CONTENTS

Welcome from Executive Director Vince Jackson 8

About the Chamber 10

B. Alpha Construction 14

Academy of Music Theatre 16

Greenfield and Northampton Coop Bank 20

Protocol/Amherst Oyster Bar 22

Amherst Innovative Living 26

Paradise City Arts 28

Grow Food Northampton 30

Valley Home Improvement 32

Three County Fair 34

Northampton Center for the Arts 36

Investor (Member) Directory 42

A MESSAGE From our Executive Director

Welcome back to THRIVE!

We’re thrilled to release the second edition of this vibrant publication from the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC), where we celebrate the businesses and people who make our community shine. THRIVE continues to spotlight the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service that fuels our local economy — and connects business and community through advertising.

This year’s issue features a dynamic mix of for-profit and nonprofit organizations across a variety of sectors — from arts and culture to home and living and beyond. Whether long-established or newly launched, each featured business brings a unique story of bold leadership and community impact. And with an expanding group of advertisers — GNCC investors eager to serve — you’ll find even greater opportunities to connect locally.

While THRIVE remains a primarily digital publication, we’ve increased our print run from 100 to 1,000 copies to meet growing demand. You’ll find print editions at GNCC’s office and through our advertisers — so keep an eye out!

With nearly 500 GNCC investors, we’re never short on inspiring stories to tell. We’re proud to continue partnering with Town Square Publications, whose expertise helps us deliver high-quality content that bridges business and community.

A huge thank you to GNCC’s incredible board, staff, and volunteers — and to everyone who contributed to this issue. Your support affirms our belief that when the economy thrives, our community thrives — and vice versa.

Let’s keep thriving, together!

Vince Jackson

ABOUT the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is an investor-supported, nonprofit organization that creates meaningful connections, facilitates strategic collaborations, and supports community-building opportunities. Through a shared vision for a thriving economy and community, our investors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders are dedicated to personal and business growth, economic development, and collective engagement to drive progress for all.

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation to foster a thriving economy and community, invigorated by diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

A prosperous community distinguished by creativity, inclusion, caring, and stewardship of place – for the benefit of all.

Our Values Connection

We create meaningful connections in and around the local business community.

Collaboration

We facilitate mutually beneficial collaborations that stimulate economic growth.

Community

We build community through our diverse network of stakeholders who share our vision.

Greater Northampton Gift Card Program

The Chamber’s Greater Northampton Gift Card Program, celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2025, has infused over $5,000,000 into our local small business economy. Today, with 130 participating merchants and an average of $375,000 in annual sales, the Gift Card is the perfect way to keep local dollars local while celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, teachers, employees, and more!

Join Us!

Gain credibility, increase visibility, expand your network, have a voice, stay informed, and receive referrals. Our networking events, educational seminars, and volunteer opportunities are invaluable tools for entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations of any size. Best of all, you’ll gain the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce as your partner, adviser, and champion as your business or organization grows and changes.

Visit NorthamptonChamber.com to learn more today!

B. Alpha Delivers Efficiency and Major Savings Through Insulation and Incentives

In just three years, B. Alpha Construction has established itself as a go-to partner for energy efficiency in Western Massachusetts — specializing in spray foam and cellulose insulation for commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings.

The Chicopee-based firm is a Mass Save qualified contractor, known for helping property owners and commercial tenants dramatically cut costs by securing rebates and incentives.

For partners Mark Tajima, Yamil Brito, and Joel Brito, that business model grew out of nearly two decades of working side by side in the insulation trade.

“We got started at another company where we worked together for about 17 years, honing our skills in the residential and small business sectors,” Tajima said. “We started B. Alpha Construction to focus more on the commercial and industrial sectors.”

What sets the company apart is how turnkey the process is for clients.

“We handle the whole thing for them,” Tajima explained. “We invoice the utilities directly for the incentive amount so that they don’t have to do anything but pay the percentage that’s allocated to them. And it’s not like we’re just developing the project. We actually do the work too. Five dedicated crews perform spray foam and cellulose insulation daily.”

