Robert W. Collins, of CPD&C announced that he plans to retire in December

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Robert W. Collins, President & CEO of Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance Agency, Inc., announced that he plans to retire on December 31, 2007 after 32 years with the agency, including 22 years as President. During this period, CPD&C grew to become one of the largest insurance agencies in Western Massachusetts and an affiliate of MountainOne Financial Partners, serving thousands of personal and business clients. Timothy R. Dolan, currently Vice President of CPD&C with over 20 years at the agency, will succeed Collins as President & CEO on January 1, 2008. CPD&C, which was founded in 1927, is celebrating its 80th anniversary and was recently honored by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce for its history of success. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Collins began his tenure at CPD&C in 1975 after serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and a Corporate Recruiter for Electronic Data Systems Corporation. During his career, Collins has compiled a distinguished record of leadership in the insurance industry and the community. Over the years, he has served as President of Northern Berkshire Development Corporation, Northern Berkshire United Way, North Adams Rotary Club, and Taconic Golf Club. In addition, he has served as a board member for MountainOne Financial Partners, Hoosac Bank, Williamstown Savings Bank, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, among many other substantial volunteer positions. In 1991, for example, Collins chaired the 500 Fund Committee that raised over $1 million in local contributions to support the creation of MASS MoCA, more than doubling the goal established by former Governor Weld. “I am very proud of our employees and the remarkable growth that we have achieved together over the years,” said Collins. “Our clients know that we do whatever it takes to meet their needs, and this commitment to excellence is a core value that will continue into the future. Careful succession planning has been a hallmark of CPD&C since the beginning, and I am very pleased that Tim Dolan has agreed to take over the reins. It is particularly gratifying to retire from an agency that my grandfather founded as we conclude the celebration of our 80th anniversary. CPD&C has never been positioned better in terms of professional staff, leading edge technology, office locations, insurance company representation, and financial strength.” “Bob has done an outstanding job in establishing CPD&C as the premier insurance agency in our region, respected not only for industry knowledge and exceptional service, but also for professional ethics and community involvement,” said Stephen G. Crowe, President & CEO of MountainOne Financial Partners. “It is not an accident that CPD&C has contributed significantly to the overall earnings of MountainOne Financial Partners, while remaining an innovative force and a wonderful corporate citizen. It is the result of strong and seasoned leadership, and I am confident that Tim Dolan will build upon the tradition of success that Bob has exemplified over the past three decades.” Bob and his wife, Shari, have two daughters, Ellie and Becky, and five grandchildren, all of whom reside in Northern Berkshire County. Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance Agency, Inc. serves thousands of clients through offices in North Adams, Adams, and Williamstown. MountainOne Financial Partners is a mutual holding company that comprises Hoosac Bank, Williamstown Savings Bank, CPD&C, True North Financial Services, and South Coastal Bank. By working in partnership, the companies of MountainOne offer an extensive range of banking services, customized insurance products, and comprehensive investment management for individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations.
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Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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