Click to the February 2015 newsletter

19th Annual W.O.W. Conference "By the Sea!"
The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s
Winning Opportunities for Women (WOW)
Committee has been working diligently on
the planning and logistics for the 2015 WOW
Conference which will take place on Friday, April 17
at the Blue Ocean Music Hall. Early Bird tickets are
now available at www.haverhillchamber.com/wow.
This year’s “By the Sea” theme is a play on both
location and the sense of serenity and unity that
attendees come back for year after year. The
confirmed speakers will discuss their own personal
hurdles and triumphs along their way up the
corporate ladder. We are excited to have these
highly motivating and successful women at this
19th annual conference: Liz Brunner, CEO Brunner
Communications former News Anchor WCVB-TV;
Mary Ann Esposito, Chef, Star of “Ciao Italia” on PBS;
Cindy Stumpo, CEO of C. Stumpo Development, Star
of HGTV “Tough as Nails”; & Tricia Bradley, Founder,
Serious Fun Productions,
LLC.
Don’t miss your opportunity
to join more than 300 other
successful women for this
day-long conference. Early
bird pricing of $79 per
person (tables of 5 for $375)
will end March 1, 2015.
The ticket price includes:
Conference, Continental
Breakfast, Lunch, and Private
Shopping Experience.
Seating is limited.
Want to reach over 300
professional women for your
business! Become a WOW sponsor or be a vendor.
Call 978-373-5663 for information.
8 0 M e r r i m a ck S t r e e t , F l o o r 2 | H a v e r h i l l , M A 0 1 8 3 0
What sounds better than a spring day spent “By The
Sea”? How about an opportunity to engage with
colleagues building camaraderie; learn personal
and professional tips for success; and be inspired by
a variety of renowned business women who have
risen to the top of their field?
In This Issue...
Chairman’s Message................ 2
Member News ........................ 2
Creative Haverhill.................... 3
Event Photos.......................... 5
New Members ........................ 5
Chamber News........................ 7
President’s Message ............Back
February 2015
Chamber Directory AVAILABLE NOW In-Print & Online
New Member Benefit
The goal of the Chamber is to
help your business thrive. We’re
launching an exciting new program
that encourages members and their
employees to shop or do business
with you.
A New Loyalty App
Introducing the Chamber Loyalty Mobile App.
To participate, members will provide a special
offer or discount.
New Business Directory & Community Guide
T
he Chamber staff is working hard to get your brand new
business directory and community guide out to you and your
staff. This directory serves as a tool to navigate through the
Chamber’s many services. We encourage you to also use this as your
primary means of selecting which organizations and businesses to
work with, shop through, and trade business by. Your support of the
local economy strengthens the efforts of the chamber to “Stay. Work.
Play.” locally and results in stronger economic prosperity for our
region.
The chamber is dedicated to creating the optimal environment for
our 14 communities to prosper. As a Chamber member and member
of our community, we hope that you will take full advantage of the
programs, activism, tools and promotional opportunities available
to you as an appreciated participant in our organization – from fun
festivals to professional education and business development to
consistently great networking!
Offers can be
anything from
discounts
on goods
and services
to a free
consultation.
Your offer will
be valid for one
year and can be
updated quarterly.
The App will be downloaded free of
charge and used by members, their
employees and the public. When
your offer is redeemed, the App
notifies you via email. All offers can
be gifted and shared on Facebook.
Take advantage of the Chamber
network and grow your business!
Getting started is easy, just think
about what you wish to offer and
contact ChamberPG at (978) 7413344 or click below to send your
email right now.
We are growing LEADERS at the Chamber of Commerce!
As previously mentioned, The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
moved in a new direction with the hiring of our new Director of
Economic Development, Beverly Donovan. The main purpose of this
position is to grow leadership within the Chamber and assist others
who may have an interest in becoming more involved in the growth of
our chamber and community.
Our new breakfast and luncheon seminars are designed to identify,
educate and motivate potential leaders. As a business owner you
are faced with challenges every day! GHCC brings people of diverse
backgrounds together to share their experiences in an effort to assist
you, our members, meet those challenges head on!
