CHAMBER NEWS
June, 2014 


In This Issue
Member Spotlight
Upcoming Events
New Members
MemberToMember Benefits
Eye on Policy
Newsletter Archives Manhan Bridge Updates

A Message from Vicky Puza-Allen

 

As you know by now, our Executive Director Eric Snyder, for personal reasons, decided it was time to move on to new challenges and left the Chamber on May 23. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

 

In the ten years he served as executive director, Eric played a major role in all our key events and the renovations of our office on Union Street. He worked alongside city officials on various committees, guiding the transformation of Easthampton from a mill town into a city flourishing with new business and the arts. Eric also helped run the day-to-day operations of the Chamber and assisted businesses large and small in Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton.

 

We now look forward to choosing a new executive director and are forming a committee to focus on this important task. New businesses are flocking to the Greater Easthampton area, and improvements such as the Nash Pond Boardwalk and Mill Park infrastructure will enhance the region and increase tourism. The Chamber has also been undergoing changes to respond to the changing needs of its members, new and old, adding new programs and additional member benefits, and reaching out through new channels of communication such as social media and the web. A new executive director will bring the energy, commitment and creativity to continue these changes and lead the Chamber into the future.

 

We're excited about beginning this process, and I invite you to contact me with your recommendations about this job, interest in this position, or suggestions in general about the Chamber's future direction.

 

Thank you for your help, and I look forward to working with you all on this important transition!

 

Sincerely,

 

Vicky Puza-Allen

President, Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce

 

 

 
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Chamber Update:  We'll be Comin 'Round the Mountain When We Come...     

 

The Greater Easthampton and Holyoke Chambers of Commerce are "Moving the Mountain," so our members can network at the recently renovated Holyoke Country Club, 2 Country Club Road, Holyoke (Route 5). Plan to join your colleagues for this unique event on Monday, June 16, 5-7 p.m.

 

This opportunity to expand our networking horizons is sponsored in part by Canon Real Estate, Easthampton Savings Bank and United Personnel. Additional $300 sponsorships are available and are limited to the first 10 who apply by Friday, June 6; they include press releases, extensive pre-event marketing and a promotional table at the event.


Tickets to attend the event are $10 for members of either chamber, and $15 for future members. Reservations are preferred, so call 413-527-9414 or email us at
info@easthamptonchamber.org, to reserve a ticket or become a sponsor. We hope to see you there! 

    
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The New Guide...

 

The 2014-2015 Pioneer Valley Guide was published at the start of the Tourism season and will be distributed all year long. Anyone who requests a Visitor Guide from the regional tourism councils in the Pioneer Valley will receive a copy of the Guide. This includes the Amherst and Northampton Chambers, the Franklin County Chamber and the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. The guide will also be distributed at attractions and visitor information booths in Boston and Hartford.

If you would like to receive additional copies of the Pioneer Valley Guide for your place of business, please just let us know.  

Member News:  Come to the Fireworks Spectacular June 28

 

Thanks go to the Easthampton Spirit Committee, which will hold this year's family event and fireworks spectacular on Saturday, June 28 at Galbraith Field (rain date June 29).

 

The event, which is sponsored entirely by individual and business donations, runs from 5:00 to 10:30 and includes bands, food vendors, a climbing wall, and a wide range of activities for children as well. As with previous years, this year will feature hot air balloon rides and a BMX talent show. The bands will include Trailer Trash, Eva Capelli and Friends, and Nuthin' Fancy/the Lynyrd Skynrd Experience.

 

Sponsors so far this year include Easthampton Savings Bank, Florence Savings Bank, Finck and Perras Insurance, Big E's Supermarket, Canon Real Estate, the Chamber, Richard's Fuel, Fleury Lumber, Old Colony Package Store, and Five Star Building Corp. The event also cannot happen without the help of its many volunteers, who handle setup, parking, money collection, crowd control and cleanup. 

 

This yearly event costs approximately $30,000, and is supported entirely by donations and sponsorships. Information about how to sponsor the event, donate or volunteer can be found at www.easthamptonspirit.com, by email at sponsor@easthamptonspirit.com or on their Facebook page.

 
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Member News:   Raise a Ruckus at Cultural Chaos  

   

Cultural Chaos, a daylong "street festival with a twist," is presented by the Cottage Street Cultural District, and will take place Saturday, June 14, from 11 to 6.

 

Cultural Chaos is block party featuring Cottage Street's unique food, culture and businesses. There will be music performances, food-tastings, street performances, a "makers market," and demonstrations. Cultural Chaos is a prime example of the cultural diversity that is so central to Easthampton's Cottage Street.

 

For an updated list of musical performers, makers market participants, restaurants and event makers, go to the Cultural Chaos website at easthamptoncityarts.com/culturalchaos. 

 

Cultural Chaos is still seeking volunteers for the day of the event. Sign up at culturalchaos.org .For more information, contact Burns Maxey, ECA+ Coordinator, at arts@easthampton.org  or 413-527-8278.

 

      

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Board Member Profile: Meet Bill Judd

Each issue, we'll do a brief profile on a Chamber Board Member.
  

NAME: Bill Judd

 

JOB TITLE/COMPANY: VP- Cash Management and Government Banking Officer, Easthampton Savings Bank

 

YEARS WITH THE CHAMBER; POSITIONS/OFFICES HELD: 4 Years - Treasurer

 

YEAR YOUR BUSINESS STARTED: Founded in 1869

 

WHAT YOU DO: My department plays an important role in supporting the Retail, Commercial and Government Banking departments at ESB by selling business online cash management products and services.

 

EXPERIENCE/BACKGROUND: My banking career started in 1985. Since then, I've worked for several different local banking institutions. I've been at ESB for 12 years, starting as the Senior Branch Officer at the Locust Street office in Northampton. Six years ago, I had the opportunity to implement and expand the Cash Management Department. I'm excited to be a part of this bank and the great work that we do every day in the communities we serve.

 

SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU: I enjoy vacationing at the beach, whether it's down in Ocean City, Maryland, or on the Gulf side of sunny Florida. I enjoy the quiet times with family and friends, and I'm told that I'm a fairly good drink maker. Cheers.

           

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Newsletter Sponsor

ESB
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 NEW MEMBERS
 

 
EVENTS  
NOT TO MISS!

June 12, 2014
North Country Landscaping & Garden Center
sponsored by
Innovative Business Systems & North Country Landscaping & Garden Center

30th Annual Golf Tournament
July 25, 2014
Southampton CC


 
 BENEFITS
MemberToMember

These member benefits are in addition to those Member to Member benefits already detailed online and in our
 MembershipDirectory. 

 

LEARN MORE  

 

If your business would like to offer a new Member to Member benefit, contact the Chamber. Your business will appear in this newsletter and, if your offer renews each year, it will appear in the Membership Directory.  

 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 

TechCavalry / Innovative Business Systems Fee Waiver   


 
EYE ON POLICY & POLICY MAKERS

 

 

 

   

ECA+ EVENTS 
2014 

Thu Jun 12
7pm - 8:30pm
Unbuttoned
Luthier's Co-op

Sat Jun 14
10-7pm
Cultural Chaos, Cultural District
Block Party



Sat Jun 14
5-8 pm
Art Walk, Made in Easthampton

Mon Jun 23
6pm - 7pm
C.H.A.T.
Art Bar Cafe

 

News
Do you have news to share or have an interest in the "Member Spotlight"? Contact us at the Chamber office 413.527.9414 to learn more.