Pittsfield Co-op CEO Named Quinn Award Recipient

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Conrad Bernier
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has named Conrad Bernier as this year's Esther Quinn Memorial Award Winner.

Bernier is the president and chief executive officer of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. The award was established in 1999 to honor the memory of Esther Quinn, former Chamber volunteer and advocate for volunteer efforts.

Candidates are judged on the basis of volunteer efforts rather than any measure of success in the field in which they normally are employed or the accomplishments or successes by an individual's membership in one organization. The award is given to a person who lives or works in Berkshire County and who shows enthusiasm, empathy and effort in making the Berkshires a better place to live and work.

Bernier was recognized for his commitment to community development, inserting his own excitement and drive into any project he works on.

"It is a very appropriate recognition for someone who has served his community as unassuming and effortlessly as Conrad has over the years," said Mick Callahan, 2003 award recipient and chairman of the Chamber's Esther Quinn Award Committee.

Bernier was selected for having devoted time, energy and resources to a variety of causes in Berkshire County, as well as the quality of his volunteer work. He has, said the Chamber announcement, "stepped up to the plate and gave his heart, his time and his talent to local civic organizations."


In addition to the Chamber, he has volunteered with Berkshire Place, Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club, Country Club of Pittsfield, the Berkshire Museum, Downtown Inc. and Arrowhead, along with the bank's Partnership with Allendale Elementary School. He served in varying capacities for each of these local organizations.

This month, he will retire after 14 1/2 years with Pittsfield Cooperative.

"Conrad's empathy and concern for others has had a positive impact on the employees of the bank stirring them to action. He has also encouraged and supported each employee's desire to volunteer for civic organizations and allows them the time needed to volunteer their talents and services recognizing the importance of self-giving through his own experiences,” said Cindy Armstrong and Jay Anderson, bank employees who nominated Bernier. "The support from Conrad comes in various forms: monetary contributions, industry and personal advice; and actual involvement."

The Quinn Award has been presented annually since 1999.  The first recipient was William Wilson, former president and CEO of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau. Past award recipients include David Klausmeyer in 2000; Louann Harvey in 2002, Ellen Ruberto in 2006 and last year's winner Jerry Burke.

The award will be presented at the Chamber's annual meeting on Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 a.m., at the Crowne Plaza. Tickets are $25 each and are still available. To register: 413-499-4000, info@berkshirechamber.com or www.berkshirechamber.com.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Biz Briefs: Dream Green Expands, Marie's Closes, Advice for Retiring Docs

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Dream Green Offers Secure Data Destruction

ADAMS, Mass. — Dream Green Recycling is now certified to destroy secure data, opening up possibilities for local municipalities and more to recycle their electronics locally.

Owners Patrick Kennedy and Kyle Danforth said this will help them reach new facilities.

"It allows us to do a lot more, municipalities, government contracts, hospitals, big corporate offices, stuff like that, where they need that badge to do the data destruction and know that, it's done the right way, and it's totally wiped out or destroyed," Danforth said.

The certification took about a year to obtain. Dream Green is one of few facilities in the New England area that has the certification, making it easier for customers to recycle their computer devices locally instead of shipping it outside the county or state.

"With us being able to do it locally reduces the carbon footprint and the emissions. A lot of people are like, 'Oh, we're recycling, but we're shipping it all the way to Rhode Island or New Jersey or out of the state.' And it's like, yeah, you're recycling, but you're really not lowering the carbon footprint because you have that tractor trailer truck or the 18 wheeler that's going over the trail and burning up all those emissions," Danforth said. "So yeah, you're recycling, but in the long scheme of things, you're creating a larger footprint trying to do the right thing," 

The team plans to expand on their certification to include on-site data destruction as well as solid state scrubbing to be able to upcycle the product.

"As we grow, we just listen to what the community lacks and try to fulfill those issues and stuff like that, help solve problems along the way. So this was someone who came to us and said something about how it was hard to do stuff with the E waste, and that's why we diversified in it," Danforth said.

Dream Green is EPA Section 608 certified, which means they are also able to handle refrigerants like refrigerators and air conditioning units.

"Our end goal is we want to be the facility like your scrap yard or your transfer station, where we are the one stop shop for recycling," Danforth said.

Kennedy agreed, "our job is to divert as much material from a landfill as possible. We try to divert as much trash from going to a landfill as possible. That's our main objective of Dream Green Recycling."

Dream Green Recycling opened in late 2023 and provides local drop-off and pickup from its locations at 15 Print Works Drive, Adams, and Downing Industrial Park in Pittsfield. It recycles mattresses, tires, televisions and more.

Marie's Closes on North Street

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Marie's North Street Eatery and Gallery closed its doors for the last time Friday, Feb. 27.

Co-owners Neil Davis and Ashley Marie announced their closure on the Facebook on the following Sunday.

"Bringing Marie's to life every day brought us incredible joy, from renovating the space, to opening a gallery, and of course, to preparing wholesome and tasty food for you, which is what we did best. We truly thank you so much for being a part of it."

The gallery held its ribbon-cutting two years ago at its space at 148 North St. The eatery and gallery had grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items.

The two had opened their eatery in the former Maria’s European Delights, paying homage to her through their name and certain menu items.

Financial Planner Specializes in Health-Care Professionals

WYNANTSKILL, N.Y. — Nate Tomkiewicz, a certified financial planner, specializes in providing fiduciary investment management and comprehensive financial planning, with a primary focus on health-care professionals within 10 years of retirement.
 
Established in May 2025, Tomkiewicz Wealth Management is a registered investment advisory firm.
 
"I founded Tomkiewicz Wealth Management to cut through the noise and provide the kind of specific, high-level guidance that health-care professionals deserve," said Tomkiewicz. "These are people who spend their careers — their lives — caring for others. My goal is to care for their financial future, ensuring they can transition from a high-stress career to a comfortable retirement."
 
After nearly a decade working in the financial services industry, Tomkiewicz founded his own firm to offer personalized, client-first experience. Tomkiewicz Wealth Management was built to address the unique complexities faced by doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who often juggle demanding careers with intricate benefit packages, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans, he said.
 
The firm operates as a fee-only fiduciary, meaning it is legally bound to act in the client's best interest at all times. These services include strategies for retirement income, investment management, benefit optimization, tax planning, and planning for health-care costs. 
 
Tomkiewicz Wealth Management serves clients in New York's Capital Region, Berkshire County, and virtually across the country.
 
For more information visit tomkiewiczwm.com or call 518-219-7323.
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