HUNTINGTON – Michele Kenney, owner of Functional Art in Chester, became the new president of the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association (JLBA) at last night’s annual meeting in Stanton Hall, following the three-year term of Derrick Mason of Moss Hill Farm in Russell. Kenney is also the president of the Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center (SHAEC).
The JLBA is a group of people with a goal of promoting business opportunities in the hilltowns and providing support for the diverse businesses that currently exist, while recognizing and preserving the natural beauty, neighborliness, and resources of the area.
“It’s our kind of local businesses that drive the economy,” Mason said, before stepping down. “During my tenure, I’ve tried to make the JLBA as proactive as possible. Growing businesses, networking, holding business development workshops, scholarships to entrepreneurs, and outreach to legislators,” he said.
Mason thanked the stalwarts of the business association that were in attendance at the meeting, but said, “There is still a lot to do.”
“I want to thank you, and I look forward to working with all of you,” Kenney said. “I’m very excited about where we can take the JLBA.”
Besides Kenney, the new slate of officers includes vice-president Stu Besnoff of Alpine Solar Heat and Hot Water in Windsor, secretary Linda Fontaine-Greenia of Country Cars in Middlefield and alternate Bryan Farr of The Historic US Route 20 Association in Chester, treasurer Linda Hamlin of Mountain Laurel Designs in Huntington, and clerk Tamarin Laurel of Azure Green in Middlefield.
The next meeting will be held on February 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Harvest Moon Realty in Chester. Amy Shapiro, business development director of the Franklin County CDC and Seth Isman, director of the Hilltown CDC, will work with JLBA leadership to facilitate a clear vision for 2016 and beyond. The meeting is open to the public.