That balance of technical expertise and customer care reflects the company’s name.

“B stands for my two partners’ last name, which is Brito, and Alpha is what we hope to bring–the best quality and the best customer service,” Tajima said.

He knows that for many clients, past experiences with contractors can be mixed.

“Everyone has some horror stories of prices changing or phone calls not being returned,” Tajima said. “We like to exemplify the exact opposite of that. Problems happen, but it’s how you respond to them, how you take responsibility, that can turn them into a positive experience.”

That sense of responsibility extends to B. Alpha’s role as a minority-owned business and a Chamber member.

“As a member of the Greater Northampton Chamber, we have decided to contribute a portion of any project that comes to us from a Chamber member back to the Chamber itself to a project of their choice,” Tajima said. “The Chamber has been really good, and we want to be able to give back.”

B. Alpha’s model extends to a company culture of loyalty and mutual respect. The founding partners earned the respect of their staff by working their way up themselves — from crawling through attics and basements to leading the company.

Now, that hard work is not only proving profitable but also incredibly rewarding.

“Helping our customers, our neighbors and friends save money on their utility bills, be more comfortable, have a more healthy environment for their businesses and homes, it’s a great reward,” Tajima said. “It’s the best feeling in the world, actually.”

As B. Alpha continues to grow, so does its commitment to the people and places it serves — proving that energy efficiency can be a powerful tool for equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

To learn more about B. Alpha Construction, visit

www.balphaconstruction.com.

They’re Playing Our Song

Since 1891, the Academy of Music Theatre has been Entertaining Audiences

By Steven Lindsey

For generations, locals have turned to one beautiful venue for an artistic escape from everyday life. The Academy of Music Theatre got its start in 1891 when Northampton native, businessman, and builder Edward H. R. Lyman debuted his 1000-seat theater to provide cultural enrichment to the community. One year later, he signed over the deed to the building itself to the City of Northampton, securing its place in history as the first municipally owned theater in the United States.

The theater quickly became a must-stop for top entertainers of the day, including Harry Houdini, Mae West, Rudolf Valentino, and Boris Karloff. By the 1930s, it transitioned from a live theater to a movie house, though it still hosted live entertainment on occasion. The focus on film continued through 2007 when programming shifted back to mainly live performances.

“Today, the Academy of Music Theatre offers a wide range of programming, presented or produced by local, regional, national, and international artists in a variety of genres, including theater, musical theater, opera, chorus, bands, dance, multi-media, comedy, spoken word, and independent film screenings,” says Debra J’Anthony, who has served as executive director for the past 18 years. “The Academy offers its own Season Series, featuring shows selected especially for the Valley’s audience. In addition, we provide educational programs for youth, ages 5-19, in jazz/Broadway dance, show chorus, music theater productions, and summer musical theatre workshops.”

J’Anthony says the organization also provides outreach programs, collaborating with the city’s Board of Health and Division of Community Care.

“We collaborate with local arts organizations, social services, and government agencies to help us meet the needs of our community,” she says. “We collaborated with the Office of the Northwestern District Attorney, Northampton Prevention Coalition, Hampshire HOPE, and Clean Slate on a project addressing the opioid crisis in our area. We organized writing groups for those actively using, those in recovery, and those who lost someone to heroin, and invited some to read from their works before staging a play focused on the opioid crisis.”

The Academy offers audiences a diverse array of programming, giving voices to people with different perspectives, whether it’s national comedians, drag performers, or musical acts across every imaginable genre.

“One of the most surprising events that we produced was ‘Nobody’s Girl,’ the first original play commissioned by the Academy of Music Theatre. It is inspired by real events in the Academy’s history. In the spring of 2012, a dusty filing box containing dozens of letters, memos, and other documents, dealing with a long-forgotten controversy from the early 1940s, was discovered under a desk at the theater,” J’Anthony says. “The incident these materials revealed revolved around Mildred E. Walker, a strong-willed, spirited woman who was a longtime employee at the Academy. When her manager was called to military service during WWII, she was suddenly promoted to run the theater, which did not sit well with everyone.”

