1Berkshire Celebrates North Adams And More
Amy Krzanik reports from Williamstown. More than 300 community members — from bankers, builders and politicians, to artists, educators and medical professionals — found their way to the new Bloom Meadows event space on Thursday evening, Sept. 14. 1Berkshire, the region’s economic development organization, had invited them there to once again "Celebrate the Berkshires." The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations who strengthen the local economy and help the Berkshires grow. The 2017 Berkshire Trendsetter winners were announced and are as follows: Comprehensive Marketing Campaign – Shakespeare & Company; Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year – Tad Ames of Berkshire Natural Resources Council; Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy – Allegrone; Under 40 Change Maker – Jessica Vecchia [shown left with her mother, Patti Bilodeau]; Nonprofit Impact – McCann Technical High School; Creative Economy Standout – Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival; and Newcomer of the Year – Adam Hinds. The award for Putting the Berkshires on the Map, whose winners were the only ones previously announced, was presented to the Community of North Adams. And what a community it is. MASS MoCA’s Executive Director Joe Thompson perhaps said it best when he introduced the recipients. “Not to diminish the natural beauty and history of North Adams,” he said, “but the people are our greatest assets.” 1Berkshire board member and award presenter Peter Stasiowski of Interprint with "Newcomer of the Year" Mass. State Senator Adam Hinds; Noel Henebury, Devin Shea and Andrea Sholler, managing director of "Creative Economy Standout" winner Jacob's Pillow Dance. Brad Felix of event underwriter Greylock Federal Credit Union, Pittsfield City Councilor Pete White, Lo Sottile, and Craig Kahn of All Seasons Realty; Glenn Diehl of nominee Berkshire Scenic Railroad with 1Berkshire president and C.E.O. Jonathan Butler and Michelle Butler. Sam Russo of event underwriter General Dynamics, Tim Burke, Carrie Holland also of GD, and Maggie Barry and Cody Gavin of the LakeHouse Inn in Lee. Adam Klepetar and Charles Stephens, both of Berkshire Community College; Tim Kiely, 1Berkshire board member Lori Gazzillo of underwriter Berkshire Bank, James Culliton, a principal of Allegrone who received the award for "Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy," and Mary Verdi. Siddhi Mehta, Katielynn Hoffman, Brandon Wong, Jessica Clayborn and Dr. Mahek Mehta of nominee Hillcrest Dental Care; Tony Dunne, Julia Dixon and North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright. Stephanie Bosley, Meghan Stetson, Brent Bette, Ally Holmes, and JD Chesloff of nominee MCLA. Chris Smith, Cheryl Richards, Michele Morin and Mark Placido of Hillcrest Educational Centers; Change Maker nominee and North Adams City Council president Ben Lamb with Otto, and Alexandra Mitchell with Kya. Denise Marshall, Molly Fannon Williams, and Michelle Daly of nominee MCLA; Emily Bronson and Shela Hidalgo of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Gary Levante of underwriter Berkshire Bank and Sarah Tucker. Berkshire Community College came out in force to celebrate the Berkshires: Christina Wynn, Adam Klepetar, Adams Select Board member Christine Hoyt, Linda Morelli and Jonah Sykes.
Please Support Rural Intelligence
We want to continue delivering the entertaining, informative and upbeat stories in the inimitable Rural Intelligence style, despite a pandemic. But we need your support to keep us going. Please consider making a donation; even a small amount helps secure our future. Support us now.
(If you prefer, mail a check to: 45 Pine Grove Ave., Suite 303, Kingston, NY 12401.)
Support Now