August News from Franklin County CDC

The Franklin County CDC is pleased to announce that we have just completed our first big week of freezing locally grown vegetables!

Pioneer Valley Vegetables are grown and frozen in western Massachusetts, and will be served in schools, colleges and hospitals in our region through the Extended Season Farm to Institution Project.

The Extended Season Farm to Institution project is part of the Food Processing Center's initiative to extend the region's farming season by making healthful local produce available to students and patients year-round. We work closely with local growers like Czajkowski Farms, Long Plain Farm, Wysocki Farm and the Pioneer Valley Growers' Association to source high-quality produce at a fair price for growers, and with institutions to develop kitchen-quality lightly processed broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, and summer squash.

In order to provide a fair price to both growers and institutions, we have been working to make our processing more streamlined. Our excellent crew of kitchen staff, and recent equipment purchases have significantly improved our efficiency this season.

As we embark on this new project, we have relied on the kindness and help of a few local businesses. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their neighborly assistance!

FPC Thanks

A project of this magnitude depends upon start-up support from funders. A recent article from the Greenfield Recorder noted that "The Franklin County Community Development Corp. got the two-year grant from Virginia-based Wallace Center at nonprofit Winrock International. The grant is one of 17 awarded around the country for 'innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to resolve barriers to healthy food access among the poorest in the country,' according to a Wallace Center statement." We are very proud to have been chosen to receive this grant, and feel confident that the new equipment we've been able to purchase as a result of this grant will allow us to build a viable long-term program.

Again, this would not have been possible without the help of a few local businesses, who have been more than generous, helping to store excess food, and assisting with equipment. Thanks again to Bart's Homemade Ice Cream, Foster's Supermarket, Farren Care Center, Facey Plumbing and Heating and Real Pickles.

5% Day at Whole Foods Market in Hadley!

Save your shopping for September 20th!

Whole Foods Market in Hadley is hosting a 5% Day to benefit the Franklin County Community Development Corporation! Customers who shop at the store, located at 327 Russell Street in Hadley on September 20th, will contribute to the total donation dollars going to the FCCDC!

Whole Foods Market helps small businesses grow by buying and selling the very products made by our own Food Processing Center members. You can help too by supporting the Franklin County CDC during Whole Foods 5% Day! Several times a year, Whole Foods Market host community giving days (also known as "5% Days") where five percent of that day's net sales are donated to a local nonprofit or educational organization. The FCCDC is pleased to have been chosen, and we hope that you will join us!

Bridget Heller, founder and co-owner of The Daylily in South Deerfield

CDC Spotlight: The Daylily

A gift shop featuring local artisans opens in South Deerfield

Master gardener Bridget Heller has always worked in retail, hoping some day to have her own shop. When the time was right, she decided to explore the feasibility of a shop that combined her interest in locally made products and gardening. To do so, Bridget participated in the 2010 Fall Plan for Success business class here at the FCCDC, where she created and implemented a market research survey to determine her customers preferences. She then expanded the business idea to include workshops and classes which will be offered year round.

Once the class was over, she partnered with her daughter and immediately began to implement her business plan with confidence. The Daylily opened in May of 2011 with a range of locally made products, works by local artists, and an array of specialty gifts. New products are always coming in.

We are so happy that Bridget has been able to fulfill her dreams! The Daylily is open for business Thursday - Friday from 10 - 5, and Saturday from 10 - 2. Be sure to stop by!

CDC Spotlight: Hillside Pizza

Re-locating to a hungry neighborhood!

On August 11th Hillside Pizza opened to an eager crowd at its new location in Bernardston. Within the first two hours of business, over 35 meals were served to happy patrons.

In 2001, Hillside Pizza began as a fundraising operation here at the Food Processing Center, and opened their first store in December 2006 in South Deerfield, which served as a restaurant and processing facility for our fundraisers, wholesale and catering enterprises. In April 2009 they opened their second location in Hadley, MA -- a 40-seat restaurant and distribution center for their fundraising partners in the Hampshire county area.

Craig and Bob are the Hillside Pizza co-founders and are delighted to re-located their West Swanzey, NH store to Bernardston, MA. Hillside Pizza is located in a building owned by another CDC client and shares it with Fall Town Spirits, at 77 church Street, Bernardston, MA. Check out Hillside Pizza's website for more details including store hours, menu and other upcoming events!

Bank July 15, 2011 First National Bank Building for Sale or Lease

The Franklin County Community Development Corporation is looking at more options for the First National Bank Building in downtown Greenfield. Last month the private non-profit organization listed the building with The Masiello Group Realtors for sale or for lease.

Read more here.