The Academy commissioned local playwright, Harley Erdman, to write a play, a screwball comedy, based on these documents.

With more than 148 performances and arts events each year, patrons have an abundance of opportunities, making the new Bravo Bundle a fantastic option.

“Our new season pass this year carries the perk of purchasing discounted tickets to our 15th Annual Season Series events. The season pass is also flexible, meaning a patron isn’t required to purchase a certain number of tickets for every single show. Instead, they can choose their own season by picking only the shows they want to attend,” says Melanie Slabaugh, development and communications manager.

She says the Bravo Bundle also includes vouchers to the concession stand, VIP seating, and more. The next chance to get one will be in June 2026 for productions in the 16th Annual Season Series.

Connecting to the community is vital to the Academy’s mission, and being a member of the Chamber helps further the organization’s reach.

“As a community-based performing arts venue, we are committed to building relationships in our community, and there is no better way than to be a member of the Chamber and attend their events and workshops,” J’Anthony says. “They have been and continue to be a strong marketing support for our organization.”

Learn more about the Academy of Music at aomtheatre.com.

Greenfield and Northampton Cooperative Bank

A Neighborhood Bank Where all Dogs are Welcome

By Marene Gustin

Convenient, friendly, and smart. That’s what you get from this chamber member.

“In 2015, our Hampshire County branches united with Greenfield Cooperative Bank, and while they still display the Northampton Cooperative Bank name, we are all one institution,” explains Courtney Huxley, the bank’s business development officer. “Many customers simply call us ‘the Co-Op,’ and you can be sure it’s us when you see the house logo which depicts our distinctive Main Office in Greenfield and its cupola.”

According to Huxley, the employees are approachable, dependable, and deeply involved in the community. They volunteer extensively with a multitude of great organizations, building relationships in the community, and listening closely to what customers need. “We also invest in financial education at every level — from First-Time Homebuyer workshops to free online tools, from volunteering with Junior Achievement to supporting Community Action Pioneer Valley’s VITA program,” adds Huxley.

Huxley explained that recently they launched a $10,000 matching program to support Manna Community Kitchen’s annual campaign to combat food insecurity. They also host collection drives in their branch lobbies throughout the year for coats, toys, diapers, backpacks and pajamas.

“Of course, we offer the same deposit accounts and loan products you’ll find at larger banks, but with a distinctly local touch. This year, we introduced a new checking and savings suite that pays you back for streaming services and rounds up purchases to help you save. Our mortgage programs include accessible options for first-time buyers as well as ‘Homegrown Heroes’ for those in law enforcement, firefighting, nursing, EMS, education, and the military. And our commercial lenders have independent lending authority, so local businesses get fast, friendly decisions and a partner they can talk to.”

Huxley has only been business development officer since January, after managing branches in the Pioneer Valley for the past 15 years. She says the role has shown just how much the local businesses thrive on collaboration and support. “The more we listen to business owners, the more we learn about the world around us,” she says. “Something I am reminded of daily is how much we can all inspire each other!

“For our community to thrive, we must support small businesses. We want them to know that we are all in this together. While the future is out of our control, the Co-Op is committed to doing the most responsible thing to help local businesses and communities succeed.”

Huxley says the most important thing she would want chamber members to know about the bank is that they embrace the latest technology, but never at the expense of personal service. When you call during business hours, you’ll speak to a local branch employee — not a call center. When you send a message online, it’s answered by a real neighbor with patience and care. Customers take pride in being part of the Co-Op because they know they’ll always be treated like people, not account numbers.

“Also, we love it when you bring your dogs to the bank!” Huxley exclaims, which can be a reassurance for those wanting to know they are canine approved.

Why be a chamber of commerce member? For Huxley the chamber connects the bank with a powerful network of partners, friends, and local leaders.

“We love seeing familiar faces at events — and meeting new ones,” she adds. “Hosting an ARRIVE@5 at our Florence branch reminded us how many people are truly part of our extended family. Greenfield Cooperative Bank also strengthens its support by being a Platinum member of the Partners Program, which provides even more resources to chamber members and helps to fuel the local economy.”

