Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Networking at Noon at Shadi’s

Shadi’s Restaurant hosts members and guests of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce later this month for a Networking at Noon Luncheon. The lunch includes a choice of either Arabic Platter, baked haddock or chicken kabob and comes with salad, rice pilaf and French fries. A cash bar is available. Networking at Noon takes place Thursday, Jan. 22, from noon to 1:15 p.m., at Shadi’s Restaurant and Lounge, 585 Chickering Road, North Andover.

Greater Haverhill Chamber Names Pentucket Bank as Business of the Month

Pentucket Bank was named December’s Business of the Month by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. In making its selection, The Chamber cited the bank bringing world-class capabilities to the community bank level while preserving personalized service, trusted relationships and local investment. Construction of Pentucket Bank’s new White’s Corner location is underway as part of developer Salvatore N. Lupoli’s $160 million District Square project in downtown Haverhill. Pentucket Bank began in downtown Haverhill more than 130 years ago and serves the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire.

BrightBridge Credit Union Renews $30,000 Emmaus Sponsorship

Haverhill-based Emmaus is the beneficiary of BrightBridge Credit Union’s renewal of its annual $30,000 sponsorship of the nonprofit providing emergency shelter, affordable housing and related services. BrightBridge is Emmaus’ longest running and largest partner, with more than three decades of ongoing support that has helped advance the organization’s mission of promoting stability and creating opportunities for those most in need across the Merrimack Valley. “There are a growing number of families and individuals in our communities who rely on Emmaus’ programs and resources,” said BrightBridge President and CEO John J. Howard. “We are so honored to continue our partnership with Emmaus and to support their unwavering commitment to helping our neighbors build more secure futures.”

Emmaus’ services include homelessness prevention, rehousing and stabilization, career services, parental support and coordinated entry. Programs are geared to ensuring individuals and families experiencing homelessness receive appropriate assistance for both immediate needs and long-term housing stability.

The Tap Hosts Haverhill Chamber for ‘Back to Business Networking’

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce plans this month’s “Back to Business Networking” at the Tap Brewing Company in downtown Haverhill. Chamber leadership calls the free event a chance to “mix, mingle and network with fellow business leaders” and advises members and guests to “come as you are” and “stay as long as you like. There will be appetizers and a door prize. Networking takes place Tuesday, Jan. 27.

SCORE Offers Free Online Series for Those Wishing to Open a Business

SCORE plans a free, five-part online series of “Simple Steps for Starting Your Business.”

The series over five successive Tuesdays teaches such essentials as business planning, market research, branding, communication strategies, financial planning, profitability and more. The first session, “Basics,” takes place Jan. 6, followed by “Concepts,” Jan. 13; “Marketing,” Jan. 20; “Financials,” Jan 27; and “Cost, Pricing and Breakeven,” Feb.

Next Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Connect Jan. 7

Wellness Hot Yoga hosts the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s next Coffee Connect. The free event provides opportunities to meet new members, share ideas and expand networks while sipping coffee and eating breakfast. It also offers a door prize. It takes place Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 8-9 a.m., at Wellness Hot Yoga, 34 Merrimack St., Haverhill.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll Returns for Merrimack Valley Chamber’s Mayors and Managers Forum Jan. 26

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will be on hand again next month when the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Mayors and Managers Forum. Driscoll, who has addressed forum the past several years, is a former mayor herself, serving Salem, Mass., from 2006 to 2023. She was elected lieutenant governor in 2022. Driscoll is expected to be joined by Mayors Melinda E. Barrett, Haverhill; David P. “D.J.” Beauregard Jr., Methuen; Brian A. De Peña, Lawrence; Sean Reardon, Newburyport; Kassandra Gove, Amesbury; and Managers Melissa Rodrigues, North Andover, and Andrew Flanagan, Andover. The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Mayors and Managers Breakfast is Monday, Jan.

Vargas Talks with Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Members at ‘Eggs & Issues’

State Rep. Andy X. Vargas will address members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and answer questions during the organization’s next “Eggs & Issues” forum. Vargas, who represents most of Haverhill in the Legislature, speaks Friday, Jan. 9, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., at Hampton Inn by Hilton, 106 Bank Road, Haverhill. Admission is $15 each for Chamber members and $25 each for non-members and includes breakfast. Registration takes place at HaverhillChamber.com.