I was in a large international airport terminal, casually eavesdropping (as one does) on a conversation between two women sitting near me, when I first became really aware of this area. “Where would you live, if you could live anywhere?” one asked. “Shelburne Falls,” the other immediately replied. “The loveliest town in the world.”
I immediately texted my husband: “I’ve got it: Shelburne Falls!”
We were getting ready to downsize from the big rambling farmhouse we’d enjoyed for 20+ years, but hadn’t yet decided where to. Our son and daughter-in-law had recently moved to Greenfield, but we were still exploring. Now I had the answer!
In short order, the choice we made was a home that straddles the Greenfield-Shelburne town line – half in one; half in the other. We chose it for its picturesque beauty and warm sense of community, for proximity to our family and to a downtown that clearly needed some love, but held the promise of things we valued, including vinyl records, good coffee, and a cooperative grocery.
Since moving here, I try to make conscious choices to “lean in” to this special community – to shop here, to buy food grown here, and to spend my discretionary time helping Franklin Community Co-op and other organizations rooted in this
community. When I’m able, I don’t mind paying a bit more to support local farms and a sustainable local food system.
We all make these sorts of choices – and I’m proud to tell you that your Co-op recently made a series of choices for local priorities. As part of our expansion project – working through our building contractor Wright Builders Inc – we solicited multiple bids from companies, material vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors for myriads of tasks related to building the new store. Multiple bids gave us a variety of options from which to choose, all weighed against each other. The final choices to make were ours.
And in nearly every case, we chose to work with local firms – ones known in the community, ones whose employees undoubtedly know us. Firms, who like us, have children and employees who live and work here. Many of the firms are small; our project will represent a major priority. We believe that the connections are valuable, outweighing what in some cases appear to be somewhat higher initial costs. A supermarket is a complicated building with intricate mechanical and plumbing systems serving a fluctuating occupancy; having a team that will be present in our community after the last construction truck goes home and for the next 20-30 years was important for us and for Wright Builders. We believe the commitment we’ll have from these firms will lead to a smoother construction process – perhaps even more efficient in the end.
Of the firms who will be working on our renovations of the Wilson Building, 24% are based in Franklin County. If we include Hampshire County firms, 60% call this area home. And, continuing down the I-91 corridor, adding in Hampden County firms brings the “local” contingent to 86%.
The work is spread to over roughly 65 firms, 43 of which are subcontractors working directly with Wright Builders. Another 22-26 firms represent material suppliers and others working with the subs.
Construction will require an estimated 16 months. During that time, 41 of the subcontractors will have at least 2-3 employees involved full-time.
The direct economic impact in our community will be immediate and measurable. Local firms pay local taxes. Their employees live here, own homes here, and spend their money locally. I believe many of them will be proud to tell their friends and family about contributions they’ve made to shaping a new anchor store in our downtown.
These choices support social stability and build equity within our community. They are an example of living our values.
We all make choices. I ask you, as you make your daily choices, to please choose local. Please choose our stores and the local foods we feature.
In gratitude,
Tammy
Tammy Erickson
President of the Board of Directors, Franklin Community Cooperative