Lisa Green reports from Dalton. Curious to explore the in-progress Stationery Factory and eager to be representative boosters for the Berkshires economy, more than 250 people gathered for the 5th annual Berkshire Trendsetter Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 10. Presented by 1Berkshire, the event honored seven individuals and businesses with Berkshire Trendsetter Awards to showcase their achievements and ongoing commitment to strengthen the Berkshire economy. Prior to the presentation, guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided by Dalton purveyors. Closing out the evening, Hotel on North was honored with the Putting the Berkshires On the Map designation for the substantial contribution it is making to the overall image of the Berkshires. Above, hotel owners David and Laurie Tierney accept the award from Ruth Blodgett of Berkshire Health Systems — the 2014 honoree — and Don Dubendorf, 1Berkshire Chair. Photo by Christopher Duggan.
David Irwin of Adelson & Co. and Hilary Greene of the Berkshire Immigrant Center, a finalist for the Non-Profit Impact award; Diana McCarthy-Bercury from Eversource Energy and Kristina Turner from Side by Side Assistance.
From the Progressive Palette, a finalist for Newcomer of the Year, Sarah Holland, Kayley Giorgini and Kira Guidon.
This trio at one time worked together: Paul Gavrity from Berkshire County Arc, Rich Weisenflue from Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR), and Laura Baran from Berkshire County Kids Place;Mig Girard and Nathan Girard, a finalist for the Entrpreneur/Visionary of the Year for restoring a former church hall to create the Adams Ale House.
Anne Stout from Toole Insurance with 1Berkshire board members Linda Gaspardi-Febles from Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance and MountainOne'sEva Sheridan; A force from BFAIR.
Ajayi Jackson, Ty Allan Jackson, a finalist for Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year for his literacy-promoting Big Head Books, with Alice Trumball and Danielle Trumball, finalists for the Non-Profit Impact award for Moments House.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
