Chamber Explores Alternatives To Open Infomation Center

More Information to Follow

It was with great regret that Franklin County Chamber of Commerce was forced to close the Visitors’ Information Center in Greenfield on February 1st of this year. The Chamber had just celebrated ten years of service to travelers in December of 2009 and had received nearly 1,000,000 visitors in that time period.  However, the operating costs were not sustainable without state funding and this was eliminated last October.  All nine of the centers built about the same time throughout Massachusetts and managed by the Regional Tourism Councils were also closed due to lack of funding.

Jeanne Douillard, the VIC manager, worked with a task force of some 12 people from various aspects of the hospitality industry to analyze other possible models of operation and we are most appreciative of their efforts and interest. The Chamber is still deliberating about the possibility of reopening and the Chamber staff and board are committed to exploring alternatives to the retail/information model that was a way of introducing visitors to the crafts and specialty food products that are a cornerstone of Franklin County. It seems clear that the retail component would not be part of a more volunteer-driven operation, which would keep costs down considerably. The Chamber recognizes the importance of services to travelers and the economic impact that results from increased spending at events, attractions, lodging facilities and restaurants. Stay tuned!