Berkshire Money Management CEO Earns CEPA Designation

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management's CEO and chief investment officer Allen Harris has recently earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) certification.

Harris participated in the intensive, four-day, MBA-style program — offered by the Exit Planning Institute — in Chicago. The CEPA program is the most widely accepted in the world and was specifically designed for business advisors who work closely with private companies.

"Not only is new business creation important to the vitality of the community, but so is recognizing and maximizing the value of existing companies," Harris said. "We can accomplish this by helping businesses with strategic planning--de-risking, taking action on growth initiatives. Ultimately, baby boomer business owners will look to transition ownership as they enter into their hard-earned retirement."

BMM has been helping business owners transition from ownership for years and nearly 25 percent of Berkshire Money Management clients are business owners, many of whom have an eye toward retirement and transitioning within the next 10 years, or who have already sold their business with BMM's guidance and continued support.

"It's to their benefit, and to that of our whole community, that these business owners are able to pass the torch of a strong business to the next generation," Harris said. "It ensures continued vitality."

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.