Editor's Insight: Well worth the read

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May 15, 2008

By Jean MacDougall-Tattan

Next week, readers will be treated to The Haverhill Gazette's annual Progress Edition.

We call it "Progress Edition" because it's chock full of upbeat stories about the progressive changes happening within the community.

This year the theme is "Keeping up with the Times." The issue will have close to two dozen stories about city businesses, organizations and individuals and will reveal how they are revamping their game plans to keep up with trends in business and, yes, the economy.

Readers will learn how a working farm is using its land — not to farm produce, but instead cultivate an atmosphere conducive to entertainment, making it — and the city of Haverhill in the process — a real destination.

Winnekenni Foundation is helping to support Winnekenni Castle by making the castle a viable destination for residents and out-of-towners alike. How? By harnessing the castle's mystical atmosphere — using it to draw in large crowds and in the process, make money to pay for repairs and programs.

The city itself is finding ways to be competitive. The mayor wants city unions to negotiate bids against private companies for work that needs to be done. The practice has been successful in other parts of the country as well as Springfield, Mass.

If you think framing a picture is brainless work, you will rethink that theory when you read how complicated it can be. Learn from the city's only remaining framing business — which is also an art gallery.

Merrimack Valley Hospital is readying for the fastest growing populations in the city. Learn what those populations are and the services that will be ready and waiting for them because the hospital researched demographics and the health care needs of the community.

One of the city's fastest growing businesses is in the food industry. It's new state-of-the-art facility was built large enough to provide plenty of room for growth, but after just a couple of years it is bursting as it gains more national recognition, and begins its quest to go international.

Car insurance regulations have changed dramatically in Massachusetts and those changes have made it desirable for a greater number of insurance companies to do business here. Learn how local insurance brokers are keeping up with this trend by presenting more options to drivers who see competition as a way to lower auto insurance premiums. But will it? Find out.

A local art teacher will dedicate herself only to the students dedicated to what she has to offer. She knows her ability to nurture the abilities of her students — the portfolio of work they create in her studio — helps them get accepted into prestigious art schools. She will focus on them while creating more of her own pieces.

One of the city's family doctors ventured into cosmetic laser techniques so her patients could get the services they want without having to worry about whether they will be in competent hands.

Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital has successfully made the move into its brand new Ward Hill facility, but the building is not all that's new. Learn about the new services Whittier offers patients, at its new facility, and the Summer Street facility many thought Whittier would leave behind.

More and more veterans are returning from Iraq to a society that needs to do more. Learn how Haverhill is doing just that to serve those who have served us all in the most important way.

The number of foreclosures is affecting more than just homeowners and banks. Learn how tenants are affected and the agencies who serve the needy as result.

The list could go on and on. The point is that The Haverhill Gazette's annual Progress Edition is well worth the read. It's informative, entertaining, and loaded with good news about the Haverhill residents, businesses and organizations who see obstacles as challenges and rise to meet them. Enjoy.

Jean MacDougall-Tattan is editor of The Haverhill Gazette.