Business and Economy

As competition in the auto industry heats up, car makers are tightening their image and branding campaigns. But car dealers -- who feel financially vulnerable despite soaring profits -- say manufacturers are expecting them to pay too much of the price.

In New Hampshire, dealer organizations are behind a bill that would protect them from what they see as exploitation by manufacturers. Manufacturers argue that government shouldn't interfere with their private business contracts. The bill won near-unanimous support in the Senate, and is now being considered by the House.  

About 300 vendors are selling firearms at the Concord Gun Show this weekend. NHPR’s Emily Corwin was there.

The parking lot of the Everett Ice Arena is packed with cars, as a steady stream of gun enthusiasts line up for this weekend’s Concord Gun Show.   According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation pending legislation is fueling consumer demand for firearms and ammunition.

At the gun show, buyers say they see that reflected in high prices, especially for ammunition.  

And, attendees say turnout is high:

More than 10,000 people filed into the Manchester Radisson’s Expo Center this weekend to taste test, try on, and purchase products made by 145 New Hampshire companies. 

Stretch’s Pickles of Keene was one of those businesses.

Owners Glenna and Craig Hjelm say both Craig’s parents and their kids pitch in to make the business thrive:

It’s all in the family, our website was created by one of our sons, they all help out at the farmers markets, boxing pickles, picking cucumbers, everything.