At a recent meeting in November, the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association elected new officers and welcomed new members. From left, Michele Kenney, vice president; Gateway Superintendent Melissa Matarazzo; Laurie Martell, incoming JLBA president; Christina Beeke, health insurance adviser and Lois Sturm, proprietor of Drowsy Dragon Kitchen.
Reminder Publishing photo by Amy Porter
HUNTINGTON — The Jacob’s Ladder Business Association elected new officers at its annual Snack and Schmooze event on Nov. 13 in Stanton Hall.
Elected as president and clerk was Laurie Martell, assistant vice president and branch manager of Westfield Bank in Huntington.
In an introductory letter to area businesses, Martell said she has been in the banking industry for over 25 years and enjoys helping customers and business owners with all their banking needs.
Returning to the JLBA board as vice president is Michele Kenney, the program director for the Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center, a University of Massachusetts off-campus program in Chester, as well as owner of Custom Thermal Shades in Blandford. Kenney previously served on the JLBA board for many years in a number of capacities, including as former JLBA president.
Liz Massa will continue in her role as JLBA treasurer, a role she has filled for several years. Massa is well known locally as the founder of Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers, and serves on boards in the town of Chester.
New to the JLBA board is Stephanie Stoudenmire, a Huntington resident and owner of Codeforce Digital Consulting. Stoudemire will serve JLBA as its social media and marketing director.
In her work as a digital consultant, Stoudenmire assists several local businesses, including Clockworks and Drennan Tax Service. She also teaches computer classes throughout the state and locally for SHAEC.
The Jacobs Ladder Business Association has acted as the Hilltowns Chamber of Commerce since 1991. JLBA’s mission is to help Hilltown Businesses thrive by supporting established and emerging entrepreneurs through networking, education, events and collaborative marketing throughout Western Massachusetts.
Western Massachusetts small businesses and organizations are invited to join the JLBA. Annual membership is $95 and gets each member on the Business Associations Hilltown Destinations Map, which showcases hilltown businesses, along with hiking trailheads and water recreation.
For more information, visit JLBA.org or email JacobsladderBA@gmail.com.
The first JLBA gathering in the New Year will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 8 in The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center office on 26 Main St. in Chester.
“My vision for JLBA would be for businesses to really connect with each other and the community with more in-person networking events. We have a lot of knowledge to share, and it’s important we know what services are available from our fellow Hilltown business partners,” said Martell, adding, “We’re here to help you succeed.”
