Rachel Louchen reports from Stockbridge. The who's who of Berkshire County business people came out in droves to support one of their own on Wednesday, September 9 at Chesterwood. George T. Smith, founder and partner of Smith, Watson & Company, was named 2015 Business Person of the Year by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at its annual cocktail party and award ceremony. Besides founding the accounting and advisory firm in 1973, Smith is well known in the community for his support of numerous local non-profits and organizations such as The Literacy Network of South Berkshire, Fairview Hospital, the MCLA Foundation and the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad. He is possibly even better known for his affinity for bow ties, which guests wore in his honor. Above, Chamber board president Scott Rote, Chamber board vice president Pat Seward and man of the hour, George T. Smith.
Southern Berkshire Chamber executive director Betsy Andrus with Sophia Romèu, the business development manager at Berkshire International Film Festival; Rosina Rand of Evergreen Philanthropy with George Smith's daughter-in-law Jennifer Smith.
Pravin Mahida, who runs the Great Barrington Days Inn, with David Carpenter of Mahida Hospitality, LLC and Mike Stoddard, senior vice president and CFO of Greylock Federal Credit Union; Jiminy Peak's Brian Fairbank, Christie Moran and CEO Tyler Fairbank.
Pat Seward, Chamber board member, with Community Access To The Arts development and marketing director Liana Toscanini and Jessie Schoonmaker, senior vice president of retail banking at Lee Bank.
Chamber board president Scott Rote of Wheeler & Taylor Insurance, his wife Angel Rote and Rick Cantele, president and CEO of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company; Barnbrook Realty owner Mary White and Fran Premerlani, mortgage origination officer at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
Smith, Watson & Company accountant Ariana Hyland, business development manager at United Personnel Meghann Crandall and Bethany R. Perry of Berkshire Bank; Fred Harder and Gary Peck, both representing Catamount Ski Area.
George Smith with his photogenic family, including children and grandchildren, in their bow ties.
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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