For more information, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com.

Bring Your Appetite

Protocol and Amherst Oyster Bar Showcase Local Culinary Talent

By Steven Lindsey

When hunger strikes, downtown Amherst has the cure. (Or two cures, to be more precise.)

In 2023, Protocol debuted as a dining destination with chef-driven cuisine in a polished but relaxed atmosphere. With a seasonally rotating menu and creative craft cocktails (both boozy and non-alcoholic), the scratch-made dishes draw from locally sourced ingredients to create quintessentially craveable shareables, salads, bowls, and sandwiches.

Fast-forward to April 1, 2025, when the team debuted a sister concept, Amherst Oyster Bar, less than a quarter mile down Pleasant Street. Boasting a similar approach to seasonality, but with an emphasis on seafood from the nearby Atlantic, Amherst Oyster Bar delivers a delightfully casual atmosphere for indulging in an expansive raw bar, fried or seared seafood, and a handful of land-based dishes.

“Protocol opened its doors in March 2023 to offer downtown Amherst an elevated yet approachable dining experience. Designed to feel welcoming to everyone from students at the surrounding universities to young families settling into the area, Protocol strikes a balance between refinement and comfort,” says Alden Peotter, operations manager for both establishments.

“At the helm of the kitchen is Chef John Levreault, who has been with us since day one. With training rooted in classic French technique and a passion for local farms and scratch-made food, he brings a thoughtful, ingredient-driven approach to the menu. The result is dining that feels fun, accessible, and perfect for repeat visits. It’s fine food without the pretense or price tag.”

After a successful launch and a good two years of solid business, the owners decided to debut the second concept.

“Building on the foundation we established at Protocol, our vision was to position downtown Amherst as a destination not just for students, but for the wider community seeking new culinary experiences. The restaurant carries the same elevated, metropolitan feel while maintaining the warmth and small-town charm that makes Amherst special,” Peotter says. “At its heart is a dedication to fresh, local seafood, delivered daily from New England waters. Our ever-rotating oyster program and wide selection of dishes ranging from raw to fried form the centerpiece of the menu. We’ve also recently welcomed Chef John into the kitchen here, bringing his culinary expertise to both of our restaurants.”

As someone who spends much of his waking time at both restaurants, Peotter knows the menus well and happily offers recommendations at both.

“From Protocol, you’d be remiss not to try the smash burger. Other standouts include the escargot, a nod to Chef John’s French roots, and the tamarind BBQ pork ribs,” he says. “At Amherst Oyster Bar, the oysters are the undeniable star. Guests can also enjoy fresh crudo plates, hearty non-seafood dishes, and favorites like fried clams, which are made with gluten-free batter and prepared in dedicated fryers, allowing us to offer a classic New England staple in a more accessible way.”

Both restaurants are members of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to expand our reach beyond Amherst and build stronger connections across the valley. Our membership allows us to engage with a broader network of business leaders, community organizers, and entrepreneurs who are all working toward the same goal of strengthening our region,” he says. “In many ways, being part of the Chamber reinforces what we’re already trying to do as restaurants: Create welcoming spaces where people can gather, connect, and share experiences.”

Read more about Protocol and the Amherst Oyster Bar at protocol-amherst.com and amherstoysterbar.com, respectively.

Love Where You Live

Amherst Innovative Living: A Company

with the Community in Mind

By Marene Gustin

Amherst Innovative Living (AIL) has proudly served the Valley for the past decade, providing both residential and commercial property management with a focus on community and connection. What began with a single 12-unit building in downtown Amherst has grown into six vibrant communities, home to more than 700 residents, along with several commercial spaces featuring local favorites like Protocol and the Amherst Oyster Bar. Today, AIL employs more than 25 dedicated team members, all working toward one mission: to ensure every resident Loves Where They Live.

As director of property management, Alex Laguerra oversees everything from operations and leasing to resident relations and sustainability — ensuring each community reflects AIL’s vision and values.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate ongoing growth and investment in the region, fueled by the strong appeal of being near the Five Colleges,” Laguerra says. Amherst is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst–three of the Five Colleges–a consortium that also includes Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges.

