Remembering
Dick Haas | |
 The Dick Haas Memorial Fund was created in his memory. For more information, click here.
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| Upcoming Workshops | |
Free Information Sessions: Explore Going Into Business
First Weds. of each month, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC
Buzz on Biz
May 6, 8-9:30 am, FCCDC
Register online or call 413-774-7204 x100
Plan for Success: 12 Week Business Planning Class
Tuesdays, 6-9 pm, FCCDC
Next class starts in Fall
Register online or call 413-774-7204 x100
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| FCCDC Staff |
John Waite
Executive Director
Amy Shapiro
Business Assistance
Director
Alan Singer Lending Director
Larry DiLuzio
Jill Fitzsimmons
Project Manager
Crystal McNeill
Commonwealth Corps
Megan Couture
Commonwealth Corps
Amelio
Receptionist |
FCCDC Board of Directors
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Jessica Atwood
Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Chuck Bellinger Architectural
Components Inc.
Denise Coyne
Greenfield Savings Bank
David Farrick
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Margaret Fitzpatrick
Entrepreneur
Darren Gale
Innovative Design Concepts
Gary Gruber
Attorney
Mark Lattanzi
WRSI
Roberta Wilmore
The Children's Equitation Center
Susan Worgaftik
UMass Amherst
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Celebrating Entrepreneurship in Franklin County on May 19: Featuring the First Dick Haas Entrepreneur of the Year Award
 Thursday, May 19, from 7-8:30 pm at the Shea Theater on Avenue A in Turners Falls, the CDC is hosting an event to celebrate entrepreneurship in Franklin County in honor of Dick Haas, former owner of Hillside Plastics, founder of Sugarhill containers, and community supporter. The Dick Haas Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be presented to an entrepreneur who has made a difference in our community. The recipient is a Franklin County business who has been operating for more than 5 years, with 3 or more full time employees, and has an established community connection either through social responsibility, environmental sustainability, volunteer time or financial contributions. This region depends on small business owners who take the risk to make our communities a desirable place to live and work. The keynote speaker will be Gary Bogoff, partner and owner of Berkshire Brewing Company Inc., based in South Deerfield. He will share his entrepreneurship journey beginning as a homebrewer to distribution in five states, becoming more successful every day with the help of friends and family who keep the business growing. BBC now brews nine year-round flavors of ales as well as seven seasonal ales and lagers. Reserve a ticket online or call 413-774-7204 x100. Reception follows at Hallmark Gallery. "It's all about the beer, but beer is nothing without the people." -Gary Bogoff & Chris Lalli |
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 CDC Spotlight:
Falltown Spirits
Falltown Spirits is a family-run business at 77 Church Street in Bernardston. David Streeter and his children Keith and Kristina own and operate the store which sells beer, wine, spirits, soda, chips and snacks, gifts, gift baskets, cards, Massachusetts state lottery tickets, and Hillside "take n bake" pizza. Falltown Spirits has been in operation for over ten years. Two years ago it moved to its current location next to the Queen of Cups tea room on route 10.
David Streeter was born and raised in Bernardston and wanted to leave the 77 Church Street property, long in neglect by his family, revitalized. This property is to be both a way for David to both support his children as the next generation of Streeters in Bernardston and also as a way to support the community.
The Franklin County CDC's Lending Program has provided both financial and business technical assistance to David Streeter and Falltown Spirits in order to support this happening. David Streeter considers the support he has received from the Franklin County CDC as invaluable.
Keith Streeter said, "Every little bit helps because it's a big project [getting a business going]."
Falltown Spirits frequently holds beer tastings with free beer and free food. The next one will be on May 6, from 5-7 pm. Local restaurants such as the Four Leaf Clover restaurant and Hillside Pizza participate in these events and local brewers are featured, including Berkshire Brewing Company, Lefty's, and People's Pint. Wine tastings will be happening in the future.
To learn more about Falltown Spirits and the store's events, check out their facebook page.
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CDC Meets with Legislators in Boston
Thursday, March 31, over 300 CDC members and friends joined Massachusetts Community Development Corporation (MACDC) at the State House in Boston to network and educate legislators about issues facing small businesses and communities. Amy Shapiro, Business Assistance Director, and Crystal McNeill, Commonwealth Corps Volunteer, met individually with Senator Stan Rosenberg, Senator Ben Downing, State Representative Paul Mark, State Representative Gailanne Cariddi, and Brady Merrigan, Budget & Policy Aid to State Representative Stephen Kulik, all of whom were very supportive of the FCCDC's work.
The main goals of the day included educating legislators about the activities in key community economic development programs such as small business technical assistance and small business needs for capital, sustainable homeownership, comprehensive neighborhood strategies, smart growth land use development, and the CDC certification program to strengthen the community development field.
