News
Peabody Candidates Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPeabody Area Chamber of Commerce to Host Peabody Candidates Forum on September 16thEvent offers residents a chance to engage with local candidates and learn about upcoming electionsAugust 28, 2025 Peabody, MA — The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Relations Committee will host a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM in the Wiggin Auditorium at Peabody City Hall. This free, public event provides a valuable opportunity for community members to hear directly
Peabody provides free Mental Health Services
Via itemlive.com | August 26, 2025 by Amanda LureyPEABODY — In a bold step toward increasing equitable access to mental and behavioral health care, Mayor Ted Bettencourt and other city leaders have partnered with BLOOM to provide every Peabody resident with free, stigma-free support when they need it most. This initiative comes after the death of eighth grader Jason Bernard, who died by suicide due to bullying this past May.BLOOM, a woman-owned business co-founded by CEO Joanne Mercaldi, is no stranger
Digital Stagecraft: Making Trade Shows Work Harder with Smarter Tools
A well-executed trade show presence used to be all about the booth—location, design, giveaways, and charm. Today, the physical setup still matters, but it’s no longer the centerpiece. What happens before the event opens and after the doors close carries just as much weight, and that’s where digital strategy earns its spotlight. By fusing traditional event marketing with smart, often overlooked digital tools, brands can extend their reach, sharpen their message, and engage audiences long after the floor
New “JUNK FEE” Rules
BOSTON – Ahead of the September 2 compliance deadline for new consumer protection regulations prohibiting “junk fees,” the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has released updated guidance to help businesses operating in Massachusetts comply with the regulations. Beginning September 2, these regulations become enforceable, and businesses must come into compliance. Promulgated earlier this year, the AGO’s “junk fee” regulations help consumers understand the total cost of a product or service upfront, avoid
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
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
Chamber Awards Scholarships to Two Local Graduates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPeabody, MA – June 19, 2025 — The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Scholarships: Allyson Bettencourt of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School and Nicholas Morad of St. John’s Prep in Danvers. Allyson will be attending Vassar College in the fall, and Nicholas will begin his studies at the College of the Holy Cross. Each year, the Chamber awards scholarships to outstanding students
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 Historical Society Spark's Curiosity!
Founded in 1896, we are a center for the collection, preservation, education, and enrichment of Peabody’s cultural heritage. With eight properties throughout the City, we steward an impressive archive of Peabody’s history.Let us spark your curiosity!Have questions about deed records on a property or old photographs of your building ?Interested in learning how to research your family’s history ?Would you like to take your family on a tour of one of the oldest continuously standing homes in the region ?Are
Unfair Unemployment Insurance Burden
Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce Joins Call to Protect Small Businesses from Unfair Unemployment Insurance Burden The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce stands with businesses in opposing efforts by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pass on the cost of a $2.1 billion unemployment insurance (UI) overpayment mistake to local employers. This error, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being placed on the shoulders of the business community—many of whom are still working to
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
GraVoc Expands Service Offerings with Acquisition of Human Centered Design Firm, Centric Park
GraVoc announced that it has completed the acquisition of Centric Park, a new-breed design agency providing CX strategy and digital product design services to customers nationwide. Founded in 2021, Centric Park redefines user experience design with a human-centered approach that examines how individuals interact with businesses and technology products. Centric Park uses groundbreaking research to inform the development of superior digital products. As a leader in CX strategy and digital product design,
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
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