Utility Launches 'Back-To-Business' Plan In Merrimack Valley

LAWRENCE, MA -- Columbia Gas of Massachusetts said Wednesday that it was launching a "Back To Business" initiative aimed at making it easier for business affected by the Sept. 13 gas explosions to file claims with the utility. Under the program, each business will be assigned a project manager to serve as their go-to resource with the company. The company also plans to open resource centers for businesses in each of the three communities at the following locations:

• 439 South Union Street, Lawrence, MA: Construction Operations Manager Derrick Seitz
• 45 Main Street, Andover, MA: Construction Operations Manager Jeff McCaples
• 115 South Main Street, North Andover, MA: Construction Operations Manager Charlie Romano

"Nearly 700 businesses have been affected by this tragic event. While 80% of those businesses are currently open, Columbia Gas is working hard to help all impacted businesses serve their communities just as they did before the September 13th incident," Pablo Vegas, Chief Restoration Officer for Columbia Gas, said in a statement. "We recognize the impact the incident of September 13th has had on the local business community, and the challenges they will continue to have even after gas service is restored. We are committed to helping these businesses get back up and running as soon as possible."

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From left to right: Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Director Jay Ash on Septmeber 19. File photo by John Guilfoil Public Relations LLC.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).