News
North Shore Bank promotes 3 to VP, Reg Branch Mgr
PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS, JULY 23, 2025 — North Shore Bank recently announced the promotions of Vicki Cormier, Jonathan Johnson, and Erin Riley to vice president, regional branch manager. In this newly created position, Cormier, Johnson, and Riley will provide leadership and support to regions of North Shore Bank’s retail banking network, working closely with retail branch staff in several communities to deliver exceptional customer service, drive performance, and uphold the bank’s commitment to community
News Release: 7/21/2025 Aflac Summer College Internship Program
Each summer, Lynn and Chris Feazel host college students for a summer internship program, and it's one of the highlights of the year for our office! The Aflac internship provides a unique platform for driven students to gain real-world experience in the insurance industry while building their own professional networks and business instincts. Here at Aflac, interns are immersed in real-world responsibilities such as cold calling, in-person prospecting, and attending client meetings. With comprehensive
Understanding New Tax Law Changes
Congress has passed a major reconciliation bill that makes many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent and introduces several new tax changes. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a business owner, here are the key provisions that may impact your tax planning.Top Considerations for Individuals & FamiliesTax Rates Made Permanent: The current individual income tax brackets, including the 37% top rate, are here to stay—no reversion to 39.6% in 2026. State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction
A Play Cafe with a Mission
The Children's Piazza is a play-cafe with a mission to promote healthy brain development in young children and support the emotional health of their caregivers, with access for all. About us: We have been serving the North Shore since 2014, and as a non-profit organization (incorporated as Community Play Workshop Inc) since 2023. Our play space is especially designed for young children to learn through self-directed play. Activities are geared toward optimizing social, cognitive, speech and motor
How Entrepreneurs Can Navigate Grants and Funding Programs with Confidence
Starting a business means embracing both the adrenaline and the unknown. Capital is the fuel, but finding the right source can feel like decoding a foreign language. Grants and funding programs are a lifeline, not a myth, yet so many early-stage founders get lost before they even start. It’s not that these resources aren’t out there—it’s that they’re tucked into a dense thicket of eligibility requirements, submission deadlines, and stiff competition. Understanding Different Types of Financial
Professional Physical Therapy Expands with New Location in West Peabody
Professional Physical Therapy Expands with New Location in West Peabody West Peabody, MA – Professional Physical Therapy is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location in West Peabody, expanding its mission to deliver high-quality, personalized rehabilitation services to even more members of the North Shore community. Ronnie Rajeh, Doctor of Physical Therapy and partner of Professional Physical Therapy, brings years of clinical expertise and community dedication to this new facility. The
Peabody, MA Small Business Owners: How to Move Forward on the CTA, BOI and FinCEN Changes
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
How to Build and Grow a Successful Alternative Wellness Practice
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are seeking holistic and alternative approaches to health and wellness. Building a successful alternative wellness practice requires not only a deep understanding of various healing modalities but also a strategic approach to growing your business. Whether you specialize in acupuncture, naturopathy, herbal medicine, or energy healing, creating a thriving practice involves balancing your expertise with effective business strategies. This guide will walk you
Gina's Giving Back: A Growing Tradition of Generosity
What began as a heartfelt gesture by a nurse bringing a Thanksgiving meal to her workplace has blossomed into a major initiative that touches thousands of lives. Eleven years ago, Gina, a dedicated healthcare professional, decided to share her Thanksgiving meal with co-workers and patients. That small act of kindness has grown into "Gina's Giving Back," a charitable organization delivering full turkey dinners to over 15,000 families in need each year. Originally intended to help a few local families
Housing Success Story
For over 25+ years, Centerboard has been a key organization involved in providing permanent housing solutions and continues to support, educate and promote individuals and families to gain financial independence and stability. This summer, one of Centerboard’s residents shared their amazing success story about her experience from entering Centerboard’s scattered sites program in 2020 and successfully graduating and moving out of the shelter in 2024! Check out Sam’s story below and learn more about
Rock the Spectrum Foundation
Since 2019, Rock the Spectrum Foundation has been focused on advancing organizations and community initiatives that foster inclusion and equity for people with autism. Rock the Spectrum was founded by three North Shore moms sharing the vision of giving their autistic children the same opportunities as other children and expanding awareness across the community. In 2023 Rock the Spectrum Foundation raised $110K, bringing their 5-year total to more than $260K. Rock the Spectrum partners with local
Letter to Editor: Tax Classification
Dear Editor, We are writing to shed light on an issue that affects not only the commercial sector but also has a profound impact on the residents of our community: the City of Peabody enjoys one of the lowest residential property tax rates in the Commonwealth which is subsidized by a higher tax rate on commercial properties. As representatives of the business community, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce feels compelled to highlight the interconnectedness of this decision and its implications for our
Peabody Area Chamber Welcomes 60+ New Members in a Remarkable 24-Hour Surge
Peabody, Dec 14, 2023 – The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) proudly announces it has welcomed an astounding 60+ new members within a 24-hour period, increasing its membership count to over 340 dedicated businesses and individuals. This surge in membership is a testament to the Chamber's steadfast commitment to fostering economic development post Covid and providing invaluable resources for businesses in the Peabody area.Contrary to the traditional approach of "what's in it for me," these new members
Hasan Minhaj Teams Up with Adobe Acrobat to Empower Creativity and Collaboration
Paper’s out, people. Award-winning comedian, writer, and producer Hasan Minhaj has partnered with Adobe Acrobat to celebrate 30 years of PDFs and to promote the power of paperless creativity and collaboration in today's digital age. The partnership highlights the importance of using digital tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity, especially in the current work-from-home era. As part of the partnership, Minhaj is featured in a series of videos showcasing how Adobe Acrobat
Using Facebook Groups to Grow Your Business
In any community, there are several Facebook groups that have formed around living, working, and/or playing in your area. Some are private and you’ll need to request to join. Others are public. Some groups are loosely veiled business generators for community leaders or professionals who recognize how important it is to insert themselves into conversations about the community. Facebook groups are an excellent way to grow your business. Here are a few ways to do this in an existing group. Do Your
Meet the Member: Jessy ElGhoul
Tell us about your company? Salem Five is a Full-Service Financial Services Company. We employ some of the top professionals in retail, small business banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management -- enabling us to provide expertise that is uncommon among community and regional banks. At Salem Five, we understand the importance of helping our communities. Through the Salem Five Charitable Foundation, we are committed and continue to support a variety of community organizations ensuring vibrant
What's Your Biggest Marketing Challenge?
When a business operator finally decides they need someone focused on their marketing, and they resolve to hire for the position, it usually goes something like this: “This position will be in charge of posting to our social media channels.” But if that’s all you’re doing, you can put that in the hands of the nearest thirteen-year-old. If you’re contemplating stepping up your business marketing, you need more than a scheduler. You need someone who understands the different kinds of marketing,
Are You Ready for These 3 Workplace Trends?
Workplace trends come and go like snack carts, but these trends may very well revolutionize the way we work because they are just so darn appealing to most employees. But before we go into these workplace trends, know that they are not for everyone. Your business may not be able to function if you put them into operation. There are some businesses that simply require employees in seats, seats that are customer-facing in a central location. But if you do have the flexibility to adopt some of these, you