Grand Marshal Named for Pittsfield 4th of July Parade
 Photo courtesy Downtown Inc.
Yvonne Pearson
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"Yvonne exemplifies the energy and positive force downtown Pittsfield is experiencing through the renaissance of our city," said Peter Marchetti, parade coordinator and treasurer. "Through her involvement with two neighborhood initiatives, Ethnic Fair and vast community service, having her as grand marshal was a perfect fit."
Marchetti added, "The cultural economy is booming, downtown is on the move and we are well on the way to becoming the finest small city in the Northeast."
Downtown Inc. is an organization of more than 350 businesses dedicated to promoting and growing the downtown area by attracting and encouraging economic, cultural, civic and social excellence. Its offices are at 75 North St.; for more information call 413-443-6501 or visit www.downtownpittsfield.com.
"There are so many people in this city who deserve this honor. I am so pleased to be able to represent all of them as the grand marshal this year," said Pearson. "Downtown Pittsfield is really on the move and I am so excited to be part of this year's parade."
Pearson has been a city resident for 26 years and executive director of Downtown Inc. for the 13 years.
"Living in the Berkshires has been a great experience for me and my family, and working to revitalize downtown Pittsfield has become my passion," she said.
Pearson also serves on city's Streetscape and Artscape committees, the Barrington Stage Community Advisory Board, the Pittsfield Commission on Tourism and the Hay Man Committee and various other community organizations. She also is active with Morningside and Westside initiatives, is financial manager of the Pittsfield Artshow, co-chairman of the Ethnic Fair Committee and a member of the Berkshire Professional & Business Women's Association
As head of Downtown Inc., she has served on task forces facilitating the Newberry building renovations into the Central Block, the Beacon Cinema Project, a downtown Façade and Signage Grant Program, small business recruitment, and merchant relationships. She oversees Downtown's Development, Events and Business Improvement and Safety committees, as well as the Downtown Quality of Life Committee.
"I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to come to work every day doing a job I love," said Pearson. Her organization's new slogan is "Downtown Pittsfield ... Take Another Look."
The parade is organized by the independent, nonprofit organization Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee Inc. Send donations to Pittsfield Parade Committee Inc., PO Box 1738, Pittsfield MA 01202. Visit www.pittsfieldparade.com for more information.
