It is distressing to see empty store fronts on Main Street, but such distress can lead to opportunity. Sheila Gilmour recognizes that empty storefronts also represent openings for new types of commerce and services. Storefronts can house tech start-ups involving games, new apps, and new approaches to using tech, or tech consultants; green consultants to industries and homeowners; or online wholesale startups, just to name a few.
Sheila has a vision for a 21st century downtown that still has locally based retail, but also opens downtown up to the wide range of new businesses that are part of the developing economy. Greenfield has already become a hub for new businesses in several sectors: specialty local foods (Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Real Pickles, Franklin County CDC, and more), solar installation (The Solar Store and Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics), alternative work environments (Greenspace Co-work at Hawks and Reed and the soon to be opened Hive makerspace). All have the potential to encourage complimentary businesses into our downtown and jobs that pay more than minimum wage.
Sheila Gilmour will take on this challenge and build a 21st century downtown for Greenfield… a downtown that maintains our small town charm while providing the employment and economic vitality essential for a vibrant city. This is one of the many reasons that I am supporting Sheila Gilmour for mayor. She has the vision and the skill to make this happen. Please join me in voting for her on Sept. 10.
Susan Worgaftik
Greenfield