Polar Beverages joins national campaign against packaging waste
Orson the Bear, Polar Beverages’ mascot
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
New England Council member Polar Beverages, based in Worcester, has joined a national partnership called the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance. The partnership aims to avoid or eliminate food waste, and repurpose what can’t be eliminated into renewable energy via farm-based anaerobic digesters. Polar Beverages is the newest member of the movement which was founded by four food manufacturing companies in 2020.
The two-year alliance is based in Wellesley, Mass., with each member working to do their part to reduce food waste and repurpose non-repurposed materials into renewable energy. The intention of the alliance is to offer a circular approach to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and serve as a guide for creating a business with a carbon-neutral footprint.
Throughout the years, Polar has transitioned its approach to undertake sustainable manufacturing practices including, upgrading its packaging, cutting water usage and reducing miles driven for product delivery. As a result, Polar has avoided wasting 31 percent of potential wasted packaging material, reduced its water usage by 50,000 gallons a day, and cut miles driven by delivery trucks by 3.5 million over the last three years. The alliance has encouraged Polar to take on another sustainable practice by repurposing wastewater. Now, the wastewater generated from manufacturing will be recycled and turned into anaerobic digesters to be used on six different New England dairy farms.
The executive VP of Polar, Chris Crowley, said, “[w]e couldn’t be more thrilled to join the FPSA and further our commitment to being stewards of the environment.”
The New England Council would like to commend Polar Beverages for its commitment to promoting sustainable practices in New England.
Pfizer to conduct Lyme disease vaccine test in Maine
Deer ticks are the major spreaders of Lyme disease.
The Emerson Cemetery in Lyme. Wear long socks!
Edited from a report by The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Pfizer has partnered with a Maine health care system to conduct the third phase of a Lyme disease clinical trial to test the efficacy of the company’s vaccine. Pfizer, a leading biomedical company, has chosen to work with Valneva, a French specialty vaccine company.
(Lyme disease gets its name from the coastal town in Connecticut where symptoms of the disease were documented and studied by Yale researchers in the 1970s. )
“The trial, held at Northern Light Health system in Brewer, will span over 13 months and require patients to take two shots two months apart. In March, the patients will need to receive a booster shot before the next summer’s tick season. Pfizer, and Valneva, choose to approach the Northern Light Health system during the clinical trial due to Maine having one of the highest rates of Lyme disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kathrin U. Jansen, Ph.D., senior vice president and head of vaccine research & development at Pfizer, said, ‘{T}he medical need for vaccination against Lyme disease is steadily increasing as the geographic footprint of the disease widens. These positive pediatric data mark an important step forward in the ongoing development of VLA15, and we are excited to continue working with Valneva to potentially help protect both adults and children from Lyme disease.”’
Wilson Street, Brewer, Maine. Lyme disease has been relentlessly moving north with the warming climate. The city was once well known for brick-making, shipbuilding and paper-making.
— Photo by P199
The University of Maine’s ‘factory of the future’
Edited from a New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com) message
“The University of Maine has been approved for $35 million in funding to build a new digital research laboratory. These funds were made possible under the omnibus spending bill that President Biden recently signed into law last week. This facility is an initiative of UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center and is a “factory of the future,” according to UMaine. It is being created to advance “large-scale, bio-based {material from living or once-living sources} additive manufacturing,” using technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D printers.
“The cost of building this facility is expected to total $75 million. According to the university, the center’s new capabilities could lead to technology development in the affordable-housing industry, clean energy, transportation industry and more.’’
At Boston Museum of Science: ‘Change Climate Change’
The Museum of Science spans the length of the Charles River Dam, including a parking garage at far left. The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge is visible in the background.
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Boston’s Museum of Science is raising awareness of climate change through its new “Change Climate Change” initiative. Situated in the museum’s Green Wing, “Change Climate Change” consists of exhibits aimed to help visualize climate change and bring attention to the present and future of our planet.
Included in this exhibit is “Gaia,” a 23-foot-wide inflatable globe that includes high-definition NASA imagery. According to British artist Luke Jerram, this art installment aims to evoke the “Overview Effect,” a sensation that astronauts report feeling when they see the Earth from space.