Upcoming Workshops and Classes

at the FCCDC

Buzz on Biz Seeking Guest Speakers

Buzz on Biz is seeking guest speakers. Do you have a business-related topic that will benefit other small business owners? Here is an opportunity to share your expertise, gain experience presenting, and network with existing business owners. This year's topics have included Strategic planning, Photography, Organizing, Managing Debt, and Computer Maintenance.

Click here to fill out an application online.

Be sure to include: at least three points you plan to cover; its benefit to small business owners; describe what makes you an expert in this topic; and list your presentation experience.

You can also contact Amy Shapiro at 413-774-7204 ext. 107 or by email at amys@fccdc.org.

Buzz on Biz: September

Buzz on Biz is taking a vacation for the month of August. Join us at our next Buzz on Biz event on September 2nd!

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.

First Friday of Each Month, 8-9:30 am, FCCDC

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, September 7, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC

Wednesday, October 5, 3:30-5 pm, FCCDC

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:

Developing a mission statement
Understanding legal structures
Finding market research tools & resources
Creating income & expense projections
Financing alternatives and supporting documents

Tuesdays, September 20 through December 6, 6-9 pm, FCCDC

The class is a $500 value; thanks to grants and donations, we are able to offer it for $250 (payment plans available).

To register for this course contact Amy Shapiro at 413-774-7204 x107.

Working for Yourself!

The Franklin County Community Development Corporation presents "Working for Yourself." Learn how the FCCDC can help you understand what is needed to start your own business or improve your existing one.

This workshop provides an overview of topics such as developing a business plan, securing funding, trainings, connecting with a business counselor, linking to business resources, etc.

This event is FREE and open to the public, so please join us on Tuesday, August 30th from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Franklin Hampshire Career Center! Call 800-457-2603 or 413-774-4361 to sign up!

Photo by Anja Schutz

Brick + Mortar

International

Video Art Festival

The 3rd annual Brick + Mortar International Video Art Festival will turn Greenfield into a dynamic arts district, presenting cutting edge video art works from around the world on October 14-15, 2011. Downtown historic buildings will be transformed into art installations, including the CDC's First National Bank building on Bank Row, which is one of the main attractions of the festival. Philosopher, critic, and curator Christoph Cox has been chosen to lead the festival. He currently works as a professor of philosophy at Hampshire College.

For more information on the festival see www.greenfieldvideofest.org.

Upcoming Local 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.

Wednesdays, August 17, 24, 6-8:30 pm.

Easthampton Savings Bank, 36 Main Street Easthampton, MA 01027-2090. To register contact Fern Selesnick at fs@valleycdc.com or 413-586-5855 x16.

Business Planning & Cash Flow Workshop Series

Sponsored by SCORE, this workshop series is for new and existing small business owners who want to create a documented business plan to Secure Funding and Investors, Clarify and Activate Business Goals, Define Products/Service Pricing and Promotion, and Establish Company Financial Plans and Performance.

Only $25 per workshop, instructed by a highly qualified SCORE Counselor. Each of the 3 workshops in the series is strategically structured to effectively review the contents of your business plan, apply the contents directly to your business, and activate your plan. The time between each workshop should be used to complete workshop planning assignments as applied to your business plan.

The final workshop will be this Friday, August 19, 1-4 pm, Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, Springfield, MA. For more information see www.scorewesternmass.org.

Join CISA and the Mass Farm Energy Program for a summer workshop!

Topic: Solar Thermal - hot water & space heating

Come learn the basics of energy efficient solar hot water systems with the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program and system installers, including the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, The Solar Store and Coop Power. We will discuss system and equipment options, best management practices for different farm sectors, how to work with an installer, funding opportunities, and take a look at an on-site system. Find out how the MA Farm Energy Program can be a resource for your farm energy project from planning to implementation. Snacks will be served, suggested donation $5. This even will take place on Monday, August 22nd from 6 - 8 p.m. at Crossroads Farm, 1231 West Road, Ashfield.

Red Fire Farm's 11th Annual Tomato Festival

Every year Red Fire Farm has an unbelievable selection of amazing tomatoes for you to taste. It'll be a great day at the farm, with everything from a 5K Tomato Trot field race to hay rides to cooking demonstrations to live music to crafters and a smorgasbord of local fare from area producers! Be sure to visit, rain or shine, on September 27th!

Sustainable Franklin County Workshops

How should Franklin county grow? What will the region look like in twenty years? How can it be more sustainable? To answer these questions, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and its partner organizations will be holding a series of public workshops in the Fall to help identify a Regional Vision for the county. the public is encouraged to attend these workshops to provide input. The workshops will feature a mapping exer4cise for participants that will identify future goals for growth and potential growth areas. The workshops will also generate a list of community needs and barriers to sustainability that may exist in the region.