Our annual WOW Program (Winning Opportunities for Women),
unites a pool of talented business professionals by giving them the
opportunity to share their experiences, enhance their leadership skills,
and develop professional networks that will assist them in their chosen
careers.
Lastly, engaging in a committee, moving into
a leadership role within a committee and
participation in “Leads to Success” lunches are
all steps toward advancement into Chamber
leadership, and conversely community
leadership. Future Board Members are made
from today’s active members!
I have shared only small examples of
programs being offered by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of
Commerce new leadership team starting with our president Stacey
Bruzzese. Check our website for a comprehensive lists of activities.
Success is all about growing and empowering others! Hope to see you
soon at our many upcoming events!
Have a magical Valentine’s Day!
Jean C. Poth,
Chairman of the Board
Member News
ValleyWorks Career Center to host “Clipper
City Job Fair”
The ValleyWorks
Career Center invites
local employers to
participate in the
Clipper City Job Fair,
to be held at the
Masonic Hall located
at 31 Green Street,
Newburyport, MA.
The Event will be
held on Thursday,
March 12th, 2015,
from 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m. There is easy access
and plenty of municipal parking available for Job
Seekers and participating Employers. The last
event drew hundreds of qualified Job Seekers
from Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The ValleyWorks Career Center will also continue
to strive to strengthen our relationships with our
very important Employer Customers by providing
valued added Employer Services throughout
2015.
Haverhill Public Library.
The forum will provide a vehicle to plan and
improve services that will advance the economic
status of low-income adult learners and therefore
improve the economic status of the community as
a whole.
Area businesses, nonprofit organizations and
public officials are invited to participate in
this forum. Mayor Jim Fiorentini will open the
discussion. Other elected officials including
Senator Kathleen O’Connor-Ives, Representative
Brian Dempsey, Representative Diana DiZoglio
and Representative Linda Dean Campbell have
also been invited.
A presentation on the correlation between
poverty and low literacy will be shown followed
by discussions about available resources, services
and gaps and how they affect businesses and the
community in Haverhill.
Buttonwoods Announces “CURATE YOUR
OWN EXHIBIT” Contest!
Community Action Hosts Community Forum on
Adult Education
John Cuneo, Executive Director of Community
Action, Inc. of Greater Haverhill, announced
that CAI
will host
a forum
on adult
education
on Friday,
2/13/15
from 10
AM to 12
PM at the
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Have you ever wanted to curate your own
exhibit? Do you have a collection of objects you
would like the community to enjoy? Here is your
opportunity! Using your own artifacts and ideas,
pitch a story line for an exhibit.
Submit your proposal by February 28. Spend
March and April planning your exhibit with the
Buttonwoods’ Curator. Install your exhibit the last
two week of June. And your exhibit will be on
view for the month of July.
Your proposal should include a clear theme or
story line and the type of artifacts you would like
to exhibit. You may include artifacts from the
Buttonwoods’ collection where possible.
To submit your proposal or for more information
please email Jan Williams, Curator at jwilliams@
buttonwoods.org or direct questions to 978-3744626. This contest is open to ages 13 and older.
Chamber Honors Groups Inc. With Business of
the Month Distinction
In recognition of their quality business practices
and ongoing efforts to provide exceptional
travel experiences
to their customers
while serving a
distinctive role in
the community, the
Greater Haverhill
Chamber of
Commerce is pleased
to announce Groups,
Inc. as the January
2015 Business of the
Month.
For nearly 30 years, Susan R. Schumacher,
President of Groups, Inc. has made it her mission
is to provide creative group tours and cruises for
pleasure and fund raising. As a 40+ year veteran
of the travel industry, Susan provides professional
group tour planning, utilizing air, cruise, rail or
motor coach to any destination.
Groups, Inc.’s commitment to the community
is emphasized with Susan‘s outstanding
contributions to the Chamber and the local
area over the past year. Most notably, Susan’s
participation and contribution to Ruth’s House
as a member of the Board of Director has helped
bring awareness to this vital organization.
