This would be soooooooo cool! Can someone please go to this and report
back? I'll be in Florida. >:(
On Sun, Sep 22, 2019 at 3:05 PM Leigh Youngblood <lyoungblood@xxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Dear Neighbors,
We've gotten the message that giving a boost to start up and expanding
woodworkers may be a better way for Michael to sell his shop rather than
finding someone to buy the whole works. *The Franklin County CDC and
Cooperative Fund of New England are great resources. On Oct 2, we are
gathering those potentially interested in participating and/or helping to
make a wood co-op work.*
Please join us and/or please share this event with those you know. More
details below.
Thanks! Leigh
Please Post and Share. Social Media Support Needed!
*Forum on Shared Wood Shop Space: Available to Buy or Lease*
Calling all woodworkers. Initial investments to start a business can be
daunting. The recent closure of Michael Humphries Woodworking, due to an
illness, has created affordable business options for others looking to
start, expand, or augment their enterprises.
Like many business owners, Michael Humphries began his business in his
living room expanding bit by bit over the course of four decades to reach
the highest end of fine woodworking. Having access to advanced, and
expensive, machines without shouldering the whole investment can shorten
the time to reach your business and craft-making potential.
Wednesday, October 2 from 5-7pm, a tour, panel presentation, and Q&A will
provide information and scenarios on how a woodworking cooperative at this
site can accommodate business ventures. Possibilities range from three or
more woodworkers, or other artisans, forming a co-op to a single full-time
woodshop on one side with benches in the second shop leased by the month or
by the hour.
Business entrepreneurs and investors are also encouraged to attend the
forum to learn more about co-op specific lending opportunities and co-op
forming technical assistance.
Purchased by Michael Humphries in 2000 and expanded in 2014, the building
layout makes a variety of arrangements possible. The central 3,500 sq. ft.
millroom is bordered by two bench rooms, one on the sunny east side and one
on the north, each with four work stations. The second floor hosts ample
office space and a one-bedroom apartment with woodflooring and a fireplace.
Located at 158 Birnam Road in Northfield, MA 10 minutes to I-91 and 15
minutes to Rt.2, this complete cabinet and millwork shop offers easy access
to local markets and to Boston, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
No need to register. Plenty of parking. Refreshments will be served.
Individuals and businesses at every level of interest are encouraged to
attend. For serious inquiries, if you can’t attend, call or text
413-262-7850.
