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Greater Haverhill Chamber Leads Haverhill Renaissance

Business growth results in jobs, increased consumer spending and economic prosperity across the community. Haverhill in general, and particularly the downtown has been the site of a tremendous renaissance and rebirth in the past several years. Our award winning restaurants serve world-class cuisine to customers from all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Unique shops offer art, gifts and treasures from around the world. The expanding Riverwalk gives visitors and Hillies a way to appreciate the Merrimack River.

Every day there’s more growth in Haverhill. Haverhill’s own chamber of commerce has actively supported the community since 1888 by helping to promote the new restaurants, shops and other businesses as they move here and expand. With nearly 700 members in Haverhill and in the surrounding communities, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) is the voice of business and the heart of the community.

The Chamber is well known for organizing successful annual downtown events. KidsFest, ItalianFest and the annual Christmas Stroll are widely publicized and enjoyed by the entire community. Each event brings 5,000 - 10,000 residents and visitors to Haverhill.

“We’re proud to bring events that provide fun, entertainment and new business to our community,” comments Dianne McDermott, McDermott and Company Marketing and Chairman of the Board for the Chamber. “We capitalize on the shop, buy, eat local movement that is sweeping across the country in support of local businesses.”

The role of any chamber of commerce is to give businesses the opportunity to connect a company with a product/service to someone with a need for that product. The Greater Haverhill Chamber supports its members with a wide range of opportunities to network and to make valuable connections.

Fostering Opportunities

• 25+ local business networking events each year bring customers and suppliers together to make connections.

• The annual regional expo showcases products and services. This year, the Greater Haverhill Chamber has partnered with the Greater Salem NH Chamber of Commerce and is planning an expo that will showcase more than 200 businesses.

• Educational events keep businesses up to date on everything from new privacy laws to the latest new marketing techniques and practices.

• Annual WOW event (now in its 15^th year) brings women business leaders together with nationally recognized speakers and experts for a day of motivation, education and networking.

• The GHCC web site, one of the most advanced chamber web sites in the country, provides both chamber members and community groups the opportunity to actively promote their products, services and events. Community events are posted free of charge.

Economic Development

GHCC partners with the Haverhill Foundation to proactively foster economic growth and job creation.

Jefferson Davis, of Coldwell Banker and a member of both the Haverhill Chamber board of directors and the Haverhill Foundation comments, “Together the Foundation and the Chamber market designated properties for re-use and work to bring high paying jobs to Haverhill. “

The development of what is now Ward Hill is an example of the projects completed by the Haverhill Foundation. The relocation and expansion of Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital is another successful joint Haverhill Chamber/Haverhill Foundation endeavor.

The Greater Haverhill Chamber is particularly proud to have been part of the launch of Team Haverhill. Team Haverhill was created as a politically independent, all volunteer, community grass roots organization which has become a force in Haverhill championing expanded recycling efforts, launching the popular Shoe-La-Bration and River Ruckus events.

Connections: U.S. Senator Scott Brown in Haverhill

U.S. Sen. Scott Brown addressed members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and their family and friends at the annual dinner at Michael’s Function Hall. The popular event was a sell out with the excitement of Senator Brown’s first appearance in the Merrimack Valley. The senator greeted attendees at each table, signing autographs and having pictures taken. “We are honored to be the first stop for Senator Brown in the Merrimack Valley”, comments Jajuga. “I don’t like to brag, but his appearance at our annual dinner really shows the strength of the Greater Haverhill Chamber in getting things done for our members and the community.” Read about the dinner.

This isn’t the first time The Chamber has worked to bring national exposure to the Haverhill area. The launch of the ‘Haverhill Means Business’ web site in conjunction with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission provided developers from all over the country with a tool that helped them with site selection in Haverhill. The success of the tool – the first of its kind – led MVPC to expand the tool to support the entire Merrimack Valley. See www.mvmb.biz for a demonstration.

Legislative Action

The Greater Haverhill Chamber has a number of active committees working on issues throughout the community. The Legislative Action Committee has been active at the local level working with the City of Haverhill, at the State level in both MA and NH, and at the Federal level.

Jeff Linehan, president of Diversified Business Systems comments, “We have tackled hot business issues such as Higher Energy and health care Costs. Our actions were a driving force in the health care cost freeze imposed by the State of MA for small businesses.”

Each year GHCC has sent representatives from businesses in the Haverhill area to Washington to discuss these and other issues with both House and Senate members.

Moving Forward

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is actively moving forward with expanded programming to provide value and opportunity for members. This years leadership team is working to continue to expand and enhance business in the greater Haverhill area.

This year Dianne McDermott of McDermott & Company Marketing is Chairman of the Board. John Chemaly of Trinity EMS is Vice Chairman. Clare MaCoul of Bank of New England and Mike Collins of Merrimack Valley Hospital join treasurer Barbara Rowell of Sullivan Bille, and Former Chairman Bob Iannaco round out the 2011 executive board.

“As the voice of business and heart of the community, The Chamber will continue, as it has since 1888, to work for jobs and economic prosperity for our members and to showcase the uniqueness of Greater Haverhill”, said McDermott. “The energy and excitement of Senator Brown’s appearance was the perfect start to this year’s success and, is a launching pad for new initiatives and programs for next year. Stay tuned as we move forward.”