During lunch Governor Deval Patrick spoke to MACDC members gathered in the Great Hall of Flags saying that Massachusetts cannot "compete globally if our communities are not strong locally." He reiterated the importance of the work CDCs do, the positive impact this has on communities, and that he will continue to support CDCs.
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Jill Fitzsimmons New CDC Project Manager
It's official! Jill Fitzsimmons, who has been involved with the CDC for years now, has been appointed the Project Manager of the Extended Season Farm to Institution Project. The focus of this project is to buy produce grown within this region at fair prices for farmers, bulk freeze and can the produce, and sell it to regional schools. The CDC has been working with local farmers to process broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, red and green pepper strips, and zucchini. Fitzsimmons said, "One of the most important things I'm doing is trying to find a way to reintroduce wholesale processing infrastructure in a way that's cost efficient. The CDC starts out ahead of the game because of the Food Processing Center but there are still outstanding infrastructure needs including equipment, information systems, and most importantly building relationships."
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Arts Summit II
On March 18-19, 160 artists and friends of artists across the Pioneer Valley gathered at the Arts Summit II in Shelburne Falls. The event was arranged by Fostering Art and Culture Project (members: FCCDC, GCC,FCCC, GBA, SFABA, River Culture, Double Edge Theatre,Mary Clare Powell and Diane Clancy). Visual artists, craftspeople, writers, musicians, dancers, poets, photographers, theater and performance artists, cinematographers, and creative cross-pollinators networked and discussed ways to make a living from their artwork. The committee is currently working on implementing some of the ideas generated from the summit. For more information visit www.fosteringartandculture.orgLarge and small group discussion sessions were set up to discuss many relevant topics such as "Art, Place & Community Development," "Reality Check: Are You Plodding Along Making Art and Not Getting Anywhere?," Is the Craft Fair Dead?," and "Where's the Money?" Workshops were held throughout the town. Attendees reported to be very satisfied with the overall Summit. Here are a few comments about the Summit from participants: "People very willing to talk and make connections. It seemed like if I threw out an idea, 5 people would be ready to do something to help the idea become a reality. That's great!" "There was time and opportunity to chat with other artists during free periods and make good connections. I met people who I plan on keeping in touch with on a regular basis. People were interested in hearing about my work, and I learned about so many interesting and inspiring projects and ideas." "Great people -- very open, supportive, non-competitive, willing to share ideas. Great mix of workshops. Small enough to see the same folks again and continue conversations. Nice timing-- long break for lunch, time to go to a few galleries." "Coming out of hibernation and seeing people I hadn't seen in a while and being able to met new people." "Rich diversity of knowledge and expertise available. A lot of ground was covered and many possibilities were presented to explore and think about. The interactive nature generated by the facilitator at the panels was extremely helpful and kept the energy going rather than just being talked at. The presentation of concrete concepts and how to go from a to be was very helpful."
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Northfield Mount Hermon Students pitch in to Spring Clean the Venture Center!
8 students and their teacher, did an outstanding job of cleaning up the Venture Center on Tuesday, April 19, as part of the school's community service program.
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FCCDC Looking for Board Members
Are you passionate about economic sustainability and entrepreneurship in Franklin County? The Franklin County CDC is looking for people to join the board to help guide the CDC forward in this brave new economy. Contact John Waite, Executive Director, or 413-774-7204 x102 for more information.
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For Small Business Owners Seeking Space
in Stimulating Business Environment!
Venture Center a Great Place to Start a Business
The Venture Center is a small business incubator at FCCDC's 36,000 square ft. industrial building at 324 Wells Street in Greenfield. It provides light industrial and office space for start-up and growing businesses. In addition, tenants can share t  he conference room, kitchen facilities, copier and fax, and receive technical assistance from the FCCDC staff and visit with Amelio, our feline receptionist!
This is an ideal way for businesses to keep their capital costs lower during their early years of operation. Space now available! |
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Upcoming Workshops and Classes
at the FCCDC |
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 Explore Going Into Business
and Business Resources
Start your business the right way! This free 1 1/2 hour session is offered on the first Wednesday of the month for people interested in going into business, or taking a hobby to the next level. If you are also interested in using the Food Processing Center, this is your first step! Topics include:
- Business resources available
- The importance of developing a business plan
- Tour of the Food Processing Center
- Is business ownership right for you?
- Information about starting a food business
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, May 4, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC
Wednesday, June 1, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC
Register online or info@fccdc.org or 413-774-7204 x100.
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Buzz on Biz May 6: Social Networking
Start your day with other business owners for an invigorating discussion on timely topics and network with fellow professionals. Light refreshments and hot drinks provided. Afterward there will be time to network with other business professionals.
Friday, May 6, 8-9:30 am
Social Networking: Spread the Word
How do you know if your social media efforts are getting the results you want and which platforms are right for your specific needs? This workshop is designed for people who want to optimize the time spent promoting their business through these channels.
