Business Bulletin

Jordan Joins Recovery Café Haverhill as Program Director

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Ryan Jordan was recently promoted to program director of Recovery Café Haverhill operated by Riverbend. Jordan previously served the Riverbend team for more than a year as care coordinator at Bradford House, where he worked closely with residents to support treatment planning, coordinate services and help individuals build strong foundations for long-term recovery. In his new role, he will lead day-to-day operations at Recovery Café Haverhill, overseeing programming and staff, welcoming new members and building, what the nonprofit calls,” the kind of consistent, judgment-free community that helps people stay connected to recovery long after treatment ends.”

“The Café is a different kind of space,” said Jordan. “People come in and they’re not a client or a case number, they’re a member and they belong here. I’m grateful for the chance to help grow that community and to support people as they work toward healthier, more fulfilling lives in recovery.”

Rich Hollett, vice president of Recovery Support Services at Riverbend, said “Ryan has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both our clients and our mission since joining Riverbend.” He is a graduate of Riverbend’s Recovery Coach Academy.

Business Bulletin

Service Credit Union Haverhill Offers Free Youth Day Aug. 15

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Families are invited to enjoy a day of fun, learning and community in mid-August at Service Credit Union’s Youth Day, designed to help children and young adults build healthy financial habits through hands-on activities. Youth Day will feature a variety of activities that introduce children to saving, spending and smart money management in, what the credit union calls, “an engaging, age-appropriate way.” There will be interactive financial education games, branch tours, information on youth savings opportunities and refreshments. The Haverhill branch will also have raffles and giveaways, including a grand prize of a Skylight family calendar. “Financial confidence begins with education, and it’s never too early to start building healthy money habits,” said Jessica Belanger, Service Credit Union’s Haverhill branch manager. “Youth Day is a fun way for families to spend time together while giving children practical lessons they’ll carry with them for years to come.”

The free event takes place Saturday, Aug.15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Service Credit Union, 424 Lowell Ave., Haverhill.

Business Bulletin

Downtown Haverhill’s Yoga Tree Celebrates 16th Year

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The Yoga Tree in downtown Haverhill celebrated its 16th year with free classes in a variety of yoga practices over three days, Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26. Founded in 2010 by Caroline Pineau of Haverhill, the 2,000-square-foot studio at 90 Washington St. was purchased in 2019 by Ally Vallieres, who trained with Pineau. Pineau sold the studio at the time she opened her second business venture, Haverhill Stem, just down the street. A Haverhill native, Vallieres said the weekend of “It’s Our Sweet 16th” events welcomed current students as well as newcomers to try out different styles of traditional yoga without obligation.

Business Bulletin

Riverbend Merrimack Valley Selects Boyack as CEO

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Evan Boyack Tuesday joined Riverbend Merrimack Valley, which operates Riverbend Bradford House and Ray of Light Recovery Café in Haverhill, as its chief executive officer. Boyack succeeds Michael Reinke, who stepped down. During his tenure, a statement said, the organization expanded services, strengthened its financial position and advanced its mission. Reinke is transitioning to full-time ministry, where he will serve as an Episcopal priest in Connecticut. “Evan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and commitment to Riverbend’s mission,” said Louise Griffin, chair of the Riverbend board of directors.

Business Bulletin

Health Insurance Woes Reaching ‘Inflection Point,’ Commissioner Says

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Caljouw: ‘We have things that we can and should do to try to tackle some of these issues’
By Alison Kuznitz

A day after approving sharp health insurance premium hikes, the state insurance commissioner reflected on the deteriorating landscape but pointed to policy levers that could start to bend the cost curve. Nearly 700,000 Bay Staters will see an average 10.4% premium jump in the merged market, where many individuals and small businesses get coverage, under rates for 2027 that the Division of Insurance approved Wednesday. The average family plan is now expected to incorporate total premiums that exceed $50,000, underscoring worsening healthcare affordability challenges. “I think I have a unique perspective managing the merged market in particular, but fully insured health insurance overall — the status quo is unacceptable,” Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw said at a Health Policy Commission meeting Thursday. “It’s getting worse and worse every day,” Caljouw continued.

Business Bulletin

500 Lawrence Hospital Healthcare Workers Join 1199 SEIU Union

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Various healthcare workers at Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital voted recently to join 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. About 500 workers, including nurses aides, phlebotomists, housekeepers, transport workers, pharmacy techs and radiology aides will become part of the union after 89% of workers voted in favor in an election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board covering the former Lawrence General Hospital. “Together, we made our voices heard, and together we won!” said Tara Benjamin, a lead phlebotomist at Lawrence Hospital. “This victory belongs to every member who stood up, voted and believed in the power of unity. Now the real work begins!”

Cari Medina, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, said, “Through our union, we’re fighting for—and winning—high-quality jobs with strong wages and benefits, so that healthcare workers can focus on what they got into this field to do—care for our patients.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Chamber Conference Honors 5 Next Generation Leaders

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Five “emerging leaders” will be recognized during the upcoming Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Next Generation Leaders Conference. Those being honored are Robinson Aquino, JBS Corp. partner and CEO; Phillip DeCologero, Northern Essex Community College’s director of president’s office communications and external affairs; Nick Distelbrink, AFLAC independent benefits advisor; Kerrie Ganley, DoubleTree Andover director of sales and marketing; and Elizabeth Nolberto, Cross Cultural Carelink registered respiratory therapist and chief operating officer. Ben Consoli, BC Media Productions founder and executive producer, serves as the keynote speaker. The conference takes place Wednesday, Aug.

Business Bulletin

Greater Haverhill Chamber Members to Network at Skyline Social

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Members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce plan to take it to the top literally at a Back to Business Networking gathering at downtown Haverhill’s Skyline Social. The free mixer, which features appetizers and chances to win door prizes, introduces members to the revamped, 10th floor rooftop lounge. Last fall, the lounge and related first-floor restaurant changed its identity from Bosa Restaurant and Bosa Bar respectively to Bosa Restaurant and Skyline Social. Manager Phillip McCabe told the Haverhill License Commission explained the reason for the name changes, saying patrons were sometimes confused when making reservations because the two floors offer different menus. Back to Business Networking takes place Wednesday, July 29, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at 160 Merrimack St., top floor, Haverhill.