Business Bulletin

BrightBridge Celebrates ‘Marathon Matt’s’ Run for Charity

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BrightBridge Credit Union’s own Matthew “Marathon Matt” Medeiros successfully completed Monday’s Boston Marathon and raised nearly $35,000 for Boston Children’s Hospital. The credit union celebrated the efforts of Medeiros, consumer underwriting manager, following the run and months of fundraising and community engagement. After crossing the finish line, Medeiros reflected on what the race meant to him at this stage in his life. “Running the Boston Marathon is an incredible experience, but this one was especially meaningful,” Medeiros said. “I was so excited and humbled to accomplish this again, this time knowing my family was waiting for me at the finish line.

Business Bulletin

Artie T. Demoulas Loses Battle to Lead Market Basket Grocery Chain

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Arthur T. Demoulas Monday lost his bid to remain at the helm of the Tewksbury-based Market Basket chain of grocery stores. A statement from Justine Griffin, spokesperson for Demoulas, appears to acknowledge the difficulty the longtime leader would have in keeping the family business’ top job. “Arthur T. Demoulas filed his response to the Board’s lawsuit knowing there were high hurdles given the broad latitude Delaware courts give to boards of directors. Market Basket is an incredible success by every measure. As his father before him, the late Telemachus A. Demoulas, Arthur T. has devoted his entire working life to building and growing Market Basket in a way that has brought benefit to all stakeholders—its associates, its customers, the communities that Market Basket serves and its shareholders,” she said in an email.

Business Bulletin

BigBelly Hosts Early Earth Day Tour of its Methuen Factory

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(Additional photograph below.)

Bigbelly last week worked with nonprofit MassRecycle to host an early Earth Day tour at its Methuen factory. The national manufacturer of enclosed trash bins and solar-powered smart systems serves Haverhill and other area communities said the tour brought together community and university leaders, sustainability professionals and business leader. During the tour, attendees learned about Bigbelly’s fully enclosed bins that eliminate overflow, litter and pests, helping to maintain cleaner and more welcoming public spaces. Solar-powered compaction technology delivers up to five times the capacity of traditional bins, while real-time data enables cities and campuses to reduce collections by up to 80%—cutting truck traffic, lowering emissions and improving efficiency. “Public spaces are where life happens—and how they look and function shapes how people experience a community.

Business Bulletin

River Run Bancorp Promotes Eastman to Vice President

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The parent company of Pentucket Bank recently promoted Jennifer Eastman to vice president, advertising & social media manager. River Run Bancorp said Eastman, of Newton, N.H., oversees media buying and vendor relationships, manages advertising budgets and campaign planning, and leads the social media strategy for River Run and its banks. She also ensures brand consistency across branch signage and digital channels while supporting community relations and public-facing marketing initiatives. “Jen has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity and strategic insight in strengthening our brands and expanding our digital presence,” said Chief Marketing Officer Vickie Routhier. “Her ability to connect our banks with customers and communities through thoughtful campaigns and storytelling has made a meaningful impact across the River Run organization.”

Eastman works from the Stadium Branch in Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Health Welcomes Senior Human Resources and Development Officers

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Visael “Bobby” Rodriguez has joined Merrimack Health as chief human resources officer, while Maria Gudinas was named chief development officer on the hospital network’s leadership team. The pair are tasked with workforce development and raising money at the Lawrence-based nonprofit that operates the formerly named Lawrence General Hospital and Holy Family Hospitals in Methuen and Haverhill. “Bobby and Maria are exceptional leaders who will play key roles in advancing our mission to care for the Merrimack Valley,” said Diana Richardson, president and chief executive officer at Merrimack Health. “Bobby’s leadership in building a strong, supportive workplace culture aligns with our values, and Maria’s deep roots in the region and ability to connect people to a shared purpose will strengthen our philanthropic efforts.”

Rodriguez has more than 20 years of experience leading human resources, culture and workforce strategy in large-scale health care organizations. His expertise includes workforce planning, talent development, employee engagement and organizational strategy.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Chamber Members to Network at Blue Ocean

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Blue Ocean Event Center is Salisbury welcomes members and guests of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce later this month for a business networking mixer. Besides making new business contacts and accessing leads, those attending may nibble on complimentary appetizers and have a chance to win a door prize. The mixer takes place Wednesday, April 22, from 5-7 p.m., at Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury. Admission is $10 each for members and $20 each for non-members. Those interested may reserve a spot online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Business Bulletin

Make It Haverhill Makes it Happen in New Downtown Space

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Make It Haverhill, which has evolved since its 2017 founding in Haverhill’s Mount Washington neighborhood has settled into its new downtown home. Begun as a nonprofit by Keith F. Boucher in the long-gone Benedetti Shoe Store on Washington Street, the organization is now part of Community Action and just relocated to 59 Orchard St., in a recently renovated 1940-era retail space. Make It Haverhill matches residents to careers and provides related training,

“It’s exciting to see Make It Haverhill in a new, updated space that is centrally located to serve residents of the Acre and Mount Washington. With the same strong team and the support of committed volunteers, Make It Haverhill is well positioned to continue meeting critical community needs,” said Boucher in a statement Wednesday. Kerri Sheeran Perry, president/CEO of Community Action, thanked Boucher.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Bank Caps L’Arche Boston North Fund Drive with $25K Matching Gift

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L’Arche Boston North’s Culinary Program and its future L’Arche Café recently received a boost from a $25,000 matching gift from Haverhill Bank. The match supported a year-end fundraising campaign and supports vocational training and inclusive leadership opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We are profoundly grateful to Haverhill Bank for once again stepping forward as our Matching Gift Partner,” says L’Arche Boston North’s Executive Director and Community Leader Lynette McRae. “Their generous $25,000 matching gift is a powerful endorsement of our mission and inspires our entire community to deepen the impact of their giving. We are grateful to all of our supporters who joined us in meeting Haverhill Bank’s matching gift challenge, maximizing this extraordinary opportunity to amplify hope and inclusion for our community.”

Officials said, L’Arche Boston North’s Culinary Program addresses a growing need in the Merrimack Valley for inclusive, skill-building programs and meaningful vocational opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.