Business networking group: The Haverhill chapter of Business Network International has a free networking breakfast every Friday at 7 a.m. at the Haverhill Best Western. For information, call Dianne McDermott at 978-394-5166.
Post your business card: The Haverhill Public Library provides a bulletin board for local businesses to display 3-by-5-inch cards. Cards will be dated and posted for six months. For information, call 978-317-1586.
Chambers of Commerce
Greater Haverhill
The Annual Italian Festival will be Sunday, Sept. 28 from noon to 6 p.m. in downtown Haverhill. Planned activities include opening ceremonies with the mayor, performances by the Sons of Italy Band, Italian Serenaders, Haverhill Idol winners, The Rat Pack and Karla Pattavina's Dance Academy. The popular Miss Italy and Spaghetti Sauce Challenge contests will return, and bocce players can compete in a tournament. A mural by Team Haverhill will be unveiled.
Activities for children include a treasure hunt and "Little Italy." The festival is organized by the Haverhill Downtown Association, a committee of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.
Volunteers are needed for five newly structured committees: Community Support, Economic Development, Government Affairs, Membership Services, and Safety, Security, Defense & Aerospace. To join a committee or for more information, call 978-373-5663 or visit www.haverhillchamber.com.
17th Annual Golf Tournament will be Monday, Sept. 8, at the Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St. Entry fee is $189 per player, $375 per foursome. Entry fees include an opportunity to win a new car, courtesy of Regan Ford, Inc., exciting contest prizes, "land on the green and double your money" and more. Registration is at 11 a.m. Shotgun start at noon. For more information, call 978-373-5663.
The chamber is taking up temporary residence on the second floor of the Landmark Building on Merrimack Street while its headquarters on Winter Street enjoys a bit of rejuvenation. Phone numbers and operating hours are the same.
2008 North Shore Business Plan Competition, sponsored by the Chamber, will showcase submitted business plans for a panel of judges. First place will receive a $10,000 cash prize. All applicants must be start-up companies that are not yet operational, or an emerging business less than 2 years old. For more information, visit www.enterpriser.org/bpc.
Free advice: Service Core of Retired Executives offers free and confidential advice and counseling to individuals starting a business or already in business. Sessions are on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, 87 Winter St.
The Chamber's Community calendar lists daily, weekly and monthly event information from all 14 Greater Haverhill communities on the Chamber's Web site. The public is invited to submit items to be included on the calendar. Listed events will include recreational activities, music programs, community dances and dinners, citywide parades and more. Go to www.haverhillchamber.com.
For information on all Greater Haverhill Chamber events, call 978-373-5663.
Merrimack Valley
State Rep. Brian Dempsey, D-Haverhill, the chairman of the House Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, will be a speaker at the chamber's Merrimack Valley Energy Summit on Monday, Sept. 8, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Salvatore's Riverwalk Conference Center in Lawrence. Also speaking will be Mass. Energy Secretary Ian Bowles. A panel of local experts from Covanta in Haverhill, MVRTA and National Grid, among others, will answer questions about saving on energy costs at home and in business. Registration is $20 for chamber members, $30 for nonmembers.
An educated work force is the key to success for businesses of all sizes. D.r Mitchell Dan Chester, commissioner of elementary and secondary education for the state of Massachusetts will speak at a breakfast meeting on Friday, Sept. 19, at Jackson's Riverside Restaurant in Methuen. Local school superintendents have also been invited. Business owners and managers can learn discover what they need to know for a well-educated work force and how they can help. Event is $20 for members, $30 for nonmembers.
Methuen Memorial Music Hall 2008 organ recital series performances are Wednesdays through Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., 192 Broadway, Methuen. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Business, individual or memorial scholarships for each of the recitals are needed. For more information, call 978-685-0693 or visit www.mmmh.org.
Business directory: Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is putting together its business directory, which is professionally printed to help reach a target audience. For more information, contact Wil Carpenter at 978-686-0900, or wcarpenter@merrimackvalleychamber.com.
To make a reservation or for more information about chamber events, call 978-686-0900.
