Jul. 24--New Hampshire is at it again.

The Granite State, which has been poaching Bay State workers, customers and companies for decades, is now inviting 900 Massachusetts business owners to enter a contest with a grand prize of limousine service to a Big & Rich concert, complete with a VIP preconcert reception and backstage privileges.

Ten other lucky winners will get free tickets to the Aug. 30 show at the U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford, N.H. -- and New Hampshire economic-development recruiters will be right there with them touting their state as a place to do business.

Steve Boucher, legislative director of New Hampshire's economic development division, said it's "pure coincidence" the recruiting campaign is occurring as Massachusetts prepares to raise its sales tax to 6.25 percent from 5 percent next month.

"But I'd be lying to you if I said the timing isn't perfect," Boucher added, noting New Hampshire expects to benefit from its neighbor's increase in the sales tax.

New Hampshire has no sales tax.

"We're definitely going to see more traffic here because of your tax," bragged Boucher.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Deval Patrick shot back that Massachusetts is still the economic and innovative engine of New England.

"Competition among states is to be expected, especially in the current economic climate, but we remain confident that Massachusetts, which is a national and global hub of innovation with internationally recognized academic institutions and the most highly trained and educated work force in the world, will maintain its global competitiveness," said Kofi Jones, a spokeswoman for housing and economic secretary Greg Bialecki.

"The commonwealth will compete aggressively, not only for new business, but to retain and grow the local businesses that are so vital to our future," she said.

Andre Mayer, economic director for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, bemoaned New Hampshire's latest campaign to woo Bay State businesses north.

"Our member companies get (recruitment) calls all the time -- and they get calls directly from the governors of Texas and North Carolina and other states," he said. "They're entitled to tout their states, though, frankly, it drives me crazy."

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