Southern Berkshire Chamber Announces New Board of Directors

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has announced its new board of directors for 2011. Daniel Kinney, VP regional market manager, Legacy Banks will leads the board as president. Kate McCormick, partner at McCormick, Murtagh and Marcus is vice president. Edith Gilson, owner of Cupboards and Roses in Sheffield is the treasurer and Scott Rote of Wheeler & Taylor Realty's Sheffield office is the new secretary of the board.

Other members of the chamber board include: Janet Dohoney, Fairview Hospital; Rich Edwards, Catamount Ski Area; Robin Hare, Shopper’s Guide; Pat Melluzzo, Wheeler & Taylor Realty; Cheryl Raifstanger, Kwik Print; Richard Aldrich, Lee Bank; Dan Burke, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics;  Carrie Herrington, WearHouse; Bruce Howden, Howden Farm and Kevin Schmitz, Marketplace Kitchen.

Other new members to the board are:  Vijay Mahida of the Comfort Inn; Georgann Farnum of Salisbury Bank; Karin Watkins of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center; and Karen Climo of Karen Climo Real Estate.

Said Christine Ludwiszewski, chief executive officer of the chamber, “The Chamber is working hard to extend its reach and to include members from a variety of businesses in South County.  By engaging new leaders, we can continue to advocate on behalf of the business community as well as provide the networking and educational opportunities that our members need.”

At the chamber's recent annual meeting, Kinney reviewed the chamber’s accomplishments in 2010, including new welcome signs at both entrances to Great Barrington; successful workshops on social media, Excel and QuickBooks; two breakfasts featuring state Sen. Benjamin Downing, D.-Pittsfield, and state Rep.William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox; an updated website; the September raffle annual fundraiser; the Business Person of the Year event which honored the Ward Family; and a very successful Holiday Stroll.

The Chamber’s first Business After Hours of the year will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Stagecoach Tavern in Sheffield. More information can be found here.