"Also in the Green Wing, visitors can find a “New England Climate Stories” exhibit, which displays how the climate crisis is impacting the habitats and lives of plants and animals found in the New England region. Another part of this initiative is “Resilient Venice: Adapting to Climate Change,” an exhibit that displays how sea-level rise caused by climate change threatens Venice, which is mostly at sea level.
“When discussing the museum’s Change Climate Change initiative and how she hopes the exhibits will impact visitors, Julia Tate, project manager of touring exhibitions and exhibit production, stated that the museum ‘want[s] people to feel empowered about what they can do and what actions they can take.”’
These zones continue to change with global warming.
N.E. Council joins group battling anti-semitism
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
“As the Hanukkah season ended Dec. 6, The New England Council was pleased to join a coalition of 60 North American organizations, including corporations, in support of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Shine A Light on anti-semitism national initiative. This national initiative will illuminate the dangers of anti-semitism through education, community partnerships, workplace engagement and advocacy.
“Amid a widespread rise in anti-semitism in North America, Shine A Light seeks to catalyze conversations within and across communities, on school campuses, and in the workplace, so that people will better understand what constitutes anti-semitism and take steps to respond. The nationwide campaign was launched on Nov. 28, 2021, the first day of Hanukkah, and includes a wide array of resources for corporate partners.
The New England Council encourages members to consider becoming a Shine a Light corporate partner.
Shine A Light also includes community and educational events around the country; educational resources for teachers, parents, and school districts; advertising; and social media tools. Learn more here.
An anti-semitic 1892 cartoon in Judge magazine showing the advancement of poor Jewish immigrants.
Amazon to hire 1,500 workers in Mass. to deal with holiday crush
“Battle of the Amazons (1618), ‘‘by Peter Paul Rubens
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Amazon recently announced that it plans to hire 1,500 seasonal workers in Massachusetts to help meet the holiday demands. This is a part of an effort to hire 150,000 seasonal workers around the country.
“Caitlyn McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Amazon, confirmed the announcement while reiterating that the supply-chain challenges that are being experienced will affect consumers around the world. ‘Everyone at Amazon is working to anticipate and prepare for various scenarios to ensure positive delivery experiences this holiday season, for instance, by launching promotions to encourage earlier shopping,’ said McLaughlin.
“Amazon is one of Massachusetts five largest employers, according to the Business Journal, and covers both the tech industry and the retail industry. Over this past summer the company had 20,000 positions available in the state for both part time and full-time positions in both industries.’’
Cambridge Trust commits $110 million to affordable housing in the very pricey Bay State
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Cambridge Trust has committed $110 million to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s (MHP) multifamily construction loan pool to help construct affordable housing across the state. Cambridge Trust’s commitment marks the largest ever voluntary contribution to MHP.
“This commitment from Cambridge Trust was made possible through its acquisition of Wellesley Bank last year. While its contribution is voluntary, state-mandated taxes on bank acquisitions require the equivalent of just under 1 percent of the acquired bank’s assets to be contributed to MHP’s multifamily housing loan pool. Cambridge Trust’s contribution will help to finance rental apartment construction with the ultimate purpose of easing the current housing crunch. According to an estimate by MHP, the effort could help to finance 1,400 apartments over the next decade.
“‘We saw an opportunity to make a commitment and we jumped on it,’ said Tom Fontaine, Cambridge Trust’s Executive Vice President. ‘The prices are just out of control [in Greater Boston]. The land has so much value, and affordability becomes an issue.”’
“The New England Council celebrates Cambridge Trust’s efforts to provide affordable housing in Massachusetts.’’
An advertisement from the 1930s from the U.S. Housing Authority advocating slum clearance as a way to stop crime.
Mass. company Sunovion's new Parkinson’s medication
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
“Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, based in Marlboro (or Marlborough), Mass., has signed a deal with the Portuguese company Bial, granting it exclusive commercial license rights to Sunovion’s ‘Kynmobi’ Parkinson’s drug. The agreement allows Bial to handle the marketing applications and authorization procedures necessary for distribution and commercialization in Europe.
