Merrimack Valley Chamber to Hold Backpack and School Supply Drive

In time for the back-to-school marathon, the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce plans a backpack and school supply drive at Millhaven, an event venue in Lawrence. The Chamber says those taking part in the drive may take advantage of a free taco bar dinner. In place of a ticket, those interested are asked to bring a backpack or school supplies to the drive. The drive takes place Tuesday, Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m., Millhaven, 60 Island St., Lawrence.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Next Generation Networking Night

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce invites local young professionals to attend its Next Generation Networking Night later this month. The Chamber says the night offers an opportunity its younger members and guests to make meaningful connections, grow their networks and meet other young professionals in business. The networking night takes place Thursday, Aug. 20, 5-7 p.m., at DoubleTree by Hilton, 123 Old River Road, Andover. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

Institution for Savings Promotes Rotkowski, Espinola and Shatku

Institution for Savings recently promoted three commercial lenders, Lori Rostkowski and Theresa Espinola to senior vice presidents of commercial lending, and Albi Shatku to vice president of commercial lending. “These well-deserved promotions reflect the strength of our commercial lending team and the talented people who continue to drive its success,” said bank President and CEO Michael J. Jones. “Lori, Theresa and Albi have each demonstrated tremendous expertise, leadership and commitment to helping our customers thrive.”

Rostkowski has been at Institution for Savings for more than 25 years and has experience in commercial lending, credit administration, accounting and finance. She joined the bank’s commercial lending team back in 2014. Espinola joined the bank in 2021.

Borracci Becomes River Run VP, Senior HR Business Partner

Candela Borracci is moving up to vice president, senior HR business partner, at River Run Bancorp and its affiliated banks— Pentucket Bank, Newburyport Bank and Rollstone Bank & Trust. Borracci will be based in the organization’s Newburyport office, supporting leaders and employees throughout the organization. “Candela has consistently demonstrated the strategic thinking, collaborative approach and people-first values that define great HR leadership,” said Jamie Gabriel, executive vice president, chief admin officer and chief human resources officer. “This promotion reflects the confidence we have in her ability to shape our culture and mentor our teams as River Run Bancorp continues to grow.”

Borracci, of Dover, N.H., will lead talent acquisition and employee relations while partnering closely with leadership on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning and employee engagement. She will oversee the full-cycle recruiting process, manage employer branding and recruitment analytics and serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters.

Haverhill Chamber Opens Downtown Offices to Shared Space and Pop-Up Shops

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s new downtown Haverhill storefront is being transformed into a shared resource for members. Chamber board Chair Allison Heartquist says entrepreneurs and small business owners now have the opportunity to use the 29 Washington St. space as a collaborative work environment, while a new rotating Pop-Up Shop program provides local businesses and makers with a storefront to showcase products and services. “This is an exciting time for the Greater Haverhill Chamber,” said Heartquist. “We’re creating new opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and grow while making the Chamber more accessible and engaged than ever before.

Sanchez Joins Institution for Savings as Residential Lending Vice President

Joshua Sanchez of Haverhill recently joined Institution for Savings as vice president of residential lending. With more than 20 years of banking and mortgage lending experience, Sanchez will work closely with homebuyers and homeowners guiding them through every step of the mortgage process from application to closing. The bank noted he has extensive experience helping first-time homebuyers, as well as individuals and families purchasing or refinancing a home. “We are delighted to welcome Josh to our residential lending team,” said Institution for Savings President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Jones. “His knowledge of the local housing market combined with his commitment to exceptional customer service makes him a tremendous resource for our customers and addition to the team.”

Beyond his professional experience, Sanchez is volunteers with Emmaus House, serves on the board of directors of Haverhill Day Care and is a member of the Haverhill Exchange Club.

Wellness Hot Yoga Closes Over Haverhill Parking and Bridge Woes

To submit Business Bulletin announcements, click on image. Parking issues and the reconstruction of the nearby Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge recently prompted the owner of Wellness Hot Yoga at Harbor Place in downtown Haverhill to close her studio. Teri Almquist told WHAV she and her partner, Michael Gu, couldn’t see a way to keep their business growing with the financial pressures they are facing. “First, we lost our free parking with the construction of new parking garage, and then we knew with the bridge construction, getting here was going to be all the harder,” Almquist said.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Networking at Noon Lunch at Benchmark

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce plans a Networking at Noon lunch to take place at Benchmark, a senior living facility in North Andover. The Chamber says the event includes a complimentary lunch and soft drinks. Networking takes place Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 12-1:15 p.m., at Benchmark at North Andover, 700 Chickering Road. Seats are $20 for members and $30 for non-members.