Chamber of Commerce breakfast highlights panelists’ love of their jobs

Ryan Martin, owner of Current Electric and Current Energy, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Ryan Martin, owner of Current Electric and Current Energy, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Jayne Trosin, director of fitness and social responsibility at Franklin County’s YMCA, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Jayne Trosin, director of fitness and social responsibility at Franklin County’s YMCA, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Head of School Laurie Lambert speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Head of School Laurie Lambert speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Franklin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane speaks at the chamber breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Franklin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane speaks at the chamber breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Turners Falls Fire Department Capt. Trisha Dana speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Turners Falls Fire Department Capt. Trisha Dana speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Steven Rickman, executive director of The Learning Knoll, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.”

Steven Rickman, executive director of The Learning Knoll, speaks at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. The theme was “I Love My Job.” STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

From left, Jayne Trosin of Franklin County’s YMCA, Ryan Martin of Current Electric and Current Energy, Steven Rickman of The Learning Knoll, Jessye Deane of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Wade Bassett, chamber board of directors chair, Trisha Dana of the Turners Falls Fire Department and Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Head of School Laurie Lambert at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning.

From left, Jayne Trosin of Franklin County’s YMCA, Ryan Martin of Current Electric and Current Energy, Steven Rickman of The Learning Knoll, Jessye Deane of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Wade Bassett, chamber board of directors chair, Trisha Dana of the Turners Falls Fire Department and Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Head of School Laurie Lambert at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Terrazza on Friday morning. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Staff Report

Published: 02-19-2024 1:17 PM

GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly breakfast on Friday, with a theme of “I Love My Job” allowing the five panelists to share what they enjoy about working in the region.

The panelists included Ryan Martin, owner of Current Electric and Current Energy; Steven Rickman, executive director of The Learning Knoll; Laurie Lambert, head of school at Stoneleigh-Burnham School; Jayne Trosin, director of fitness and social responsibility at Franklin County’s YMCA; and Turners Falls Fire Capt. Trisha Dana.

Each panelist shared insights into their roles and expressed their passion for their respective professions and the county. The event highlighted the diverse career opportunities available locally and celebrated the dedication and enthusiasm of the workforce.

At the start of the breakfast, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jessye Deane shared that it’s her love for Franklin County that drew her to her current role and that the chamber serves as an incubator for connection, partnership and friendship.

“Most of my day is spent understanding a chamber member’s challenges and then connecting them with the people, opportunities and resources to help,” Deane told attendees. “No one on Earth is entirely self-sufficient — we all need each other. As a chamber, we want to help you expand your network, save time and money, and help you have some fun along the way.”

Rickman voiced his appreciation for his role, stating, “I love my job because I get to be the role model I needed as a child. I get to be a part of an ever-changing puzzle and get to watch these kids progress in their life. I get to witness these precious moments of children trying to climb on me and getting scared because they realize how far up in the air they are.”

Dana, a 25-year firefighting veteran, shared that women only made up 1.5% of fire departments when she started her career. She’s enjoyed helping young girls realize that they can be firefighters, too.

Martin, meanwhile, explained, “What I love about my job is helping people. Electric wiring is scary for a lot of people, so whether it is fixing a small issue in somebody’s house or helping someone design an electric layout for a new house, it’s just very enjoyable for me to help simplify that for people. I love learning and new challenges. ... That’s what charges my battery.”

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The next Chamber of Commerce breakfast, titled “Sticky Business,” will focus on the county’s maple syrup, honey and asphalt industries. It is scheduled for Friday, March 22, at Terrazza.