The first Good News Business Salute of 2002 was held on February 13th at The Crowne Plaza Pittsfield ~ Berkshires. Nearly 500 Chamber members, one of the largest crowds ever for a good news salute, turned out at this breakfast event to honor Charland Jewelers, First Baptist Church of Pittsfield, Images Cinema, Renaissance Investment Group, and Williams College Museum of Art.
The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank generously sponsored the event. Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., served as master of ceremonies while Pittsfield Mayor Sara Hathaway and North Adams Mayor John Barrett, III shared keynote-speaking duties.
After the breakfast a New Member Orientation was held to introduce new members to the Chamber Staff.
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and Berkshire Enterprises would like to remind all graduates of the Entrepreneurial Training Program that they are eligible to receive a six-month free trial membership in the Chamber.
The benefits of Chamber membership are numerous and include a host of networking opportunities, communication opportunities, referrals, direct mail advertising, member-to-member discounts, access to Health and Dental insurance, and advocacy and support for our members, to name just a few.
Don't delay! Call the Chamber today and start your free six-month trial membership and let the Chamber go to work for your business!
This offer applies to graduates of the Entrepreneurial Training Program only. For information on how to start enjoying the benefits of Chamber membership, direct your inquiries to Victoria Ross, 413-499-4000, extension 14. For further information on Berkshire Enterprises and the Entrepreneurial Training Program, contact Vicky Singer at (413) 448-2755.
BERKSHIRE EXPO 2002
A Showcase of Homes, Businesses & Gardens
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
March 14-17th
The Berkshire Mall
Lanesboro, Massachusetts
SPONSORED BY:
Adams Cooperative Bank, Banknorth Massachusetts, Citizens Bank, South Adams Savings Bank, The Berkshire Eagle, North Adams Transcript, Boxcar Media, and Quality Printing.
With grateful appreciation to Callahan Outdoor Advertising
Presented by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Booth space is still available.
For details on how to participate, please contact Marianne Juby at the Chamber at (413) 499-4000, extension 12.
See more about Berkshire Expo on www.berkshirechamber.comExhibitors:
H.L. Fuel Co., Inc., 1232 Route 20 West Lebanon, NY 12195
Boxcar Media, 121 Union St North Adams, MA 01247
The Fire Place, 1402 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Carr Hardware, 547 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Mikes Maytag, 442 West Housatonic Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Reliv International, 104 Union Street North Adams, MA 01247
Lincoln Logs/Barden Homes, 95 E. Hawley Road Charlemont, MA 01339
Richmond Networx, 124 Fenn Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ruffer Real Estate, 369 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Thermo Expert, 207 Elm Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
McCann Technical School 70 Hodges Cross Road North Adams, MA 01247
Unistress Corp., 550 Cheshire Road Pittsfield, MA 01201
Madsen Overhead Doors Inc., 673 Route 203 Spencertown, NY 12165
Dr. Laheys Garden Center & Landscaping, 1032 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Sun Energy, P.O. Box 630 Cheshire, MA 01225
Holiday Farm Inc., Holiday Cottage Road Dalton, MA 01226
Tatro Contracting Inc., 193 Corinth Street North Adams, MA 01247
Greylock Federal Credit Union, 150 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Berkshire Service Solutions, 730 Tyler Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Berkshire United Way, 200 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
Harvest Homes Renton Builders, 1287 West Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
TGP&H, Inc.Girona Plumbing Heating Cooling, 4 Cranberry Circle Pittsfield, MA 01201
Energetic Lawn Care & Landscaping Inc., 1304 Churchill Street Lanesboro, MA 01237
Morgan Stanley 75 North Street, Suite 350 Pittsfield, MA 01201
BERKSHIRE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENTS
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Leadership Roundtable Breakfast Forum
Featured Guest Speaker:
Pittsfield Mayor, Sara Hathaway
South Mountain Grill
South Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
7:45 - 9:00 AM
Cost: $10.00 includes a continental breakfast.
Thursday, April 18, 2002
Happy Hour at Canteen
139 Ashland Street
North Adams, Massachusetts
5:30 ~ 7:30 PM.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.
CHAMBER NITE @ The Silvia Inn at Adams
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Free and open to Chamber members and their employees.
