Katie Streater

AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District announced that Katie Streater has joined the organization as its new Marketing & Communications manager. In this role, she will lead social media strategy, promote downtown businesses, and support events that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of Amherst.

Streater brings a background in marketing, partnerships, and community engagement across both national and local organizations. Her previous work with Brand USA and Destination DC centered on promoting destinations and supporting small businesses, while her most recent role at FRESHFARM focused on strengthening partnerships that directly benefited farmers markets and surrounding neighborhoods. She holds a master’s degree in tourism administration from George Washington University and is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between people and place.

“We are so excited to welcome Katie Streater to the Amherst Downtown team,” said John Page, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District. “Her background in tourism and destination marketing will be a game changer as Amherst continues to promote its arts and culture, global dining scene, retail shops, salons, and more.”

Streater will lead downtown marketing campaigns and support community events that bring people together throughout the year. She succeeds Robert Allingham, who served as the BID’s Marketing and Communications director before departing in January to accept a position with Bigelow Tea in Fairfield, Conn., following his wife, Christina, a food scientist from UMass Amherst, to the company.

“I’m thrilled to join the Amherst Business Improvement District and contribute to such a dynamic downtown community,” Streater said. “I look forward to working alongside local businesses and partners to celebrate Amherst’s unique character and to create welcoming, engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) recently introduced Robert Allingham as the new Marketing & Communications manager. With a strong background in community engagement and business development, he brings a passion for fostering connections and creating marketing strategies aimed at elevating Amherst’s downtown.

Allingham has spent the past few years working closely with Amherst-area businesses, supporting their growth through strategic marketing, social media, and outreach efforts. His expertise spans hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors, all with a focus on strengthening local businesses. With an MBA from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., he has learned to blend creative marketing with strong business strategy to drive meaningful impact.

“What I enjoy most about my work is the relationships I build,” he said. “Seeing the success of a small business I’ve worked with, watching a campaign bring people together, or helping an event create lasting memories — these moments fuel my passion for what I do.”

At the BID, Allingham will focus on enhancing outreach, strengthening partnerships, and promoting Amherst as a premier destination to live, work, visit, and explore. From special events to digital storytelling, he is eager to collaborate with local businesses, cultural partners, and community members to create impactful initiatives.

John Page

AMHERST — John Page, a lifelong Amherst-area resident with experience in economic development, business advocacy, and event management, has been appointed the new executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID). His first day is Oct. 16.

“We are delighted to have John join the BID as our new executive director,” said Barry Roberts, board president of the BID. “We were drawn to his knowledge and experience in the community and his can-do spirit. John is unafraid to roll up his sleeves and work hard, and he is well-known and respected locally for his dedication to Amherst, especially its downtown.”

Page departs from his role as assistant director for University Events at UMass Amherst, where he was instrumental in planning and executing major events such as commencement. He also played a key role in reimagining the 2024 UMass Founders Day celebration, expanding it to include more than 35 events across campus and opening it to the broader community.

Prior to his role at UMass, Page worked for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, leading marketing and events for the organization and focusing on economic-development issues, grant writing, and tourism initiatives. He worked collaboratively with local businesses, the BID, the town of Amherst, the state delegation, and other stakeholders on support for small business, beautification and placemaking efforts, and housing policy. Recently, he worked on a contract basis for the BID, spearheading its 2024 Summer Concert Series and the annual Block Party in September.

“I am deeply honored to step into the role of the BID’s new executive director and to champion Amherst’s bright future,” Page said. “I look forward to building on the solid foundation laid by my predecessors, advocating for our downtown, and amplifying our status as a premier destination that is welcoming to all.”

An alumnus of Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and UMass Amherst, Page holds leadership roles on many community boards and committees, including as chair of the Pelham Cultural Council, a member of the Amherst Education Foundation, and an organizer of Amherst LGBTQ+ Pride events. He was a candidate for the inaugural Amherst Town Council in 2018 and has been active in local political campaigns and causes.

Page was raised in a family that has lived in the area for seven generations. “I grew up in town, walking into town after class in middle school,” he said. “I lived downtown through college. I’ve worked at the chamber and promoted local businesses. I understand and cherish downtown Amherst for the special and unique place it is. I cannot wait to get to work.”

The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit economic-development organization comprising local property owners dedicated to providing programs and services that support the town’s businesses and residents through events, beautification, marketing, and special projects.

AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) announced its 11th annual block party will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m. on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst. This community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst.

The annual block party draws thousands of residents and visitors. This year’s event will feature a lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages.

