Business Bulletin

Trinity EMS Manager Peters Honored as ‘Steward of the Community’

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Trinity EMS Operations Manager Josiah Peters is being recognized for his selflessness as a first responder, having been named an “EMS Steward of the Community” by the Dallas-based Steward Healthcare System that owns Haverhill and Methuen’s Holy Family Hospital. A 14-year Trinity veteran, Peters was honored by his medical peers at a ceremony during May’s National Emergency Services Week for “going above and beyond” during September’s gas-related fire disaster in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. “Josiah’s professionalism and leadership served the communities at their greatest time of need and uncertainty,” Holy Family President Craig Jesiolowski, FACHE, president of Holy Family Hospital said. “In a community-wide emergency that was unfolding at a rapid rate, he exhibited the skill to respond and the commitment to care about the greater good. We are all better for his work and his dedication to his profession.”

During the disaster, Peters directed Trinity personnel to transport 33 patients to Holy Family and other local hospitals, sending many more to shelters.

Business Bulletin

Broco Oil Expands Hale Street HQ With Haverhill Railroad Activation

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Big change is coming to Hale Street’s Broco Oil, owner Bob Brown tells WHAV. Two years after the company relocated its North Reading headquarters to Haverhill, Brown and the Broco Oil team of 50 employees are preparing to expand the oil terminal to bring in biodiesel by rail car starting in September using two formerly dormant railroad switches. As a result, Brown’s expansion has brought new interest and activity into the Hale Street area, known as what he tells WHAV is a HUBZone: A Historically underused business district. According to Brown, city entrepreneurs are beginning to see benefits. “It’s actually starting to support a lot of the local Haverhill businesses,” Brown tells WHAV.

Business Bulletin

Plaistow, N.H. Company Pleads Guilty to Lying About Oil-Absorbing Mats Sold to Military

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A Plaistow, N.H., company that sold oil-absorbent mats to the military pleaded guilty yesterday to lying to the government. Enco Industries lied to conceal the fact it did not secure the mats from a Department of Defense-approved manufacturer and what was sold did not meet specifications for dissipating static electricity or “surface resistivity.” Enco instead purchased cheaper mats, according to New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray. “Defense procurement fraud is a serious crime that can jeopardize the safety of military personnel,” said Murray. The military’s Defense Logistics Agency requested bids on 96,000 hazardous material mats over a five-year period. The solicitation required, among other things, that the mats pass standards established in National Fire Protection Association for static decay and surface resistivity.

Business Bulletin

Downtown Developer to Speak at Chamber Dinner, ‘Let’s Celebrate Investing in Haverhill’

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The redeveloper of two Washington Street properties shares his philosophies next week when he addresses members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. David Traggorth, founder of Traggorth Companies, is scheduled to speak Thursday, June 6, at the organization’s 103rd annual meeting, which is themed, “Let’s Celebrate Investing in Haverhill.” Traggorth’s company developed the 18-unit JM Lofts project at the former Surplus Office Supply building and is now working to create 24 market-rate rental apartments at the Rugg Building, 81-87 Washington St. A number of annual awards will also be presented during the 5:30-9 p.m. dinner at Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St., Haverhill. The coveted Charles E. Billups Award goes to Steve Stewart of Bank of New England. Named for the late chairman of Essex County Gas Co.

Business Bulletin

Humble Warrior Yoga Studio Marks Georgetown Grand Opening With Free Classes This Weekend

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Merrimack Valley yogis, mark those calendars: A brand-new yoga studio is coming to Georgetown, with free classes this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of East Main Street’s Humble Warrior, co-owner Pam Tedeschi tells WHAV. Offering 21 daytime, night and weekend classes in styles including vinyasa, yin, restorative and mellow flow yoga, Haverhill’s Tedeschi is opening the space with Groveland resident and yoga teacher Michele Tremblay. The duo brings a combined 20 years of experience to the space, Tedeschi says. “We’re both really excited about bringing accessible, smart informed yoga and a sense of community and well-being to downtown Georgetown,” she said. Humble Warrior plans to enlist the talents of local teachers including Kerrie Sesto, Julia Tirabassi and Sarah Winslow, offering several “yoga 101” basic sessions and community classes co-taught by the owners.

Business Bulletin

Stem Marijuana Shop Hopeful Pineau Completes Cannabis Mentoring Program

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Caroline Pineau, the city woman hoping to open the Stem marijuana dispensary downtown at 124 Washington St., has completed a cannabis mentoring program she tells WHAV will “elevate her business strategy” ahead of the city’s special permit progress. Pineau, who also owns downtown’s Yoga Tree Studio, was one of three budding cannabis entrepreneurs to take part in the Garden Remedies-backed Catalyst Mentoring Program. As part of the program, Pineau and her fellow attendees—a marijuana cultivator from Holyoke and a massage therapist from Shelburne Falls—received hands-on training on how to start a dispensary from others who have done it in the state. “My experience working with the Garden Remedies team was transformational and impactful. The one-on-one mentorship sessions really helped me navigate challenges and elevate my business strategy,” Pineau told WHAV.

Business Bulletin

Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, North Shore to Merge, Create $95 Million Agency

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Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore Elder Services are expected to merge by July 1, creating a Lawrence-based agency with a $95 million budget and 460 employees. The combined agency will operate as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, under the direction of CEO Joan Hatem Roy. Clients in Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody and Salem will still see the name, North Shore Elder Services, officials said. “This is an important and exciting action for both agencies as well as for the older adults and their families in the 28-community service area,” Hatem Roy said. “Our combined strengths and resources will create many opportunities for innovative and expanded services.”

The nonprofit agency has managed a range of programs and services since 1974 offering a variety of choices to “help people maximize their independence and enable them to live safely.” Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley currently serves 23 cities and towns within Greater Haverhill, Greater Lawrence and Greater Lowell.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill’s Jaffarian Earns Third Consecutive Volvo Excellence Award

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Third year and counting! River Street car dealership Jaffarian Volvo has received the Volvo Excellence Award from Volvo Cars USA for the third year in a row, recognized for sales and customer service throughout 2018. Volvo Cars USA President and CEO Anders Gustafsson made the announcement last week, praising Jaffarian CEO Gary Jaffarian for his commitment to best in class leadership and customer experience. “We are grateful for the continued support of our employees and customers that made this honor possible,” Jaffarian said of the honor. “Our employees have embraced the fourth-generation commitment to excellence that people have come to expect from Jaffarian Volvo.