Reservations are required. Deadline is Monday, March 18th. Register online at www.berkshirechamber.com or
call 413-499-4000, extension 14.
SEE MORE ON BYP AND CHAMBER NITE…..FOR A WRAP UP AND PHOTOS FROM FEBRUARY'S GREAT CHAMBER NITE @ GATEWAYS INN and BERKSHIRE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR @ JOGA CAFÉ, log on now to www.berkshirechamber.comGOVERNMENT & BUSINESS
By Senator John F. Kerry
We face important choices in Congress -- choices for our nation that will greatly impact the quality of life in the Berkshires for years to come.
Perhaps none will be more important for our economy and our quality of life than how we plan for the future of our nation's transportation needs. From investments in our roads, highways and passenger rail service to securing and improving our nation's airports, the decisions we make now will help those who live in, work, and visit the Berkshires get from "here to there", spur economic growth, make travel safer and more efficient.
The terrorist attacks of September 11th made it all too clear that overhauling the security of our airports was transportation priority number one. I was proud to be an author of the aviation security bill we passed to create a new Transportation Security Administration that will insist on the same high standards of security in every airport in this country. The only way we can guarantee the highest quality security at our nation's airports is to have direct federal accountability. To keep terrorists off airplanes requires close coordination among intelligence communities, and federal and state law enforcement agencies. Airport security personnel must become a full partner in that network.
We have strengthened the entire system from top to bottom by making the federal government responsible for ensuring the safety of our skies and air passengers. We will end the days of poorly trained security screeners who receive $6.25 an hour and replace them with highly trained, frequently tested, federal employees. Better pay and better training will prove critical to improving the performance of security screeners.
But there's more, much more, that remains to be done. In addition to strengthening our nation's airports we must strengthen our passenger rail system. Last fiscal year Amtrack ridership increased by over one million passengers but our federal commitment continues to lag. Although the United States has made a clear commitment to our country's airports and highway construction, we provide minimal support for a national railroad system that reduces roadway traffic and congestion while improving air quality and cutting pollution.
While Amtrak's success in its Northeast Corridor routes between Boston and Washington are well known, we must strengthen other important routes including the Lake Shore Limited, which runs through Boston, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and Pittsfield to important destinations west of the Commonwealth such as Albany, Buffalo, and Chicago. By late next year, Berkshire passengers will be able to access this route and other modes of transportation at the Pittsfield Intermodal Center, for which Senator Kennedy, Representative John Olver and I worked to help secure more than $8 million in federal funds.
Perhaps most critical to local transportation needs in the Berkshires and across Massachusetts, our nation's transportation blueprint, The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21, will expire next year. This legislation provides billions of dollars in highway funding along with support for important public transit programs that have kept commuters from completely clogging our roads. Congressman Olver continues to be your champion on these critical funding needs and, along with Sen. Kennedy, I will continue to fight in the Senate for fair federal funding for our Commonwealth.
All of these critical transportation needs are so much more important than bricks and mortar: they create jobs and improve the quality of life for everyone in Massachusetts. Our Massachusetts Congressional delegation will continue to partner with state and local agencies to best leverage federal dollars and put them to work in your communities.
JOB FAIR
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
9AM - 1PM
Patterson Field House
Berkshire Community College
Participants will have opportunities to apply for jobs, network, explore various careers, and conduct informational interviews with local and regional employers. For more information, contact the Career Development office at Berkshire Community College, (413) 499-4660, extensions, 209 or 421
Sponsored by:
BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BERKSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
Good News Business Salute
April 10, 2002
Crowne Plaza Pittsfield ~ Berkshires
7:45 ~ 9:00 AM
Saluting:
Charter Oak Consulting,
Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club
eZiba;
UMASS MBA Professional Program in Pittsfield;
Zip n Sort Mail Services
Keynote Speaker
Neil M. Yeagher, Ed.D., author of The Leader's Window, one of six books he has written, is a nationally known expert in the area of leadership development and will discuss mastering the four styles of leadership to build high performing teams.
