By Domenic Poli

SHELBURNE FALLS – The Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association has someone new at the helm.

Carmela Lanza-Weil has been appointed the association’s next executive director, according to Board President Eric Grant.

“Carmela has proven herself by overseeing the management of the organization since July and has done a great job,” Grant said. “The Board unanimously agreed to invite her to stay on permanently in the position to help lead us into the next chapter of the GSFABA’s story.”

Lanza-Weil said in a statement that she plans to build upon the solid foundation laid by Mary Vilbon and those who came before her.

“I’m thrilled to accept this appointment. It is truly an honor and I look forward to leading the organization,” she said. “We’ll work diligently to leverage the prospects ahead, build partnerships to attract and retain businesses, support and grow the creative economy, and continue to build on our robust tourism initiative.

“Through all these development strategies, we’ll see the entire region grow and stabilize economically – while retaining the unique, rural character of the area,” she added.

Lanza-Weil also mentioned  the GSFABA was recently awarded funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for new activities in the Shelburne Falls Cultural District.