HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Awards ceremony was held earlier this month, celebrating the accomplishments of local small businesses across the region.
It was a morning of honoring innovation, service, longevity, and cultural impact at the Renaissance Golf Club and Country Club on Kenoza Street.
The chamber handed out trophies to a range of business owners. MakeIT Haverhill and MassDevelopment took home awards for “Business Assistance,” Andover Living and Merrimack Valley Eats for “Media Advocate,” Joseph’s Trattoria among several others received “A Special Salute to Family Owned Businesses.”
Guest speakers included Ili Spahiu, Acting District Director of the Massachusetts District Office for the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Peter Steele, Regional Administrator of New England for SBA.
Bank names new president, CEO
SALEM, N.H. — Daniel X. Stannard has been named President and CEO of Salem Cooperative Bank, effective June 30, replacing Ann R. Lally who is retiring.
Lally has been a cornerstone of the bank since 1986, taking the helm as president in 1997 and later becoming CEO in 2013. Over four decades, her leadership has been instrumental in driving the bank’s strategic growth, deepening customer relationships and fostering community partnerships.
“I hope that, in some small measure, I’ve been able to serve the bank and its communities to the best of my ability,” Lally said. “I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated individuals and to make a positive impact on the lives of our customers.”
As incoming president, Stannard will be responsible for leading the bank’s overall strategic growth across retail, mortgage and business markets. His focus on deepening customer relationships, fostering community partnerships and driving innovation while upholding the bank’s core values.
“Having spent most of my career in community banking, I have seen firsthand the important role community banks play in supporting local customers and strengthening the communities they serve,” Stannard said. “I am honored to join this organization and look forward to building on the strong culture of service (Lally) and her team have cultivated.”
Stannard brings with him over three decades of experience in consumer, residential and commercial leading and management, business development and community service. He has served as Executive Vice President, Senior Lending Officer, since 2014 and a board member since 2023 for the Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank.
NH Gives collects $3.M for nonprofits
CONCORD — New Hampshire came together in a powerful show of support for the nonprofit sector during NH Gives, raising more than $3.4 million for nearly 650 participating organizations.
Organized by the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, NH Gives is the state’s largest single day of giving. Since its launch in 2016, the annual online event has raised more than $22 million for nearly 1,200 nonprofits serving communities across the Granite State.
“This is a strong affirmation that nonprofits matter to the people and communities they serve, said CEO Kathleen Reardon. “NH Gives is not only a celebration of giving, it is also a testament to the essential role nonprofits play in our daily lives.”
One of the top-performing nonprofits included Windham Endowment for Community Advancement for small-sized organizations with the largest number of unique donors.
Realty One opens office in Salem
SALEM, N.H. — Realty One Group Reliant celebrated its grand opening this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration.
Led by Amie Ceder Bracey, the new office is a welcomed addition to the Southern New Hampshire’s real estate landscape.
A well-known figure with over two decades of experience in residential, commercial and investment real estate, Bracey is known for her commitment to clients and community alike.
The grand opening, held at 23 South Broadway, saw employees, friends, town officials and community members gathered in support at the new location. Guests also entered raffles to benefit the Salem Animal Rescue League.
To learn more about Realty One Group Reliant, visit rogreliant.com