EASTHAMPTON — With roots that run deep in western Massachusetts, Jon Kostek has been bolstering business and community connections since being appointed as the executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton earlier this year.
Since starting the job in May, Kostek has been doing just that, using his knowledge and background to learn from the community and increase opportunities.
The Northampton native currently lives in Hatfield, and he said growing up in the Pioneer Valley has not only contributed to his knowledge of the area, but also his understanding of the business scene.
“Growing up in western Mass., I know a lot about the community,” Kostek said in the chamber’s WorkHub located at 33 Union St. in October. “Having grown up in Northampton and spending time in those communities, it has really helped me see the businesses that are here, the businesses that are coming.”
Before taking over the role from previous executive director Moe Belliveau, Kostek spent years building a robust background in sports management.
He served 18 years for the United States Tennis Association of New England as a senior manager of youth play, and prior to that, he worked at Fran Johnson’s Golf & Tennis store in West Springfield before it closed in the early 2010s.
“A lot of what I had learned at those two previous positions was about customer service, relationship building, budgeting and managing. So a lot of those skills transferred over to this position,” he said.
Those skills have been put to work since he first walked into the WorkHub, which acts as the chamber’s office. Each day, Kostek works to create further opportunities for chamber members by organizing events and increasing networking opportunities.
Overall, Kostek hopes to contribute to the more than 60 years of the Easthampton chamber, promoting economic viability and growth in the city and beyond as a nonprofit. Of the more than 130 chamber members, he’s met more than half and hopes to finish off the list shortly.
“A lot of it is just advocating for the businesses in the community and being a unified voice on topics that are going to support the greater business community,” he said about his role.
Kostek made it clear that the word “greater” in the title has a purpose, as the chamber welcomes members not just from Easthampton, but also from neighboring communities.
“We do have a lot of chamber members that are in Southampton,” he said. “We have outreach to Westhampton,” and Holyoke.
Kostek said a large part of building connections and outreach is creating events and opportunities for businesses to grow. He helped organize the She Leads conference held on Nov. 14, a day-long professional development conference designed to empower women at every stage of their careers. Additionally, the chamber hosts a monthly Coffee & Connections chat at the WorkHub.
One of his goals is to increase visibility to the chamber’s WorkHub, which opened in September last year, offering a workspace to members and anyone looking for a spot to work for the day.
“One of our goals is to promote the WorkHub a little bit more so the broader Easthampton community can learn more,” he said.
Those who rent space at the WorkHub will have access to all of its amenities, including 24/3 key fob access, access to the copy center with a printer, professional cleaning service, on and off-street parking, and access to the member community and chamber programming. The WorkHub has high-speed internet and if a someone needs a break during a busy work day, there is complimentary tea and coffee in the lounge area.
Pricing can be found on the WorkHub website.
Kostek said people have been utilizing the WorkHub in a number of ways since opening and oftentimes in the morning, he will greet the different people using the space.
While he has only been working roughly six months, Kostek said he has already been welcomed by the community, and he hopes to continue to learn and provide support in any possible way.
“It’s just a great community,” Kostek said about Easthampton. “Everywhere I’ve gone, people are nice and pleasant. Almost every Friday after lunch, I walk up and down (the street) and just meet people. And like I said, everyone’s nice. It’s a great community to come and visit.”
More information can be found at the chamber’s website.