[BroadHopper]

Yes most of the seasonal businesses in the area hire foreign students. They are workaholics and very friendly to tourists. This year you notice every business is short on help and some open late and close early due to lack of employees.

Recently business owners had a round table discussion with state and national politicians regarding employment. The biggest problem is lack of a workforce for the demand. Why unemployment is low in NH.

Biggest reason is lack of housing for students and blue collar workers. Need to be addressed as low and middle income housing is seriously lacking. Developers and builders pay a premium for lots. They can only make money if they build expensive homes. Today because of changing demographics, the demand for higher end homes have dropped. I know of one student who wants to work in the Lakes Region and could not find housing. To commute from Bethlehem NH, will cost him more than he would make!

Second reason is green card availability. The current administration drastically cut the visas this year, so it is difficult for the seasonal businesses to staff for the season. With low unemployment, the cut came at the wrong time!

You will notice room, meals and grocery prices have increase, mainly because wages have gone up to attract help. Establishment has also notice a decline in business because of increase prices. There have to be a balance between attracting employees and attracting business.

When the city of Seattle increase the minimum wage to $15 in the city, many hospitality businesses have either went belly up or move out. People just can't justify spending that kind of money!