The workshops will take place on:

September 22, 2011 from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Greenfield High School - Greenfield
September 27, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Mahar High School Library - Orange
October 5, 2011 from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Shelburne Buckland Community Center - Shelbure Falls

For more information please contact Transportation and Land Use Planner Megan Rhodes at 413-774-1194 ext. 110 or at mrhodes@frcog.org. You can also check out FRCOG's Land Use and Planning Page for more details.

Co-op Power Sustainable Energy Summit

Celebrating the work our communities do to reduce their energy use, strengthen their local communities and build our movement for a just and sustainable future in our region. September 23-24 at Greenfield Community College. See www.cooppower.coop for more information.

13th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival

A scent-sational destination for fabulous family fun, amazing art and agriculture, and serious skills for local living. Enjoy garlic-growing and gardening workshops then choose from a unique selection to plant or eat. Seeds of Solidarity Handworks rustic furniture for sale. Saturday & Sunday, October 1-2, 10 am-5 pm Forster's Farm, Orange.

Massachusetts Conference for Women Small Business Boot Camp: Live Fearlessly!

Imagine your path to purpose and boldly transform. The Massachusetts Conference for Women, the state's largest event of its kind with more than 7,000 attendees, offers community and connection, information and inspiration, motivation and momentum. Branding, marketing, funding, public relations, social media, and sales will all be discussed. December 7-8, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston. For more information see www.maconferenceforwomen.org/

The Mediation & Training Collaborative is offering its 34-hour Basic Mediation Training

This hands-on experiential training is for anyone who wants to increase skill in dealing with the conflicts of others - whether through formal mediation or in other professional settings. Early registration postmarked by September 9th is $595; after that date registration costs $625. Fee included coached practice sessions, 74-page manual, certificate of completion, refreshments, parking and social work CECs or attorney CLEs.

Dates for this session are October 1, 4, 11, 18, 25 & 29. (Two Saturdays 9 - 5 and four Tuesdays 3 - 9). For more information or a brochure, click here, or contact Susan J. Hackney, Community Training Coordinator at 413-475-1505. .

Be ready for the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources Agricultural Business Training Program (ABTP)

ABTP courses for 2012 will begin in January-March, with registration open in September. Those who provide their email addresses and course choices before then will be given priority in early contact. If you are interested, please send an email to rick.chandler@state.ma.us with your contact information (including address, phone and email), and tell us which course interests you most. We will give you priority notification as soon as the next round of courses is scheduled.

The nature of agriculture in Massachusetts is rapidly changing. Today's agricultural climate favors farm owners and managers who develop innovative approaches and adaptable plans that :

Emphasize diverse and retail driven markets to distribute risk and net better returns
Focus on loans and/or personal investment through realistic financial planning and record keeping
Provide for a living wage and rewarding work for family members and key employees that keeps them involved in the business and improves stability
Map ways to work as partners within the regulatory requirements of Commonwealth and the municipalities in which the farms are located

Each course is limited to 12 farms/potential agricultural businesses, with an option to bring a key partner for no extra cost. Full attendance is required to get expected results. Fees are kept low through MDAR support. You can visit the ABTP website here.

Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship Events for Fall 2011 - Spring 2012

The Center's Annual Academic Conference on "The Entrepreneurial University" - current issues in entrepreneurship education and technology transfer will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011.

Their continuing Speaker Series, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Western New England College Blake Law Center, from noon - 1:30 p.m. on the follow dates:

Thursday, September 29, 2011: Michael Malloy, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific "Anatomy of a Meltdown: The Continuing Small Business Impact"
Thursday, November 17, 2011: Prof. Marc Meyer, Northeastern University School of Business: "Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century"
Thursday, January 24, 2012: Prof. David Weber, Creighton University School of Law: "Undocumented Entrepreneurs: Business Structure and Immigration Compliance"
Thursday, April 5, 2012: Prof. Barry Barnes, Nova Southeastern University, School of Business: "Management Secrets of the Grateful Dead"

Additionally, the Center will hold a Financial Literacy for Small Business Workshop, also at Western New England College Blake Law Center from 1 - 3 p.m. on the following dates. The cost is $20 per session or $100 for the entire series:

September 2, 2011: Basics of financial and business planning
October 7, 2011: Accounting Basics - understanding financial statements
November 4, 2011: Cost effective marketing
December 2, 2011: Pricing your products and services and break-even analysis
February 3, 2012: Managing credit and banking relationships
March 2, 2012: Introduction to tax issues for small businesses
April 6, 2012: Insurance risk management techniques for small businesses

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.

Franklin Hampshire Career Center offers computer classes and job skills classes.

You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are in our contacts database. Please feel free to to others who you think might be interested. If you'd rather not receive emails from us, please use the link at the bottom to remove yourself from our list. Our e-newsletters are now archived on our website. Check out our website at www.fccdc.org to learn more about the CDC and our work, including an updated calendar of classes and workshops. The Franklin County Community Development Corporation is an equal opportunity provider, lender and employer.