{Marlboro is a former industrial city that has become a high-tech center.}
“Sunovion will retain exclusive commercial rights to Kynmobi in North America and all other regions of the world excluding the European Union, the European Economic Area, and United Kingdom. An undisclosed amount in payment will be made to Sunovion for its supply of Kynmobi, and Bial hopes to submit a European marketing authorization application by the end of 2021. This deal comes at an important time, as more than 10 million people worldwide are predicted to be living with Parkinson’s disease by 2030.
“According to Sunovion’s press release, “Kynmobi is the first and only sub-lingual (under the tongue) therapy available for the on-demand treatment of [Parkinson’s] episodes in the U.S. and Canada.”
James T. Brett: Infrastructure bill would be a boon for New England
Work underway during “The Big Dig,’’ in Boston (1991-2106), New England’s most dramatic local infrastructure project so far.
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
With billions of dollars of federal relief authorized over the past 18 months, and more and more Americans receiving vaccinations each day, our economy is gradually inching closer to recovery. However, there is more left to do. The New England Council believes that passing a robust infrastructure package will help meet numerous and long-standing unmet demands, and will help our region’s businesses remain competitive and allow our residents to thrive.
As New Englanders, we know all too well the infrastructure challenges that our region faces. Too many of our bridges are structurally deficient and yearly increases in the number of vehicles and drivers have put more stress on our roadways. A growing number of residents across our region are looking to transit to provide a safe, affordable and reliable means of transportation. Besides the need to meet new requirements for a growing region, our aging water systems – some approaching or surpassing a century old – need attention. And the pandemic has shown that broadband is a critical need for New England to expand telework, telehealth and remote learning options. These and many other needs must be addressed.
Just months ago, a bipartisan group of senators and President Biden agreed upon a bold infrastructure framework This five-year deal would fund so-called “traditional” infrastructure – roads, bridges, rail, transit, ports and airports and water systems. In addition, the deal called for new infrastructure spending which would be allocated towards those traditional infrastructure items along with an expanded list of core infrastructure such as broadband, resiliency, and electric-vehicle infrastructure.
As for financing the new spending, the agreement called for more than a dozen ways to do so, including redirecting unused unemployment insurance payments; re-purposing certain unspent COVID-19 relief funds; extending customs fees; reinstating certain Superfund fees, and selling off telecom spectrum to name a few.
In late July, senators reached a final deal on legislation to enact the bipartisan agreement. Besides baseline funding, some $550 billion in new spending over the next five years was included, representing a compromise backed by members of both parties. The bill included a number of the “pay-fors” from the original agreement as well as new funding sources designed to maximize support among the members of the Senate. The Senate legislation also included other crucial infrastructure priorities for our region, like addressing PFAS contamination.
The hard work of the Senate paid off. On Aug. 10, this legislation – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – was adopted by a bipartisan vote of 69 to 30. Every senator from New England voted in favor.
Now, the bill is before the U.S. House of Representatives, and a vote is slated to be held before the end of this month.
Not since the Eisenhower administration has Congress had such an opportunity to advance a package that will so boldly affect infrastructure in a manner that will benefit virtually every individual in New England and across the nation. The New England Council believes that this landmark legislation would have a tremendous impact on our region by addressing many of the challenges we face, while also creating new jobs and spurring economic growth. We are grateful to the Senate for taking quick action on the bill, and we urge the House to follow suit as soon as possible.
James T. Brett is president and chief executive of The New England Council.
Turbine installation vessel to be used for 2 wind farms south of New England
A turbine installation vessel
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Eversource and Ørsted reached an agreement to charter the first American-made turbine installation vessel, for two adjacent wind farms that the two companies are developing between Long Island, N.Y., and Martha’s Vineyard.
The $500 million vessel, being built by a consortium led by Dominion Energy in a Texas shipyard, will enable Eversource and Ørsted to be the first wind farm developers to use a ship that is qualified under the Jones Act to install offshore turbines. The ship, which can carry up to six turbines at one time, is expected to be ready by the end of 2023.
“Our competitors will be forced to use a feeder barge,” Eversource CEO Joe Nolan said. “That’s why this is a game-changer for us.”
