The inspiration for New Hampshire Made, originally known as New Hampshire Stories, Inc., came from a very basic business need - the need for small producers of New Hampshire products and services to pool their resources and work collaboratively to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and expand their marketing and selling opportunities.

From the experience of our neighbors in Maine and Vermont, it was evident that using a common image and identity to promote the state and its businesses can be a very successful marketing tool. For example, the specialty foods industry in Vermont now generates $700 million dollars annually. However, in New Hampshire, this industry is value at only $450 million.  It's not surprising then, that many of New Hampshire's business leaders felt that our state needed a similar - ideally even better - program that would reflect the unique quality of New Hampshire and its people, products and services.

In 1995, a task force began meeting to uncover the perceived "identity" of New Hampshire and how to capture this essence so we could convey that message to the public who was looking for "added value." This volunteer task force was comprised of both large and small business owners, marketing consultants, service providers, and representatives from the State of New Hampshire's Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, Department of Resource and Economic Development, Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Division of Travel & Tourism.

By early 1997, the major elements of the program had taken shape. New Hampshire Stories, Inc. was established as the non-profit membership organization that would "tell the story" of New Hampshire's people, products and services. Molly Hodgson Smith was hired as its first Executive Director and the New Hampshire Stories program introduced it's original logo and theme "We Have A Story to Tell."

In 1998, New Hampshire Stories published the New Hampshire Products & Services Directory and held its first annual conference for approximately 250 members. In early 1999 the first retail store selling members' products opened at I-95's northbound rest area in Hampton, New Hampshire. This ideal location was made possible by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission who had space available adjacent to their building. In 2000 the www.nhmade.com web site was launched and in 2001 the organization's second retail store opened on I-95 southbound utilizing the same New Hampshire Liquor Commission arrangement. By 2002 the organization had more than 500 members and New Hampshire Stories realized its' original "We Have A Story To Tell" campaign needed a more direct approach. At its annual conference that year, the "New Hampshire's Own, A Product of Yankee Pride" logo system and tagline was officially introduced.

A new Executive Director, Laurie Ferguson, was hired in 2004 to help build the "NH's Own" brand name and grow the membership. To improve the publics' understanding of the organization's mission, the name was changed to New Hampshire Made. In just two years the organization grew to over 700 as new marketing programs were rapidly introduced. A new publication, new retail store signs and a host of promotional items with the "NH's Own" logo began appearing throughout the state. A completely re-designed web site was launched in November, 2006, which greatly enhanced people's ability to locate and purchase New Hampshire Made products and services. Other organizations began to partner with New Hampshire Made in a variety of programs and events. Several organizations became official "standing commitrees" within the organization, including The New Hampshire Farmers' Market Association, The New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Connection, and The New Hampshire Winery Association. 

New Hampshire Made has become a remarkable example of what can be accomplished in New Hampshire when individual producers and service providers join with a variety of organizations, associations, and government agencies to help raise the awareness and appreciation for the quality, variety and availabilty of what is here in New Hampshire. Similar programs like this in other states are usually funded by the state government but, in New Hampshire, this has successfully been done through a co-operative public/private partnership  - and it's working.