2012 Current Featured Events > Local Calendar of Events >

January 10, 17, 24 & 31: The Greenfield Business Association presents Midwinter Movies at the Greenfield Garden Cinema and our 2012 theme Reel Romances

Four Tuesdays in January, 6:30 pm

January 10: GONE WITH THE WIND — The only way to see spoiled Scarlett O’Hara and jaunty Rhett Butler kiss, to see the burning of Atlanta, to see Tara is to see them on the big screen. This 1939 gem won 10 Academy Awards, including best picture.

January 17: WUTHERING HEIGHTS — Catherine and Heathcliff, childhood friends who felt a love that transcended death. Life on the moors never felt so gloomily glamorous.

January 24: THE PHILADELPHIA STORY — Will Katharine Hepburn’s character choose prudent Jimmy Stewart or dashing Cary Grant? A funny and sweet film.

January 31: WEST SIDE STORY — Tony and Maria: star-crossed lovers whose struggle to rise above racial rivalry leads to tragedy. A superb ensemble cast and music to die for.        

Tickets are $5, available at the Greenfield Garden Cinemas, 361 Main Street, 774-4881.

February 15: Successful Speaking Workshop - Building Your Business: A Series of Workshops

Shelburne Senior Center, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

You have within you the makings of a lively, confident and well received public speaker. Our goal is to help you identify your strengths and give you practical skills to build on when speaking to inform, persuade, entertain and inspire others. In a supportive atmosphere, you'll take only risks you're comfortable with, share in giving and receiving constructive feedback, and practice using your voice and body to present in any occasion.

The cost is $10 and refreshments will be provided. To register please call 625-2526 or email info@shelburnefalls.com. This workshop is sponsored by the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, Greenfield Business Association, and Montague Business Association.

John Snyder is a Toastmasters International competent communicator with degrees in journalism and organizational communication. For individual speech consultation or to meet your needs in business and marketing writing, visit AdvanceTheStory.com.

March 13: Visioning Session for the Abercrombie Building

Magpie Woodfired Pizzeria, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Come network and socialize and then walk across Bank Row to the Abercrombie Building to help imagine best uses for this former warehouse with so many possibilities. All are welcome.

Do you own a building and want help finding ideas on how to redevelop it? The GBA will help you promote your event. Contact Kate Snyder at gba@franklincc.org or call 413-774-2791.

March 15: Better Safe than Sorry: Disaster Planning Workshop in March

Franklin County Community Development Corp.
324 Wells Street, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Weather disasters were hard on Franklin County last year, and that wasn't good for business. There are simple things you can do to ensure you stay up and running in the event of a weather-related catastrophe. Presenter Nina Martin-Anzuoni, Regional Preparedness Community-Based Organization Coordinator at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, will lead this workshop on forming a Continuity of Operations Plan (or COOP) so you can roll with whatever Mother Nature hands out.

Join us March 15 at the conference room at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation, 324 Wells Street in Greenfield. Contact Kate Snyder at gba@franklincc.org or call 413-774-2791 to attend. Cost is $10 and refreshments will be provided. This workshop is the second in the Building Your Business series sponsored by the Greenfield Business Association, the Montague Business Association and the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association.

March 29: Membership Showcase: GREENFIELD BREWS!

At the Arts Block, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Why are you a member of the GBA? Because of events like this! Come to the Arts Block March 29 from 5 to 7 pm to show off your business, make contacts, and sample the best brews and food Greenfield has to offer.

We're lucky to live/work in a town that could be considered a brewing Mecca. We've got established beer-crafters alongside local newcomers. When you come to the GBA's Membership Showcase, you'll be able to sample them all and try some delicious brewed or fermented beverages!

If you like your brew dark and with a caffeine kick, you can try a cup of joe from one of our Greenfield coffee-roasters.

You can also sample appetizers from the town's best chefs. There will be swinging music and amazing prizes, including advertising packages worth more than $3,000 to be raffled off. You must be present to win...

So come, bring friends, and enjoy this member benefit!

To request a table, contact Kate Snyder at gba@franklincc.org or call 413-774-2791 by March 20th. Space is limited.


