved plans for the Neighborhood Brewing Company, which would be Exeter's first brewery. It will be located on Epping Road in the western part of town.
"Exeter is ending the year on a good note," Sandberg said. "(The brewery) can help serve as a magnet for other small businesses."
Town officials are also currently considering hiring an economic development director.
"The focus, attention, planning, and energy will continue to pay economic dividends for Exeter entering 2014," Sandberg said.
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