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Three community leaders and one nonprofit were honored by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner last Thursday night.
Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO of the life sciences industry group, Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, served as the keynote speaker for the sold-out event at the Haverhill Country Club. O’Connell said when many people think of innovation in Massachusetts, they think of Kendall Square, Cambridge or Boston’s Seaport. She thinks, though, of inventers, business owners and entrepreneurial risk takers in Haverhill where she resides.
“When I think about innovation, I really think about places like Haverhill. I think about community built by hardworking people who aren’t afraid to take risks, solve problems and create opportunity for the next generation,” O’Connell said.
She talked about her own journey that led her to a career in Boston and ultimately in biotech, an industry she is proud to represent because the companies, researchers and financers involved offer hope to many patients.
“I chose to dedicate my career to an industry that shows up for people during the most vulnerable, uncertain and often frightening moments of their lives. It’s an industry that doesn’t just innovate. We deliver hope,” she said.
All-volunteer nonprofit Team Haverhill was awarded the Charles E. Billups Award, accepted by Team Haverhill President Kevin Burke. The Billups Award was established by the chamber in 1985 to recognize an outstanding organization or individual which has made a positive impact on the success of the chamber.
Kerri Sheeran Perry, CEO of Haverhill’s Community Action, received the Elaine Barker Community Leadership Award. Barker, herself, made the presentation. The award is typically given to an unsung hero in the city.
Penelope Guerrero was given the Jerry Loy Outstanding Director Award, the second time she has been so honored. The award recognizes an individual on the Chamber’s board of directors that goes above and beyond in their efforts to support the chamber’s mission.
George A. Peters, president of New England Invents, won the Chamber Service Award. The award is given to a member that promotes the mission and values of the chamber and unselfishly volunteers time to mentor others.
Nomsa Ncube, current chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, passed the gavel to fellow board member Allison Heartquist, who takes over July 1.
Nomsa Ncube, right, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s outgoing chair of the board, introduces her replacement, Allison Heartquist, as chamber President Katie Cook looks on during the chamber’s annual dinner Thursday, June 11, at Haverhill Country Club. (WHAV News photograph.)
Elaine Barker, left, presents the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Award, named in her honor, to Kerri Sheeran Perry, CEO of Haverhill’s Community Action, during the Chamber’s annual dinner, Thursday, June 11, at Haverhill Country Club. (WHAV News photograph.)