Amherst is also a town of temperate weather, arts and culture (it’s the home of poet Emily Dickinson and boasts a museum in her birth home), yet the rents are very competitive for the area, according to Rent.com.

“Future projects will continue to emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency, reflecting the evolving priorities of our industry and our residents,” adds Laguerra. “We know renters today are seeking more than just quality housing — they value meaningful community connections and a commitment to sustainable living.”

And there’s more to come, Laguerra says. “We’re growing! Amherst Innovative Living currently manages six communities, with a seventh brand-new development underway and scheduled to open in Fall 2026. All of our properties are LEED-certified, several hold FitWel Certifications (for healthy buildings), have received the highest Energy Star ratings, and our newest building is fully electric — reflecting our commitment to sustainability and innovation.”

But AIL is more than property management.

“We’re community builders,” Laguerra says. “At Amherst Innovative Living, our mission is to create places where people truly Love Where They Live. From monthly resident events that bring neighbors together, to opportunities for residents to connect with our team and local organizations, we foster a welcoming and engaged community.”

Laguerra explains that each month they shine a spotlight on a nonprofit, sharing their mission and encouraging residents to get involved.

“Recently, we featured ServiceNet, and we’re proud to have contributed to the Cooley Dickinson Emergency Department Campaign — helping to strengthen critical healthcare services in our region.

This commitment to the community is why AIL is involved as a Chamber of Commerce member.

“Our Chamber membership has opened the door to incredible partnerships and connections with organizations that are truly making a difference across the Valley. The monthly Chamber events are always vibrant, welcoming, and provide the perfect environment for building meaningful relationships.

“At a recent ARRIVE@5, we had the pleasure of meeting the team from The International Language Institute of Massachusetts — an especially rewarding connection, as they had just supported one of our new hires with their employment application. It was inspiring to see the Chamber’s network in action!”

Read more about Amherst Innovative Living at

www.amherstinnovative.com.

Paradise City

Arts

It’s Fun for Arts Lovers and the Whole Family

By Marene Gustin

Three decades ago, artists Geoffrey and Linda Post started a little arts festival in Northampton, the town now known as the Best Small Art Town in America. And boy has that festival grown!

Paradise City Arts is now recognized as New England’s premier festival for contemporary fine and decorative arts. Held over three days in May, the festival showcases more than 200 artists alongside live music, local cuisine, and family-friendly activities. It earned the top spot in AmericanStyle Magazine’s annual “Top Ten Art Fairs and Festivals in America,” which praised it as “truly innovative … fresh and vibrant, with extraordinary quality.”

“We’re New England’s premier show of contemporary craft and fine art,” says Marketing Director Mariah Swanson. “The artists and makers that we jury in are the best from across the country.

“It’s more than an art fair — it’s a full-on experience: think live music, killer local food, and a vibe that’s equal parts gallery, street fair, and creative playground. All of our offerings are from partnerships that we have with restaurants, food trucks, and musicians from the Pioneer Valley community.” Some six to eight thousand folks flock to the festival every year.

But Swanson says it’s actually the day before the fair starts when she’s most excited.

“Set-up day (is when) all the exhibitors and participants descend onto the fairgrounds to build our small city in just one day,” she says. “The atmosphere is electric!” Once the festival is underway, visitors can find everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry, fashion, art and sculpture, furniture and home furnishings, and special holiday décor.

Today, the festival still takes place in Northampton — affectionately known as Paradise City — but it has long outgrown the fairgrounds’ old Arena space. A vibrant community of creative artisans now fills three spacious new buildings, an outdoor sculpture promenade, a 12,000-square-foot food court and dining tent, and the lively, activity-packed Paradise Pavilion.

Visitors travel from all 50 states and five continents to enjoy the event that features an unparalleled collection of the nation’s finest craft makers and independent artists. Besides a spring and fall Paradise City Arts Festival, they also host two arts festivals in Marlborough annually.

