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Sustainable Berkshires Hosts Small-Business Forums

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance, Inc. are hosting a set of forums aimed at identifying the economic development priorities for sole proprietors and small businesses (1-10 full-time employees) in Berkshire County.

March 14, 2012, 8-9  a.m.
Berkshire Life, 700 South St., Pittsfield

March 27, 2012, 8-9  a.m.
Ray Murray Inc.,  50 Limestone Road, Lee

April 3, 2012, 8-9 a.m.
The Porches Inn, 231 River St., North Adams

*Refreshments will be provided

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER or call Darci Toomey at 413-499-4000 x16 to register.

These forums are part of a series that will help shape the goals and policies for a new long-range strategic plan for the region, called Sustainable Berkshires

Spearheaded by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission through a HUD Sustainable Communities Planning Grant, the goal is to foster collaborative action across the region to address the most pressing needs and take strategic steps to achieve goals for a vibrant future.

Because small businesses have a significant impact on the local economy, it is vital that we hear from small-business owners and incorporate your suggestions into the Sustainable Berkshires plan. Registration required

More information about the planning process can be found at www.sustainableberkshires.org. Contact BRPC or 1Berkshire for additional information on this project or the upcoming economic development sessions.

Berkshire Regional Planning: Amy Kacala, senior planner, project manager, at 413-442-1521, Ext. 12

 

1Berkshire Strategic Alliance Inc.: Pam Malumphy, economic development specialist, 413-499-4000, Ext. 21

 


Tags: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission,   economic development,   planning,   Sustainable Berkshires,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Passes FY 2027 Budget, Warrant Articles

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles. 
 
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
 
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours. 
 
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
 
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. 
 
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
 
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
 
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