Jacob’s Ladder Business Association (L-R) new president Stu Besnoff, secretary Linda Greenia, past president Michele Kenney and HCDC executive director Dave Christopolis at the March meeting. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – New officers were elected to the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association (JLBA) at its March meeting, as Michele Kenney stepped down after two years as president to accept the position of economic development coordinator for the Hilltown Community Development Corporation (HCDC) in Chesterfield.
Kenney will be running the Hilltown Incentive Program (HIP), described by HCDC’s Executive Director Dave Christopolis as a “multi- year economic development initiative serving the Hilltowns, targeted to the small business community, including local farmers.”
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure serving as president,” Kenney said, adding that she looks forward to continuing to support small businesses in her new position.
Elizabeth Massa will serve as the new treasurer for JLBA.
Replacing Kenney as JLBA president is Stu Besnoff, owner of Alpine Solar Heat and Hot Water in Windsor. MA. Elizabeth Massa, founder of Western Mass Hilltown Hikers, will serve as the new treasurer, and Mimi Caban Ross, owner of “Need a ride” ride-share services in Huntington, will serve as the new social media and marketing director. Linda Fontaine Greenia will continue in the role of secretary.
Mimi Caban Ross, JLBA social media and marketing director.
The change in leadership comes as the organization is in the final stretch of preparing the second publication of the Hilltown Destinations map and business directory, which encompasses the entire Hilltown region, highlighting family friendly hiking trails and other recreational activities. Business participation in the map is a benefit of JLBA membership, open to all businesses serving the 22-town Hilltown area. For more information on the Hilltown Destinations Map or JLBA membership, visit their website at www.JLBA.org, or email [email protected].
The next meeting of the JLBA will be held on Thursday, April 19th at 6:00pm at the Blossom Center, 16 Bell Road in Middlefield. Anyone interested in becoming a member or finding out more about the Association’s activities is encouraged to attend.
