Chairman’s Message ............... 2

Member News ....................... 2

Creative Haverhill ................... 3

Event Photos ......................... 5

New Members ....................... 5

Chamber News ....................... 7

President’s Message ...........Back

In This Issue...

Chamber Launches NEW INTERACTIVE Website

80 Merrimack Street, Floor 2 | Haverhill, MA 01830

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce launched a brand new website over the weekend and we would like you to take a look!

This newly designed website was published to serve the members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the surrounding communities. Highly interactive, this website allows for links to member pages, posting of jobs and other announcements, serves as an outlet for member news, and provides an option for posting calendar items and events.

Plus, Keep your directory listing up-to-date and add social media links such as Facebook and LinkedIn; Maintain your list of Member Representatives; View transaction history and pay invoices online; Update your business profile, including your business category and description; Register for member events and take advantage of member discounts.

Please make an effort to reference the online directory whenever making a purchasing decision and let our members know that you saw their name while visiting the Chamber’s website. www.HaverhillChamber.com

Members will be able to manage their own

"login" information. With this new profile

feature all registered users will be able to

keep their information current, review and pay

invoices, register for events and much more!:

New look & feel for website...

We are excited to announce that we recently added a Members-only online service to our Chamber Web site. Members-only provides convenient 24/7 access to your membership information and to member events and discounts. As the administrator of your account, you can use Members Only to:

• Keep your directory listing up-to-date and add social media links such as Facebook and LinkedIn. • Maintain your list of Member Representatives. • View transaction history and pay invoices online. • Update your business profile, including your business category and description. • Register for member events and take advantage of member discounts. • Purchase website advertising and Enhanced Member Directory Listings.

New Website boasts Member's Only portal

Thank you for perusing the GHCC brand new newsletter, Business Edge. This monthly publication will be produced for our membership and the surrounding community to inform on events, happenings and opportunities both of the chamber and its membership.

Information recounted in the newsletter will be provided by both the chamber’s staff as well as its member businesses. Should you wish to submit an article or newsworthy business item, simply email information along with an image or photo to, info@haverhillchamber.com.

Information provided from our members will also be included on the newly launched Chamber website (www.HaverhillChamber.com) in the member news

section to maximize your visibility and provide added value to your business.

In addition to great stories, business updates and event photos there

is space available for member advertisements. Ads may be business card, 1/4 page, or 1/2 page in size,. Additionally full page inserts are also available.

Advertising packages are available for multiple months, or combination of in-print and online advertising. Contact the Chamber office for details.

Thank you once again for reviewing our new publication. Your attention is appreciated!

Stacey L. BruzzesePresident

President’s Message

At right: A crowd mingles among the wreaths dur-ing this fantastic new event; Below: Mary Grise, The Inside View; Jim Renner, Acoustic Cocktail; Kathy Loffredo, The Inside View; Below Left; Mary O’Neill & Mary Ellen Lawlor, ServPro of Haverhill

Thank you to all of the local businesses that donated wreaths for the Wreath Stroll. Because of your generosity, the Chamber was able to raise $500+ and a delivery of toys for the Marine’s Toys for Tots Fund.

Wreath Stroll made better thru donations!

This year the Greater Haverhill Chamber welcomed a new President, Stacey Bruzzese and a new Economic Development Director, Beverly Donovan. We are fortunate to have found staff who have the experience and passion to work for our Chamber. We are focused on improving current activities and look positively to continued growth in an effort to better assist our members.

As a long-time member of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, I personally know that the value businesses, both small and large, receive from the membership is priceless. The Chamber’s value can only be enhanced, and our organization strengthened,

with the participation of our membership in our programs, committees, and events. From the numerous networking opportunities to advocacy on important business issues, the Greater Haverhill Chamber appeals to every facet of the business community.

It is an honor and privilege to serve you this year as we continue to energize and improve our organization.

Jean C. Poth, Chairman of the Board

The Chamber recently had its first annual Wreath Stroll at its host in

downtown Haverhill, The Barking Dog Ale House. The event included a free champagne toast, 32 wreaths from various local business owners, and a silent auction for attendees to bid on the wreaths.

The Stroll took place on December 9, 2014 from 5-8PM. There was such a

great turn out that we cannot wait to do it again next year!

Those who won wreaths have been contacted and may pick them up

at the Chamber at their earliest con-venience. If you have any questions regarding this event, please call the Chamber at 978-373-5663.

Volunteers Needed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2015

Event Details: Monday January 19, 2015 | 11 AM to 3 PM Trinity Episcopal Church | 26 White St | Haverhill, MA 01830 Contact: Katie Berry, Emmaus, Inc. 978-241-3438 | kaitlyn@emmausinc.orgIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Emmaus, Inc. will be hosting a family health fair on January 19, 2015. The health fair will be open to all members of the community and will focus on family health and safety. The event will also include a free hot meal. Emmaus will need the help of dedicated volunteers both before and during the event. We have already secured several health-related organizations to volunteer their time and set up informational booths at the fair. Any additional health organizations are still welcome to register.

