image description
Keith Cosimini of West Springfield, Mass., was the winner of the Berkshire Bank Exciting Rewind Mortgage Giveaway for veterans. He was announced on NESN during a Bruins game.

Biz Briefs: Berkshire Bank Pays Veteran's Mortgage for One Year

Print Story | Email Story

How exciting

Keith Cosimini of West Springfield, Mass., was the winner of the Berkshire Bank Exciting Rewind Mortgage Giveaway for veterans. Cosimini spent much of his career as an Army specialist. As the winner, he will be awarded $12,000 to pay his mortgage for the year. The giveaway was extended to active military members and eligible veterans, serving as an extension of the dedication of Berkshire Bank to the servicemen and servicewomen of our country.
 
When asked of how he felt about winning the Exciting Rewind giveaway, Cosimini said, "I couldn't believe that I won when I got the call. I had recently opened an account with Berkshire Bank and saw the contest on NESN's website and said, 'Why not?' We have our first child due very soon so this couldn't have come at a better time."
 
The Exciting Rewind Mortgage Sweepstakes consisted of a breakdown of the top plays throughout the season and was featured during every Bruin's game on NESN. Viewers were encouraged to watch and vote online for their favorite Berkshire Bank Exciting Rewind segment to be entered for a chance to win.
 
Berkshire Bank has a history of making banking easier for our servicemen and servicewomen by providing discounts, money management tools, banking and lending offers to save money so they can make the most of life’s exciting moments.

 

Medicare program

MountainOne Insurance has launched a new Medicare Insurance services program. MountainOne Insurance Medicare program will offer advising and products to clients heading into, or already in, retirement. A dedicated team of MountainOne Insurance agents have had comprehensive Medicare Insurance training and have earned specialized licenses, which means they have in-depth knowledge of Medicare program and options.


Those interested in learning about how MountainOne Insurance can assist with Medicare options can contact MountainOne Insurance via the website or via phone at 800-447-2732.

 

Secure your cyber

A workshop on cyber security for small businesses and nonprofits will take place on Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon at Berkshire Community College South County Center at 343 Main St. in Great Barrington. The cost is $35.

In this two-hour workshop led by IT consultant Rob Horner, participants will learn the most important computer security practices, what to do if your computer or email gets hacked, how to secure your email and browser, common types of malware and anti-malware techniques, and other tips and tricks to prevent security issues and identity theft.

Rob Horner offers IT consulting services in the Berkshire-Taconic region. Located in Great Barrington, Horner and Ken Benson offer computer/device repair, technology purchasing assistance, setup and tutoring, networking, website design, hosting and maintenance. Register through Berkshire Community College online or call 413-528-4521.

 

Building value

The advisers at Berkshire Money Management, a full service financial management firm based in Dalton, are focusing their professional development efforts on helping business owners see their own value. BMM founder and CEO Allen Harris, along with Client Success Coordinator Lauren Russo, have both achieved their Certified Value Builder certification after a combination of online, case-study and international training. CVBs are trained to work with business owners to utilize the Value Builder System – a specific methodology and software designed for business owners who want to retire by selling their business at a premium, and increasing the profits and value of the business.

In addition to the CVB, Allen has also earned the designation of Certified Business Valuation Specialist (CBVS) by passing several courses including Evaluating Business Entities, Financial Statement Analysis, and Classical Valuation Approaches. The completion of this "deep dive" course-work, including a lengthy capstone project, is illustrative of his commitment to optimally serving BMM's business-owning clientele by updating and sharpening his existing business valuation skills. This additional training and education is consistent with the needs expressed by local business owners.

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

Pittsfield Officials: Unlimited Trash Not Sustainable, Toters Offer Cost-Savings

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Unlimited trash pickup is not sustainable and will lead to higher taxes, city officials say.

Mayor Peter Marchetti began public outreach on Monday on the proposed five-year contract with Casella Waste Management for solid waste and recyclables. Older residents packed into the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center for the first of three community meetings.

On the table is a move to automated pickup utilizing 48-gallon toters, which would be at no cost to residents unless they require additional toters and would save the city $80,000 per year.

The goal is to execute a contract by July 1, the start of the fiscal year.

"Trash collection is not free. You're already paying for it as part of your taxes that you pay. In this administration, in this proposal there is no 'I'm looking to create a trash tax,''' Marchetti said, explaining that trash pickup for fiscal year 2025 is around $5.1 million and has doubled since he first served on the council in 2002.

"So we need to find a way to stem the cost of trash."

Some of the seniors praised the new plan while others had concerns, asking questions like "What is going to happen to the trash cans we have now?" "What if I live in rural Pittsfield and have a long driveway?" and "What happens if my toter is stolen?"

"I've lived in a lot of other places and know this is a big innovation that is taking place over the last 20,30 years," one resident said. "It's worked in most places. It's much better than throwing bags of garbage on the side of the road."

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories