The Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires announced that the Board of Directors of both organizations have approved a plan to merge the two Chambers.
On Friday, November 3rd, the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to recommend to the membership that they approve the merger with the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires. The plan was approved by the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires at their most recent board meeting on Friday, October 20th.
The Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce currently has nearly 400 members, while the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires has approximately 1200 members. The membership of both Chambers will be asked to approve the proposed merger through a process including informational meetings and a mailed ballot later this month.
Under this plan to join forces, the two Chambers will form a single corporate structure with appropriate representation on a new board of directors according to a joint statement released by James H. Lynch, Jr., Chair of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires and Wayne LoPresto, President of the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. The six councils of the new group will have co-chairs with one chairperson representing each of the former chambers.
"Clearly over the past year, there has been significant discussion related to the recognition of the Berkshires as a single marketplace with common goals," said Jim Lynch. "This merger plan is a manifestation of that position."
"Our Northern Berkshire members are on the move", said Wayne LoPresto.
"Everybody knows about the growth of business in North Adams over the past few years. This new organization can help us capitalize on this momentum to create something that will have a positive impact on all businesses in the region. A merged chamber can provide expanded benefits as well as new business and networking opportunities for members," added LoPresto.
Important components of a unified organization include coordinated events and programs and better management of the advocacy needs of businesses in the region. Another advantage is that the larger group will be able to better negotiate group benefits for its members.
One of the major benefits, according to Lynch, is that the planned organization will create a stronger voice and a unique message for business, by virtue of a larger membership. "This is a time of real opportunity for business here in the Berkshires, something of the kind we haven't seen recently," he said. "With the final legal approval last week of the consent decree in the GE matter, Central Berkshire is ready to forge ahead on the new business development front. And, of course, North County is on a roll that began several years ago", Lynch stated.
Lynch and LoPresto said they expect the planned organization will have a new name, unique to the merged organization. However, they said the issue of the new name remains to be addressed. As to the existing structure of the organization, the plan calls for significant Northern Berkshire representation. Both stated no employees would lose their jobs as a result of the planned merger.
David B. Colby, President & CEO, of the Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires and Michael Supranowicz, Executive Director of the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, responded favorably to the proposed plan. Both executives stressed the cost efficiencies of sharing certain administrative functions, such as finance, technology and marketing. "There's a real duplication of effort in some of our current operating functions in Pittsfield and North Adams", Colby said. "The resulting cost savings will enable the group to eliminate duplication and free more funds for strategic objectives related to supporting growth in business, and increasing the number of jobs in the region", added Colby.
Supranowicz stated, "This is good for all members and all communities involved. We will do everything we can to keep members informed about our progress."
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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