On Tuesday evening, October 12th, The Everett Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner at Anthony’s of Malden to welcome in the new president Mr. David O’Neil, introduce the new Officers and Directors for the 2010-2011 year and to recognize three prominent businesses in the Everett area: Distrigas/GDF Suez, Dunkin’ Donuts and Schnitzer Northeast. Over 150 people were present at what was to be another hugely successful event presented by the Everett Chamber of Commerce.

Common Councilors voted to approve an Early Retirement Incentive Plan for city employees. Under the state plan, employees must be within three years of the 20 year minimum service and/or at age of no less than 52 to qualify for this program.

According to Melissa Murphy of the Mayor’s office, city officials expect that the city will save a considerable amount of revenue with the retirements. Also an employee’s accrued sick time and vacation time would not be included in the formula to qualify for taking part in the plan.

Under the plan, the retirees will not be eligible for unemployment benefits and there can be no more than a 30% re-hiring rate in the first year, which means that if 10 employees retire then the city can not hire more than three new employees.

Citing figures provided by local budget director Laureen Chapman, Ward Six Councilor Anthony Ranieri earlier this week revealed that in the 10 months since the city opted for a local share of the “meals tax”, the city of Everett has taken in over $275,000. That’s more revenue than had been estimated back last fall when the matter was first discussed by the city council.

A very successful September; over $800K in grants awarded to Everett depts. & partnerships

Four separate grants through community partnerships bring funds to help Seniors, immigrants, combat Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and expand access to healthy food.

Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. and the City of Everett continues its leadership in developing positive health and human services initiatives to the residents of Everett. The Mayor was recently informed of four separate grants awarding Everett close $825,000 to implement programs across the city.

The Mayor was quick to congratulate and thank key partners in achieving this goal including: Jean Granick and Bob Marra of the Cambridge Heath Alliance along with the Everett Community Heath Partnership / Substance Abuse Coalition; Philip Bronder-Giroux Executive Director of Tri-City Community Action Program (Tri-Cap;) Antonio Amaya, Executive Director of LaCommunidad Inc.; Heidi Porter Director of Public Health, and Carolyn Lightburn, Director of Human Services for the City of Everett.

“This is what partnerships are all about,” states Mayor DeMaria, “we all share the common goal of making our community stronger and this is where it all begins, house to house, person to person.” The Mayor, a vocal advocate for increasing the health and well being of the city is pleased that the “Energize Everett” message is resonating beyond the City’s borders and getting the attention of Washington D.C.

“Despite the economy,” says Mayor DeMaria, “we have to continue to work hard to bring programs to our residents, and I’m proud to be a leader in helping people.”