HUNTINGTON – Members of the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association (JLBA) met Tuesday evening at the Rapids Bar and Grill for their annual meeting.
A new slate of officers was elected. They are: Michele Kenney, president, Christina Beeke, vice president, Linda Greenia, secretary, and Stu Besnoff, treasurer. Other positions filled include Elizabeth Massa, marketing director, Bryan Farr, website liaison, Linda Hamlin, clerk, Christina Beeke, membership and meeting and events coordinator, and Wendy Long, scholarship coordinator.
Michele Kenney, president, and Bryan Farr, website liaison of the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association it is annual meeting on Tuesday.
Michele Kenney, who continues her term as president, greeted the twenty or so members present with a recap of activities over the past year.
“It has been a pleasure to work with a group of innovative entrepreneurs, as we strive to create a better business association, and ultimately, a better climate for business in the hilltowns,” Kenney said.
Kenney noted that the JLBA has collaborated with many other groups seeking to improve economic health in the region, including Healthy Hampshire, the American Institute for Architects and the Hilltown Collaborative, and by hosting a legislative forum.
Kenney said their goals were and continue to be increasing JLBA membership and participation, expanding the Buy Local Campaign, and to increase marketing, communications and promotion of the region. Toward that end, they are developing a 2017 Business and Trail head map, both in print and interactive on a soon-to-be redesigned website at www.jlba.org, under the auspices of Bryan Farr of the Historic U.S. Route 20 Association.
New JLBA members in 2016 Helen Garcia (right), owner of River Café and Bakery and daughter Alison Garcia.
During the business portion of the meeting, a treasurer’s report showed $750 in the scholarship fund. Scholarships of $250 are given annually to students in the region interested in pursuing a career in business. It was voted to open the scholarship to include schools in towns represented by member businesses. Members also voted to change meeting nights from Tuesdays to Thursdays in 2017.
