GREENFIELD — Running a business can be a time-consuming endeavor, which means that local business owners often don’t have the chance to meet other business owners in the community.
That’s why the Greenfield Business Association, in collaboration with Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, offered the Greenfield Business Showcase on Thursday night. About 40 businesses and groups spread out on two floors at Hawks & Reed, offering samples, free swag and conversation.
Greenfield Business Association Coordinator Rachel Roberts said her organization originally decided to offer the showcase to allow business owners and employees to get to know one another.
“Normally every one of us is working at the same time as one another,” she said. “So we decided to have an event to meet one another and then we figured, ‘Why not invite the whole community?’”
Ben Goldsher, a member of the business association and co-manager at Hawks & Reed, said hosting the event was a chance to provide an opportunity of which many people could take advantage.
“It’s a great way for the town to connect,” Goldsher said. “You can see some of the businesses that have been here for a while and new ones that you don’t know yet.”
While the event was hosted by the Greenfield Business Association, it was not exclusive to members.
“This defines how and why we support these local businesses,” Goldsher said. “They can showcase what they do and their work, network with other businesses and groups, as well as potentially collaborate.”
Stone Soup Cafe Director Kirsten Levitt said she’s glad to participate in business association events again. The weekly cafe is still being hosted by Hawks & Reed, while an asbestos abatement plan for All Souls Church awaits approval from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
“We’ve been members, but haven’t been able to be part of events for four years, but we’re back,” Levitt said. “It’s great to have everyone working together. It’s great to see what the association can bring to the table for us and others.”
April Healey, of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said she attended the showcase to get business sponsors for the the fourth annual Franklin County Festival of Trees, a charitable event for Franklin County charities.
“It’s awesome to be here,” Healey said. It’s great to learn about businesses here in Greenfield, who they are, what they do — it’s another way to connect with people.”
Reach Melina Bourdeau at 413-772-02 61, ext. 263 or mbourdeau@recorder.com.