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Date: 11/30/2023
CHESTER — The Jacob’s Ladder Business Association, now in its 31st year, is inviting all Hilltown business owners to its annual Snack ’n Schmooze networking event at the Chester Railway Station, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Appetizers at the event will be catered by Classic Pizza, Blue Note Cafe.
JLBA President Russ LaPierre of the Blandford Animal Hospital said the event is a good opportunity to meet others, discuss goals and challenges, all while supporting local businesses.
LaPierre said the JLBA, which has 80 members from throughout the Hilltowns, promotes businesses through advertising on its website at jlba.org and on its annual hiking and business locator map that has a wide reach throughout the area.
Business membership is $95 per year, with a $10 discount for those who sign up at the Snack ’n Schmooze. He said cheap advertising is often mentioned in feedback from members as the biggest benefit of the association.
LaPierre is currently discussing the possibility of an umbrella membership with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and its new director Amanda Waterfield, which would help JLBA members to access some of the business and educational offerings of the Chamber.
JLBA members also participate in legislative meetings on areas of concern to Hilltown businesses. LaPierre mentioned advocacy for the reopening of Cobble Mountain Road in Blandford for recreation as one such effort currently in the Legislature.
At the Dec. 14 networking event, the JLBA will also vote on its slate of officers for the new year. The association is currently seeking to fill the membership and social media positions. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the organization, may contact them at JacobsLadderBAQ@gmail.com, by mail to P.O. Box 19 in Huntington, or online at www.jlba.org.