Massachusetts Select Board Association Western and Rural Massachusetts Conference

Saturday - May 3, 2025
8:30 am – 1:00 pm

The Massachusetts Select Board Association’s annual Rural and Western Massachusetts Conference, to be held on Saturday, May 3, in Holyoke, will focus on helping small and rural towns put ideas into action.

Becky McCray, a speaker and facilitator with expertise in rural and small town development topics, will present an interactive session on building “idea friendly” communities. McCray will cover strategies for increasing participation in local governance, overcoming obstacles, and putting ideas into action in their small or rural towns.

McCray is a passionate rural entrepreneur and co-founder of SaveYour.Town, which shares practical advice to help rural communities shape better futures. With extensive experience as a retail business owner, city administrator and nonprofit leader, she has given more than 300 presentations to small and rural communities in the United States and Canada.

The agenda will also include a legislative update panel focused on policy issues affecting rural and western Massachusetts.

The conference is co-sponsored by the MSA, the Rural Policy Advisory Commission, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts, and the Rural Affairs division of the Executive Office of Economic Development.

Registration and breakfast will open at 8 a.m. The program will begin at 8:30 and will conclude at noon with a networking lunch. The cost to attend is $25.

Agenda

8-8:30 a.m.
Registration and networking breakfast

8:30-8:35 a.m.
Opening remarks
Christine Hoyt, Adams, Select Board Member
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Executive Director
Mayor Joshua Garcia, Holyoke

8:35-9:35 a.m.
Keynote Presentation
Becky McCray, rural development speaker and facilitator

9:35-10:35 a.m.
Legislative Panel
Sen. Paul Mark
Rep. Aaron Saunders
Moderator: Adrienne Núñez, MMA Legislative Analyst

10:35-10:50 a.m.
Berkshire Busk! Information Session
Eugene Carr, Berkshire Busk Festival Director

10:50-11 a.m.
Break

11 a.m.- Noon
Rural EMS Discussion Panel
Becca Meekins, UMass Collins Center, Public Services Manager
Matt Wolkenbreit, Northfield, EMS Chief
Moderator: Trevor McDaniel, Deerfield, Select Board Vice Chair

Noon
Closing announcements and networking lunch

Location
The Delaney House, Holyoke

Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Anneke Craig