Business Bulletin

‘Beyond 9 to 5’ Panel Looks at 50 Years of Women in the Workforce

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A local panel assesses the impact of 50 years of women in the workforce in “Beyond 9 to 5,” presented by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce in partnership Merrimack Valley Stageworks. The program was inspired by Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” film and brings together leading women to connect the lessons of the past with the challenges of today, and to explore solutions for a more equitable future. “We’ll celebrate how far we’ve come, take an honest look at where we stand and spark ideas for where we go next,” the Chamber says. Panelists, moderated by HC Media’s Lindsay Paris, are Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, Cedar’s Foods Executive Vice President of Marketing Aimee Tsakirellis, Rosen & Goyal Managing Partner Kavita Goyal, Anna Jaques Hospital President and CEO Megan Gray and New England Tractor Trailer Training School owner Samantha Greenberg. Master of Ceremonies Angelica Jeffreys oversees the program and Mayor Melinda E. Barrett delivers opening remarks.

Business Bulletin

AutoFair Subaru, Sweet Paws Rescue Plan Howl-O-Ween Pawty Oct. 31

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Haverhill’s AutoFair Subaru is having its first-ever Howl-O-Ween Pawty, a free community event to support Sweet Paws Rescue and celebrating Halloween, shelter pets and the two organizations’ shared commitment to animal welfare. The Howl-O-Ween Pawty is part of Subaru Loves Pets, Subaru’s nationwide initiative to help adoptable dogs and cats find loving homes. Every October, Subaru retailers across the country partner with local animal welfare organizations to host adoption events and provide grants, administered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to support the costs of preparing animals for adoption. “Every October, Subaru retailers around the country bring the Subaru Loves Pets promise to life in their own communities, and we’re proud to do that right here in Haverhill,” an AutoFair Subaru spokesperson said. “Naming Sweet Paws Rescue our 2026 grant scholar recipient is our way of putting real support behind an organization that shows up for animals every single day.”

The Howl-O-Ween Pawty is free and open to the families with trick-or-treating; opportunities to meet Sweet Paws Rescue’s adoptable dogs; a pup costume contest, featuring chances to win a Subaru detailing package, gift baskets, a dog photography session and more; a “Guess How Many” dog bones contest; “Find the Golden Paw” challenge to win a $500 pet supply spree, a weekend Subaru loaner or a gift basket; pet photoshoots; and local vendors on the Treat Trail serving coffee, apple cider donuts, hot chocolate and more.

Business Bulletin

Verani Realty Collects 14,000+ Lbs. of Food During 10th Annual Drive

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty last month collected more than 14,000 pounds of food and donated $20,000 to local food banks during its 10th Annual Food Drive, supporting organizations and families across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Throughout September, Verani Realty agents, employees, clients and community members collected nonperishable food at offices and in neighborhoods throughout the region. Many agents brought the drive directly into the communities they serve, delivering collection bags to local homes and returning to pick up donations. “For 10 years, this food drive has been about our agents, employees and neighbors coming together to help people right here in our communities,” said Margherita Verani, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty. “Seeing more than 14,000 pounds of food donated this year is incredible, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.”

The food collected was distributed to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, New Hampshire Food Bank, Alton Food Pantry, SHARE Food Pantry, Upper Valley Haven, Saint Anne Parish Food Pantry, Liberty House and St.

Business Bulletin

Gray Becomes President of Anna Jaques Hospital

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Megan Gray was recently named president and chief operating officer at Anna Jaques Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health. Gray served as chief nursing officer and chief operating officer of Anna Jaques since May 2025. Since joining Anna Jaques, Gray is credited with leading efforts to strengthen operations, enhance patient care, increase workforce engagement and further key strategic priorities, including the relaunch of the Gerrish Family Foundation Fast Track service to streamline high-quality care to Emergency Department patients. “Anna Jaques has a long history of clinical excellence and compassionate care, and I look forward to building on that legacy while ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of the patients and families we serve.” Gray said. Gray brings extensive experience in health care operations, nursing and academic settings to the president’s role, including executive positions at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire.

Business Bulletin

‘Handmade in New England: A Holiday Market’ Debuts Black Friday in Haverhill

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Haverhill’s Lindsay Jordan is among those taking part in “Handmade in New England: A Holiday Market,” a new venture at Historic New England’s Haverhill Center, during next month’s Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Jordan helps kick off the holiday shopping season at the new venue, featuring, what’s described as, “a thoughtfully curated group of handmade makers from across New England.”

Organizers urge visitors to “Come shop small, meet the makers and find something special for everyone on your list.”

Handmade in New England: A Holiday Market takes place Black Friday, Nov. 27, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m., to 4 p.m., both days, at Historic New England’s Haverhill Center, 143 Essex St., Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

In Visit, Michlewitz Calls State Economy Strong, Recognizes Housing, Food Concerns

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Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, tackled concerns about housing, hunger and energy affordability Monday when addressing members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. Michlewitz noted the state can do better and has places where it has to be more competitive, but gave the state an overall thumbs up. He said the “numbers don’t lie,” the state still has a “strong economy.”

“Considering all the chaos that you’re seeing across the country and in the global markets and everything like that, Massachusetts has continued to stay pretty steady in its growth and in its consistency,” he said. Introduced by Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank A. Moran of Lawrence, Methuen and Andover, the chairman said a lack of housing is the state’s biggest challenge in keeping people in Massachusetts, “young people in particular.” He pointed out Haverhill Rep. Andy X. Vargas has championed the “Yes in God’s Back Yard,” or YIGBY, bill that would loosen zoning rules to allow religious organizations to develop housing by right. While Michlewitz said the House put some restrictions on it, the proposal is advancing.

Business Bulletin

Essex District Attorney Tucker Rules Out Third Term

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Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said Friday he will not seek a third, four-year term, presuming he is re-elected during the November general election. Tucker, who was first elected to the county’s top law enforcement post in the November 2021 general election following a lengthy career in law enforcement and as a state representative, is running unopposed for his second term this November. “I am wrapping up my fourth year. And I’ll have one more term and, as long as my wife and I both vote for me, I’m unopposed. I will be back on the job for four more years.

Business Bulletin

River Run Elects Yadav President; Will Become CEO Next July

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Sujata Yadav has been named president of River Run Bancorp, MHC, parent of Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank and Rollstone Bank & Trust and will become chief executive office next July. Yadav will work closely with Chief Executive Officer Lloyd L. Hamm Jr., River Run’s board of directors and executive leadership team as she begins her transition into the leadership of River Run and its three affiliated community banks. River Run said its board of directors elected Yadav following a comprehensive national search. She will succeed Hamm as chief executive officer effective next July 1. At that time, Hamm will transition to executive chairman for a two-year period, working alongside Yadav, River Run’s boards and executive leadership team.