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Irons In the Fire
Mid-summer is here and, not to add more "heat" to an already hot and humid season thus far, your Chamber has many irons in the fire to inform you about.
We are excited about a new Chamber event on October 1st at One Cottage Street, our first CASINO NIGHT complete with games of chance, food, and fun. You will see more information about this event as we get closer and it will also provide a great opportunity to market your enterprise through an array of sponsorship levels.
Your Events Committee is also hard at work to celebrate the Chamber's 50th Anniversary during 2011! Look for more information and details about our anniversary kick-off dinner in January where we will honor our charter members, celebrate our past success, and look forward to another 50 years as the voice of business in Greater Easthampton.
The most important new development your Board of Directors has undertaken is to develop a Strategic Plan to guide our Chamber through the coming years. After six+ months of meetings, research, and retreats with members, we are about to implement new strategies and programs to define and enhance member benefits, to become a leader in Greater Easthampton on issues relating to commerce, and to partner and to be recognized as the central resource for support, promotion and the intermediary of business with our communities.
To continue on with our "heated" image, we are not "afraid of the heat" so we won't get out of the kitchen in our efforts to make the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce all that it can be!
Eric Snyder, Executive Director
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| Member Spotlight - Summit View Banquet & Meeting House | | |
Business Owner
Mike Hamel | Mike Hamel and his brother Richard started Hamel's Creative Catering in 1986 out of their father's grocery store in Holyoke. Eventually they moved up Northampton Street and ultimately created the Summit View Banquet & Meeting House. Now, between the catering business, the banquet hall, and an outdoor pavilion, Summit View offers many options for parties and events or just having fun on a Friday night.
In addition to special events for up to 200 people, Summit View hosts seasonal and themed dinners, such as a four-course "all white wine" dinner and "Irish Night" in March. This winter, they plan to hold dinner dances with live music.
The pavilion, which holds up to 300 people, can be rented for company parties, reunions, or fundraisers. Summer evenings bring a lineup of free concerts to the pavilion and a barbecue buffet with cash bar. Started four years ago, these events have grown in popularity so that now the parking lot more than fills on concert nights. View the concert schedule.
With customers throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond, Mike believes it's important to belong to local chambers of commerce. He sponsors Little League teams for the same reason: to help out and give back to the community.
Along with taking pride in his loyal staff and their great customer service, Mike is proud to keep prices reasonable. The cost per person for a catered lunch can be less than the average fast food meal. "Just because it's catered doesn't mean it has to be expensive," he says.
Would you like your business to be featured in a future Member Spotlight? Contact the Chamber office and we will put you on the list. |
Member News - PVFA Owner Earns Rare Honor
Paul Sise, owner and head instructor at Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy, recently achieved a rare status among fencing coaches. After completing a thesis and practical and oral exams, he is now one of only two masters of the epee sword in the country.
The epee sword is one of three types of fencing swords. According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Paul is also "no slouch" with the sabre or foil. He has reached the second-highest status with each so far, and he hopes to take the master exams for those in the future.
Paul's book on fencing, "A Basic Foil Companion," will be available this month as well. Congratulations!
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Member News - Dandelions Florist Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary
Florist Annmary Boruchowski just celebrated the 15th anniversary of her business, Dandelions Florist. She describes herself as "a personal florist," emphasizing customer service, quality, and a range of services for different price ranges. Her artistry is available for weddings, parties, birthdays, and any special occasion. She also meets with grieving families in their home to arrange funeral flowers.
Annmary has grown her career steadily. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture and worked as a floral designer and flower shop manager before opening her own business. We wish her at least another 15 years!
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Area News - Southampton Celebrates!
Celebrate Southampton is a community event focused on celebrating community spirit. It begins at town hall on Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m. with a presentation and historical exchange focused on Community Preservation. At 11:30 the town picnic begins at Conant Park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy live music by Sarah The Fiddler, The Southampton Community Chorus and more. There will be fun for the kids, free Lions Club hot dogs and a caricature artist. Our community business fair is open to all of the greater Southampton area and there is a pie contest, a photo contest, and a cookie swap. Call Deb at (413) 687-5282 for more details.
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