President’s Message
The Chamber staff has been hard at work making
new business connections and partnering with
local business resource organizations to assist our
membership in further promoting their business
and developing extensive professional networks.
New this month are two partnerships that we would
like to share. It is my hope that you will take advantage
of the opportunities that these new relationships
provide. First is a collaborative amongst the chambers
across the North of Boston region - an Initiative to
highlight strengths throughout the region, engage in
discussions about Chamber missions and goals, and
to start the process of real and meaningful regional
business collaborations.
What this means for our members is an ability to
participate in events and activities offered by partnering
chambers at member pricing. We are excited that
our members can now count on an “extended
membership” when visiting reciprocating chambers
from Cape Ann to Revere. Truly an opportunity to build
your business beyond the Greater Haverhill area.
Second is a new relationship with the Better Business
Bureau. This collaborative will provide a host of services
to our members, including: FREE
business and advertising reviews.
This service allows small business
owners to remedy fraudulent or
unlawful items in their advertising
BEFORE launching a campaign
so they can steer clear of any legal
actions.
In addition, there are now even
more seminars & workshops available to our members
on a variety of topics including: Scams, Fraud & Identity
Theft; Ethics & Youth; and Smart Investing. Lastly, for
those interested in joining the BBB for accreditation or
credibility, GHCC members will receive a $60 discount
on joining.
For more information on these new collaborations, or
to get a personal introduction to someone who can
assist you in networking, growing your business or
educating yourself and staff please contact me at the
Chamber office. 978-373-5663.
Stacey L. Bruzzese
President
Congratulations!
2014-2015 Business Award winners
to be honored at the 25th Annual Business Awards Breakfast.
Please join us in honoring the following deserving businesses:
Purchase Tickets TODAY!
Event: February 13, 2015 | 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Atkinson Resort & Country Club. Tickets $40/person
include a buffet breakfast, keynote speaker, Amy LaBelle of LaBelle
Winery, and awards presentations.
RSVP to Beth Morrow, Office & Projects Manager, at 978-373-5663
or [email protected]. www.haverhillchamber.com.
Page 7
Planes, Trains, Automobiles & More!
Beverly Donovan, Dir. of Economic Development
The Greater Haverhill region is uniquely
physically positioned to strengthen its
economic position. Situated between
two major interstate highways – Routes
495 and 95 – and with easy access to
commuter rail, bus routes and several
airports of varying size, the region
is ripe for expanded commercial
development and attracting an eager
workforce. The possibility of future
transportation and recreational uses
of the Merrimack River are also being
explored as renewed interest in
riverfront development comes forward.
At the hub of the Greater Haverhill
Chamber of Commerce’s service
area lies Haverhill, where visitors and
residents alike will find a walkable
downtown just steps away from the
MBTA station is easily accessible and provides parking for 159 commuters. This
commuter rail line provides transportation directly into North Station, Boston
train station on Washington Street, where they
can easily walk to restaurants and spas, browse
urban renewal projects decades in the past), they are
the many shops in the Riverfront Cultural District
incorporating multiple transportation modes, planning for
or relax by the river at Riverfront Park. The new Harbor
more pedestrian/bike/commuter options. This is important,
Place development just east of central downtown, at the
as society’s attitudes toward automobile transportation
end of Merrimack Street, promises an expanded river walk
has been slowly transforming. Younger adults are waiting
and new commercial, office and residential development,
which is sure to draw people to this expanding urban oasis. longer to get their licenses, and the total number of miles
that Americans drive yearly has gone down. Younger
The rail-trail loop is also being worked on, and will provide
adults and empty nesters are flocking to cities to live and
even more transportation and recreational activities.
work in a walkable environment where the culture is
rich and housing choices are varied. Haverhill has lots of
All of this is great news! As cities across the country reopportunity to embrace these trends and is doing so on a
think street plans (and recover from the devastation of
daily basis.
