We are pleased to announce that the President and CEO of Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jeannie Hebert, will be our second speaker at the 19th Annual Collector’s Weekend. Jeannie will be speaking about her past experience at Hebert Candies and how chocolatiers use chocolate moulds to create special treats. About Jennie Hebert Jeannie Hebert has been President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce since April of 2008. Under her leadership the BVCC has grown and developed into a Chamber that works hard for business and the economic vitality of the eleven town region of the Blackstone Valley Massachusetts. Often dubbed “the queen of collaboration”, Jeannie sits on several area business and community boards and committees and meets regularly with local, state and federal legislators to not only work on initiatives that will enhance the Valley’s potential but make sure that the “Valley Voice” is being heard. Since the Blackstone Valley geographically is also located in the state of Rhode Island, it is not uncommon to see Jeannie active in many bi-state projects and programs. The BVCC has become known as the “go to” place for business owners and entrepreneurs to find answers to their questions and concerns. Prior to her current position, Jeannie was Tourism Director for Central Massachusetts. In that position she had an opportunity to work side by side in partnership with tourism properties and programs throughout the 60 cities and towns of Central Massachusetts. Before that she was an owner of Hebert Candies, a family owned chocolate company started by her grandfather in 1917. Through this tenure she became well versed in the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur, running a small business and of course the fine art of making chocolate. Through her guidance, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce created the BV Enterprise Academy to assist those in business or considering a start up business, with the foundation they need for success. Currently the BVCC has created a non-profit agency called the Central Massachusetts Center for Business and Enterprise that will connect business to organizations, state agencies and directors, provide free business counseling through partnerships with SCORE and the Clark University SBDC and also provide free financial analysis and provide gap lending for the small business community. Personally, Jeannie is the proud grandmother of two. She is an animal rights advocate and co-founder of a non-profit organization called “Pet Rock” that raises funds for animal shelters and breed rescues throughout New England. She lives in Shrewsbury with her significant other, TV commercial, video producer and radio personality Peter “Zip” Zipfel.
