Election 2009: Bianchi Hosts Small Business Forum

05:08PM / Monday, August 10, 2009Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Daniel Bianchi will be hosting an open forum and listening session on small business to be held at the GE Athletic Association on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m.

The forum is designed for members of the business community and the community at large to share ideas, concepts, and concerns relating to their business and the process of doing business in the city. Bianchi, a current city councilor, is soliciting comments and discussion that may help and improve Pittsfield's economic development. The session will provide an opportunity to discuss the issues facing many of Pittsfield's small businesses.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the city of Pittsfield. Individually, they may offer a few jobs, or 40 to 50 jobs, but collectively, hundreds of families rely on the successful operation of small businesses," said Bianchi.

"It is important that the city of Pittsfield be aware and responsive to the needs of small businesses, making it easier for them to operate and grow. We should be encouraging existing small businesses and helping to facilitate their growth as well as attracting new businesses."

"Existing small businesses in the community deserve an equal opportunity for local government support. Creating an equitable, supportive atmosphere for existing business can be the foundation for new business expansion."

Light refreshments will be provided. Members of the business community are encouraged to attend. For more information, call the campaign office at 413-442-2555 or Bianchi's home at 413-443-0180.

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Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports12:28PM / Wednesday, October 21, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes.

According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.

Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states.

The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them.

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.
— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM

The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."

The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.

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