Business in the Merrimack Valley just got a little more fun.
The North of Boston Media Group, which includes The Eagle-Tribune and its newspaper and magazine sister publications, launched its latest publication, MVB, last night.
"We are ecstatic about the turnout," said Editor in Chief Tracey Rauh, looking over a crowded function room celebrating the launch at the Wyndham Boston Andover hotel. "We expect to build an even stronger community presence as the local business publication."
Publisher Al Getler spoke, talking about how vibrant the Merrimack Valley is, and how it deserves a unique business publication focused on local stories.
"What bothers me the most is that people have this perception that the Boston media covers our neck of the woods," Getler said. "They don't. In reality, it is our job to cover business in the Merrimack Valley — those that live, work and play here."
MVB's first edition will hit mailboxes and newsstands in October, dedicated to local business leaders with a taste for the finer things in life. It will include business news, and stories on issues and trends, as well as its first contest, the "40 Under 40."
"We are very excited to identify the up-and-coming, movers and shakers in the Valley in our '40 Under 40,'" Getler said. "This first year gives people in their 20s a lot to look forward to in the years ahead."
It sets a precedent, according to Rauh.
"In launching MVB by recognizing local groundbreakers, we are telling the public that we are the magazine to turn to for your business stories," she said.
After a monthlong search and about 100 nominations, the magazine revealed its working list of luminaries last night:
Ryan Abood, CEO of Gourmetgiftbaskets.com
Ken Akiyama, owner of House of the Samurai
The Rev. Patrick S. Armano, pastor of St. Monica Church
Jose Batistine, co-owner of Indra Salon and City Spa
Dr. Adam Beck, owner New England Eye and Facial Specialists
John Belko, owner of Belko Landscaping
Raymond Bellia, owner of Body Armor Outlet and Emerson & Douglas Associates
Joe Bevilacqua, executive secretary, Lupoli Companies
Ryan Breton, founder of Atkinsonweather.com
Matt Bryant, commercial lender, Enterprise Bank
Alexander R. Cain, owner of Law Offices of Alexander R. Cain
Charles Daher III, sales manager at Commonwealth Motors
Kimberly Daher, sales manager at Commonwealth Motors
Melissa Daher Taylor, operations manager at Commonwealth Motors
Leanne Eastman, vice president of public relations at Pentucket Bank
Matt Fitzgerald, co-owner of Mann Orchards
Steve Gabriel, co-owner of 36 Design
Kristin Gallo, teacher at Timony Grammar School
Dr. Dario E. Gonzalez, director of dental development at Dental Bright Group
Jon Goode, director of corporate communications at Lowell Spinners
April Lyn Graffeo, co-owner of Indra Salon and City Spa
D.J. Gravell, co-owner of Andover Hockey Shop
Daniel Crawling Bear Harayda, professor at Massachusetts School of Law in Andover
Jackie Hudkins, owner of Hudkins Law
Sonia LaRock, assistant vice president and branch manager at Danversbank
Daniel P. Leary, president and COO of Nexamp
Sean Lee, director of fitness at Latitude Sports Club
Megan Loughney, associate executive director at Ironstone
Bradley A. MacDougall, associate vice president of government affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)
Dr. Ariadne Mueller, associate medical director at Merrimack Valley Hospice
Chris Nicoli, marketing manager at Canobie Lake Park
Adrienne Pappadopoulos, co-owner Evenfall and Glory restaurants
Spiro Pappadopoulos, co-owner Evenfall and Glory restaurants
Tom Parrish, executive director at Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Dr. Jesse Reich, CEO of Baystate Biofuels
Bridget Sheehy, events coordinator at Lazarus House
Michael Tarshi, president of the Dental Bright Group, et. al.
Clara Tompkins, owner of New England Bridal Affair
Michael Torrisi, managing director at Morgan Stanley
David Yee, manager at China Blossom
