Dr. Randy Macdonald, volunteer coordinator, and Dee Laurent, IT and Facilities program assistant, review the initial design for the community space in Laconia. Courtesy photo/Granite VNA

CONCORD – Merrimack County Savings Bank is proud to support Granite VNA with a $10,000 pledge toward its Community Engagement and Benefit Initiative. Funded through tax credits, the contribution will help extend Granite VNA’s Community Health Programming into the Lakes Region by renovating their Laconia location.

“The Merrimack strives to make our communities a better place to live,” said bank President Linda Lorden. “Granite VNA is New Hampshire’s largest home health and hospice provider, so it’s crucial we show our support.”

Once complete, the improved community space at the Laconia office will be used to increase access to community health programming.

“We’re grateful for The Merrimack’s support as we work to improve access to support for individuals and families,” said Beth Slepian, president and CEO of Granite VNA. “The renovation project will give us more space to offer preventative wellness programs and bereavement support groups.”

Granite VNA provides home health and hospice care to residents of 82 communities throughout the Capital Region and central New Hampshire with offices in Concord, Laconia, Wolfeboro and at the Hospice House in Concord.

CDFA tax credits allow businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for a tax credit that can be applied against state business tax payments. The tax credits are administered by the New Hampshire CDFA. Any business with operations in New Hampshire that contributes to a CDFA tax credit project receives a New Hampshire state tax credit worth 75 percent of their contribution. The credit can be used over a period of five years to reduce the business’ state tax liability (business profits, business enterprise, or insurance premium taxes). The tax credit program allows New Hampshire businesses to use their state tax dollars to support local projects that they care about. CDFA reviews many project applications each year, and awards tax credits to those they determine are feasible and will make the biggest impact on economic development in the state.