“Our passion for art, sculpture and craft collecting has exposed us to a world of interesting ideas, fascinating and talented people and extraordinary experiences,” Geoff and Linda say. “Our travels have taken us to galleries in big cities and out-of-the-way places, art museums, alternative spaces, sculpture parks and artists’ studios. We’re exhilarated by what we see and inspired to achieve even more. It’s hard for us to imagine a world dominated by mass produced commodities. It’s about living an extraordinary life.”

And the Chamber has been a help along the way.

“The relationships we’ve built with the fellow businesses via the Chamber events have been such a support over the years,” Swanson says. “Everyone wants small businesses to succeed, everyone celebrates the artists, and the Chamber makes their resources available to us to help get the word out.”

To learn more about the Paradise City Arts,

visit www.paradisecityarts.com.

A Farm-Fresh Nonprofit

For the Past 15 Years, Grow Food Northampton (GFN) has Served the Community Well

By Steven Lindsey

In 2010, the Bean and Allard farms in Florence represented prime agricultural lands with fertile soil that had been growing food for centuries. When the prime real estate became available, developers planned to purchase it so they could build mini mansions.

“Within seven months, local food system activists raised the funds to buy the land, create the Grow Food Northampton Community Farm (the largest community farm in Massachusetts), and found Grow Food Northampton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a racially, economically, and environmentally just local food system,” says Alisa Klein, Co-Executive Director.

Early the following year, she says, the Community Farm was conserved in perpetuity as farmland under the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. Grow Food Northampton initiated a program to lease farmland to farms, established the Organic Community Garden, and began the development of its food access and education programs. Today, a variety of crops originate here, including corn, eggplant, peppers, lettuce, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, amaranth, callaloo, and pumpkins.

“Over the past 15 years, GFN has turned the Community Farm into a vibrant, agroecologically managed hub of local food system activity,” she says. “In addition to the on-farm programming, GFN developed extensive food systems-based programs throughout the community, including working hand-in-hand with the Northampton Public School system to provide classroom-based and on-farm food and farming justice education to every elementary public school student and many middle- and high school students, establishing food access programs and year-round farmers markets, and offering hands-on workshops for community members of all ages.”

GFN owns and stewards the 121-acre agroecologically managed GFN Community Farm. As part of its mission, GFN prioritizes farmers of color and those from communities marginalized by the industrialized food system. They provide low- or no-cost farmland to 10 farms, including five owned and operated by farmers of color, one a collective of 20 Somali Bantu refugee families.

The organization also runs a 325-plot organic Community Garden for around 440 gardeners, utilizing an Equitable Access Policy to offer subsidized and no-cost plots so everyone can grow food for themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

“Registration for the Community Garden opens in the winter on the GFN website. There is always a waiting list, so register for a plot early,” Klein advises.

Additional programs include a free mobile farmers market that supports as many as 65 local farms; the establishment and management of community gardens at 11 low-income housing communities; the production of weekly, year-round farmers markets that connect 40 or so local farms and food producers directly to consumers in the community; and partner with the Northampton Public School system to bring every student to the Community Farm for hands-on food system learning.

“Food is a human right. Yet in 2024, one in every two households in Hampshire County grappled with food insecurity. Grow Food Northampton believes that to solve the crisis of hunger and climate change, we must, right now, bring healthy, local farm foods to people who don’t have enough to eat, but we must also create foundational solutions that establish a robust and sustainable local food system for the long-term,” Klein says. “One that will make healthy local foods accessible to all in an ongoing and sustainable way. To do this, we must support local farms so they can continue to grow food for our community.”

GFN has been actively involved in the Chamber since joining in April 2023.

“We love the way in which the Chamber has made a concerted effort to connect the business and nonprofit communities,” she says. “And also meet needs that are unique to the nonprofit community, like holding space for nonprofit Executive Directors and CEOs to come together monthly to brainstorm and share challenges and successes.”

Visit growfoodnorthampton.org to learn about the organization, farmers market dates, and more.

