image description
Two Williamstown natives have started a 100 percent natural skin care company.

Biz Briefs: Williamstown Natives Start Organic Beauty Company

Print Story | Email Story

Beauty is: Klo Organic Beauty is a 100 percent natural skin care company developed and hand crafted in small batches in Berkshire County,  co-owned by sisters, Nicole Anagnos and Megan Berube, who both attended The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC prior to the inception of their business. Their products are organic, non-toxic, vegan, and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. The Williamstown natives feature an anti-aging line using the highest quality oils. More information can be found on their website.

Launched in February of 2016 to rave reviews, Klo Organic Beauty has since been featured at the Indie Beauty Expo in New York City, on the popular website AHAlife, and in several online publications. Klo Organic Beauty products can be found on their website, klobeauty.com where they offer a pick-up option for locals, on Amazon.com, AHAlife.com, and locally in Williamstown at Wild Oats Market and Karen Brown Hair + Beauty on Water Street.



An iReward: Berkshire Money Management is sponsoring an iPhone 7 drawing for all current employees of Berkshire Health Systems. The random drawing, which will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15, includes 10 new phones (estimated retail value at $649 each). Winners will be picked at random and there is no entry fee or purchase requirement in order to participate or win. The drawing is part of BMM's continued mission to support local organizations, especially within the healthcare community.

This latest initiative was inspired by BMM investment advisor and independent financial commentator Bill Schmick. Schmick recently had major surgery at Berkshire Medical Center, and he and his colleagues at Berkshire Money Management, want to extend their gratitude for all of the hard-working and dedicated employees of Berkshire Health Systems.

BHS employees can enter the drawing online. They may also enter via U.S. mail.



Spray this: With a franchise launched in every major Canadian city coast-to-coast in less than two years, Spray-Net Inc. – Canada's leading home improvement franchise – wants to paint Pittsfield red, white and blue. The award-winning concept aims to meet the growing demand from local homeowners seeking to update and upgrade the curb appeal of their homes.


With a strategic plan in place, Spray-Net will grow into Pittsfield and is now accepting franchisee inquiries. Pittsfield has been selected for Spray-Net's expansion for its growing homeowner population, where Spray-Net's devotion to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction will stand out and thrive.

Recognized as the "Fastest Growing Canadian Home-Improvement Franchise" in the 2016 Franchise Canada Directory by the Canadian Franchise Association, as well as winning the International Franchise Association’s 2016 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, Spray-Net has earned international acclaim. Marsala's work to establish and perfect the franchise business model has created an undeniable energy around the concept.

Spray-Net appeals to entrepreneurs transitioning into business ownership from corporate backgrounds, as well as related home improvement industries. Using an exterior spray-painting technique and a proprietary formula, Spray-Net allows homeowners to refresh the curb appeal of their homes in only one day. The standout home improvement company offers personalized service and incredible results that are both permanent and cost-effective.

 

New realm: Four Years ago Renee Tassone opened Eat To Total Health, a 100 percent vegan, gluten free and soy free cafe and smoothie shop located in North Adams, featuring soups, salads, wraps, paninis, smoothies, juices and more, all made with whole food ingredients. Tassone has worked with more than 5,500 people all over the country and has witnessed people losing weight and resolving health issues such as depression, achy joints, headaches, high blood pressure, type two diabetes, digestive issues and more.

She uses applied kinesiology (muscle testing) as a tool for her clients. Over the last few months, her muscle testing has reached a whole new realm. Muscle testing helps her find details about a person's health, diet, work, family, life path and may even connect them with their spirit guides and loved ones who have passed. Tassone can be reached at 413-346-4357 or online at www.eattototalhealth.com.
 


Investment expansion: Berkshire Bank and Ronald N. Lazzaro P.C., an independent financial planning and investment services firm based in Rutland, Vt., have announced the completion of an asset purchase transaction and the launch of a strategic combination between the two firms. Under the terms of the transaction, Berkshire Bank acquired the business assets of Ronald N. Lazzaro P.C., which will expand Berkshire Bank's wealth management and investment services provided in Vermont.
 
Ronald N. Lazzaro P.C. has been renamed RNL & Associates, a division of BerkshireBanc Investment Services, reflecting RNL's new position as a key component of Berkshire Bank's financial planning and investment services platform. RNL & Associates offers investment management services through Commonwealth Financial Network, a leading independent broker-dealer.
 
RNL & Associates will continue to provide a full suite of holistic financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families to help them prepare for retirement and pursue their financial goals. Additionally, the partnership represents an expansion of Berkshire Bank's investment services and wealth management capabilities in Vermont, and is expected to benefit the Bank's organization by bringing on board a seasoned, talented team of financial advisors and support staff with decades of cumulative expertise in providing objective, comprehensive financial planning and investment management for clients in the northeastern U.S.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Lucy is an 18-month-old heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.

"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said. 

Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.

"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.

Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.

"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."

Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.

"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."

But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.

"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.

If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.

View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories