HAVERHILL — The City of Haverhill is open for business — and local leaders are making sure investors, employers and developers know it.
Folks and figureheads from across the Merrimack Valley grabbed a seat at Harbor Place earlier this month for the Haverhill Economic Development Roundtable and City Property Tour. The event, held on June 4, attracted more than 40 leaders of public and private sectors, like government, business, commercial real estate, manufacturing, education, nonprofit organizations and economic development agencies.
The topic of conversation that day: the future of Haverhill and the opportunities that will shape its financial future.
Mayor Melinda Barrett’s Economic Development Task Force partnered with the Greater Haverhill Foundation, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission to host the roundtable discussion.
The gathering served as a forum for regional leaders to share ideas for future growth and showcase properties that could play a large role in Haverhill’s next chapter.
Barrett welcomed participants and emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering economic development.
“Haverhill is open for business,” she said. “We have tremendous assets, strong partnerships, and real momentum. This event was an opportunity to bring people together, share ideas, and continue building the relationships that will help shape Haverhill’s future.”
The program featured remarks from state Rep. Andy Vargas, Rob Anderson of MassDevelopment, Undersecretary Patrick Field and Assistant Secretary Juan Vega of the Executive Office of Economic Development and Peter Milano of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development.
Participants also took part in a resource roundtable with city department heads along with representatives from organizations like the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and National Grid. Discussions flowed between development-ready resources and ways local, regional and state partners could collaborate to support Haverhill’s economic success.
Attendees were invited on a guided tour of Harbor Place and a citywide property tour that put a spotlight on available development, commercial and redevelopment possibilities throughout Haverhill. Transportation for the tour was provided by MEVA Transit, while lunch was hosted by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce at The Hill.
“This event was never intended to solve every challenge or answer every question,” Economic Development Task Force Chair Tim Jordan said. “The goal was to start the conversation, strengthen partnerships, and bring together a group of people who understand the value of collaboration.
“In many ways, this is the beginning of the beginning. We are building a network of leaders and partners who are committed to helping Haverhill succeed.”
Organizers said the conversation will be picked back up at future roundtables and initiatives designed to strengthen Haverhill’s economic competitiveness and quality of life.