We’re thrilled to begin introducing you to our Board of Directors, starting with one of the most recent appointees, Melanie Weber!
With her extensive experience, Melanie is a huge asset to our Board.
“Creating a long term sustainable community and economy is what the EDC is all about,” said EDC President Jim Siplon. “Melanie literally personifies that aspiration and we are so proud to have her help lead us on that journey. Her unique background and experiences combined with her ongoing work to make our shared home all that it can and needs to be is a beacon for our team at the EDC everyday.”
Here she shares a bit about her career, her goals for her work with the EDC Board in the coming years, what she loves most about life in Warren County, and more.
On Career
I am co-owner of (g)row and Business and Human Resource Manager at Common Roots Brewing Company. I grew up in Salem, NY, but my educational journey and career have taken me all along the East Coast. I attended Marymount University in Arlington, VA, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. My professional path began in Northern Virginia and NYC with Gannett/USA TODAY Sports Media Group. I then moved back to Washington, DC, for a role with the Association of American Medical Colleges, followed by a position with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce in Boston. Ultimately, I returned to Upstate New York to lead an arm of my family’s business, Fronhofer Design, an engineering firm specializing in the design and manufacturing of craft beverage equipment. Two kids later and numerous life changes have brought me to my current roles.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on multiple community boards, including the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Glens Falls Business Improvement District (BID) Board, and the Common Roots Foundation.
On Family and Free Time
My husband, Christian, and I have two young boys, a three-year-old and a one-year-old, who keep us busy. I am currently training for Ironman Lake Placid, which will be a monumental athletic achievement for me, and I am grateful to have T3 Coaching, a local triathlon coach and club, in my corner. In any free moments we can find, we enjoy spending time with our families and are thankful to have most of them living very close by.
On Life in the North Country
I grew up in Salem, NY, but the lines between Washington and Warren County were blurred for me because trips to Glens Falls were a weekly, if not daily, occurrence. Whether it was for groceries, a visit to Aviation Mall, a ride on the bike path, an event at the Civic Center, or even a dentist appointment, Glens Falls and the surrounding areas were a regular part of our routine.
To say I saw myself living in Glens Falls would be a stretch, but I couldn’t be happier with where life has brought me. Having lived in numerous big cities, I’ve found that our little City of Glens Falls and Warren County offer resources that rival those of the most bustling urban centers. From the stunning beauty of Lake George and ample hiking opportunities to the world-renowned Hyde Museum and high-caliber restaurants, we truly have it all. And what sets us apart is the genuine sense of community – the hometown feel that makes living here truly unbeatable!
On Economic Development in Warren County
I’ve made a conscious decision to call this place home, to establish businesses here, and to contribute to preserving our community’s history. It’s not just about wanting Glens Falls and the surrounding areas to thrive; it’s vital to me that it does. So, when I had the opportunity to join the EDC Board, I saw it as a natural step. I believe in taking the initiative to make positive changes, and this was a clear way for me to make a difference in our community.
I aim to help create an inclusive, diverse, safe, thriving business landscape. To me this starts with the basics – it means making sure everyone of every background feels welcome and secure here, making sure that everyone has all of their necessities met, making sure that our natural resources are protected, our education systems are supported, that affordable housing is available and we have no food deserts. With a solid foundation that supports the people who make up our community, the possibilities are endless for the business community to flourish.
