Business Ideas for Haverhill Family-Focused Entertainment Could Win Up to $25K Cash Prize

Those with ideas for starting a family-focused entertainment business in Haverhill—such as an indoor playground or miniature golf—could win a $25,000 cash grand prize to help launching their idea. Team Haverhill, in partnership with EforAll Merrimack Valley, having, what it calls, Fun Forward Youth & Family Entertainment Pitch Contest, Wednesday, June 25, from 6-8 p.m., at Pinnacle at Harbor Place, third floor, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. They are inviting entrepreneurs, creatives, existing businesses and visionaries to present innovative ideas and spectators are welcome. “Think Shark Tank… without the teeth,” organizers explain.

Merrimack Valley YMCA Names Heena to Lead Andover/North Andover Branch

Nicole Heena is the new executive director of the Andover/North Andover Branch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. Heena, of Haverhill, joins the Merrimack Valley YMCA following a 17-year career at the North Shore YMCA where she worked as the associate executive director of the Salem YMCA and previously served as the Senior Creative Arts Director and Membership Director. Merrimack Valley YMCA President and CEO Francis J. Kenneally III said, “She has a deep commitment to the mission and service work of the YMCA and the leadership skills to take our talented team to the next level.”

Heena said she is “excited and grateful, calling Merrimack Valley YMCA “an organization that is clearly a cornerstone of the community and a welcoming home for so many.”

As executive director, Heena will oversee a staff of 150, manage a $10 million operating budget, and serve the needs of the branch’s 14,000 members. The Andover/North Andover YMCA offers a health and wellness center, three pools, gym, child care center and dedicated Active Living Center for older adults, while hosting more than 100 group exercises classes per week and dozens of youth and adult programs.

Groveland’s Neat Repeats Plans Jill’s Luxury Leather Goods Popup

Jill Murray of Franklin will bring her refurbished luxury leather handbags, clutches and wallets to Neat Repeats at a pop-up event. Neat Repeats, a consignment shop, is hosting Jill’s Luxury Leather Goods event on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 908 Salem St., in Groveland. Among the brands she will display are Louis Vuitton, Gucci, YSL, Prada, Dior and Burberry. Neat Repeats owner Julie Harmon recently left a career in health care to take over the local thrift shop. She accepts gently used clothing and accessories in good condition daily.

Haverhill Cannabis Retailer Stem Celebrates Five Years in Business

Stem, Haverhill’s first of four cannabis shops, celebrated its fifth anniversary with four days of events at its 124 Washington St. store last week. On Friday, May 30, with several dozen customers and dignitaries in the audience, owner Caroline Pineau cut a ribbon to celebrate the moment. State Cannabis Control Commission Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins told those assembled how impressed he is by the success of Stem. “This is a business that is not easy to get into or to sustain,” Stebbins said.

Surgeons Lord and Karam Join Community Medical Associates at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen

Drs. Jeffrey Lord and Paul Karam recently joined Community Medical Associates, a multi-specialty medical practice associated with Lawrence General and Holy Family Hospitals. Lord and Karam, who serve the Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire, will see patients at Holy Family Hospital in the William Lane Building, 70 East St., Methuen. “Dr. Lord and Dr. Karam represent the very best in surgical excellence, leadership, and compassion,” said Dr. William Goodman, vice president of medical affairs and ambulatory practices. “Their appointments reflect not only an exciting expansion of our specialty surgical capabilities, but also the continued growth of our system as a center of advanced care.

Reinke Purchases Riverside Cycle’s Three Locations, Plans Regular Group Rides from Haverhill

Tom Reinke, the longtime general manager of Haverhill’s Riverside Cycle, has taken the reins of the business as owner. Reinke purchased the bicycle shop from his boss, Aaron Millett, along with two other shops in the locally owned chain. Reinke, who lives in Seabrook, N.H., now owns Riverside Cycle locations in Newburyport and Manchester-By-the-Sea as well. Fifty-five-year-old Reinke has been associated with bike shops since he began working in 1985 at a small bike and ski shop in Appleton, Wis. He joined Millett’s staff in 2011.

Haverhill Bank Promotes Shaw to President and COO

A local banking veteran earned promotion to the post of president and chief operating officer at Haverhill Bank this month. Gregory J. Shaw, who delivers more than 32 years of experience—nearly 25 years in the Haverhill market—most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the bank. Thomas L. Mortimer, who remains Haverhill Bank’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board, said Shaw’s promotion reflects his significant contributions to the bank since he joined the institution two and a half years ago. “Greg has played an instrumental role in Haverhill Bank’s continuing growth in recent years. He has earned the confidence of depositors, borrowers and the public at large as a dedicated community servant, thoughtful team player and strategic leader.

Downey Law Group Offers Free Estate Planning Seminar June 12

Downey Law Group/DLG Closing is presenting a free seminar in June on “The Essentials of Estate Planning and Navigating the Massachusetts Estate Tax.”

Topics include planning to fit individual needs, how to navigate the Massachusetts estate tax and deduction planning for married couples whose assets total more than $2 million. The seminar, led by attorney Aubrie L. Gallagher, takes place Thursday, June 12, from 6-8 p.m., at Ipswich Country Club, 148 Country Club Way, Ipswich. Appetizers and beverages will be provided. Because space is limited, those interested are asked to reserve by calling 978-561-1137 or emailing [email protected]. Downey Law Group/DLG Closing maintains offices in Topsfield and Haverhill.