Franklin County Chamber of Commerce offices return to Greenfield

GREENFIELD - After nearly four years in Historic Deerfield, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Regional Tourism Council is returning its offices to the county seat with a move to 393 Main Street in Greenfield, where it has owned space since 1985.

The Chamber relocated to Deerfield’s Old Main Street in 2022 under then-Executive Director Diana Szynal as a strategic decision to align its dual role as both the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Tourism Council with an established tourism destination. At the time, co locating within Historic Deerfield’s Museum Store was seen as an effective way to engage weekday visitors following the end of state funding for staffed visitor centers.

“From the outset, Diana was very clear that the move to Historic Deerfield was intended to be temporary,” said Jessye Deane, who became Executive Director later in 2022. “We’re grateful to her leadership and to Historic Deerfield for the hospitality we’ve received during this chapter.”
Since that move, however, the way travelers plan trips and engage with destinations has changed dramatically. Rather than prioritizing its role as a physical stop for brochures, the Chamber has shifted to a proactive, data-driven marketing strategy that delivers Franklin County content directly to potential visitors before they arrive.

“Instead of waiting for people to find us once they’re already here, we’re pushing that front door straight to your smartphone,” Deane said. “You can still stop by and grab a brochure, but now we’re also executing paid year-round, multi-channel marketing campaigns that increase Franklin County visitation and spending.”

That approach has stimulated a notable increase in tourism. In 2019, visitors spent $67.5 million in Franklin County. In FY24, direct tourist spending had risen to $106 million, generating $1.9 million in local tax receipts and $22.8 million in local earnings. In FY25, Franklin County recorded 175,400 overnight trips, a 13.2% increase over FY24, and 447,800 visit nights, up 16.6%. This year, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism awarded the Franklin County Chamber’s FY26 marketing plan and presentation the highest score in the state.

“That strategy is driving results for our local businesses, attractions, and events,” Deane added.

Operational needs also drove the decision to return to Greenfield. While Deane says the Chamber has operated as a team of two for 70% of her tenure, its team has expanded in recent months, with staff currently split across multiple floors. The Greenfield offices allow the team to work together on a single floor, with room for meetings and collaboration, while also addressing accessibility and safety considerations that were increasingly challenging in a multi-floor historic building.

Marian Noga, the Chamber’s Office Manager, has overseen four previous office relocations during her 43 years with the organization.

“This is my fifth and final move,” Noga said. “Greenfield is a great place to be, and I’ve been so happy with the number of people who have already stopped in while we’re still settling in. It feels good to be back on Main Street.”

The move was carefully coordinated with Community Action Pioneer Valley, which has rented space in the Chamber-owned condos since 2016. Deane said the Chamber first notified Community Action leadership of its intention to return in early 2023 to give the agency ample time to prepare.

“Above all, we wanted to be thoughtful about the timing to ensure that our return to Greenfield did not disrupt Community Action services,” said Deane. “Community Action will continue to rent Chamber-owned office space on the first floor, and we look forward to continuing our relationship as neighbors and partners.”

“Community Action Pioneer Valley is excited to welcome back the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce,” said Laura LaBounty, Associate Director of Operations for Community Action Pioneer Valley. “All Community Action offices remain fully open and ready to serve our community. We're proud to stand side by side with the Chamber and look forward to continuing our shared mission of supporting our community.”

Historic Deerfield also expressed appreciation for the partnership.

“The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has been a wonderful tenant and partner during their time at Historic Deerfield,” said Laura Smiarowski, Vice President of Finance and Administration. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Chamber.”

Local leaders welcomed the Chamber’s return to the county seat.

“I am over the moon that the Chamber is returning to Greenfield,” said Mayor Ginny Desorgher.

Hannah Rechtshaffen, Executive Director of the Greenfield Business Association, echoed that sentiment.

“We are deeply proud of our partnership with the Chamber and value the work we continue to do together,” Rechtshaffen said. “It has been exciting to watch their team grow and expand their touch points across the community. Welcoming them back to Greenfield is an exciting and joyful development.”

Ted Hanna, Cohn and Company Realtor and Owner of 5 State CoWorking in Shelburne Falls, said that he’s “thrilled to see the Chamber back in the heart of Franklin County," while Tim Farrell, owner of Gilmore & Farrell Insurance, commented that "learning that the office would return was truly welcome news. Its presence downtown is good for our community, the local economy, and the future of the Chamber."

Attorney and owner of Greenfield Garden Cinemas, Isaac Mass, said, “The Chamber coming back to Greenfield is like a happy ending to a movie where the hero has been on an unexpected adventure.”

Lucy Damkoehler, owner of Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop in Bernardston, said she’s always felt supported by the Franklin County Chamber, regardless of where the organization is based. “The Chamber’s presence and impact isn’t tied to a building; it’s tied to relationships.”

Although the Chamber is relocating its offices, Deane emphasized that much of the organization’s work happens across the county, not inside an office. Chamber staff serve on more than 36 committees and boards and regularly visit businesses, farms, factories, and events throughout all Franklin County communities.

Deane noted that one benefit of the Chamber’s years in Deerfield was a reminder that it represents all 26 towns in Franklin County, not just Greenfield.

“Our small business owners are already stretched thin, and we make it a point to meet them where they are- both figuratively and physically,” Deane said. “In order to serve our members and Franklin County most effectively, we need to tour the factory, walk the farm, experience the event, and stop by the store. I actually see the inside of my office the most on nights and weekends.”

While the team handled the move themselves, the Chamber exclusively contracted with local businesses for minor office renovations before their return. The relocation was partially funded through support from Gilmore and Farrell Insurance, longtime Chamber members and community partners.

The Chamber plans to host a ribbon-cutting later this winter. In the meantime, the Chamber is now open at 393 Main Street, and community members are welcome to stop in to purchase Franklin County Gift Cards ahead of the holiday season.

“Returning to Greenfield anchors us in the county seat and reconnects us to our history,” Deane said. “But no matter where our offices are located, our mission remains the same: to support every corner of Franklin County.”