Business Bulletin

Opening of Time Capsules at Methuen, Lawrence Hospitals Show Historical Ties

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Forty-four years ago the Sisters of Bon Secours sent a message to their hospital co-workers of the future which was placed in a time capsule the Methuen hospital was assembling. Last Thursday, the large copper drum was opened to reveal the note signed by eight sisters on Dec. 4, 1982, along with a raft of other memories. “Greetings,” it reads, adding parenthetically, “from Heaven for most of us.” It went on to wish blessing upon those continuing their mission at the then Bon Secours Hospital. Officials, current and former employees, patients and members of the public gathered in the foyer of the hospital now known as Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital to celebrate 75 years of its tradition of compassionate care.

Business Bulletin

Cedar’s Foods Makes $100K Donation to Support Haverhill Community Playground

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Cedar’s Foods has stepped up with a $100,000 donation to support development of a new Haverhill Community Playground at Golden Hill. The contribution positions Haverhill-based Cedar’s as one of the presenting sponsors of the project that, the company notes, reinforces its ongoing commitment to investing in the health, well-being and future of local families. “This project represents the very best of our community coming together,” said Charles Hanna, CEO of Cedar’s Foods, the world’s largest hommus producer. “As a family-owned company rooted in Haverhill for more than 45 years, we believe every child deserves a safe, inclusive place to play and grow. We are honored to support a playground that will make a generational impact for families in our city.”

The planned playground will replace the current outdated structure at Golden Hill School with a fully Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, inclusive, destination playground designed to serve children of all ages and abilities.

Business Bulletin

Secretary Paley to Address Economic Development Conference in Haverhill April 1

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Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley will be in Haverhill next month when he addresses those attending the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Development Conference. Paley joined the Healey-Driscoll Administration last September. Previously, he was co-founder and served as managing partner of Founder Collective, one of the world’s highest-performing seed-stage venture capital funds. Paley speaks during the expo lunch Wednesday, April 1, from noon to 1:15p.m., at Phoenician Restaurant, 12 Alpha St., Haverhill. Admission is $39 each for Merrimack valley Chamber of Commerce members and $49 each for non-members.

Business Bulletin

Free New Homebuyer Bootcamp Takes Place March 26 in Haverhill

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Those looking to buy their first home can learn about the buying process, financing and budgeting and special programs and grants during a free New Homebuyer Bootcamp later this month in Haverhill. Institution for Savings and Downey Law Group will offer guidance and help prospective buyers learn and ask questions about the process from prequalification to closing. The workshop includes an overview of grant and loan programs available to first-time homebuyers, including Massachusetts Housing Partnership loans and other specialized mortgage options. The session will be led by Downey Law Group attorneys Brian Downey and Arianna A. Gallagher of  and Institution for Savings Senior Vice President of Residential Lending Anna Makos and Vice-President/Loan Officer Andrea Leal Jessie. The workshop, which also offers a complimentary buffet dinner and a chance for those 18 and over to win Boston Bruins tickets, takes place Thursday, March 26, from 5:30-8 p.m. at Roma Restaurant, 29 Middlesex St., in Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

Greater Haverhill Chamber Members to Network at Ruth’s House

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Ruth’s House, which operates a charitable thrift shop in Lafayette Square, is welcoming members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce for Back to Business Networking Thursday. The free mixer for Chamber members and guests includes appetizers and door prizes. It is sponsored by Institution for Savings. It takes place Thursday, March 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Ruth’s House, 111 Lafayette Square, Haverhill. Reservations may be made online at HaverhillChamber.com.

Business Bulletin

State Senators Talk Housing, Cutting Red Tape at Merrimack Valley Chamber Breakfast

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The case for more housing, embrace of artificial intelligence and benefits of working collaboratively were the leading topics when the three state senators who represent the Merrimack Valley addressed the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce at its annual State Senate Breakfast Monday. State Sen. Barry R. Finegold started the morning off by arguing lack of affordable housing is dragging down the state’s economy because residents are fleeing in search of a lower cost of living. He said when he asks business leaders what he can do to be helpful to them, the top answer he hears is to build more housing in order to keep and attract talent. Noting that Massachusetts is losing population when other states like Arizona, North Carolina and Texas are growing, Finegold argued, increasing the supply of housing is paramount to maintaining a strong economy. “There is talk about rent control.

Business Bulletin

Cedar’s Foods Wins Praise for Signing PETA’s ‘Eat Without Experiments’ Pledge

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Haverhill-based Cedar’s Foods is winning praise from the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for signing on to the group’s “Eat Without Experiments” pledge. PETA called the new program groundbreaking and that it helps shoppers identify food and beverage companies that don’t test on animals. The Eat Without Experiments website features a database of food and beverage companies categorized by their policies on animal experimentation—from those that test on animals to those, like Cedar’s, that have signed PETA’s pledge for no animal testing. “Cedar’s statement of assurance will give it a leg up with consumers who want to support businesses that do not test on animals,” says PETA Vice President Shalin Gala. “PETA thanks Cedar’s for making it easier for consumers to make compassionate choices and urges other food companies that fund cruel and useless tests on animals to take note.”

Customers spend money according to what a company represents.

Business Bulletin

Williams Joins Riverbend as Medical Director

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Riverbend, which operates Bradford House in Haverhill, recently named Audra Williams as its medical director to guide and strengthen medical care across Riverbend’s residential, outpatient, outreach and recovery support programs.

Dr. Williams joins Riverbend with experience in addiction medicine, primary care and hospital-based treatment for individuals affected by substance use disorder. She will oversee the agency’s medical services, support clinical quality and innovation and work closely with staff and community partners to ensure individuals have access to safe, coordinated and person-centered treatment. “Riverbend’s mission has always been to meet people where they are and provide care that honors dignity and recovery,” said Riverbend CEO Michael Reinke. “Dr. Williams brings both clinical expertise and a strong belief in community-based care. Her leadership will help us continue to grow thoughtful, integrated medical services that support long-term recovery.”

Williams currently serves as medical director of addiction services at Lowell General Hospital.