Business Bulletin

Sherwood, Who Presided Over a New Vision for Haverhill Chamber, is Stepping Down for Testing Startup

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Greater Haverhill Chamber’s Dougan Sherwood is leaving his post as president, but will remain with the organization he reshaped over the last two years as a member of its board of directors. Sherwood is joining a Cambridge startup focused on scaling COVID-19 testing across the country. Since being named president and CEO during May 2018, Sherwood guided a rewrite of the Chamber’s mission and vision, moved the organization to the UMass Lowell iHub and formed partnerships to increase diversity. “I came to Haverhill because I see the potential in its diversity.  It’s a complicated place but it has so much going for it.” said Sherwood in a statement Friday. “This Chamber sees itself as a driver for important growth and change throughout Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

Silva, Who is Bringing Community Health Center to Haverhill, Retires Next Spring

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John M. Silva, president and CEO of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center since February 2016, is retiring next spring. Silva, who retires effective June 30, guided the organization through a period of expansion including increasing overall patient access, creation of the Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization in collaboration with Lawrence General Hospital, opening new health center locations in Methuen and Haverhill, expanding the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency and increasing both behavioral health and substance abuse services. “This has been a very difficult decision for my wife and I,” Silva said. “I love this health center and the Lawrence community and I am so proud of the work this organization does each day for our patients. After 41 years in this profession it is time to move on to the next phase of my life.”

Silva’s career in the community health center movement began with his appointment as the executive director of the Hull Medical Center in Hull in 1979.

Business Bulletin

Collopy Joins Haverhill Bank as Vice President, Information Technology

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Alan M. Collopy, of Methuen, recently joined Haverhill Bank as vice president, information technology. Prior to joining Haverhill Bank, Collopy worked as information technology officer at Cambridge Trust Company and has 25 years of banking and information technology experience. Collopy is an active member in the DRI Organization for Disaster Recovery Professionals. “Alan brings a depth of knowledge of information technology that will be an asset to the bank,” said Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer.

Business Bulletin

Podcast: SCORE Seminars Aim to Help Local Businesses Thrive This Holiday Season

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The upcoming holiday shopping season is a crucial one for businesses affected by this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, and a group of business veterans is offering free tips on to make it a better season. The nonprofit organization SCORE, which operates out of the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill, matches experienced business mentors with entrepreneurs. SCORE volunteer Michael Thompson was a guest this week on WHAV’s morning program, and explained upcoming online seminars offers timely help. One takes place this Thursday, Oct. 22,at 1 p.m.,  providing “Planning Tips to Make Your E-Commerce Business Thrive During Peak Season.”

“Helping people develop their plans for Thanksgiving and holiday shopping.

Business Bulletin

Haffner’s ‘Let’s Kick COVID’ Campaign Turns Over $20,000 Donation to Two Area Hospitals

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Haffner’s, which accepted donations at its gas stations this summer, matched $10,000 in customer donations and presented $20,000 to two area hospitals to help them respond to COVID-19. The “Let’s Kick COVID” campaign, which ran throughout July and August of this year, brought in nearly $10,000 in donations from Haffner’s customers. Energy North Group, Haffner’s parent company, matched every contribution and donated $10,000 each to Lawrence and Lowell General Hospitals. “We are so grateful to all of the medical staff and personnel that have been working to fight COVID-19 on the front lines and keeping our communities as safe as possible,” said Energy North Group owner and CEO Jeff Black, adding. “With the help of many generous customers, we were able to contribute well-deserved donations to two area hospitals.

Business Bulletin

Local Hospital Presidents to Share Merrimack Valley Chamber’s Highest Honor at Annual Lunch

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Two local hospital presidents are sharing the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor at the business group’s annual awards lunch. Holy Family Hospital President Craig Jesiolowski and Lawrence General Hospital President and CEO Deborah Wilson each receive the Ralph B. Wilkinson Good Citizenship Award during the lunch Wednesday, Oct. 28, from noon-1:15 p.m., at DiBurro’s Function Hall in Haverhill. Other award winners include Brian Mohika, founder and CEO of CathWear, who is to receive the Emerging Leader Award, and the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, which is receiving the Community Spirit Award. Sean P. Stellato, award-winning author of “No Backing Down,” is the featured speaker.

Business Bulletin

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Receives Cummings Grant to Support Mobile Health Unit

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Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, which will soon open the Haverhill Family Health Center and related pharmacy at 755 Main St., is one of 30 local nonprofits to share in $10 million in funding from Cummings Foundation. The 40-year-old organization will receive $500,000 over 10 years to support its mobile health unit which provides health care to the homeless throughout the Merrimack Valley. GLFHC also has five health centers and pharmacies in Lawrence and Methuen. The organization uses a comprehensive care service delivery model tailored to meet the needs of the target population – economically disadvantaged, minorities and working poor. All services are linguistically and culturally sensitive to patients’ needs.

Business Bulletin

Sen. DiZoglio and Rep. Vargas Address Pandemic Business Challenges Monday Morning

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State Sen. Diana DiZoglio and Rep. Andy X. Vargas address, what the Greater Haverhill Chamber calls, “Challenges Facing the Business Community,” during a special virtual Q and A Monday morning. The free Zoom conference takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and focuses on issues affecting businesses in Massachusetts and what actions the state is taking to help prepare for winter during the pandemic. Issues including changes in unemployment insurance. The conversation is open to the public. Register at haverhillchamber.com.