“We are incredibly excited for the 11th annual block party,” Amherst BID Vice President Sarah Barr said. “This event is a celebration of our community’s spirit and Amherst’s vibrant culture. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate, and support our local businesses.”

In addition to the entertainment, local restaurants and retailers will line both sides of North Pleasant Street.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to downtown Amherst for an evening of joy and community,” added Tony Maroulis, Amherst BID board secretary and co-organizer of this year’s activities. “Our local businesses are the heart of this event, and we’re excited to see the community come out in full force to support them.”

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AMHERST — The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) announced the 2024 summer music series lineup on the four Fridays in July from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Town Common.

July 5 features SPF-4 and Harvest and Rust, July 12 brings Grayson Ty and TapRoots, July 19 is Jazz in July, and July 26 features the No Nos and LeFever.

This summer concert series is not only a community-building and arts and cultural event but one of a dozen annual events put on by the BID that contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Amherst.

“We encourage all to explore all that our dynamic downtown has to offer before and after the concerts,” the BID notes. “Support local shops, retail, and experiences, and enjoy a taste of our global gastronomy by sitting down to dinner al fresco or getting your favorite meal to go and bringing it to the Common to enjoy. In addition, Downtown Amherst’s signature new local market, Aster + Pine, is offering picnic charcuterie and snacks baskets for each summer concert. Stop into their beautiful brick-and-mortar location on North Pleasant Street or pre-order only at asterandpinemarket.com.”

The underwriters of this year’s summer concert series are Encharter Insurance and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, whose support enables the BID to bring these free concerts to the community.

AMHERST — Liz Larson, currently director of Operations at the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), has been named interim executive director, effective Feb. 26.

Larson has been with the BID for six years and has worked closely with departing Executive Director Gabrielle Gould, creating events for the community, revitalizing downtown, and ensuring the health of the BID’s finances. She is the creative force behind the Makers’ Market at the annual Sip and Shop Stroll and the recently launched “Take a Dino to Dinner” campaign.

“Liz stepping into the interim job is perfect. She has worked with Gabrielle every step of the way and shares her passion and commitment to the downtown, our small businesses, and this community,” Amherst BID President Barry Roberts said. “She is incredibly creative and detail-oriented. We have been lucky to work with her thus far, and we know our immediate future is on solid ground with Liz.”

Gould added that “Liz has been such a great co-worker, co-conspirator, and co-creative. We developed many great concepts over the years. She is launching a new Amherst retail destination campaign soon, among other ideas. I have been so very lucky to work with Liz and could not think of a better person to take the helm. I know I leave the BID in a great place with great leadership on the board of directors and Liz.”

With a background in arts administration and nonprofit management, Larson moved to Amherst with her family in 2007 and has been active in the community, serving on several boards and committees, including professional growth objectives for the public schools and the city’s Participatory Budgeting Commission. She is currently a trustee and board treasurer for the Amherst Historical Society. Prior to moving to Amherst, she spent 20 years in New York and Tokyo.

“It has been such a joy to be part of the BID team, advocating for and creating a downtown that is welcoming and attractive to our entire community,” Larson said. “Plans are already underway for the summer concerts in July and the block party in September. I am also looking forward to continuing to work closely with our partners at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors’ Information Center.”

AMHERST — Gabrielle Gould, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) and the Downtown Amherst Foundation (DAF), announced she will be stepping down from her position at the BID to form a consulting business. She will continue in a leadership capacity for the DAF and its management of the Drake, the live performance venue in downtown Amherst. Her final day at the BID will be Feb. 22.

“The BID board is forever indebted to Gabrielle for her ideas, energy, and integrity,” said Barry Roberts, board president of the BID. “She has changed the discussion about downtown, and her leadership has been a model for BID directors throughout the Commonwealth. We wish her well.”

Appointed executive director in August 2019, Gould’s four-plus years at the helm of the organization have been filled with notable successes, including strengthening the BID’s relationship with town government and institutional partners, teaming with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce on COVID relief for small businesses, producing signature downtown events like the Sip & Shop Stroll and Makers Market holiday event and Fire & Ice, and conceiving and launching the Drake, the downtown’s first-ever live performance venue.

In recognition of their efforts, Gould and Claudia Pazmany, the chamber’s executive director, were named Difference Makers by BusinessWest in 2023.

“I’ve walked into the office each day with passion, excitement, and a million ideas on how to make downtown Amherst a vibrant, beautiful, and destination-worthy town for all to experience and enjoy,” Gould said. “The BID and downtown Amherst are in a great place, and I feel that now is the perfect time for me to transition to a new chapter in my career.”

A search for Gould’s successor will commence in the coming weeks, Roberts said.