Business Bulletin

Rep. Vargas to Address Inaugural Bar Association Speaker Series

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Rep. Andy X. Vargas addresses the inaugural Haverhill Bar Association speaker series. Thursday in downtown Haverhill. The Haverhill state representative, up for re-election this year, speaks at the free monthly event that organizers say is not just for lawyers, but anyone interested in current legal topics. Haverhill Bar Association President Paul A. Magliocchetti told WHAV that Vargas’ appearance is timely as he has shepherded the “PROTECT Act,” which would ban federal agents from making civil arrests at courthouses, through the state House of Representatives. “I think he’s being very thorough with it, getting participation from the DA and the people in the courts that are going to have to deal with it,” he said.

Business Bulletin

Service Credit Union Asks Public to Nominate ‘Hero of the Season’

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Service Credit Union recently launched a new community recognition initiative, “Hero of the Season,” honoring New England’s first responders through its 73 Reasons campaign. Through the end of the month, the public is invited to nominate a deserving first responder at servicecu.org. Those eligible include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and dispatchers that demonstrate exceptional dedication. “Hero of the Season gives our members and neighbors an opportunity to share powerful stories of service and gratitude,” said Jaime Yates, credit union assistant vice president of community development. “We know there are countless everyday heroes among us, and we’re honored to help shine a light on their impact.”

At the heart of the campaign is Service Credit Union’s partnership with Boston defenseman and 2026 U.S. men’s hockey Olympic gold medalist Charlie McAvoy, whose commitment to giving back reflects the credit union’s values.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill’s Butch’s Uptown Closes for Renovations

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Butch’s Uptown in downtown Haverhill closed Tuesday following its annual St. Patrick’s Day Party to undertake renovations and a refresher. Restaurant host and manager Joe Boutin told WHAV the wall between the current bar and dining room is scheduled to come down and will be replaced with a horseshoe-shaped bar. The redesign will give the restaurant a more open feel, he said. The eatery at 63 Locke St., Haverhill, is expected to be closed three months.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill’s Stem Receives $300K State Cannabis Social Equity Grant to Improve Access

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An established Haverhill cannabis shop has secured a $300,000 state Cannabis Social Equity Grant that it intends to use to ensure access to its historic Washington Street property for those with disabilities. Haverhill Stem, 124 Washington St., received the maximum grant, while La Bodeguita Cannabis was awarded $50,000 for a proposed Haverhill operation. “We intend to use the $300,000 social equity grant to support the construction of our historic building at 124-126 Washington, ensuring it meets ADA compliance with a new elevator and metal staircase. This investment will not only enhance accessibility but also allow us to safely serve the public. We are thrilled to bring this historic building back to life and create a vibrant educational space focused on cannabis for those 21 and over,” Stem owner Caroline Pineau told WHAV.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Chamber’s 27th Annual WOW Conference April 10

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The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s 27th Annual WOW Women’s Conference next month brings three principal speakers to help participants navigate career changes throughout different life stages. Winning Opportunities for Women speakers are social media and former Boston radio personality Winnie Akoury; Nicole Hart, personal brand and leadership advisor; and Deb Anthony, nonprofit leader, including serving as executive director of Gather. There will also be breakout speakers building on the three major themes. They are Brianne Beatrice, theatre coordinator and professor at Northern Essex Community College; Meghan Kinsey, founder and CEO of Motivate Movement Studios; Joanne Landers, vice president of student affairs at Northern Essex Community College; and Neily Soto, Methuen city councilor. The 27th Annual WOW Women’s Conference takes place Friday, April 10, at Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St., Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

Thornton Turned Investment Hobby into 60-Year Career

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Thomas K. Thornton is one of those lucky guys that managed to turn a side passion into a successful, life-long career. Born and raised in Haverhill, Thornton followed his father into the real estate and insurance businesses after graduating from Haverhill High School in the class of 1961. He attended Northern Essex Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University in Boston. While working with his father, he served as president of the Haverhill Board of Realtors and was voted Realtor of the Year. But another career beckoned.

Business Bulletin

Gorman, Northern Essex Community College Student, Joins WHAV as News and Production Intern

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Isabella “Izzy” Gorman, a Northern Essex Community College student and former Haverhill resident, recently joined WHAV as an intern. Gorman will be writing and editing stories and assisting with production and administrative tasks. This is her first time working in news production. She said she is looking forward to learning more about how newsrooms function and eager to become involved with local broadcasting. Gorman, who graduated from Haverhill High School in 2021, lived in Haverhill for six years before moving to New Hampshire.

Business Bulletin

CiderFeast Returns in June to Haverhill—Center of Five-City Tour

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Haverhill’s annual CiderFeast downtown is coming in June as part of a five-city tour. The city’s own Jimmy Carbone, host of Beer Sessions Radio, said the tour runs from March 16 through November with four stops on the East Coast. New for 2026, a cider dinner kicks off the season next Monday, March 16, at Juliet in Somerville. The dinner with New England Cider Makers is built around four of New England’s best cider producers—Pete Endres of Bird Dog Cider, Zack Kaiser of Absolem Cider, Steve Garwood of Ragged Hill Cider and Eleanor Leger of Eden Ciders. The night features a multi-course meal paired with tastes of eight ciders and conversations with the cider makers about their personal journeys, history of cider making in New England, current state of the industry and growing practices.