Business Bulletin

Haverhill Summit Speakers Say Embracing AI Tech Key to Staying Competitive

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A big takeaway from last week’s Haverhill AI Summit is how to best embrace the technology to avoid getting left behind. The afternoon-long conference June 18 brought together a cross section of the community, from residents, students and workers to educators, businesses and community leaders. “The risk is not simply AI taking away jobs,” said Haverhill City Council Vice President John A. Michitson. “The risk is being outcompeted by people, businesses and communities that know how to use it. The summit was about helping Haverhill prepare, adapt and lead.”

UMass Lowell’s Scott Latham, a keynote speaker, said artificial intelligence is already changing workplaces.

Business Bulletin

Taqueria La Union Taco Shop Opens in Haverhill

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Taqueria La Union is the newest addition to Haverhill’s restaurant scene. The eatery, which offers authentic Mexican cuisine, opened at 443 River St., the home of the former La Taco Guapo Restaurant. Taqueria La Union is owned by Haverhill residents Breezley Ramirez, her husband Omar and Breezley’s mother, Rosa Ramirez. “We are bringing recipes from our region of Jalisco, Mexico. So, family favorites,” Breezley Ramirez said.

Business Bulletin

State Awards Haverhill Farm Stand $50,000 Grant for Improvements

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Wally’s Vegetables of Haverhill is receiving a state grant to make walk-in upgrades and improve storage capacity and ensure food safety with upgraded refrigeration systems.

Wally’s Vegetables, which operates a farm stand at 799 Amesbury Road, was awarded $50,000 from the Climate Smart for Agriculture Program’s Farm Readiness Grant, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. “These investments directly address the day-to-day operational needs of Massachusetts farms,” said Agriculture Commissioner Ashley Randle. “From upgrading farm equipment to improving storage, handling and delivery of Massachusetts-grown products, this program ensures that farms can make timely improvements that enhance their operations without delays from construction or permitting. Ultimately, these quick-impact projects protect local agriculture so residents can continue to access fresh, locally grown food.”

The Haverhill farm stand, managed by the Lesiczka family, offers seasonal vegetables and fruits, potted plants and other goods. It is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The state awarded $1.6 million in grants to 63 agricultural businesses across Massachusetts after, what it called, a competitive review process.

Business Bulletin

Golf Tournament Raises More Than $71,000 for BrightBridge Foundation

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BrightBridge Credit Union’s Charity Golf Classic earlier this month raised more than $71,000 in support of the BrightBridge Foundation that aids communities the credit union serves. The Foundation helps expand access to resources that empower individuals and families to build stronger financial futures. It supports such organizations as the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless’ Build A Bed program and the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen in Waltham and Officer Paul Tracey Memorial Scholarship. “Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Synergent, for being such a great partner to work—and golf—with, and to all of our sponsors for supporting the Foundation’s important work in our communities. Events like this bring people together for a great day on the course while making a meaningful impact,” said BrightBridge Credit Union President & CEO John J. Howard.

Business Bulletin

Three PrideStar Trinity EMS Staffers Honored with Patriot Awards

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Three PrideStar Trinity EMS employees were honored last Tuesday with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Awards by the Department of Defense’s ESGR program. Human Resources Specialist/EMT-B Cathy Lanoue, Operations Manager/EMT-B Amanda Lehman and Operations Supervisor/Paramedic Josh Swallow were nominated by PrideStar Trinity EMS EMT Curtis Chanthaboun, who serves in the Army National Guard. “Supporting military members and their families is an important part of who we are as an organization,” said PrideStar Trinity EMS President and CEO David Daly. “We are incredibly proud of Cathy, Amanda and Josh for receiving this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership, compassion and commitment to our employees embody the values we strive to uphold every day.”

Chanthaboun, who is still out on deployment, recognized Lanoue, Lehman and Swallow for their unwavering support throughout his military commitments, which involved drill weekends, annual training, activations and deployments.

Business Bulletin

Bradford Eatery Gets New Name and New Owners

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A longtime Bradford breakfast and lunch spot is getting a new name along with new owners. Most recently called Bradford Village Square, the restaurant at 109 S. Main St., was christened “Bradford Diner” during a ribbon cutting ceremony this past Monday. The restaurant will operate daily from 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Christos Kyriazis, his wife, Sofia, and his mother, Veronika Kyriazis, purchased the outlet from Michelle Eason and have spent the last several weeks sprucing it up. Christos brings more than 15 years of restaurant experience to the operation, most recently having worked at Nan’s Café in North Reading. Sofia has been a familiar face behind the counter at Haverhill’s Drop Café.

Business Bulletin

Blackbird Joins Greater Lawrence Family Health Center as CFO

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Greater Lawrence Family Health Center has a new finance leader who is returning to the Merrimack Valley from the West Coast with more than 20 years of executive leadership across healthcare, nonprofit and technology organizations. Chief Financial Officer Andrea Blackbird joined the health center that offers primary care and pharmacies in Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill. “GLFHC’s commitment to serving the Merrimack Valley and advancing access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare strongly aligns with my values. I’m honored to join such a mission-driven organization and look forward to supporting its important work in the community,” she said. Blackbird most recently served as chief financial officer at Venice Family Clinic in California, a UCLA Health-affiliated community health center with a $100 million operating budget.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Puts on the Ritz to Attract Business Interest at Select Forum

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Haverhill put on a show earlier this month to attract business investment that involved a summit of 40 leaders, tours and showcase of redevelopment opportunities across the city. What was called “Haverhill Economic Development Roundtable and City Property Tour,” was not widely known. City officials said Tuesday those invited were select representatives of government, business, commercial real estate, manufacturing, higher education, nonprofits and economic development agencies. The gathering started June 4 at Harbor Place, downtown Haverhill. It was said to be hosted by Mayor Melinda E. Barrett’s Economic Development Task Force, chaired by City Council President Timothy J. Jordan, in partnership with the Greater Haverhill Foundation, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.