By Joni Quinn
Global communications solutions company Homisco, Inc. has moved its global company headquarters and 40 jobs to downtown Haverhill.
Homisco is a global provider of software solutions, system integration and Software as a Service (SaaS) for markets that include education, financial, government, healthcare, hospitality, legal, retail, wireline and wireless carriers.
The company has taken up residence in the 'Nofsker Building' at 145 Essex St. The company arrived with 28 jobs and is adding 12 more, said owner Ronald Contrado, who founded Homisco in 1981 in Melrose as a software and marketing company focusing on billing systems for the hotel and hospitality industry.
Contrado said he chose Haverhill because he loves what the city has to offer.
"A great building in a great downtown, expedited permitting, a talented work force and competitive real estate. Haverhill definitely represents a situation in which we can further grow our company. I look forward to getting personally involved with the community," Contrado said. He has wasted no time fulfilling that goal. Contrado has joined the Haverhill Exchange Club and is active in the local chambers of commerce.
Contrado will give a presentation on social networking as part of a Merrimack Valley Chamber event on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 a.m.
Homisco has been in business for nearly 30 years, serving a strong client base of over 4,000 customers in approximately 150 companies, including a strong wireless presence in Africa. Homisco represents an American company that exports product and services overseas, helping reverse the nation's trade deficit.
Contrado has overseen the growth of the company into a strong telecommunications solutions firm, including messaging, wireless and call center services.
Mayor James Fiorentini said he is delighted to have the company here in Haverhill, adding jobs to the city.
"Homisco adds a great complement to the high-tech, industrial and professional jobs that I have worked to bring to the city. Combined with USAi.net in the same building, we are truly building an actual cyber district with real jobs and real infrastructure," Fiorentini said.
Fiorentini said the city's economic development team has worked hard with Kifor Development, local chambers and state agencies such as the Massachusetts Office of Business Development in order to make this move happen.
if you go
What: Social Networking presentation
Who: The Merrimack Valley Chamber and its Human Resource Association, with speakers George Wallace of Discovery Communications; Tim Coco of Coco and Co. of Ward Hill; Ron Contrado of Homisco of Haverhill; Al Getler, publisher of The Haverhill Gazette; and Anya Downing of Imperial Image
Where: Showcase Cinemas, 6 Chickering St., Lawrence
When: Friday, Nov. 13, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
What: Learn what social networking is; how businesses can use it effectively to promoate their companies and interact with customers.
How: $15; includes Continental breakfast. Respond by Wednesday, Nov. 11, to the chamber at 978-686-0900
