By Kate Bartlett
The Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce recently announced their new Executive Director to be Barb Pump. Starting January 1, long-time employee and current Executive Assistant Barb will take on this new position, upon the departure of Brian McFadden on January 31st, 2025.
Barb has been a key employee with the Ellicottville Chamber for 8 years, most recently as Executive Assistant to Brian. She comes with a strong foundation in project management, public relations, operations management, and has experience coordinating several events with the chamber. Barb’s strong relationships in the community will also be an asset moving forward in this role.
Throughout her past 8 years with the Chamber, Barb has gained valuable skills that will help her serve in this role. “I’m so thankful to have learned so much from Brian,” says Barb. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, knowing what I know, without him. I have very big shoes to attempt to fill, but Brian has helped me prepare for this.”
Barb is invested in Ellicottville. Her service with the Chamber has built strong relationships in the community and helped her deepen her appreciation for this great community. “I’m looking forward to continuing to attract visitors to Ellicottville year-round, while maintaining that small town charm. Ellicottville is such a great destination for tourists near and far, as a four-seasons resort town; but I’m also focused on helping keep it a tight-knit community.”
Growing up in Arcade, Barb still lives in that area with her husband, Eriek and son, Grayde, who is 11 years old. “Ellicottville is like home to us. We love celebrating the seasons here and look forward to the community events. It’s tradition for us.”
Barb is thankful for the continued support and guidance from the Chamber Board as she moves into this role. Brian will stay on through January 31 in order to ease the transition. She’s thankful for all she’s learned from Brian. “He has played a major role in shaping Ellicottville into what it is today over his 28 years with the Chamber. I, along with everyone else at the Chamber and the community, am incredibly grateful for all he has done.”
Looking towards the future, Barb is excited for this next chapter. She plans to continue the year-round events, and possibly add a few more in due time. “We have so many wonderful events throughout the seasons. Not only do they attract visitors to the area, but they also help bring our local businesses together. It’s a win-win.”
Barb speaks to the diversity of the small businesses in the area. “Ellicottville is a tight-knit community with a wide array of local businesses. They celebrate the diversity, rather than compete with one-another. We love to welcome new businesses and help them succeed; it’s a win for the whole community.”
According to Barb, it’s the people who make Ellicottville what it is. “It’s hard to describe the feeling of Ellicottville. We have the beauty of the great outdoors on the slopes throughout the seasons. Our main streets shine with local shops and culinary diverse restaurants. It’s a retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle, but it’s the people that make Ellicottville feel like home. It truly is a special place, and I’m so honored to help serve in this role.”
For more information visit ellicottvilleny.com or barb@ellicottvilleny.com