The New England Council applauds both Eversource and Ørsted for this innovative initiative. Read more from the Boston Globe.
New MBTA commuter-rail schedule in effect
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Keolis Commuter Services, which operates the MBTA’s commuter rail service, recently announced a new Spring 2021 schedule and improved services in efforts to better meet passenger needs. Some of the plan’s priorities include enhancing train frequency and interval predictability, allowing for greater consistency in train arrivals and departures, and providing extended service hours. In addition, the new changes seek to improve accessibility for essential and transit-critical workers, as well as less frequent riders.
“A collaborative effort between the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services, the schedule took effect on April 5. It increases service significantly compared to the winter schedule, which had been in place since December 2020. Sanitation and social distancing will continue to be implemented in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
“The new Spring 2021 schedule provides options that our passengers have requested and can assist in a strong and equitable economic recovery with regular service across all lines and more consistent service to many gateway cities,” said Keolis Commuter Services CEO and General Manager David Scorey..
“The New England Council applauds Keolis Commuter Services’ commitment to passenger service and equity across all Boston transit lines. Read more from the Keolis Commuter Service press release.’’
MBTA commuter train serving the Providence/Stoughton Line at the Route 128 station
N.E. Council lobbies for financial services for pot firms
— Photo by O’Dea
BOSTON
The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com) has sent this letter to New England’s congressional delegation, signed by president and CEO James T. Brett:
Dear New England Delegation,
On behalf of The New England Council, I write to express our members’ support for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation creates protections for depository and insurance institutions that provide financial-related services to legal cannabis-related businesses and their service providers. As every state in New England now allows medicinal cannabis {marijuana}, and three states have legalized adult recreational use, the discrepancy between state and federal law is a concern across the region.
Currently, providing banking and insurance services to legitimate, state-licensed marijuana businesses is a challenge for financial institutions. Because marijuana is illegal under federal law, funds generated by cannabis-related businesses are subject to extraordinary reporting requirements under federal anti-money laundering regulations. Therefore, institutions face significant legal and regulatory risks for serving these local businesses. The result has been that legal cannabis businesses and their employees operate primarily on a cash-only basis, creating opportunities for tax evasion, money laundering, robbery and other crimes that could negatively impact the region. The discrepancy between state and federal law also poses a challenge for those who seek to purchase cannabis products for medical purposes.
Medical marijuana has been found an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, epilepsy, and chronic pain, just to name a few. However, access to these products is significantly limited by the inability to use alternative payment options.
The SAFE Banking Act, which was reintroduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate earlier this month, would help address these challenges. If passed, this legislation will give those operating legitimate marijuana businesses access to banking services available to other industries. By no longer restricting the industry to cash, the law will make the cannabis industry more safe, transparent, accountable, and accessible by ensuring compliance with current regulations and norms. The New England Council’s mission is to identify and support federal public policies and articulate the voice of its membership regionally and nationally on important issues facing New England. Given that cannabis-related businesses have been legalized and are an expanding segment of the economy in many communities across the region, we feel that if this legislation is passed it would protect the businesses and communities in which they operate. It is our hope that with your support in the House/Senate, Congress will work diligently to advance the SAFE Banking Act in the coming weeks.
‘‘The New England states have each enacted policies that allow for the legal sale of cannabis products, and as a result we are seeing significant growth in this new sector in our region’s economy,” said Council President & CEO James T. Brett. “However, due to the discrepancy between state and federal law, these businesses are unable to access banking and insurance services, and their customers are limited in payment options. We urge Congress to take action to address this discrepancy and make the cannabis industry more safe, transparent, accountable, and accessible.”
The bill was originally introduced during the 116th Congress, and was passed by the House of Representatives in September 2019, but was never taken up in the Senate. The legislation was reintroduced in the House (H.R. 1996) on March 18, 2021, and in the Senate (S. 910) on March 23, 2021. Already, 11 New England Senators and six New England Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors, and the Council’s goal in sending letters is to increase support for the bill among the region’s delegation.
Closing on final approval of Vineyard Wind 1
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Avangrid recently received the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Vineyard Wind 1 from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the last step before a Record of Decision (ROD) that would jumpstart approval for the project to begin construction.