Of course, for some, the auto will be the transportation
mode of choice and necessity. For the smaller
communities that round out the region of the Greater
Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, which includes
Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimack and West
Newbury in Massachusetts and Atkinson, Danville, East
Kingston, Hampstead, Kingston, Newton, Plaistow and
Sandown, downtown Haverhill offers a wide variety
of entertainment, shopping, service and recreational
opportunities that may not be as abundant in their
communities. In return, those towns offer an escape to a
more rural environment for their more urban neighbors,
or remote housing locations for the workers who come
into the hub each day. In short – our communities need
each other in order to each maintain their respective
The new parking garage, conveniently located in railroad square can
personalities
and remain vibrant, and getting there is half
accommodate MVRTA users as well as visitors to the downtown area.
the fun!
Parking at the MVRTA garage on Granite Street is $1.00 per hour.
Page 6
Jenny Arndt, Art & Culture Coordinator
Cultural District Gets Creative
Open Mic for Poets
2015 is shaping up to
be an incredible year
for Creative Haverhill,
the Riverfront Cultural
District, and Haverhill as
a whole! As construction
begins on the Harbor
Place project, and plans
are made for the newly
designated Transformative
Development District on Merrimack Street, the Washington Street end
of the downtown will remain unscathed. The Riverfront Cultural District
triangle of Washington Street, Essex Street, and Railroad Square will boast
the return of traditional festivals, as well as new programs, new public art
projects, and creative businesses cropping up at every turn! Perhaps most
exciting is the return of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s
KidsFEST, with a new ART twist, which will makes its return to downtown
Haverhill on May 2, 2015. Creative Haverhill is thrilled to partner with the
Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce to make this year’s Kids-ART-Fest
a truly creative and fun-filled experience for kids and adults of all ages.
Our plan is to work with local organizations and vendors to offer a variety
of art-related activities, touching on a wide range of disciplines- dancing,
theater, puppetry, improvisation, painting, poetry, recycled art, sculpture,
hat-making, music, film, and more! You won’t want to miss this years’ KidsART-Fest!
Creative Haverhill is proud to report that we have received $1,350 in
grants from the
Haverhill Cultural
Council, a local
agency, which
is supported the
Massachusetts
Cultural Council,
a state agency for
two upcoming
programs this year. On February 26, 2015, we will be hosting a “Poetry
Open Mic Night” at the Paint and Wine Lounge on Wingate Street. This
event is open to the public, and will feature amateur performances
from local poets and writers of all ages. We hope you’ll join us for a fun
evening of poetry, prose, short stories, and spoken word!
HAC Artisan Marketplace
One of Creative Haverhill’s most popular groups, the Haverhill Artist
Connection continues to gather on the third Thursday of each month to
collaborate on community
projects and ways to support
the local artist community in
Haverhill. At our most recent
meeting, ideas were put
forth for a regular artisans
marketplace similar in format
to the very popular Haverhill
Farmer’s Market, which would allow local artists to sell their goods at a
location downtown each month. If you would like to connect with the
Haverhill Artist Connection, you can search for the group on Facebook and
request to be added.
Summer Movies by the River
This summer, look out for our “Movies by
the River” outdoor movie series, where
we’ll be setting up a large movie screen
and playing some popular family films
downtown each Thursday throughout the
summer! Bring a chair or a blanket, and
enjoy a fun, FREE movie under the stars!
Cultural Business of the Week
In an effort to showcase some of the best businesses in the Riverfront
Cultural District, we’ve recently started promoting an HRCD Business of
the Week. These businesses are nominated by their fans, and receive one
full week of Facebook promotions from the Riverfront Cultural District
Facebook page. So far, the response
has been overwhelmingly positive, and
businesses are seeing more “likes” and
visits. Our January winners included
Wicked Big Café, Positive Images Gallery,
The Artist Café, The Color Mint, and Be
Imagine Music Studio. To nominate your
favorite HRCD business, leave a post on
the Haverhill Riverfront Cultural District Facebook page, or email jenny@
haverhillchamber.com!
