Shaker Simplicity Meets State-of-the-State Technology

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What does a living history museum with origins dating to 1783 and one of the world's leading printers of paper for decorative surfaces have in common? They're both part of the Creative cluster in the Berkshires. The Creative cluster is identified as a significant economic force in the Berkshires and as an area ripe for economic development. A perfect example of one creative business initiative is the collaboration between Hancock Shaker Village and Interprint, Inc., the industry leader in dÈcor printing in North America. The Shakers founded their community in Hancock, Massachusetts, just outside of Pittsfield, in 1783. Over the next century they built more than 75 buildings at the place they called "The City of Peace," including artisan’s workshops, a large Brick Dwelling and the world-famous Round Stone Barn. Their dedication to innovation and insistence upon quality can be seen in examples of their architecture, furniture, handcrafts and inventions at Hancock Shaker Village, now an outdoor living history museum. One mile down the road from Hancock Shaker Village is the shining new glass and steel headquarters of Interprint, Inc. The USA division of global and privately-held Wrede Industrieholding began operations in Pittsfield in 1987, moving to its new location last year. Their five rotogravure presses, including a new 8-foot-wide machine, the first of its kind in North America, turn out 12,000 tons of printed paper for decorative surfaces each year. In addition to laminate flooring, Interprint's printed dÈcor paper is used for cabinets, closets and office furniture. Interprint Inc. and the Village decided to partner in the design of a series of Shaker-inspired laminate floors for today's living. Designers from Interprint visited the Shaker site and thoroughly reviewed the buildings and grounds for design possibilities. The result is a new collection of designs and color ways inspired by the Shaker aesthetic, including First Growth Pine, Richmond Stone, and Hilltown Stone. "We have already gotten strong interest in the new Shaker-inspired product from five major flooring companies," says Interprint President and CEO William M. Hines, Sr. "A percentage of our sales will go directly to Hancock Shaker Village to help support their ongoing programming and preservation activity." Ellen J. Spear, President/CEO of Hancock Shaker Village, who co-chaired the Berkshire Creative Economy Report Steering Committee, says the project represents a powerful model for collaboration between not-for-profit cultural organizations and for-profit companies in the Creative cluster. In this case, "The project creates new revenue streams for the Village and provides a new source of inspiration for Interprint. This is a perfect example of how Creative cluster businesses can grow through creative collaboration." For more information about the Berkshire Creative Economy Project, please contact the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation at 413 499 4000, ext. 23, or log onto www.berkshireedc.com and click on "Berkshire Blueprint." About the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation The Berkshire Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is the leading economic development agency for the Berkshires. BEDC is a single source of regional information for business relocation, expansion or start-up. The BEDC facilitates, coordinates and leads collaborative countywide economic development efforts to attract and retain high-quality employers and employees; it provides a single point of contact for data research, site selection, local tours, grant access, financing and funding options, as well as tax and business incentives. The BEDC also provides a key connection point to local and state-level officials. BEDC can be reached at 413 499 4000 or on the web at www.berkshireedc.com.
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Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
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