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Date: 8/29/2023
The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation recently announced Melissa Fales as its new executive director.
Fales has been with QVCDC for eight years. She was hired as a loan program coordinator and has worked with clients on the TRACK Artisan Fair, the technical assistance program, business planning classes, COVID-19-related microenterprise grants and the loan program. She’s the treasurer of the Ware Business and Civic Association and corporator for Country Bank.
“I’m really proud,” said Fales. “The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation has had two executive directors, Susan Rutherford the original executive director and Sheila Cuddy the previous executive director so it’s exciting to be following in their footsteps.”
She continued, “They’re two women who are personal and professional role models for me. They’ve been strong role models for me in terms of leadership as women who know how to get things done.”
The QVCDC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and U.S. Treasury-certified community development financial institution serving 20 towns in Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties.
It is an alternative lender that helps small businesses get funding who can’t get traditional funding through a bank. QVCDC and its partner organization, Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation offer many programs and services with a focus on community and economic development.
In addition to their small business lending, QVCDC also does business development, computer training, business and community grants and social service work such as the Quaboag Connector, a community transportation program operated in partnership with the town of Ware.
Fales told Reminder Publishing that Sheila Cuddy has been in the executive director role since 2013 and is ready for a well deserved retirement.
She will be staying on at QVCDC for a time in a mentorship role to help Fales with the transition.
“It’s been going well so far,” Fales said. “It’s an exciting time to be taking the reins. I’m fortunate to have the support of a very talented staff and a dedicated board of directors.”
Fales has mainly been on the loan side of things since she’s been there and is learning about what QVCDC is already doing and helping other people learn about everything that they’re doing as well. One of her biggest goals is to get the word out about QVCDC. She wants everyone to know how much they have to offer the businesses in the area.
“It’s important for people to get to know me, the organization that I’m now leading and learn more about the things we can do to help,” Fales said. “We really are a nonprofit dedicated to helping small businesses and disadvantaged people in the area.”
She went on to say, “We strive to develop a relationship with them. In many cases, clients work with us for years. As their business grows and changes, we help support them through the ups and downs. They’re not just a number. We know them and we know their business. We’re there to help them work through the hard times and we’re happy to celebrate their successes with them.”
The QVCDC is located on 23 West Main St. in Ware and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more about QVCDC, visit qvcdc.org.