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The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is planning a Coffee Connect at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School. Organizers say the mixer gives participants an opportunity to meet new members, share ideas and network while enjoying coffee and breakfast. Coffee Connect takes place Tuesday, Sept. 22, 8-9 a.m., at Hill View Montessori Charter School, 75 Foundation Ave., Haverhill. Admission is free.
Holly Rutko was recently named senior vice president, senior risk manager for River Run Bancorp, affiliated with Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank and Rollstone Bank & Trust. Rutko has been in banking for 20 years, previously serving as vice president, compliance manager. She will work in developing, implementing and overseeing the Bank Secrecy Act, Community Reinvestment Act and compliance programs.
“Strong compliance programs protect the bank, but more importantly, they protect the people we serve,” said Rutko. “That’s what drives the work.”
Meaghan Lally-McGurl, executive vice president, chief enterprise risk officer said “Holly’s depth of knowledge in BSA, CRA, and compliance—combined with her two decades of hands-on experience—make her exceptionally well-suited for this leadership role.”
Rutko earned a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from Elms College as well as a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from New England School of Law.
In time for the back-to-school marathon, the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce plans a backpack and school supply drive at Millhaven, an event venue in Lawrence. The Chamber says those taking part in the drive may take advantage of a free taco bar dinner. In place of a ticket, those interested are asked to bring a backpack or school supplies to the drive. The drive takes place Tuesday, Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m., Millhaven, 60 Island St., Lawrence.
The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce invites local young professionals to attend its Next Generation Networking Night later this month. The Chamber says the night offers an opportunity its younger members and guests to make meaningful connections, grow their networks and meet other young professionals in business. The networking night takes place Thursday, Aug. 20, 5-7 p.m., at DoubleTree by Hilton, 123 Old River Road, Andover. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.
Institution for Savings recently promoted three commercial lenders, Lori Rostkowski and Theresa Espinola to senior vice presidents of commercial lending, and Albi Shatku to vice president of commercial lending. “These well-deserved promotions reflect the strength of our commercial lending team and the talented people who continue to drive its success,” said bank President and CEO Michael J. Jones. “Lori, Theresa and Albi have each demonstrated tremendous expertise, leadership and commitment to helping our customers thrive.”
Rostkowski has been at Institution for Savings for more than 25 years and has experience in commercial lending, credit administration, accounting and finance. She joined the bank’s commercial lending team back in 2014. Espinola joined the bank in 2021.
Lauren Masse, founder of Bright Heart Coaching, offers a workshop on “Mastering Stress: Practical Techniques” Thursday at Nevin’s Memorial Library. Masse works as health coach, mindfulness teacher and emotional intelligence specialist. She specializes in helping individuals reduce stress, build healthy habits and improve mental and emotional health through practical and compassionate approaches. The library says the workshop will be interactive and will teach participants how stress affects the mind and body, recognize common stressors and explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for managing stress in everyday life. The free workshop takes place Thursday, Aug.
The annual Massachusetts sales tax holiday takes place Saturday and Sunday across the state. The state House and Senate came to an agreement back on June 11 that allows buyers to avoid the 6.25% sales tax on most items that retail for less than $2,500. Purchases such as motor vehicles, motor boats, meals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cannabis products and telecommunication services like prepaid calls, natural gas, steam and electricity are not included in the holiday. “This year’s temporary suspension of the sales tax will bring consumers needed economic relief while boosting revenue for small businesses and retailers,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano. The Senate Press Room said the holiday comes at a time when many consumers are looking forward to a much-needed economic break due to stores raising prices as a result of federally imposed tariffs.
Bestselling author Michael Blanding discusses his new book, “The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby: Inside A Billionaire Family’s Quest to Craft a Christian Nation,” this Thursday, at Nevin’s Memorial Library. Blanding is an investigative journalist based in Boston whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Wired, Smithsonian, Slate, The Nation and Boston Globe Magazine. He won the International Book Award for his previous 2021 book, “In Shakespeare’s Shadow: A Rogue Scholar’s Quest to Reveal the True Source Behind the World’s Greatest Plays” and the NES Book Award from the New England Society of New York for his 2014 book “The Map Thief: The Gripping Story of an Esteemed Rare-Map Dealer Who Made Millions Stealing Priceless Maps.”
Blanding has also taught journalism and creative nonfiction at Tufts University, Emerson College, Northeastern University and GrubStreet Writers. “The Gospel According to Hobby Lobby” discusses the religious history behind the family of Hobby Lobby and how they rose to political prominence. Blanding’s talk takes place Thursday, Aug.