Networking event to benefit homeless planned

The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Networking Committee is planning a holiday networking event to be held Monday, Dec. 8 at Paradiso Restaurant in Swampscott from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Those either in business or those re-entering professions are encouraged to attend.The LACC’s WIN Committee will support The Haven Project, whose mission is to equip and empower North Shore homeless young adults from 17-24 with skills and support.”Lynn has over 200 homeless unaccompanied young adults in high school alone; the highest number in the state,” says The Haven Project executive director, Gini Mazman.”Since we opened our drop-in center at 57 Munroe St. in November 2012, we have helped over 180 young adults with basic needs, job attainment, education, housing and life skills.”Mazman says some of the young adults have aged out of state foster care, some are recent immigrants without support, some have left abusive home situations and others have left families who are too poor to support them.”Once homeless, these youth are particularly vulnerable to physical and sexual assault, may make negative choices that will have a lasting impact on their future, or may be left without anyone teaching them how to get on their feet and navigate the challenges of adult life,” she said.The project can reach out to young adults at a critical time and provide them with a much-needed presence and support, she said.The following are suggested items to bring to the event: warm winter items for men and women, such as gloves, hats, scarves and underwear; socks, blankets, $5 gift cards to MBTA, Dunkin’ Donuts, local fast food places, as well as to stores; wallets, chocolates and other candy; folder portfolios for job interviews, nail and haircut gift certificates for Lynn businesses ($15), entertainment items; iTunes gift cards, laser tag tickets, museum passes; personal care items, such as body wash, nail polish, journals; specialty clothing, such as scarves, hooded sweatshirts, slippers and pajamas.Sponsors are King’s Lynne Resident Council, Ameriprise Financial: Joann Reilly Financial Advisor, Atlantic Hearing Care, Infinity Boutique, Moniz & Mendez PC and Salem State University. Supporter is the Sagan Agency.Tickets are $20 and include appetizers, cash bar and free parking.To RSVP or for more information, please call the LACC at 781-592-2900 or go to www.LynnAreaChamber.com.Boston Iron Works has ribbon-cuttingBoston Iron Works was welcomed to the chamber with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.BIW, at 506 Lynnway, is celebrating 18 years in business. Owner Fred Lima says the goal is to exceed his clients’ expectations.”As a teenager growing up in El Salvador, I decided to go to a vocational school, rather than traditional high school,” said Lima. “After taking a few welding and fabrication classes, I realized I was quite skilled and excelled in my welding classes. As such, I decided to start my own welding and fabrication company after moving to the United States nearly 10 years ago.”Lima says the business specializes in designing/furnishing architectural plans, fabrication, repair, gates and fences, balconies and decks, stairs and railings, and structural steel and, added Lima, installation of fire escapes resulted in 65 percent of BIW’s business last year, so he has created a special division solely devoted to this specialized niche market.He says he joined the chamber to expand and develop relationships with local businesses.He can be reached at 617-657-3117. The company’s email is [email protected] and the website is www.bostonironworks.com.People’s United Bank open in SalemThe chamber of commerce has welcomed People’s United Bank at 125 Canal St. in Salem to the fold.Financial Service Manager Elma Mandzo said she enjoys leveraging the People’s United brand of “know how” to help others meet their financial goals and trying to exceed and deliver customer expectations and experience.”At People’s United we are large enough to provide a full range of