Building Trust, One Remodel at a Time

Valley Home Improvement Delivers Craftsmanship, Cleanliness and a Seamless Process

By Marc Sheforgen

For more than 30 years, Valley Home Improvement has been transforming homes across the Pioneer Valley. Kitchens, bathrooms, decks, sunrooms, garages and additions — the Northampton-based design-build firm has earned its reputation for craftsmanship, clear communication and job sites that are as clean as they are well managed.

“Northampton is just a great city to work in,” said Mitch Parker, Valley Home Improvement’s vice president. “It’s got an older housing stock, so there’s always a lot of demand.”

Founded in 1992, Valley Home Improvement focuses almost exclusively on remodeling homes, and Parker is quick to note that the customer experience is as important as the finished product.

“It’s a process that can be stressful for a homeowner, so we work really hard to make sure it’s as pleasant as possible,” he said.

That means dust control, reliable scheduling and a simple but powerful philosophy: “Living up to what we say we’re going to do,” Parker said. “That’s why people call us back.”

A Design-Build Advantage

The firm’s design-build model gives clients confidence in both process and budget.

“We’re not designing projects and then figuring out how much they’re going to cost,” Parker explained. “We’re making sure that we’re setting a budget really early on in the process.”

Valley Home Improvement’s process is thorough, and the latest rendering tools allow both designers and clients to clearly envision the project before any carpentry work begins.

“We always want to stay up on the latest tools for modeling the space before it’s built,” Parker said. “We provide our clients with photorealistic renderings, 3D fly-throughs and virtual reality to really give them a feel for how the finished project will look and feel before construction has begun.”

In 2023, Valley Home Improvement introduced a new division: Valley Fence LLC. The expansion has been a natural complement, extending the company’s quality-first approach to outdoor projects.

“Looking around, we thought there was room in the area for another fencing company,” Parker said. “And it’s worked out great. We don’t share the same employees, but we share an office.”

Commitment to Quality

In the field, Valley Home Improvement runs about 14 carpenters, with every project overseen by a lead carpenter. Parker credits the team’s skill and loyalty for the company’s ability to take on even complex additions.

“In remodeling, there’s as much work available as people we can hire to do the work,” he said. “So it’s about finding good carpenters and keeping good carpenters. We work really hard to make sure that our employees are happy and satisfied and that the work is rewarding.”

That culture shows in client feedback, where homeowners routinely praise the firm’s professionalism, quality and communication. It also reflects a philosophy of standing behind the work.

“The clients are always so appreciative, and that really goes a long way with our carpenters,” Parker said. “And it’s having those great carpenters that allows us to do all the work. We’re not just remodeling homes — we’re helping families fall in love with where they live all over again,” Parker added.

To learn more about Valley Home Improvement,

visit www.valleyhomeimprovement.com.

An Annual

Celebration

Two Centuries

in the Making

The Three County Fair has Been a

Community Gathering for Generations

By Steven Lindsey

Building beloved traditions takes time. Locally, perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the decades-long, memory-making ritual of families venturing out for their annual visit to the Three County Fair.

On January 28, 1818, citizens formed the Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, and later that same year, the group staged its first fair. Ever since, the end-of-summer Fair has evolved with the times while keeping certain key elements in place, including farmers sharing their techniques, games, livestock demos, music, entertainment, craft exhibitions, and, of course, plenty of craveable fair foods.

“We are proud to claim that the Three County Fair is the oldest, continuously running fair in the USA. Our fair is unique because we really aim to maintain the tradition of the iconic American agriculture fair,” says Executive Director Taylor Haas. Haas explained that while School Bus Demolition Derbies have become their most iconic legacy since horse racing, they continue to bring rich tradition to the community year after year.

The Demolition Derby Smash & Crash events span all four days and, in addition to the school bus demolitions, also include SUV and minivan demolition, an event specifically for youth, lawn mower racing, and a 4-6-8 cylinder derby. These loud, high-octane events truly make the Three County Fair unique.

This year’s fair beat attendance records, with more than 39,000 visiting the fairgrounds over the event’s four days of ideal weather.

