Shelburne Falls Steering Committee

Shelburne Falls Steering Committee

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 Steering Committee

Helping Shape the Future of Shelburne Falls

The newly-formed Shelburne Falls Steering Committee - 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 Steering Committee 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)
We'd Love to Hear Your Ideas!
Have a suggestion to make our area even more awesome?
Tell us what you're thinking and how you'd like to be involved.

We'll select a few ideas to explore and follow up to get more details.

Share Your Ideas!

Shelburne Falls Steering Committee Structure & Members

Co-Chairs

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

Treasurer

  • Sue McFarland - Owner & Artisan, Wool and Weft

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
  • Whit Sanford - Strategic Planner Consultant
  • Laurie Goddard - Owner and Artist, Watermark Gallery
  • Cindy Fisher - Owner and Artist, Big Bang Mosaics

Get On Board!

Third Place: 2024 Website Photo Contest
We welcome involvement from a broad spectrum of community members.  
  • 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

Steering Committee Sub-Committees

Finance 
Purpose: Manage all financial matters, grants, and fundraising.
Current members and affiliations:

  • Sue McFarland - Treasurer, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee;  Owner & Artisan, Wool and Weft
  • Whit Sanford - Member, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee;  Strategic Planner Consultant

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

  • Joy Sullivan -  - Member, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee; Owner, ENJOY Boutique
  • Virginia Ray - Board Member, Bridge of Flowers Committee; Journalist
  • Jim Kessler - - Member, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee; 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

Programming and Community Engagement
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:

  • Chad Flasinski - - Member, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee; Owner and Chef, Hotfire Bar and Grill
  • Ted Hanna - Co-chair, Shelburne Falls Steering Committee;  Co-owner, 5 State Coworking; Commercial & Residential Realtor, Cohn and Company
  • Dana Cusimano - Co-owner, Beth & Frances Boutique
  • Carly Vernon - Owner, SomaLumen

Contact The Shelburne Falls Steering Committee









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