Bosley Announces Creative Economy Legislation

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Representative Daniel E. Bosley (D-North Adams) announced today that he has filed a bill that would create the “Commonwealth Creative Economy Council” within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The “creative economy” includes areas such as arts, culture, and tourism, but also high technology industries such as software development and web design, publishing, architecture, advertising, and a broad range of related and interconnected industries that have their origin in individual creativity. “This legislation reflects the legislature’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the growth of the creative economy, which is an integral part of the Commonwealth’s economic future” said Bosley. “The Creative Economy Council will help the state recognize and measure this industry’s contribution, and will develop a strategic plan that both attracts and retains the individuals and companies engaged in this sector.” "The Commonwealth Creative Economy Council underscores the importance of investment and the growth potential of the creative cluster," said Laurie Norton Moffatt, co-chair of the Berkshire Creative Economy Project and director/CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. "Art means business in the Berkshires was the key finding of the Berkshire Creative Economy Project. Creativity is a core competency and competitive advantage of a vibrant Berkshire economy that is recognized internationally for its creative brand." The key points of the bill are as follows: * The Council’s mission is to develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the creative economy in the Commonwealth, and to promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices; * The Council will reflect the depth and breadth of experience and intelligence that we have in the Commonwealth, including stakeholders from all the diverse sectors of the creative and innovative economy and key members of state government; The Council will also: Research and evaluate studies done in other states to locate and identify best practices that easily transfer to the Commonwealth; Build upon the recommendations of the “Innovation Agenda: Growing the Creative Economy in Massachusetts” statewide conference of May 3, 2006, and the Berkshire Creative Economy Report, in order to develop a state wide strategy for enhancement of the creative economy; Provide recommendations on restructuring economic programs within state government to enhance our creative economy efforts; and Provide strategies and proposed legislation where necessary to provide linkage between programs to enhance the creative economy. Patricia Zaido, Executive Director of The Salem Partnership commented that "Christine Sullivan, Executive Director of the Enterprise Center at Salem State College and I greatly appreciate Representative Bosley taking the lead on this most important economic initiative. Last year, we coordinated the first state-side conference on the Creative Economy and published a final report and an action plan for the Commonwealth. Representative Bosley has taken this innovative agenda to the next level which will allow a coordinated effort across the state and make Massachusetts a model for the rest of the country. This bill was filed today with the House Clerk’s office.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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