MVVF Welcomes New Board Members

Online, October 25, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Merrimack Valley Venture Forum (MVVF), a nonprofit business association that facilitates growth in the region's technology and scientific sectors, announced today it has named two new members to its board of directors, bringing the total to16 members. They are John Blake, Jr., member of the Boston law firm Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C.; and Kevin Mason, VP sales for MassPay Inc., a provider of payroll services, based in Beverly, Mass.

Blake, a Forum member for the past three years, becomes chair of the MVVF membership committee. Mason, also co-founder of the nonprofit Fed Up With Cancer, which is MVVF's official charity this year, also will serve on the membership committee. Tarlow Breed has been a MVVF Bronze Sponsor since 2008. MassPay has been a Corporate Member of the Forum for the past four years.

Working in Tarlow Breed's Real Estate Group, Blake's practice includes the acquisition/disposition of commercial real estate, commercial lending (both real estate and asset-based), commercial leasing, banking, environmental and land use law. Mason was MassPay's top performing sales producer in 2010, and has implemented numerous sales, marketing and partnership initiatives that have fueled the company's continued growth.

"John and Kevin have been active in the Forum for many years, and bring tremendous energy and leadership skills to our organization, particularly in the vital area of membership growth and retention," said Chet Szablak, MVVF president and EVP and chief sales and marketing officer for Enterprise Bank in Lowell. "The MVVF is a vital resource linking our region's substantial and talented entrepreneurial and investment communities. Despite challenging economic conditions, I see tremendous opportunities to expand our role as a catalyst in bringing promising new companies and technologies to market."

About the MVVF
The Merrimack Valley Venture Forum is a nonprofit organization that connects the best and brightest in technology and scientific industries through educational seminars, networking events and workshops focused on a broad range of important and timely industry topics.

# # #

All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners.