Business Bulletin

Guyotte Joins Merrimack Valley YMCA as VP of Marketing and Communications

By |

Stephanie Guyotte recently joined Merrimack Valley YMCA as vice president of marketing and communications. Guyotte, who formerly served as associate director of the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill, will oversee and implement the YMCA’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to support the mission. She will work closely with media outlets and serve as the leader for brand awareness, while also supporting YMCA membership and development goals. Guyotte will work closely with board members and committee volunteers to reach the organization’s long-range goals, including the annual meeting, auction and gala and golf tournament. “We are excited to have Stephanie join our senior leadership team.

Business Bulletin

Rollstone Bank & Trust of Fitchburg to Merge Into River Run Mutual Holding Company

By |

A third bank will join Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank under the umbrella of River Run Bancorp, MHC. Rollstone Bank & Trust of Fitchburg is merging into the network of mutual community banks, bringing combined assets above $3.5 billion. River Run was established in 2023 by Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank to create a multi-bank mutual holding company, allowing the banks to consolidate back-office operations, offer additional products and services and achieve scale and efficiencies. “We formed River Run to secure the independent community banking model for the future,” said River Run President & CEO Lloyd L. Hamm Jr. “As community banks face challenges that could impact their long-term sustainability, River Run provides the structure for them to not only survive but thrive.”

Each bank will continue to operate under its established name and brand, retaining its local headquarters, management, retail and lending organizations, and charitable foundations. Each bank also will maintain its own board of directors.

Business Bulletin

Procopio Companies Completes Major Upgrades at Haverhill’s Wood School Daycare

By |

The Procopio Companies recently worked with Haverhill City Hall to complete improvements at Wood School, a licensed daycare operated by the city’s Recreation Department. Over the past quarter, the Procopio Companies replaced outdated chain link fencing with guardrail along the perimeter of the lot to a black aluminum fencing surrounding a new playground structure and repaired and restriped the parking lot, former tennis courts, walkways and basketball court. “These upgrades are part of our broader commitment to enhancing community spaces and creating safer, more inviting environments for everyone,” said Procopio’s Vice President of Development David Roache. “We are proud to contribute to the improvement of Wood School’s facilities, benefiting the children and families who rely on this vital resource.”

In addition to Procopio’s upgrades, the city provided a new playground structure, purchased new backboards for the basketball courts and improved landscaping. “The City of Haverhill was happy to partner with Procopio to make these much-needed improvements to Wood School for the benefit of the neighborhood.

Business Bulletin

Stem Haverhill Raises $10,000 for Veterans at First Annual Beach Bash

By |

Cannabis retailer, Stem Haverhill, raised $10,000 for the nonprofit Patriots Helping Vets during its inaugural Beach Bash. Patriots Helping Vets, founded by Marine veteran Tom Rand, provides essential equipment and services to veterans who benefit from plant-based medicine. Stem Haverhill’s Beach Bash marks the third in a series of charitable events hosted by the cannabis retailer this year. Prior fundraisers include August’s Blast in the Grass, which also raised $10,000 for the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts and May’s Power of Flower, which supported the Parabola Center, a nonprofit advocating for cannabis policy reform. Stem Haverhill owner Caroline Pineau said “The Beach Bash was a success, and I’m thrilled with the turnout and the funds raised to support an organization that does such important work for our veterans.”

The event took place on Sept.

Business Bulletin

Lawrence General Hospital One of Only 12 in U.S. to Earn Health Care Equity Certification

By |

Lawrence General Hospital, which is scheduled to take possession tomorrow of Holy Family Hospital, this month earned the Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification for excellence in its efforts to provide equitable care, treatment and services. This certification has been given only to 12 hospitals across the country with Lawrence General being the first stand-alone hospital to receive it. The designation shows Lawrence General demonstrated that it has established structures and processes in place to decrease health care disparities within its patient populations and to promote diversity, equity and inclusion for staff. “Our successful certification demonstrates our dedication to addressing and reducing health disparities, ensuring that every patient receives fair and inclusive care,” said Dr. Abha Agrawal, Lawrence General Hospital president and CEO. During a Sept.

Business Bulletin

Tuscan Brands’ Faro and Sal’s Pizza’s Lupoli Team Up to Buy Buitoni Food Co.

By |

It’s back to the future in a sense as a pasta and sauce company returns to its local roots. The Artisan Chef Manufacturing Co., a collaboration of Tuscan Brands and Sal’s Pizza, said this week it is buying Buitoni Food Company, which offers Italian fresh pasta and sauces. The purchase marks a full-circle moment for Joe Faro, founder and CEO of The Artisan Chef Manufacturing Co. and Tuscan Brands, who previously sold his first company, Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta and Sauces, to Buitoni in 2006. “This acquisition is deeply personal for me,” said Faro.

Business Bulletin

Anna Jaques Hospital Says Haverhill YMCA Freight Farm Helps Overcome ‘Food Deserts’

By |

The first birthday of Haverhill YMCA’s Freight Farm brought out staff, city officials and its primary sponsor for a birthday cake and, of course, salad made with the farm’s own lettuce. Celebrating Wednesday at the Gateway Academy on Primrose Street, where the first YMCA Freight Farm in the country is located, were Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, YMCA Regional Executive Director Tracy Fuller, city councilors, community leaders and Glenn D. Focht, president of Anna Jaques Hospital, which sponsored the farm. “Now, there’s a year’s worth of results to show that it can make a difference in the community where a lot of kids and families experience food insecurity or lack of access to healthy food. Parts of the city are food deserts when it comes to things like fruits and vegetables,” he said. Focht explained why Anna Jaques’ parent company got involved.

Business Bulletin

Newburyport Bank Donates $2,500 in Support of Upcoming Anna Jaques Fundraiser

By |

Newburyport Bank recently donated $2,500 as a sponsor of Anna Jaques Hospital’s Shine, A Sparkling Fundraiser for AJH Breast Care Services. This event, in support of Breast Care Services at Anna Jacques Hospital, takes place Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6-9 p.m., at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury. There will be a live auction, wine pull and light dinner followed by a brief program. “We are blessed to have an institution like Anna Jacques in our midst,” said Newburyport Bank President and CEO Lloyd L. Hamm.