NECC Medical Interpreter Course Fills Need

Are you bilingual? Help fill a critical need for trained medical interpreters by enrolling in a 54-hour Medical Interpreting noncredit course offered through Northern Essex Community College at the Riverwalk, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The nine-week course is offered Saturdays from 9 a.m.

to 4 p.m. beginning January 31. An information session will be held at the Riverwalk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 17. This course provides working knowledge of medical interpreting, including standards of practice, ethics, HIPAA regulations, cultural competency, and medical vocabulary. Students must comprehend and communicate in English and one other language to be eligible to enroll. Register early, as a brief language phone assessment is required. This course meets the requirements of the National Board for Medical Interpreter Certification. The fee of $1,065 includes materials and three coaching sessions Individuals enrolled in this course should plan on bringing a bag lunch. What to Eat & Drink During the Sons of Anarchy

In honor of the Sons of Anarchy series finale, People Magazine online put together a mini-menu of SOA-themed treats. One features cookies from chamber member Cakes by Erin! The article reads, “To pair with your whiskey, we suggest these incredibly detailed cookies from Massachusetts bakery Cakes by Erin. Diehard fans will be happy to know that these treats also have the SoA cast’s stamp of approval.” Owner Erin Erler says this customized character cookie launched last Christmas with some left over gingerbread cookies from the holiday. Store manager, Renee Terry took a few of the cookies and decorated them to look like Jax, Chibbs, Tig, Bobby and Juice then Tweeted them out to the cast and the rest is history. This past September Erler was contacted by Tracey

Anderson, head makeup artist, who ordered over three dozen to give to the cast. She followed up with Cakes By Erin after the product was received and relayed the excitement and enjoyment of the cast. To read the article visit http://greatideas.people.com/2014/12/05/sons-of-anarchy-series-finale-menu-recipes/

Recover Faster with the Alterg® Antigravity Treadmill®

The innovative AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® is a game changer in physical therapy rehab and was recently revealed to patients at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital. Patients or athletes dealing with lower body injuries, chronic pain or neurological conditions that inhibit mobility, can benefit from the unweighting capabilities of the Anti-Gravity Treadmill.® machine helps a broad spectrum of people to achieve their personal health, wellness or performance goals. “We are extremely excited about being the region’s first rehabilitation hospital to offer this” – Robert Iannaco, Administrator at the Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital. With its unique unweighting capabilities, theAnti-GravityTreadmill® allows training and rehabilitation to move forward by: Allowing walking or running with no pain while maintaining a normal gait; Reducing stress on joints and injured areas of the lower body; and Giving patients the confidence and ability to run or walk longer and recover faster with less pain. For more info visit www.whittierhealth.com.

Member News

Women in Business Come Together Monthly to Support, Encourage & Educate The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce hosted a holiday luncheon for its newly formed Women in Business Networking Group. This group is meant for women in the local area to come together to form an alliance surrounding business topics. Lunches rotate between members’ business locations, and are held on the second Friday of each month. This particular lunch was held on December 12, 2014 at noon at the Chamber. About 20 women were in attendance. The luncheon included a relaxation session from Reiki Master Sherryl Comeau. Comeau has been interested in her line of work ever since she was little, and her passion continued into her later life. Women experienced a tranquil state of mind from Comeau’s peaceful gathering.

Women interested in hearing more about these luncheons, which take place every month on the 2nd Friday, or in joining the group can email info@haverhillchamber.com or by calling the Chamber at 978-373-5663.

Chamber Celebrated 1st Annual ChillFest

This year’s Chamber ChillFest was held on December 6, 2014 from 2-6PM. The name is a new name for the annual Christmas Stroll. ChillFest was decided upon due to the fact that the Chamber is incorporating a more business-oriented feel to the festivities. There were no outside street vendors, just the downtown businesses who played host, with free food, games, activities and entertainment. The event included many activities, including but not limited to: pictures with Santa Claus, stories with Mrs. Claus, Christmas movies and hot cocoa, and window voting for your favorite downtown business window decorations. After voting, raffles took place including a chance to win a giant stuffed Olaf!

Local business, Haverhill Beef, participated in the ChillFest by offering wine tasting and food samples. Event goers were all too happy to

visit this fantastic establishment.

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Harbor Place development project takes a giant leap forward

Phase 1 of the new Harbor Place development project took a giant leap forward during Christmas week as utility crews cut power and fuel to the buildings slated for demolition. The first to come down will be the former Haverhill Family Eye Care building, which will enable construction crews to create a large entry to the back of the site.

