Leaders Brainstorm Ways To Create Sustainable Berkshire Economy
 Those who attended broke into small groups and outlined their opinions on the various aspects onto large charts. |
The county needs better transportation and communication between its sectors. It also should push the Berkshires quality of life as a way to attract new business and younger workers.
That was the results of a brainstorming session on economic development between business and community leaders on Tuesday at Lanesborough Town Hall.
The meeting, which drew only eight people, was the latest session for Sustainable Berkshires, a master planning process to layout priorities for the entire county.
"Ultimately at the end of the day we're going to have a planned document," Amy Kacala, senior planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, said. "It's not just meant to gain dust on a bookshelf but to actually be used."
Kacala outlined five areas of the economy that will help sustainability: work-force training, creating an inclusive social community, emphasizing the "unique" quality of life in the county, having local and regional leadership and creating a business-friendly environment.
The county has assets in workforce training in its colleges and training programs through Berkshire Works and the Berkshire County Employment Board. However, it is facing a declining population — particularly in young workers — has a small local work force, many "chronically unemployed" and a difficult time matching up available jobs with those who have the right skills. There are enough available jobs to offset the umemployment rate, she said, but those unemployed aren't equipped with the right skills.
The community is still mostly homogenous but is increasing in diversity. The county has programs such as multicultural organizations, Chamber of Commerce groups and employer-based programs to help workers attracted from out of state or out of the country to feel welcome here. Kacala wondered if that is enough to retain those workers.
As for a business environment, the county is strong in health care, high-tech manufacturing and tourism but there are potential "clusters" in outdoor recreation, green technology and local foods. While manufacturing is still a large part of the local economy, state projects show that will be the biggest sector for losses by 2018.
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But it does have a high quality of life with scenic beauty, recreation and proximity to other major metro areas. Still, there is "limited lifestyle options for the younger populations" — such as nightlife and other places to go.
As for leadership, the county has several existing institutions for collaboration and business leaders who are invested in the county, Kacala said, but lacks an articulated regional development strategy — which this project intends to correct — and has limited response on the state level.
"We know the challenges," BRPC Executive Director Nathaniel Karns said. "We're interested in the strategies to overcome these things."
Based on that outline, those in attendance broke into small groups to brainstorm a future plan. Another public session is set for Wednesday at 6:30 in the gym at Stockbridge Town Hall.
Tags: economic development, Sustainable Berkshires,
