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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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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