In a meeting for abutters on December 23rd held at the Community Room at Pentucket Bank, representatives from Dellbrook Construction, officials from the City of Haverhill and other project representatives were on hand to address concerns of those neighboring the construction site. Concerns brought forward included parking, safety, pest infestation, sidewalk and road closures and other impacts to local businesses. Abutters concerns were noted and their contact information collected so that project and city leaders can maintain an open dialog. The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce will provide updates as they become available.

Harbor Place is being developed through a joint venture of the non-profit Greater Haverhill Foundation (GHF), a business group that promotes economic development, and the Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA), a nonprofit mixed-use developer affiliated with the Archdiocese of Boston, and will be funded with a mix of private and public funds. The City of Haverhill has also pledged $1.2 million in tax breaks over 12 years, which will apply only to the increased value of the development.

The project is sustained by a combined $19.3 million in MassWorks grants and funding, which will advance Haverhill’s economic development, community revitalization and workforce housing goals by creating sustainable, transformative development. It will also focus on what is

considered to be one of Haverhill’s best assets, the Merrimack River. The funding will enable streetscape improvements along Merrimack Street, utility relocation, a new boardwalk along the river, demolition of structures along Merrimack Street (including the former Woolworth building), development of the construction site, pedestrian access to the river, underground parking and the creation of a public riverfront park, all projected to be completed by June of 2016.

Phase I of Harbor Place will feature a combined 53,500 gross square feet of commercial, retail and housing opportunities in a five-story building. One floor will be leased by Pentucket bank to house their new operations center. Another floor will be occupied by Haverhill Community TV (in partnership with Haverhill Bank). In addition, two floors are set aside for a UMass Lowell satellite campus, which will offer students both traditional classroom learning and hybrid programs. The remaining floor will be developed by the Greater Haverhill Foundation.

The project is expected to add over 300 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs to the local economy.

Beverly Donovan, Dir. of Economic Development

Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce was honored to be a part of the

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for

Amara Medical Aesthetic's as they opened their office location in Andover!

Congratulations!

Art and Culture Coordinator, Jenny Arndt and the board of Creative Haverhill, a community arts and education foundation are hard at work planning brand new events and initiatives for the coming year. The growing Haverhill Artist Connection group continues to meet on the third Thursday of each month to showcase local artists and discuss ways to support the vast network of gifted artists and musicians in the Greater Haverhill area. In addition to that great program, Creative Haverhill is also working with the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations to plan some large and small scale events for the community, which will bring attention to the diversity of arts and culture in

our city. Be on the lookout for announcements about a new Spring event to be held in the Riverfront Cultural District! This event will have something for all ages to enjoy, and will focus on showcasing a broad range of arts- from martial arts, to ballroom dancing, to puppet theater, independent film, street art, culinary arts, and more! Don't forget! Our community calendar on www.CreativeHaverhill.org is an excellent resource for upcoming community events! This month, take advantage of these great

opportunities: January 6, 10:30AM - 12:00PM: History for Half Pints: The American Revolution in Haverhill (Buttonwoods Museum) Introduce your little Half Pint to Revolutionary history! Through games, cooking, and museum collections, we’ll explore Haverhill’s role in the American Revolution and get kids excited about history. Spaces are limited and registration is required. To register, please email programs@buttonwoods.org by Jan. 1st. Cost: $5 / $4 for members History for Half Pints are programs for children ages 2-6 and their caregivers. They are held on the first Tuesday of every month.

January 13, 10:00AM - 12:00PM: Homeschool Program: His Story Her Story (Buttonwoods Museum)

Combining a look at boys & girls of Haverhill’s past with a discussion of their lives today, this workshop explores changes in the American childhood experience. We’ll write our own “His Stories” &“Her Stories,” play games of their grandparents, great grandparents, and beyond. Museum collections will help illuminate childhood experiences of long ago. The participants will conduct a short oral history project before coming to the Museum. The earlier you register, the more time you have to complete the pre-visit project!Homeschool Programs are open to all kids ages 4-12. We meet on a middle Tuesday of each month (this month on the 13th) from 10am-noon. The cost is $5/child to explore hands-on history at the Buttonwoods! Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. To register email, programs@buttonwoods.org by Thurs. Jan. 8th.

January 15, 6:30PM - 8:30PM: Haverhill Artist Connection (Sage Art Gallery)Calling all local creatives! Join us on the third Thursday of January at the Sage Art Gallery for networking, light refreshments, an Artist Spotlight, and a discussion on establishing Haverhill as a desirable destination for artists and art buyers alike. Suggested donation: $2 pp.

The Gr. Haverhill Chamber and Creative Haverhill will partner on several events and initiatives throughout the coming year, like this event | Chamber ChillFest

which took place on December 6, 2014.

