Business Bulletin

Six Projects will Pitch Live at Digital Equity Challenge May 2 in Haverhill

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An estimated, one in five Essex County residents lacks access to internet service and computers, along with an understanding of how to use digital devices. Aiming to solve this disparity, the Digital Equity Challenge will award $10,000 in cash prizes to the most promising solutions for the region through a live pitch contest event in Haverhill. The event is hosted by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub Haverhill and the Essex County Community Foundation. “Through the Digital Equity Challenge, we’ve encouraged the community to use entrepreneurial thinking to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of digital literacy, access and equity, and we’ve seen great results,” said UMass Lowell’s Stephanie Guyotte, associate director of the university’s Innovation Hub Haverhill. “This year’s finalists are offering unique solutions that will positively impact our communities.

Business Bulletin

Endicott College’s Misselwood Events to Host Area Chambers of Commerce

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Area chambers of commerce are getting together for a free, joint networking event in June. Members of the Greater Haverhill and Merrimack Valley Chambers join Beverly, Cape Ann and Salem for appetizers, conversation and mingling with Endicott College and Misselwood staff Wednesday, June 12, 5-7 p.m., at Misselwood Events at Endicott College, 407 Hale St., Beverly. Registration takes place online here. There is a registration link within this story at WHAV.net.

Business Bulletin

River Run Bancorp Promotes Wilson to Executive Vice President

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Carol Wilson was recently promoted to executive vice president, operational excellence and performance management at River Run Bancorp, MHC, parent of Pentucket Bank and Newburyport Bank. In her new capacity, officials said, Wilson assumes responsibility for spearheading organizational efficiency, streamlining processes and nurturing a culture of continuous enhancement. “Carol’s keen focus on data and metrics makes her the ideal individual for a role that will have a significant impact on the operational excellence of River Run and our banks, particularly as we continue to grow,” said River Run CEO Lloyd Hamm. Wilson, of Bedford, N.H., brings more than 25 years of experience in the banking sector, having most recently held the position of senior vice president and chief experience officer at Pentucket Bank. She earned her bachelor’s from Bethel University and also studied at Massachusetts School of Financial Studies and New England College of Business and Finance.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Credit Union Staff Help Serve Haverhill Community Meals

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Merrimack Valley Credit Union this week sponsored a community meal at the Haverhill Citizen Center on Welcome Street. Every Monday, the nonprofit Community Meals serves meals prepared by a local chef that are free to the public. Local organizations and businesses sponsor these weekly meals and provide volunteers. In addition to a financial donation and bringing desserts, the credit union’s volunteers helped prepare and serve a meatloaf dinner to dozens of Haverhill residents. “MVCU looks forward to sponsoring Haverhill Community Meals each year,” says Anthony Marino, the credit union’s senior vice president of Organizational Development.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Leads Lunch May 1 Explores AI Marketing Tools

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A workshop on “Using AI for Digital Marketing” takes place as part of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s next monthly Leads Lunch. The workshop, which discusses artificial intelligence tools for email and other digital marketing campaigns, takes place Wednesday, May 1, from noon- 1 p.m., at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill. Admission is free for Haverhill Chamber members and $10 for guests. Registration takes place online at HaverhillChamber.com. Leads Lunches takes place on the first Wednesday of every month.

Business Bulletin

State’s First Robotic Amazon Warehouse Opens in North Andover; Town Made ‘Generous’ Agreement

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A grand opening of the state’s first automated Amazon warehouse in North Andover near the Haverhill border brought in such dignitaries as Gov. Maura T. Healey yesterday morning. Amazon workers fill customers’ orders alongside robots at the new building that opened in January, bringing over 1,500 jobs to the area, according to Sergiy Sushalskyy, the facility’s general manager. Higher-ups at Amazon as well as local and state officials packed into a white tent just outside the warehouse for the ceremony. Speakers emphasized the efficient and high-tech nature of the operation, which uses robots the governor said were all built in Massachusetts. Touting the state’s high per capita investment in robotics startups, Healey said “that’s the power of being a leader in technology.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill’s John Greenleaf Whittier School Plans End-of-Year Events with Help of Covanta

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Haverhill’s John Greenleaf Whittier School students will enjoy a variety of end of school year activities thanks to a donation from Covanta. Teacher Barbara Greenwood said graduating eighth graders will enjoy a promotion ceremony with food, music, a photo booth, decorations and favors. Covanta’s donation also helps children whose families cannot afford for the end of the year field trip to Canobie Lake Park and provides scholarships for field trips to the Museum of Science and Blue Man Group. “Teachers have worked tirelessly to raise money throughout the year, but needed that extra boost to make it happen,” Greenwood said. “We are so very appreciative of Covanta’s continuous support of our school community.”

The money also enables seventh grade students to take their first trip in more than five years to STEM day and also attend the New Hampshire Fisher Cats ball game.

Business Bulletin

Bethany Community Services Draws Names of Those Eligible for New, Affordable Apartments

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Those who entered a lottery to live in one of 48 new affordable apartments at Bethany Community Services’ Merrimack Corner will be notified by mail of their ranking following a drawing this past Wednesday. Eligible applicants will be matched with an available apartment that meets their criteria. The drawing took place in public at the Haverhill Public Library with participation by Mayor Melinda E. Barrett. In total 252 eligible applications were drawn and each was assigned a number. Once the 48 units are filled, all remaining applicants will be included on the wait list for future openings.