April 18: Commercial Composting: Reduce Waste Removal Costs Workshop

Franklin County CDC Conference Room, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

You Can Compost! Hear the benefits of commercial composting, including reducing waste removal costs, creating a valuable soil amendment out of waste materials, and promoting a sustainable community or business identity. Amy Donovan of the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District facilitates this workshop, which illustrates a commercial composting model created in Shelburne Falls.

The Shelburne Falls Compost Collaborative is a unique partnership of seven Shelburne Falls businesses, the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, and Franklin County Solid Waste Management District. Participating businesses, mostly restaurants, bring compostable waste to a centrally located compost dumpster; the contents are sent to Martin's Farm in Greenfield.

The program accepts all types of food waste, plus paper waste such as paper cups, paper plates, napkins, and cardboard. Learn how this program could be replicated in your community, business, or restaurant with the assistance of the Solid Waste District.

To register, contact Mary Vilbon at the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association at 413-625-2526. Cost is $10 and refreshments are provided. This workshop is the third in the Building Your Business series organized by the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, the Greenfield Business Association, and the Montague Business Association.

April 21 & 22: Franklin County Home Show and Green Fair

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Greenfield Business Association bring together exhibitors for home improvement and green living for the 2012 Franklin County Home Show and Green Fair. The fair, which includes activities for children and good food is held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. For more details >




2011

March 24 : GBA Annual Membership Showcase

Get ready to show Greenfield what you got at our Membership Showcase at the Greenfield Grille from 5 to 9 pm. 20 businesses will host a table at the event, which features door prizes donated by fabulous local business and chances to win cash and advertising packages worth up to $3,000! Live music and networking with potential customers will make this an event you won't want to miss! Call the GBA office for more details.

April 16 & 17 : Franklin County Home Show and Green Fair

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Greenfield Business Association bring together exhibitors for home improvement and green living for the 2011 Franklin County Home Show and Green Fair. The fair, which includes activities for children and good food is held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. For more details >

July 16 & 17 : 25th Green River Festival

Located in Greenfield, and presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the 25th anniversary event, being held on the campus of Greenfield Community College combines music on multiple stages, delicious local food, crafts from a range of artisans, a dance tent, the River Meltdown tent, balloon illuminations and hot air balloon launches (weather permitting) for Western Massachusetts' biggest outdoor event of the summer! For more details >

July 23 & 24 : Summer Fest and Sidewalk Sales

The GBA's flagship event, Summer Fest and Sidewalk Sales, is teaming up with the celebration of Greenfield's 200th anniversary as county seat. So...the big event will be held the weekend of July 23 and 24, with sidewalk sales on Saturday, July 23.

A portion of Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic; there'll be music, food, activities, trolley rides, historic tours, bicycle jaunts, dinosaur footprints and much more! See you downtown!

Franklin County's 200th Year Celebration events schedule >

September 8-11 : Franklin County Fair

The Franklin County Fair is a yearly agricultural fair held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. The fair features livestock, vegetables, crafts, exhibit halls, horse and oxen draws, tractor pulls, antique engines, cars, rides, midway, entertainment, demolition derby, music and more. This year's theme - "A New Way, It’s a Green Day". Please join us! For more details >

September 15 : GBA Social - Taylor's Tavern, upstairs, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

September 23-24 : 7th Annual Sustainability Summit - Greenfield Community College Main Campus

Join in the festivities! There will be live music, a family area with games and child-oriented activities, local food, dancing, exhibitors and activity centers where you can learn effective ways to make your life more affordable, comfortable, safe, and sustainable. For more details >

September 29 : A screening and panel discussion about the 18th Amendment's impact on America's culture

On Thursday, September 29, between 7 and 9 pm, you can join us in the Stinchfield Theater at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA for a preview and panel discussion of contemporary issues reflected by this tumultuous chapter of history. For more details >

October 14-15 : Brick + Mortar 2011 International Video Art Festival downtown Greenfield

A festival of cutting edge video art works from around the world in Greenfield, MA, that illuminates the vital role of video art and its significance in the field of contemporary art internationally and within Massachusetts. For more details >

