Business Bulletin

Lawrence Community Works Takes Home First Prize in Haverhill-Based Digital Equity Challenge

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An idea to bring free Wi-Fi and education to a Lawrence public housing project was the top winner of the third annual Digital Equity Challenge pitch contest that took place May 2 in Haverhill. Lawrence Community Works was awarded $5,000 for first place for a project to provide free, reliable Wi-Fi throughout its affordable housing project in Lawrence as well as provide a community advocate to help residents access Wi-Fi and Internet resources. “LCW’s community programs are designed for maximum integration with residential life and to support an overarching goal of family economic mobility,” said Jacob Greer, Executive assistant and resource developer at Lawrence Community Works. “No matter how someone may be connected to the LCW network, our goal is for them to access a diverse menu of supportive resources and offerings depending on their individualized situation and aspirations.”

Rachid Moukhabir of Methuen won second place for his proposal to expand his information technology training program, called Mass Association for Computer and Internet Resources.  Moukhabir said his program helps underserved populations enter the IT workforce and provides support and further training to allow those workers to continue to grow in the industry. Josefa Arriagada Saieh, a MassDevelopment fellow working in Lawrence, and Karina Calderon of the Lawrence Partnership won third place and audience favorite for a project to turn an under-utilized alleyway in Lawrence into vibrant community space with free outdoor Wi-Fi access.

Business Bulletin

Greater Haverhill Chamber to Bestow Honors During 108th Annual Celebration June 6

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A city official, community volunteer, business leaders and others are among those to be honored next month when the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce holds its 108th Annual Celebration at one of Haverhill’s newest venues. During the summer kickoff party, Haverhill Community Development Director Andrew K. Herlihy will be presented with the Chamber’s public service award, while Melissa Cerasuolo is honored as community volunteer; Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods Executive Vice President Marketing Aimee Tsakirellis, community leadership; and Haverhill Public-Private Partnership Director Allison Heartquist, Chamber director of the year. The Chamber Service Award goes to North of Boston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Community Catalyst Award to Northern Essex Community College. The event takes place Thursday, June 6, from 5-9 p.m., at Bosa Coastal Italian’s rooftop, 160 Merrimack St., Haverhill. Admission is $150 each and includes appetizers, live music, Spacetown Band and a cash bar.

Business Bulletin

Moore Staffing Services of Methuen Becomes Part of Leddy Group

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Moore Staffing Services of Methuen is now part of Leddy Group, joining the network of staffing providers throughout New England. Since 1980, Moore Staffing Services has been a top employment service for industries like accounting, engineering, healthcare and manufacturing. The company said Leddy Group’s mission of helping people in New England find meaningful work gives Moore Staffing greater capabilities. “Leddy Group will undoubtedly be an outstanding partner for Moore’s clients, candidates and employees,” said former COO and President Michael Moore. Patty McGrail, senior vice president of Leddy Group, added, “We’re also excited to diversify and continue to grow the Moore Staffing/Leddy Group client portfolio and develop true strategic relationships.”

Founded in 1994, Leddy Group has grown its employment service offerings to span across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts.

Business Bulletin

Fashion Trendsetters Yolanda Cellucci and Sondra Celli to Address Women in Business Lunch

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Fashion icons Yolanda Cellucci and Sondra Celli, mother and daughter, are scheduled to address members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as the public at the end of the month. Cellucci created a successful fashion house and bridal center in 1967, which continues as an online store, while Celli has been featured in TLC’s “My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding” and its spinoff series “Gypsy Sisters.”

They’ll share their stories during a Women in Business Lunch, Thursday, May 30, from noon-1:15 p.m., at the Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village, 17 Via Toscana, Salem, N.H. Admission is $35 per person. Registration is accepted online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Credit Union to Raise Moyamoya Disease Awareness at Branches Monday

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This coming Monday, May 6, marks the second year of observance of Moyamoya Disease Awareness Day in Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley Credit Union is supporting Credit Unions Kids at Heart, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization, in its efforts to raise awareness throughout the Commonwealth. Research on Moyamoya, conducted at Boston Children’s Hospital, is one of the fundraising initiatives of Credit Unions Kids at Heart. Merrimack Valley Credit Union is partnering with them to draw attention to this dangerous condition with handouts, in-branch displays and giveaways at all 19 retail branches. Moyamoya disease is a rare and progressive neurological disease in which the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain narrow, greatly reducing blood flow. “Moyamoya” means puff of smoke in Japanese and describes how the blood vessels look when seen on an X-ray or other medical imaging.

Business Bulletin

Greater Haverhill Chamber Members to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Friday

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Members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce are celebrating Cinco de Mayo this Friday with a Business After Hours night at Liquor Warehouse. There will be a tasting of tequilas and mezcals. The event takes place Friday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m., at Liquor Warehouse, 64 Locust St., Haverhill. Admission is free, but open only for those age 21 and up. No reservations are required.

Business Bulletin

Sullivan to Head Up Back-Office, Retail Operations at Both Newburyport and Pentucket Banks

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Keri Sullivan was recently named senior vice president, director of operations and customer service by River Run Bancorp, MHC. She is responsible for strategic direction and oversight of all back-office and retail operations for both Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank. The Operations Department consists of consumer loan servicing, residential and commercial loan servicing, deposit operations including EFT and payment processing, consumer digital banking operations, treasury services operations and the service center. The service center is the contact center for both banks and includes all forms of customer contact such as calls, emails, chats, texts and ATM live banker support, as well as consumer processing. Sullivan, of Newburyport, has more than 25 years of banking experience most recently as senior vice president, director of operations at Newburyport Bank where she began her career as a teller.