Business Before Hours
Business After Hours
Tropical Escape
Eye-Opener
Feb. 19, 2015 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Nunan Florist & Greenhouse
269 Central St, Georgetown
Feb. 18, 2015 | 8:00 AM
RSVP to 978.373-5663
Career Resources, Inc.
Veteran’s Employment Services
80 Merrimack St., Haverhill
RSVP to 978.373-5663
Page 3
Welcome
NEW MEMBERS
Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant Haverhill
Alex Vargas
www.casablancamexica.com
Salem Co-operative Bank
Bonnie Breen
www.salemcoop.com
Shawmut Property Management
Andrew Raynor
www.shawmutpm.com
The Cork Stop
Frank Stamos
www.thecorkstop.com
Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern
MA, ME, RI & VT
Paula Fleming
[email protected]
Thank you
RENEW ING MEMBERS
Traggorth Companies LLC
Dave Traggorth
www.traggorthcompanies.com
Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc.
Pati Fernandez
www.esmv.org
Top: Gary Jaffarian, Jaffarian Auto; Lori
McHugh, Cedardale & Cindy Carver, Salem
Co-op Above: Nancy Montville, LegalShield
& Carolyn Jackson, Cedardale
Congratulations to Downtown Haverhill’s newest restaurant
CASA BLANCA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Left: Jean Poth, NECC & Chairman of the
Board, GHCC & Stacey Bruzzese, President
pose with a Mariachi Band; Below Left:
Jefferson Davis, Coldwell Banker shows
off his raffle winnings a prize pack full
of Margarita making items and a Casa
Blanca T-shirt.
Attorney John G. Cleary
John Cleary
[email protected]
Palmer Gas Company/Ermer Oil Co.
Bill Ermer
www.palmergasco.com
Scott Companies
Joseph Scott
www.scott-companies.net
Ashley’s Hallmark Shop
Lynda Murray
hallmarkgc.com Lamont Trucking Company
Lamont Rodger
[email protected]
Brian S. Dempsey Insurance Agency
Brian Dempsey
www.dempseyinsuranceagency.com
Page 4
Left: Elaine Barker, Paper Potpourri &
grand daughter Above: Barbara Rowell,
Sullivan & Bille & Pam
Right: Alex Vargas, Owner, Casa
Blanca cuts a ribbon for the Grand
Opening of the 3 Essex Street location surrounded by GHCC directors
and members
Thank you
RENEW ING MEMBERS
Fantini Baking Co.
Joseph Fantini
www.fantinibakery.com
Jaffarian Volvo Toyota Scion
Gary Jaffarian
www.jaffarian.com
Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
Dennis DiZoglio
www.mvpc.org
Jennifer A. Borislow Insurance Agency, Inc.
Jennifer Borislow
www.borislow.com
Top Left: Ratchet Head technical team Above Right: One of
Ratchet Head’s many endurance race cars Below: Miquel ,
Ratchet Head
Above: Beth Morrow & Bev Donovan,
GHCC help register guests, Right: Laurie ,
& Valeri Haggett, Send Out Cards
Bradford Labs
Jeff Fugere
www.dltechnology.com
Galinsky Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Stephen C. Galinsky
978.374.1743
Zorvino Vineyards
Tom Zack
www.zorvino.com
Nunan Florist & Greenhouses
Stephen L. Flynn
www.nunans.com
Carr, Staples & Accardi, P.C.
Paul M. Accardi
www.carrstaplesaccardi.com
Above: Michelle Apprahamian, Palmer Gas/
Ermer Oil & Maria Tuszinski, AFLAC; Right:
A Ratchet Head Pro Car reflects their logo
behind, Below: Paul Szot, CGM Technologies
goes for a “test drive”
Below Left: Brenda Berkholder, Nichols Village &
son from Team Ratchet Head; Linda , Nichols
Village &
Below: Jefferson Davis, Coldwell
Banker, going for a “test drive”
BE SEEN!
Promote Your
PRODUCT, SERVICE &
BUSINESS
Affordable Space Here!
Call 978-373-5663 for details
Page 5