Page 49 - BusinessWest February 20, 2023

“I truly believe that arts and culture in a community builds economic development. And it builds reasons for people to come to your community and be part of your community,
to want to live here and do bu”siness here.
Amherst and provides ample proof of the power of the arts as an economic- development engine.
“I truly believe that arts and culture
in a community builds economic development,” Pazmany told BusinessWest. “And it builds reasons for people to come to your community and be part of your community, to want to live here and do business here.”
Bottom Line
Looking ahead, Gould said the BID is working on several initiatives, including a spring block party in the downtown with a focus and arts and culture, a summer music series on the Commons, revitalization of the North Common, and creation of more anchors in the downtown.
As for the chamber, Pazmany said a great amount of momentum was generated
in 2022 as a number of popular events, from After 5 gatherings to the annual fundraiser Margarita Madness, returned
to the calendar. The goal for 2023 is to build on this momentum, generate new membership, and continue to support businesses across Greater Amherst.
“For us, it’s getting back to what we normally do as a chamber,” she explained. “We’re focusing on getting all our events back, making them better than ever, and connecting businesses.”
Gould told BusinessWest that she’s learned that Amherst’s response to the pandemic — the various programs created
Celebrating a $165,000 state grant to Amherst for destination marketing are, from left, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Director Keiko Orrall, Claudia Pazmany, Gabrielle Gould, and state Reps. Mindy Domb and Dan Carey.
and carried out by the chamber and the BID — has been hailed as one of the best in the Commonwealth and a model of cooperation and innovation for other communities to follow.
Likewise, the Drake project has become a model itself — of how an organization like the BID can take a concept, raise the money needed, and make it a reality, all in roughly a year’s time.
Pazmany and Gould weren’t thinking about creating models or case studies
when they undertook these programs. They were thinking about their community, and how to make it stronger, more resilient, and more of a destination. The fact that they have become models for other towns is testimony to the high
levels of imagination, determination, and perseverance these two have brought to their ongoing work.
And that explains why they are Difference Makers. BW
Congratulations!
Claudia Pazmany
Executive Director, Amherst Chamber of Commerce 2023 Difference Maker
&
Gary Rome
President & CEO, Gary Rome Auto Group
2023 Difference Maker & TIME Dealer of the Year Honoree
BusinessWest
FEBRUARY 20, 2023 49
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