“A joint venture between Avangrid Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Vineyard Wind seeks to establish a massive offshore wind farm about 15 miles off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.“Dennis V. Arriola, CEO of Avangrid, commented, “We are one step closer toward realizing this historic clean energy project and delivering cost-effective clean energy, thousands of jobs and more than a billion dollars in economic benefits to Massachusetts.” The project would generate electricity to power over 400,000 residences and businesses in Massachusetts, while also reducing electricity rates, carbon emissions, and creating new job opportunities.
“The New England Council looks forward to the progress Avangrid makes in developing this project for the region. Read more from the Hartford Business Journal and Avangrid’s press release.’’
MassMutual seeks to boost economy in poorer parts of state
The MassMutual Tower in Springfield
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) (founded in 1851) recently launched the MM Catalyst Fund to invest $50 million in local businesses, targeting economic growth in underdeveloped areas of Massachusetts.
“The fund will be distributed evenly between two categories of capital: one half in community growth (“MMCF Growth”) through equity and debt investments in Black-owned businesses, and the other half in technology (“MMCF Tech”) through equity investments in technology companies based outside of Boston.
‘Rilwan Meeran, Impact Investment Portfolio Manager who oversees the MMCF commented, “Impact investing at MassMutual seeks to create a positive social and environmental impact that is measurable while also making market rate financial returns. Philanthropy alone cannot solve our society’s problems; institutional capital investment should also play a role.”
Video of author’s talk on a new JFK biography
John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) in a football uniform at Dexter School, in Brookline, Mass., in 1926
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com):
“John Hancock Life Insurance Co., based in Boston, recently hosted a virtual discussion with Harvard professor and author Fred Logevall, who discussed his new book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a professor of history in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Harvard University. He is a specialist on U.S. foreign-relations history and 20th Century international history, and the author or editor of 10 books.
New England Council’s new virtual networking series
The New England Ensign, one of several flags historically associated with New England. This flag was used by colonial merchant ships sailing out of New England ports, 1686 – c. 1737.
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
The New England Council is pleased to announce the launch of our new virtual networking series, Council Connections. We have heard from many members that one aspect of the Council that they have missed the most during the pandemic when in-person gatherings are not possible is the opportunity to network with fellow Council members across different industries and throughout the region. During this hour-long program, you will have the opportunity to meet and converse with other Council members in a series of smaller, randomly assigned group breakout sessions. Please note that due to technological constraints, capacity for this program is limited, however if there is interest, we hope to hold these sessions regularly.
How it will work:
The session will be conducted using Zoom. We strongly encourage you to connect on a desktop, laptop, or tablet with video enabled.
All participants will join the meeting and first be placed in a large general session, just like any other Zoom meeting.
Once all participants have joined the general session, Jim Brett will welcome everyone and give some brief opening remarks.
There will then be a series of four, 10-minute breakout sessions. During the breakout sessions, participants will be randomly placed into a smaller group meeting of five people total. During the 10-minute session, you will have the opportunity to converse with and get to know those in your breakout room.
Between each session, all participants will return briefly to the general session before being randomly placed in the next breakout session.
We will provide all participants with the full list of program participants including email addresses so that you are able to easily follow up with anyone you meet during the networking program.
Please note that the breakout session participants are randomly selected are we are not able to honor requests to connect with specific individuals. However, if there is someone you are interested in meeting, our staff is happy to help facilitate a connection separate from this event.
While these sessions will be open to all Council members across various industries, we are also considering some sector specific networking programs for our various policy committees.
We hope you will join us for the first Council Connections program, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
View of Cambridge, Mass., home of both Harvard and MIT and, as a result, a high concentration of startups in general and technology companies in particular
Coming soon: Applied Science Zoom Summits hosted by UMass
Life sciences laboratory building at UMasss Amherst
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
The University of Massachusetts will host a series of Applied Science Zoom Summits in late January – early February 2021. Through these virtual programs, UMass aims to engage the business community in the broad range of research conducted by the university system that is relevant to innovation across many industries in throughout New England and beyond. The mission is to start a conversation about translational research they have underway on their five campuses and the “next frontiers” ripe for exploration in the academy and in industry.
