10 minutes with... Valeria Ryan
With strong local ties, knowledge, and purpose, Ryan’ s mission is clear: Convert the powerful spirit of cooperation that is rooted in Manchester’ s business community into measurable economic momentum. Her appointment signals the start of an expansive new chapter for the MBA – one that promises to spotlight and celebrate the unique experiences available in Manchester. By filling hotels, shops, and restaurants during the fall and spring“ shoulder seasons” and providing member businesses with more ways to expand their clientele bases, Ryan will offer promising new opportunities and pathways for growth for Manchester’ s merchants, restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues.
A Vision with Heart
NICK BURCHARD
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
W ith a dynamic blend of enticing shops, world-class restaurants, welcoming hotels, and cultural destinations, Manchester has built a reputation as a town where businesses thrive. Working together, the owners of local businesses have created an unforgettable, unique experience for visitors and locals alike. That collective spirit has become a powerful and enduring source of vitality for Manchester’ s business community— one that the Manchester Business Association has nurtured since its founding in 2017. Over the past several years, MBA Executive Director John Burnham has steadily built Manchester’ s brand and digital reach. The MBA has also provided networking opportunities and crucial support services for local businesses. In July 2025, the MBA doubled down on its commitment to the Manchester business community by bringing Valeria Ryan onto their team in an exciting new position: Events Manager. And Ryan is already moving things forward in beautiful ways.
By orchestrating and overseeing a series of events featuring MBA member businesses, including signature festivals, town gatherings, business forums, and networking mixers, Ryan aims to supercharge the impact of the MBA’ s work. By capitalizing on existing trends in the retail, tourism, and hospitality industries, she will seek to bring more visitors and economic growth opportunities to Manchester. Ryan brings a rare blend of insight, business acumen, and intuitive promotional finesse to her new position. She honed these qualities throughout her years in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, as well as her time at Stratton Mountain Resort and Manchester’ s Kimpton Taconic Hotel.
Ryan’ s early priorities as Events Manager blend fresh ideas with classic traditions, each of which is designed to feel authentically“ Manchester” and to invite the whole town in. She is deeply aware that events can lead to both community betterment and economic impact. Her approach reflects that, and her focus is centered around creating experiences that attract both visitors and locals.
One of Ryan’ s first goals is to lay the groundwork for new, marquee events with broader regional pull. She believes that these are the kind of experiences and events that will solidify Manchester’ s position as a welcoming destination.“ Looking towards 2026, we’ re exploring the logistics of a Food and Wine Festival,” says Ryan.“ The culinary talent here is brilliant— a great mix of talented chefs that specialize in all forms of innovative and classic cuisine. We’ ve also got amazing wine merchants. I want to celebrate that in a way that invites both businesses and visitors in.” It’ s an idea that builds naturally on Manchester’ s growing reputation for fine dining, artisanal food and beverage, and specialty shops, while also providing
22 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine. com