Co-op Bank Promotes Vice President, Commercial Lending

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the promotion of Sierra King Watson to Vice President, Commercial Lending. 
 
In her new commercial role, Watson will spearhead efforts to support local businesses, delivering tailored business banking and lending solutions to help foster growth and strengthen the regional economy.
 
Watson, a member of the Co-op Bank team, has built a strong reputation for her personalized approach to commercial lending, working closely with business owners to understand their goals and challenges.
 
With fifteen years of banking and lending experience, Watson has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in structuring financing packages to support a wide range of business needs — from real estate and equipment loans to lines of credit and business expansion funding, stated a press release.
 
"Sierra's promotion is a well-earned recognition of her exceptional work ethic, strong client relationships, and commitment to our values as a community bank," said Mike Ferry, SVP, Commercial Banking. "Her ability to combine financial expertise with a genuine understanding of our local business community makes her a perfect fit for this elevated role."
 
In her new position, Watson will continue to develop and expand the Bank's commercial lending portfolio. She will also play a role in shaping new lending initiatives and enhancing processes at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
 
A Berkshire county native, Watson resides locally with her husband and family. She has been actively involved in various community organizations including the Southern Berkshire Chamber Board of Directors where she is serving her second year as president.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

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.
 
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