Business Bulletin

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

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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’

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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

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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.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Credit Union to be Known as BrightBridge Credit Union Next Year

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Merrimack Valley Credit Union said Monday the institution’s name will change to BrightBridge Credit Union after the new year. President and CEO John J. Howard said the change will take effect in 2025, pending member and regulatory approval. Staff and members were recently informed following a vote by the Credit Union’s board of directors. “The Merrimack Valley Credit Union name, while strong, is very specific to one region, one part of our history. It does not reflect the many communities our family tree has served, and we continue to serve.

Business Bulletin

New Senior Apartments in Downtown Haverhill Formally Open During Ceremony

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Merrimack Corner, the latest addition to Bethany Communities’ affordable senior apartments, formally opened Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. City officials, business leaders and others gathered for the official grand opening at 100 Water St. Bethany Communities President and CEO Jered Stewart talked about the 48 units in the new building, the first large-scale housing development on downtown’s Haverhill Water Street in more than 50 years. “Creating these 48 new homes here at Merrimack Corner is maybe not a huge number, but it certainly helps to meet the critical housing need and shortage we see across Haverhill, our region and the state. We know that this housing crisis is real, we see it every day so 48 news homes, maybe it’s a dent, but at least it’s an impact,” he said.

Business Bulletin

UMass Lowell Haverhill iHub Tenants Facing Evictions Could Get Reprieves, New Management

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The 25 companies that have been told to leave UMass Lowell’s Haverhill Innovation hub could receive at least a short-term reprieve. State Rep. Andy X. Vargas told WHAV Friday he is working with Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, tenants and others on an extension that would allow various iHub tenants to remain at least through Jan. 1 and possibly longer if another “community partner” can take over management. “There is a lot of value in the space and nobody wants to see those enterprises and organizations leave downtown Haverhill. We’re going to use the time from now until Jan 1 to do everything possible to keep and grow this coworking space,” Vargas said.

Business Bulletin

Expected Rain Forces Fourth Annual Appreciation Cookout to be Delayed Until Monday

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The Fourth Annual Appreciation Cookout, honoring Haverhill’s public safety departments and city workers, now takes place Monday after the threat of inclement weather forced postponement of Friday’s outing. Organizer and host Driscoll Funeral Home said the cookout is planned for Monday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the home, 309 S. Main St., Haverhill. Previously, owner Pat Driscoll has welcomed members of the Haverhill Police and Fire Departments, PrideStar Trinity EMS and Haverhill municipal departments.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill, Lawrence and North Andover Schools Receive $1,000 Each in Sports Gift Cards

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Haverhill, Lawrence and North Andover students will benefit from a donation of $1,000 in gift cards to each school to buy youth sports equipment. Wellpoint, formerly UniCare health insurance, partnered this past weekend with Boston Bruins Center Charlie Coyle and sports equipment retailer Franklin Sports for a Face-Offs for First Responders skate in Stoneham. The event was designed to educate youth about the many benefits playing sports can have on their mental health. Wellpoint and Franklin Sports presented $15,000 in Franklin Sports gift cards to 15 Massachusetts communities, including $1,000 for Haverhill. “Wellpoint works tirelessly to support our members’ whole health—their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.