The Buzz Online

Nicole Heimarck joined the NH Alliance for College and Career Readiness in Concord as director. The Alliance is a coalition of organizations representing K-12, post-secondary education, nonprofit and business and industry sectors, with the shared goal of college and career readiness for all students. Heimarck was the director of governmental services at the NH School Boards Association prior to joining the Alliance. Her previous roles include serving as the bureau administrator, education preparation for the NH Department of Education and as director of curriculum and professional development for SAU 39, Amherst, Mont Vernon and Souhegan school districts. 

 *****

Jamie Emery, CEO of GZA subsidiary Emery and Garrett Groundwater Investigations (EGGI) in Meredith, was presented with the Kim Ayers award by the Lakes Regional Planning Commission for his work to protect groundwater quality in NH’s Lake Region. He was nominated by the Board of Selectmen in New Hampton.

 *****

Planet Fitness, a publicly traded franchisor and operator of fitness centers across the U.S. and headquartered in Hampton, opened a new location at 713 Huse Road in Manchester, replacing the former site just across the street. The new Planet Fitness is 22,000 square feet and features cardio machines and strength equipment, a 30-minute express circuit, hydro-massage beds and massage chairs.

*****

Franklin Savings Bank in Franklin awarded $38,000 in grants to eight nonprofits. Recipients include Audubon Society of NH – Newfound Audubon Center in Hebron, $5,000; Franklin VNA and Hospice, $8,000; Front Door Agency in Nashua, $5,000; Granite State Animal League in Franklin, $8,000; Granite United Way in Concord, $3,000; Humane Society for Greater Nashua, $1,000; Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield, $5,000; and Winni Womenade in Belmont, $3,000.

 *****

The Ford Motor Company Fund teamed up with New England Ford Dealers and the NH Food Bank to collect more than five tons of peanut butter to support children and families in need across NH. The Granite State’s second Ford “Focus on Child Hunger” Peanut Butter Drive, which ran from June 24 to Aug. 3, encouraged the public and businesses to donate peanut butter. The drive generated 10,452 pounds of peanut butter and peanut butter alternatives—more than double what was collected in last year’s inaugural drive.

 *****

Savings Bank of Walpole promoted Jeff Smith to treasurer and investment officer for all three NH Mutual Bancorp affiliates, overseeing cash management, investments and asset strategies for each bank.  Nathan Rounds was promoted to financial accounting officer. The bank hired Heather Daniels as deposit operations supervisor and Kathy Rue as operations officer.