Victory Theatre Project Committees
MIFA and Mayor Garcia are collaborating on enhanced community involvement in raising awareness and enthusiasm, engaging regional expertise, and encouraging the state to close the funding gap to begin construction.
MIFA and Mayor Garcia have convened three teams to fulfill those goals
The Victory Theatre Community Fundraising Strike Team
Mayor Garcia convened a Victory Theatre Community Fundraising Strike Team composed of respected business and community leaders chaired by his wife, Stefany Garcia, Family Access and Engagement Coordinator for the Holyoke Public Schools. The team members have knowledge of the needs of Holyoke and the region and the capacity to aid the public in understanding of the expansive civic and economic benefits of a restored Victory Theatre. The team works with MIFA staff to provide visibility, create enthusiasm, fundraise and confirm the community’s desire to support the project.
The Community Strike Team recently raised $11,750 dollars for the Victory on Giving Tuesday, unlocking a $10,000 matching contribution from WinnDevelopment and threw a sold-out Holiday Pub Crawl sponsored by the regional Latino Economic Development Corporation and Springfield businessman Cesar Ruiz. More events are in the planning stages.
MEMBERS
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CHAIR, Stefany Garcia
Wife of Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia; Family Access and Engagement Coordinator, Holyoke Public Schools
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Ari Berezin
Mt. Holyoke Management
Gloria Caballero-Roca
Educator and community activist
Rory Casey
Holyoke Treasurer
Patti Devine
Former Holyoke City Councilor
Joe Charles Mazzola
Owner, Paper City Fabrics
Andrew Melendez
Director/Founder, Latino Economic Development Corporation
Priscilla Rivera
Co-owner, City Sports Bar, Holyoke
Cesar Ruiz
President & CEO, Golden Years Home Services
Melvin Sanchez
Business development, Full Power Radio
Elizabeth Simpson
Director of Grants & Philanthropy, Holyoke Public Schools
Elaine Vega
Vice President, Housing Management Resources, Inc.
Monica Velez
Co-owner, Jibaritos Sports Club
Victory Theatre Entrepreneurial Strike Team
An operating Victory Theatre will provide a large base of customers eager to patronize nearby businesses. To fully leverage this opportunity, the Entrepreneurial Strike Team is developing an intentional, strategic effort to provide support and assistance to entrepreneurs, businesses and building owners who will benefit from the opportunities in the vicinity of the Victory Theatre, ensuring downtown redevelopment.
MEMBERS
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CHAIR, Aaron Vega
Holyoke Director of Planning & Economic Development; former State Representative, 5th Hampden (2012-2020)
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Kathy Anderson
Holyoke community leader, former Holyoke Director of Planning & Economic Development
Delcie Bean
Founder & President, Tech Foundry; Founder & CEO, Paragus Strategic IT
Jeff Bianchine
Managing Director, The Print Shop, Inc., former Holyoke Creative Industries Coordinator
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Jordan Hart
Executive Director, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
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Jeff Hayden
Vice President, Business & Community Services, Holyoke Community College; former Holyoke Director of Planning & Economic Development
Jennifer Keitt
Development Specialist, Holyoke Office of Planning & Economic Development
Matthew Mainville
Executive Director, Holyoke Housing Authority
Tessa Murphy-Romboletti
Executive Director, EforAll Holyoke; Holyoke city councilor
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The Victory Theatre Building Committee
The Victory Theatre Building Committee is working with MIFA on the preconstruction and construction phases of the restoration of the Victory building and the addition of its annex. The committee helps monitor the work of architects, finance advisers, MIFA’s owner’s representative/construction manager, engineers and contractors, ensuring that the project meets the agreed upon budgets and goals. It will continue to monitor the maintenance of the operating facility.
MEMBERS
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CHAIR, Michael Kane
Eversource, Community Relations; former State Representative, 5th Hampden (2001-2012)
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Priscilla Chesky, Esq.
Lyon & Fitzpatrick
Carl Eger
Vice Chair, Holyoke Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors
Don Humason
Chester Town Administrator; former Westfield Mayor and former State Senator, 2nd Hampden & Hampshire District (2013-2020)
Dr. Alfred Hutt
Retired
Bill Johnson
President & CEO, Hampshire Towing
Susan Knightly
President, Ferry Hill Management
Jeffrey A. Trask MBCP, CEM, CBCLA
ISO New England Inc., Global Leader in Business Resilience, Emergency Management, Risk Management, Insurance Risk Management, and Business Continuity