GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Business Association (GBA) is stepping into a new phase of growth, building on years of steady momentum with a renewed focus on hands-on economic development, business connectivity, and community-rooted investment.

This next chapter is taking shape with the support of local business owner Merrill Gagne, whose early investment of a $25,000 challenge gift in early 2025 helped catalyze a broader wave of support for the organization’s vision for a more vibrant and thriving Greenfield.

The challenge was met by area philanthropists and business owners, and inspired a highly successful fundraising event at JaDuke Theater in February, where business owners, community members, and local leaders came together to dance, sing, and raise funds to support the next phase of the business association’s organizational growth. The event, which raised $31,477, helped crystallize what many have been feeling: Greenfield is ready to grow in new ways, and the GBA is well positioned to help lead that effort.

Merrill Gagne stepped up as the GBA’s first lead investor in this phase, co-sponsoring the JaDuke fundraiser and challenging the GBA to advance their message and match his initial investment.

“I believe deeply in Greenfield and in the people working to strengthen its future,” said Gagne. “The GBA is a powerful vehicle for bringing that energy together, supporting local businesses, improving our downtown, and helping shape the kind of community we all want to be part of.”

Since its transition away from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in 2018, the GBA has evolved into a central connector across Greenfield’s business and civic landscape. Its work has included downtown beautification efforts like flower barrels and public art, business-focused events and promotions, ongoing collaboration with the city’s Economic Development Office, regional partners, and local organizations, and most recently, a leadership role with Greenfield’s signature Bee Fest event — returning for its16th year on Saturday, May 16.

Over the past two years, the GBA has also taken on a more active role in coordinating efforts across sectors — bringing together arts organizations, community groups, and business leaders to align efforts and build momentum around a shared vision. Initiatives such as storefront improvement planning, creative activation for vacant spaces, and expanded downtown programming have all contributed to a growing sense of energy and possibility.

Increasingly, the GBA is stepping into a more proactive role as a driver of local economic development — helping shape how and where growth happens across Greenfield, from downtown to commercial corridors throughout the city. The organization has focused efforts on raising the profile of Greenfield beyond borders — championing the little city around the Valley and throughout the region.

Looking ahead, the organization aims to deepen partnerships with local and regional entities, support new and existing businesses, reduce storefront vacancies, and strengthen Greenfield’s visibility as a place to invest, open a business, and build community. The vision is both practical and ambitious: a city where storefronts are filled, streets are active, and collaboration across sectors leads to shared prosperity – restoring Greenfield as the beating heart of Franklin County.

Reaching that vision will require expanded capacity. The GBA has been operating with part-time plus staffing, Greenfield Community College interns, and a dedicated Board of Directors — and is working toward a phased growth plan that includes full-time leadership and additional team support to meet the scale of the opportunities ahead.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen what’s possible when people come together around a shared vision for Greenfield,” said Mik Muller, former GBA Board President. “This next phase is about building on that momentum and inviting more people to be part of shaping what comes next.”

With this announcement, the GBA is inviting others to step forward and take part – whether as business owners, residents, or community partners. Early support has created momentum and continued investment will directly shape the scale and impact of the work ahead.

“Merrill’s unprecedented investment in our work, coupled with the JaDuke event in February, has really catalyzed this next phase,” said Hannah Rechtschaffen, executive director of the GBA. “It was inspiring to see sponsors and community members show up with such energy and generosity. Greenfield has the ideas, the people, and the momentum — this next chapter is about bringing it all together.”