Shelburne Falls Alliance

Shelburne Falls Alliance

Helping Shape the Future of Shelburne Falls

Photo Credit: Erika Goddard

Building a Thriving Place to Live, Work & Visit


Fostering Community Connections


Enhancing Economic Growth & Sustainability

Photo Credit: Kristine Jelstrup

Honoring Our Cultural Roots





Shelburne Falls Alliance

Helping Shape the Future of Shelburne Falls

The Shelburne Falls Alliance - passionate, forward-thinking business owners, nonprofit leaders, and residents - volunteer their time, talents, and energy to play an active role in guiding the village’s economic and cultural future. 

Mission

The Shelburne Falls Alliance is a dedicated and creative collective from the Shelburne Falls area working to nurture our artistic and cultural roots and to enhance and foster economic growth and community vibrancy through collaborative coordination of programs, events, and resources.

The Committee sets priorities, advises on initiatives, and develops actionable steps to ensure Shelburne Falls remains a thriving and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

Goals

  • Drive economic development and support local businesses
  • Strengthen community connections and foster collaboration
  • Ensure the village maintains its charm, vitality, and sustainability for future generations

What We Do

  • Set priorities for development and growth
  • Advise on local initiatives (business, arts, events, infrastructure)
  • Coordinate with nonprofits, business owners, and residents
  • Community outreach and gathering input
  • Monitor progress and reporting
  • Guide the Regional Coordinator position (as applicable)
Have an idea that could strengthen our village for residents or visitors?
Let us know and join the effort.

Share Your Ideas!

Shelburne Falls Alliance Structure & Members

Co-Chairs

  • Ted Hanna - Co-owner, 5 State Coworking; Commercial & Residential Realtor, Cohn and Company
  • Ellen Purinton - Senior Wealth Advisor, Wellington Shields

Members

  • Chad Flasinski  - Owner and Chef, Hotfire Bar and Grill
  • Joy Sullivan - Owner, ENJOY Boutique
  • Jim Kessler - President, Memorial Hall Association
  • Virginia Ray - Board Member, Bridge of Flowers Committee; Journalist
  • Cate Chadwick - Shelburne Falls Cultural District Manager

Get On Board!

Third Place: 2024 Website Photo Contest
We welcome involvement:
  • Business owners who want to strengthen the local economy
  • Nonprofit leaders who bring vital community resources and programs
  • Teachers, clergy, healthcare workers, and other professionals who have a deep understanding of our community
  • Residents who care about the future of our communities
  • Regional advisers who can offer expertise and perspective

Interested in joining or nominating someone for the Steering Committee or a Subcommittee?

Fill out our interest form

Shelburne Falls Alliance Working Groups

Purpose: Promote the region and manage its digital identity. Current members and affiliations:

Joy Sullivan - SFA Member  Owner, ENJOY Boutique

Virginia Ray - SFA Member, Bridge of Flowers Committee; Journalist

Jim Kessler - SFA Member; President, Memorial Hall Association

Amanda Abramson - Realtor, Coldwell Banker Community Realtors

Erika Goddard - Professional photographer; Co-owner, Stay.Shire

Sharon Glazer - Retired website developer; Volunteer, ShelburneFalls.com

Purpose: Manage financial matters, grants, and fundraising.

Current members and affiliations:

Purpose: Attract and serve visitors with high-quality experiences. Plan and support a range of community events, from small to large-scale. Ensure diverse and equitable participation across all initiatives. Current members and affiliations:

Paul Bennett - PorchFest Founder

Michelle Olanyk - WCAC Treasurer/Moonlight Magic

Cate Chadwick - SF Cultural District Manager

Ellen Purinton - SFA Cochair, Volunteer Organizer

Purpose: Maintains and elevates the village’s signature beauty through coordinated flowers, lighting, and public-space enhancements.

SFA will work alongside the Village of Flowers Committee and Nick Doneilo’s yearly lighting project to enhance and unify beautification efforts across the village.

Contact The Shelburne Falls Alliance









All photography is courtesy of the Shelburne Falls Alliance, unless noted.