“Fair goers were able to enjoy free entertainment from the Axe Logger Women of Maine, The Wall of Death, Wee Wee Wee Racing Pigs, live music from a variety of local bands and genres, four nights of Demolition Derbies, over 15 different food trucks, our famous “Baby Barnyard” and special visitors from New England Dairy and Mapleline Farm as well,” Haas says. “We hosted our first-ever Pie Eating Contest in partnership with The River radio station and Florence Pie Bar.”

The successful (and messy) debut competition alone raised over $5,000 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

“We also hosted the first-ever New England Mullet Showdown, also a success and quite the turnout. Next year? We’re adding more fun contests that anyone can participate in, more demolition derby action, and keeping the food truck options plentiful. Our fair is all about community and celebrating the spirit of agriculture with literally something for everyone.”

Next year’s 209th year will coincide with America’s 250th birthday, so Haas says to expect a big celebration. She also says it’ll be the perfect year for out-of-town visitors to make the trip to Northampton to experience the Three County Fair for themselves.

It takes a lot of planning and collaboration to stage the fair, so being a member of the Chamber and participating in its events throughout the year only enhances what takes place each Labor Day Weekend.

“Because our Fair entirely exists to celebrate community in agriculture, the Fair finds value in partnering with the Chamber to support other businesses in Northampton,” Haas says.

Make plans to visit the Three County Fair September 4-7, 2026. For more information, visit 3countyfair.com.

Northampton

Center for

the Arts

Where Everyone Can Be an Artist

By Marene Gustin

What is the overall art scene like in Northampton? It’s like nowhere else; it’s a creative hub of artistic and musical talent you won’t find anywhere else.

“A huge percentage of community members work in the creative sector, and people really show up for the arts,” says Kelly Silliman, co-director of the Northampton Center for the Arts (NCFA). “There’s always so much going on, and on any given night, you might need to choose between multiple really cool arts events. We’ve got a very robust dance scene, lots of art galleries (including two in our building), so much incredible music, and classes and workshops in all genres of art.”

The NCFA is a nonprofit providing affordable space for artists, performers, and educators while developing programming dedicated to arts education, multidisciplinary collaborations, and community connections.

“The way we steward space is radically welcoming, and accessibility is a core value,” Silliman says. “We believe that everyone is fundamentally creative, and that there are infinite ways to engage with the arts. We’re paying close attention to the barriers — perceived and real — that can keep people from accessing spaces and programs and working hard to break down those barriers where we can. In our antiracism statement, we talk about our belief that arts administration and curation offer an opportunity for care, inclusion, and challenging the status quo. We support a lot of emerging artists, including first-time exhibitors and performing artists new to producing. We have a Community Fund that provides financial support for renters and students who want to access space and programs. Because Northampton has such a thriving arts scene, it can feel intimidating to anyone who isn’t ‘established.’ But we want everyone to feel welcome. We believe in transparency and equity and we’re continually examining how to embody those values more deeply.

“My favorite thing about the Center is how we’re able to support local artists. We offer more support in terms of space use and marketing than many venues, and we really believe that emerging artists have just as much to offer as established artists, but might need a little extra support. I love when we can close the gap for an artist and offer what they need to bring their vision to life.”

Like 33 Hawley, a multiple-venue project of the Northampton Community Arts Trust, an organization that was created to build, own, and maintain affordable space for artists in the region. The Northampton Center for the Arts offers exciting community arts programming at 33 Hawley, and shares the building with Northampton Open Media and A.P.E. Ltd. The site offers classrooms and workspaces as well as performance venues.

“I think a lot of artists are scared right now, given the larger political landscape, and the way that’s impacting funding,” Silliman says. “These are real and deeply felt concerns, and I think the best way we can approach the next year is to continue to do what we do: to bring artists together in community and solidarity, to use art and creativity to elevate joy and promote social commentary, and to resist fear and a scarcity mindset around funding. The arts are and always have been a space of resilience; I believe they are essential, and so we will keep making and supporting creative endeavors, no matter what.”

To learn more about the center, visit www.nohoarts.org.