May's Buzz on Biz will be presented by Jessica Waters, owner of In Perfect Order, professional organizer & on-demand business assistant who knows how use the internet, specializing in home offices & residential decluttering.
April's Buzz on Biz featured Dr. Frances Rahaim of PowerDownDebt who discussed different debt reduction options like settlement, consolidation, bankruptcy, negotiation, credit counseling services and debt-management programs like PowerDownDebt Inc. Examples of debt program comparisons helped highlight how different strategies pay debt down and effect credit ratings. The ending quote was "Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow" by Robert Kiyosaki.
For more information visit www.PowerDownDebt.Com
First Friday of Each Month, 8-9:30 am, FCCDC
Register online or contact info@fccdc.org or 413-774-7204 x100. RSVP recommended, walk-ins welcome. Free!
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 Plan for Success!
Business Planning Class
for New and Established
Entrepreneurs
This 12 week class is for people serious about their business to complete a business plan for starting and sustaining a business. Participants say this experience provided an opportunity to evaluate a business idea in a supportive way. Individual assistance is provided. Guest speakers complement the material.Topics include:
- Exploring your business idea
- Developing a mission statement
- Understanding legal structures
- Finding market research tools & resources
- Creating income & expense projections
- financing alternatives and supporting documents. Individual assistance is provided.
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Upcoming Locally Sponsored Events
First Time Homebuyer Program
Sponsored by the Valley CDC. This is a certified class and participants are eligible to apply for special loan programs. Participants get access to grants for downpayments and closing costs. Participants hear presentations from attorneys, loan officers, realtors, home inspectors, insurance agents, credit experts, and more. Informed consumers are most likely to make smart choices!
Free pizza, beverages, and snacks included. $40 per household for a class that can save you thousands.
Thursdays, May 5, 19, 26, and June 2, 6-8:30 pm. Florence Savings Bank, 85 Main Street, Florence.
To register contact Fern Selesnick at fs@valleycdc.com or 413-586-5855 x16.
Young Entrepreneurs Society
The results of the business idea and business plan contest for youth, ages 13-22, December 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011, will be displayed and contest winners will be given awards at the BizAwards Ceremony and Celebration on Thursday, June 9, 5:30-7:30 pm, location to be determined. Free for youth, BizTeam members, volunteers & judges. Adults invited by youth: $5. General public: $10. For more information call 978-544-1869.
Electronics & Appliances Recycling Day:
Benefit for Yong Entrepreneurs Society
Load up your tired, broken, obsolete electronics and appliances and bring them to be recycled! Any article with a plug will be accepted. A small fee will apply to each article, with 100% of the proceeds supporting youth programs at Young Entrepreneurs Society. We'll even unload your items for you. So free up space at your home and office for a good cause!
Saturday, May 7, 8 am to noon at Franklin County CDC parking lot, 324 Wells Street, Greenfield
For more information check out www.bizventure.org or call 978-544-1869 or see facebook.
North Quabbin Executive Award of the Year
The North Quabbin Community Coaltion in partnership with the Town of Orange and Illinois Institute of Technology is pleased to announce the first North Quabbin Executive Award of the Year. Nominations are being accepted until May 2. The award ceremony will take place on October 14. For more information contact Rebecca Bialecki at 978-249-3703.
Celebrate Mediation
Hosted by The Mediation & Training Collaborative, this event will bring together members of the mediation, legal, court and social work communities to raise awareness about mediation, to honor mediators in our region, to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Judge Perlman upon her retirement, and to raise money for TMTC and its ongoing work. Coffee, tea and light refreshments served, cash bar. Suggested donation $25.
Thursday, June 2, 7-9 pm, Smith College Conference Center, 7 College Lane, Northampton
For more information call 413-774-7469. |
Job Openings
at Co-op Power
Co-op Power is a network of local communities working for justice and sustainability. Co-op Power provides energy efficiency and renewable energy products and services along with a toolkit of resources for communities across Massachusetts and southern VT. Co-op Power is looking for upbeat, organized, team players with good people skills to become Energy Coaches. Energy Coaches are community entrepreneurs who volunteer to build a strong base in their community and receive a share of the revenues they bring into Co-op Power. As an Energy Coach, you would work 20 to 40 hour a week:
-coordinating community outreach & education
-helping people get energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems for their homes and businesses
-supporting community-scale energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Co-op Power is now accepting applicants for the position of Energy Efficiency Senior Crew Leader. The insulation crew leader will oversee a crew of 3-4 people to insulate homes and small businesses across western Massachusetts, based out of the Hatfield shop. For more information, see www.cooppower.coop. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to diane@cooppower.coop. |
Other Local Business Classes
Valley CDC offers classes for business owners, artists, and first-time homebuyers.
Hilltown CDC has computer classes and classes for business owners. And don't miss the Hilltown Spring Festival May 14th at the Cummington Fairgrounds!
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