New events & initiatives being planned for Business & Community

Jenny Arndt, Art & Culture Coordinator

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Alicia Makeup Academy Alicia Zefta

www.aliciamakeupacademy.com

Always Electric LLCKirk Murray

Apothecaring Gretchen Doumit

www.apothecaring.com

Belle Aimee Med Spa Connie Cammilleri

www.belleaimeeNH.com

Driscoll Funeral Home Patrick Driscoll

www.driscollcares.com

Essex Innovation Lab Ed Justen

www.haverhillcoworking.com

Froggy’s Play School Vinny Nunez

FroggysPartyPad.com

Giving Tree Yoga & Wellness Suzanne Borgiolo

www.givingtreeyogaandwellness.com

Hair Cuttery Chenoa Robertson

www.haircuttery.com

Hospice Services of MA Ellen Eldridge

Jeff & Marias Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Food Jeff Boragine

www.jeffandmarias.com

KF Grants Kerry Fitzgerald

LaPlume & Sons Printing, Inc. Scott Morton

www.laplumeprinting.com

Legal Shield / Kevin Montville Kevin Montville

www.NancyMontville.com

Mach Evolution Erin Curtis

www.machevolution761.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics/Sharon Rae Cieslik Sharon Rae Cieslik

www.marykay.com/SharonRae

Modern Auto Glass Carol Reebenacker

modernautoglass.com/tewksbury

More Space Place Keith Belair

www.salem.morespaceplace.com

Mountain Dogs Alpine Outfitters Michael Gerardi

www.mountaindogsinc.com

Northeast Digital Imaging Joe Gannuscio

www.ne-digital.com

Northwest Mutual - Andover Brian Diamond

www.northernnewenglandfinancial.nm.com

People’s United Bank Kyle Schneck

www.peoples.com

Phoenix Rising UCC Rev. Donna Spencer Collins www.phoenixrisingucc.org

PointsNorth Construction Management Nick Hall

www.ptsnorth.net

Poppins Salon & City Spa Kristen McVey

wwwpoppinsalon.com

Prelude Restaurant Thomas C. Grella

www.prelude.com

Prime Property Team @ Keller Williams Realty Ron Carpenito

PrimePropertyTeam.com

Salem Coopoerative BankBonnie Breen

www.salemcoop.com

Schooley Mitchell James Hayes

www.schooleymitchell.com

Send Out Cards Joanne Ryan

www.sendoutcards.com/seeforyourself

Studio At 13 Natalie Moussa

www.studioat13salon.com

The Modern Chair Aaron Pic

www.facebook.com/themodernchair

Timberlane Glass & Mirror Denise Gallant

www.timberlaneglass.com

Vacation Ownership Nick Schibly

www.vacationownership.com

Your Personal Fitness Source Melanie Roofe

www.mroofe.com

Welcome NEW MEMBERS

Donations Delivered Locally Thanks to our Member’s Who Hosted Drop Boxes DuringTHE CHAMBER CHILLFEST!

Biz After Hours | NovemberNORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Top: Golf Pros from Willowcreek network with Cecilia Buckles, Advertising That Works & Carol Reebenacker, Modern Auto Glass Above: Kelley Contarino, Align Credit Union & Cindy Carver; Salem Cooperative Bank.

Left: Stacey Bruzzese & Tim Donovan; Above: A golf pro demonstrates the indoor golf simulator.

Top Left: Pat Bruno, Positive Images, & Jim Corcorran, Corcoran Creative Above Right: Jenny Arndt, Creative Haverhill; & Kristen McVey, Poppins Salon City Spa. Right: Aaron Pic, The Modern Chair

mingles with customers; Above: Lynn & Alan Boisvert, Keon’s 105 Bistro.

Top: Event hosts from Northern Essex Community College; Above Roght: Steve DeSisto, Coldwell Banker & Joe Gannuscio, Northeast Digital Imaging; Cecilia Buckles, Advertising That Works & Vanessa Henry. Above: Alison Penergast, YWCA & Monique

Zillich, Ward Hill Insurance; Right: MaryEllen House, Ruth’s House, Bev DeLuca, LegalShield

& Susan Schumacher, Groups, inc.

Sam AMbra, Simply Elegent Catering; Bev Donovan, GHCC & Steve DeSisto, Coldwell Banker

Right: Beverly Donovan & Stacey Bruzzese of GHCC present Emmaus House with personal care and food items for their pantry.

Left: Jenny Arndt, Creative Haverhill and Stacey Bruzzese, GHCC presnent a box of donated Toys and Children’s Items to The Common Ground Cafe to be used for homeless families locally at Christmastime; Below Left: Stacey Bruzzese, GHCC present s John

Cuneo of Community Action with warm winter gar-ments and personal care items for their consumers;.

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Left: Jean Poth, NECC & Chairman of the BOD @ GHCC; Jefferson Davis, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage