Traffic thins on Route 2 heading into Gorham as the sun dips below the northern Presidential Range on Nov. 1. In a region where the pulp and paper industry that once drove the economy has disappeared, North Country communities have had to shift to create new opportunities, especially in the travel  and tourism industry, dominated by small businesses and entrepreneurs.

“One of the biggest challenges in our community is to show kids that outdoor recreation can provide them with a good, sustainable career,” said Peter Riviere, a retired economic development professional from Lancaster.

At a forum at the Town and Country Inn in Shelburne, more than 60 community leaders from diverse sectors agreed on another major challenge in the North Country: The lack of affordable housing for local workers, along with areas that still lack broadband internet connectivity.

Provost Jones says he was grateful for the opportunity to meet so many leaders from the region, "to talk about where the challenges are in the North Country and how UNH is playing a role in addressing those challenges, and also to hear their ideas for where UNH can take on a bigger role or find new ways for them to grow and thrive."