Business Bulletin

Broco Energy of Haverhill Helps Massport Transition to Renewable Diesel Fuel

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Haverhill-based Broco Energy recently entered into a new partnership with the Massachusetts Port Authority to deliver and transition Massport’s fuel tanks to renewable diesel across the quasi-state agency’s facilities. Fuel tank locations include Conley Terminal, Boston Logan International Airport, Hanscom Air Force Base, Worcester Regional Airport and other Massport facilities. The collaboration is aimed at advancing Massport’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing environmental stewardship through cutting-edge carbon reduction solutions. “As a company deeply committed to advancing clean energy in New England, we’ve been diligently preparing for this. Building on our strong performance since January 2024, when we first started performing on the pilot program, and working closely alongside Massport’s OEM, we’ve made significant investments in new upgrades to our facility, enabling the ability to injection blend renewable diesel,” Robert Brown, president of Broco Energy, said.

Haverhill

State Awards Area Organization $1.2 Million to Address Children’s Mental Health Needs

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The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which serves Haverhill and Methuen and surrounding communities, Thursday was awarded a nearly $1.2 million state grant to support children’s mental health. The Lexington-based organization, a division of Eliot Community Human Services, was among six groups statewide to share in $5 million in Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Grants. They are targeted to support the social-emotional development and behavioral health of children in early education and care programs.

“We have a mental health crisis that has only been made worse by the pandemic, particularly for our youngest kids,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey. “These grants will provide early education and care programs with the tools and resources needed to help educators identify those who are struggling and support families in accessing care.”

Other area communities served by Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children are Andover, Georgetown, Groveland, Lawrence, Merrimac, North Andover and West Newbury.

Haverhill

Fantini Bakery Gives $100K Toward Seven Affordable Homes Nearby in Haverhill’s Mount Washington

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Fantini Bakery is the latest local business to donate $100,000 to Essex County Habitat for Humanity for seven new, affordable homes just up the street in Haverhill. As WHAV reported previously, Keith Boucher, a member of the housing advocacy group. Haverhill Homes 4 All, not only decided to sell his property to Habitat, he also committed to helping Habitat find funding for the project. Boucher called on fifth generation Fantini Bakery owners Joe and Robert Fantini. “At Fantini Bakery, we believe in nourishing not just the body, but the heart of our Haverhill community.

Business Bulletin

BrightBridge Credit Union Seeks Approval to Merge with Springfield-Based Arrha Credit Union

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BrightBridge Credit Union’s footprint is growing westward and southward as it plans to merge with Springfield-based Arrha Credit Union under the BrightBridge name. According to a release, if approved by members of both credit unions and regulators, the Lawrence-based credit union will expand to serve the Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties in Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut. Combined, there will be 23 retail branches and assets of nearly $2.4 billion with approximately 125,000 members. Arrha Credit Union was founded in 1929. “We’re so excited about this opportunity to unite with another credit union that shares our values and commitment to putting members first,” said BrightBridge President and CEO John J. Howard.

Education

Haverhill Garden Club Honors Three Recent Graduates with $1,000 Scholarships Each

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The Haverhill Garden Club recently awarded three $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors. Scholarships went to recent graduates Kaylin Potter from Essex Agricultural and Technical School, Lila Dion from Haverhill High School and Adam Ahlstrom from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School. All awards are given in memory of Nancy Lagasse, who founded the club in 1967. Potter will be attending Louisiana State University this fall to study landscape architecture. She earned a 4.03 grade point average and was a strong player on the school’s volleyball team.

Business Bulletin

The Roma Welcomes Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce July 22

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Haverhill’s Roma restaurant is welcoming members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and their guests during a free “Back to Business Networking Night” next week. There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and opportunities to connect with local professionals. Besides the Roma, the event is sponsored by Realtor Michael Joy the Joy of Real Estate. The gathering takes place Tuesday, July 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at The Roma, 29 Middlesex St., Haverhill. Those interested may reserve a place online at HaverhillChamber.com.

Education

Haverhill and Methuen Schools Each Receive State Civics Teaching and Learning Grants

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Haverhill and Methuen public schools were among 37 school districts informed Monday they were awarded state Civics Teaching and Learning Grants. Haverhill will receive $48,000 and Methuen $42,800 out of $972,000 granted statewide to “support curriculum and professional development to further civic knowledge and skills among students.” The grants also help implement eighth grade and high school student-led civics projects, hosting of local civics project showcases, participation in the Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases and other civic learning activities. “We know how important it is to prepare students to consider different points of view and engage in civil discourse across lines of disagreement,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey in a statement. “By teaching students how they can make a difference by working together, we will create stronger communities and a stronger democracy.”

Civics Teaching and Learning Grants are paid by the state’s Civics Project Trust Fund and are intended to support civics instruction aligned with the 2018 Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework and the implementation of student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects as required by a 2018 law.

Business Bulletin

Lawrence General Hospital and Holy Family Hospitals Hold Friday Job Fair in Methuen

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Lawrence General Hospital and Holy Family Hospitals in Methuen and Haverhill are having a job fair this Friday for all positions including nursing roles, allied health and clinical and hospital support. There will be on-the-spot interviews for nursing, allied health, clinical support, hospital support and more Friday, July 18, between noon and 5:30 p.m., at Holy Family Hospital, 70 East St., Methuen. The hospitals encourage those interested to complete job applications ahead of time online.