October 20 : GBA Social - Join us at the Greenfield Grille from 5:30 to 7 pm for the unveiling of the NEW holiday lights! This year, be prepared to see an exciting, artist-created decoration that speaks to the joy and celebration of the season. To view >

If you want to be a part of this tradition with a new twist, there is an opportunity to sponsor a star for the decorations! Ashfield artist Nan Parati, who's decorating roots were nourished in New Orleans soil, created a celebratory display for Greenfield's downtown lampposts. Each lamppost will be adorned with a star, and the name of your business can appear on one of these stars.

We are offering three ways to participate:

$100 donation: Your business name on a white star

$500 donation: Your business name on a gold star; your business is listed as a sponsor during Home for the Holidays events.

$1,000 donation: Your business name on a gold star and yearlong sponsorship of the GBA. Your name is listed as a GBA sponsor for one year, including on the GBA website, and your banner is welcome to be hung at events throughout the year (Membership Showcase, Home Show and Green Fair, Sidewalk Sales, Home for the Holidays).

Sponsoring a star is a great way to support Greenfield and get your name in front of potential customers during the busy holiday season. To take advantage of this opportunity, e-mail Kate or call 413.774.2791.

November 5 : Creating Greenfield’s Future: Our Food, Economy and Community - Greenfield Community College Main Campus

Explore creative approaches to a future where the price of fossil fuels will not dictate our economic and social decisions or and the ways we live our lives.
For more details >

November 17 : Celebrity Bartending Event at Taylor's Tavern

Socialize, Network and Support a Great Cause

Good news! When you stop by Taylor's after work for a drink on Thursday, November 17, Greenfield celebrity will pour it for you! And you'll help the GBA's effort to raise money for its Holiday Lights Program, which makes the town feel festive and vibrant.

There'll be snacks and chances to win cash and great prizes donated by local businesses.

Join us November 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Taylor's and bring a thirsty friend or two or three. Contact Kate with questions and if you'd like to donate a gift certificate for one of our raffles.

November 26 : Home for the Holidays

Come Home for the Holidays in downtown Greenfield Saturday, November 26, 10 am to 5 pm. Kick off the holiday season as you take in the beautifully decorated store windows and vote for your favorite. You could win $100 in Greenfield Dollars, redeemable at 55 locations in Greenfield. Your little ones can chat with Santa and make a special ornament to bring home. Take a chance to win a Christmas tree decorated with gift certificates from local businesses, buy a wreath, sing along with carolers, watch the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree and much more!

Schedule:

10 am to 4 pm: Arts Block, green eggs and commemorative ornaments for sale, ornament-making activity for children; vote for your favorite store window; enter to win a Christmas tree with gifts from area businesses

10 am to 2 pm: Arts Block, wreaths for sale

Noon to 4 pm: Arts Block, Santa arrives at noon by fire truck and takes requests

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm: Caroling with Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, Veterans’ Mall


4:30 pm: Lighting of the town Christmas Tree, Veterans’ Mall

This year, Home for the Holidays falls on The Recorder's Discount Card Day, and on Small Business Saturday, so folks will be out shopping. We are promoting this event with radio and print ads. Make sure you take advantage of the surge in shoppers and join us! For more details e-mail Kate or call 413.774.2791.


December 9: Greenfield Energy Smart Businesses Workshop

8:30 to 10:30 am at GCC's Downtown Campus (270 Main Street)
Business owners and building owners, you are welcome to attend a workshop on the programs that can make energy efficiency not only affordable, but profitable. Speak with building owners who have already saved money by making changes. Hear from utilities, energy service companies and loan providers on how credits can save you money. With the heating season here, this is a workshop you won't want to miss.

Hosted by the Town of Greenfield, the Greenfield Business Association and the Greenfield Energy Committee. Free, refreshments provided. Contact Kate Snyder, 413.774.2791 for more information.

About the GBA >

For easy printing, the following are available for download in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader® to view and print these documents.

GBA Member Brochure > Member Benefits > Membership Form >