Interested New England Council members are invited to participate in the following Applied Science Zoom Summits:
Advanced Manufacturing – Monday, January 25, 2021
Aerospace, Defense, Undersea Technology and Remote Sensing – Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Coastal Communities, Energy, and Transportation—Friday, January 29, 2021
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science—Monday, Feb 8, 2021
Data-Driven and Technology-Informed Precision Health – Wednesday, Feb 10, 2021
Applied Life Sciences – Thursday, Feb 11, 2021
At these 90-minute summits, each held from 3:30-5:00 p.m., UMass scientists will explore the most advanced research underway in these fields with an emphasis on the problems they solve and the applications they have to industry. After a plenary session, the audience will be able to join break out sessions to discuss the “grand challenges” in each field that will occupy science and industry in next 5-10 years.
Please use the links above for more information on each session, and to register. The New England Council is grateful to UMass for extending the invitation to our members and encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in these important discussions.
N.E. post-election policy briefings looking at 2021
Along the water in downtown Boston
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
“In the weeks since the Nov. 3 election, The New England Council has hosted a series of ‘Post-Election Policy Outlook’ briefings for our members. Each of these virtual sessions has focused on a different industry or issue area, featuring presentations by council members with relevant subject matter expertise, each offering their insights on the outlook for federal policy under the incoming Biden administration and the 117th Congress.
You can find more information on each of these informative and engaging sessions using the links below:
“We are grateful to the many council members who presented during these sessions, as well as to those who participated. Recordings of each session are available upon request.’’
Largest self-reported ancestry groups in New England. Americans of Irish descent form a plurality in most of Massachusetts, while Americans of English descent form a plurality in much of the central parts of Vermont and New Hampshire as well as nearly all of Maine.
New study says mask-wearing most important factor in cutting chance of getting COVID-19 during air travel
A Delta Airlines plane being disinfected between flights
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
BOSTON
“Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have completed a comprehensive, gate-to-gate study on how to greatly reduce the chances of COVID-19 transmission during air travel.
“The study concludes that universal mask-wearing, rigorous cleaning protocols and high-end air filtration systems lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission to minimal levels. The study found that mask-wearing among passengers and crew is the most important factor in reducing risk during air travel. The researchers also found that the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is extremely effective in removing harmful airborne particles. Ultimately, diligently engaging in this multi-layered approach results in a substantially lowered risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel in comparison to other activities.
“‘The risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard aircraft [is] below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out,’ the Harvard researchers concluded. 'Implementing these layered risk mitigation strategies…requires passenger and airline compliance [but] will help to ensure that air travel is as safe or substantially safer than the routine activities people undertake during these times.’
“Read more from the National Preparedness Initiative report.’’
Fidelity seeks to hire 500 new employees in N.H.
From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)
“Fidelity Investments has announced plans to hire 500 new employees for its Merrimack campus. The hiring is part of a company-wide initiative to add 4,000 new employees across the country.
“Fidelity has experienced a 24 percent increase in planning engagement activity as new investors open accounts, driving the need for more personnel at the company. Fidelity also plans to accept 1,000 college and university students into its 2021 internship program, as well as 500 graduates to participate in post-grad job training opportunities. Fidelity currently employs 5,300 in New Hampshire.
“‘We’re looking for financial advisers, licensed representatives, software engineers and customer service representatives to fill thousands of roles across the country over the next six months,’ said Kathleen Murphy, president of personal investing at Fidelity.’’
Read more from the New Hampshire Union Leader.
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English colonists starting settling in Merrimack, named for a Native-American term for sturgeon, a once-plentiful fish in the area’s rivers, in the late 17th Century. For decades, the land was in dispute between the Province of New Hampshire and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (Of course, both had seized the land from the Indians.)
The town had many farms into the 20th Century but has since become a place, with office parks, including for big corporations, and a bedroom community for commuters to Greater Boston and cities in southeastern New Hampshire.
The Souhegan River in Merrimack, also the name of the region’s biggest river.
The First Church of Christ in Merrimack.