Berkshire Chamber of Commerce to Host Economic Forum

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PITTSFIELD, Mass – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will host a forum entitled, “A State of the Economy in the Berkshires,” on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 8-9:30 AM. in the Susan B. Anthony Center at Berkshire Community College.

The event will feature State Senator Benjamin Downing and State Representative Christopher Speranzo offering their input on how current economic conditions are affecting Massachusetts and more specifically, Berkshire County. The program, which will also feature Berkshire Community College Professor of Business Abu Selimuddin, will be facilitated by Michael Supranowicz, President & CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Berkshire Chamber, the largest business support organization in the region, works to promote and advance the economic, civic, and social welfare of Berkshire County through a variety of programs and initiatives. “During these uncertain times, the Berkshire Chamber felt that it was absolutely necessary to provide a forum where businesses and residents could be educated and informed about issues that are, and will, impact our region’s business climate and quality of life,” said Supranowicz.

Additionally, Legacy Banks Chairman and CEO, J. Williar Dunlaevy, and MountainOne Financial Partners President, Steve Crowe, will provide comments on the state of the local banking industry. According to Dunlaevy, the program is an opportunity for area residents to hear first hand about how national economic conditions are affecting those of us in Berkshire County. “As we have been inundated with media from various sources painting a grim economic picture, it is important for us to have a clear understanding of how our local economy is faring, especially the banking industry, which has been at the center of much of the attention. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Berkshire Chamber and to have a candid conversation with residents and the business community about this important matter.”

The forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. For more information about this event, contact the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at 413-499-4000. This is event is sponsored at the gold level by Legacy Banks and at the silver level by MountainOne Financial Partners.
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Striking Out Cancer in Berkshires Holds Sunday Party Before June 27 Games

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Striking out Cancer in the Berkshires has been bringing smiles for half a decade.
 
This year, it also is bringing Smiley.
 
A day of community baseball and softball games that act as a fund-raiser for the Jimmy Fund is the brainchild of Joe DiCicco, who has expanded the event’s footprint over the years and seen a steady growth in money raised as a result.
 
This year’s games are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 27 on Buddy Pellerin Field at Clapp Park.
 
But the festivities begin this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sideline Saloon on Fenn Street, where DiCicco invites families to come down, free of charge, to take photos with a Boston Red Sox World Series Trophy and meet Boston mascot Wally the Green Monster and Smiley, the mascot of the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.
 
“It’s just a little way to give back to the community to start the week,” DiCicco said. “Last year, we had the trophy for the first time, and they want to bring it back, so that’s a good thing. Wally is different, and so is Smiley.”
 
What has not changed is DiCicco’s dedication to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund, inspired by Einar Gustafson, a child who beat cancer with the help of Dr. Sidney Farber in 1948 and shared his story with the world under the name Jimmy to protect his anonymity.
 
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