Emcee:
Eric Berkowitz, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing, at the UMASS Isenberg School of Management
LAURIN PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., SELECTED TO PUBLISH 2002 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & RELOCATION GUIDE
The Berkshires is a great place to do business. In celebration of that theme, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Laurin Publishing Company, Inc., of Pittsfield, has been selected to publish the Chamber's 2002 Membership Directory & Relocation Guide. This is the first time in recent history that the Chamber has hired a local firm to produce this very important resource.
Laurin Publishing currently maintains a staff of more than 80 talented professionals at its headquarters in Pittsfield. It also has editorial and sales branch offices in California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, and oversees offices in England, Germany, The Netherlands, and Japan. Their history dates back to 1954 with the publishing of an annual director for the optical industry.
Chamber President & CEO stated, "The Chamber is thrilled to be working with Laurin Publishing on this very important communication vehicle. Our preliminary talks with Tom Laurin and Jeff Besse of Laurin Publishing have been very exciting and we are sure that, under their direction, this publication will be taken to a whole new level".
The 2002 Membership Directory & Relocation Guide will be an enhanced benefit to our members, and will also serve as a highly useful tool in our economic development efforts to encourage the relocation of new businesses and individuals to the Berkshires.
Advertisements are available in either the Classified Section or in the four-color Relocation Guide portion of this popular publication and a representative from Laurin Publishing Company will be contacting Chamber members within the next several weeks to discuss the advertising opportunities available.
Calling all Chamber Member Leaders!
Whether you are leading your organization as President & CEO; leading a one-person business; the leader of a community based program or organization; or leading an innovative program in the workplace; or have taken part in a leadership training program in the Berkshires, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has declared April Leadership Month and we will be promoting leaders and leadership techniques all month long! You will see this theme emerging in Berkshire Business News, on www.berkshirechamber.com and at our Good News Business Salute on April 10th.
Please tell us what you are doing within your company or the community that demonstrates Leadership. Email your comments to Victoria Ross at vross@berkshirechamber.com no later than April 1st for consideration in next month's edition of Berkshire Business News and on www.berkshirechamber.com. Photos should also accompany comments.
Invest in Berkshire County's future leadership!
Consider a candidate for the Berkshire Leadership Program Class of 2002. Applications and future information will be available soon. For further information, please contact Program Assistant, Sandy Mayer at 413-499-4000, or via email at smayer@berkshirechamber.com.
You can learn more about the Berkshire Leadership Program online at www.berkshirechamber.com.
Six Months Later, Lower Manhattan Still Suffering
By Nancy Ploeger
There is a forgotten victim in NYC that was affected by the World Trade Center attack. Not only have we lost close to 3,000 people-many fathers, mother, sons, daughters-we have also lost friends and customers and clients.
One tends to forget that the small business owners were also dependent upon those whose lives were lost in the collapse even though they were not related by blood or marriage. The fallen were their lifelines too, buying their products, dining in their restaurants, having their shoes shined, etc. The forgotten victims are the small businesses.
Commercial and residential traffic in lower Manhattan was allowed to flow below Canal Street on November 29th. September 11 to November 29th---88 days of street closures. How would you survive for 88 days without customers?
20 million square feet of office space has been lost or severely damaged. 14,000 businesses have been directly affected by the WTC tragedy and 100,000 jobs have been lost in lower Manhattan creating far less foot traffic and consumers. The tourists who frequented the World Trade Center and South Street Seaport are not coming in droves creating a loss of another 150,000 shoppers. They come now to view ground zero and to mourn, not shop, laugh and stroll through the streets. Small retail businesses, service businesses, restaurants, parking lots, hotels, tourism sites, etc., all in lower Manhattan, are struggling to survive and hold on until redevelopment begins. This will be months away, maybe even a year.
Take Harry Shasho, owner of Beeperman of New York, located on Nassau Street. Part of his application to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce states "we need money to stay alive." Harry has been in business 23 years in the same location and doesn't want handouts. Rather, states Harry, "We want customers!" He has been to Washington, DC on a bus with several other business owners asking Congress for appropriations for lower Manhattan. "We don't have the finances to exist without business for long," he says. "My rent is $7,500 a month. I used to make $2,500-3,000 a day. Now I'm lucky if I make $200 a day." What about the small restaurant owner who has now "maxed" out his credit cards at $150,000 just to stay open. And lets not forget the scores of businesses who can't pay their rent and who are being threatened with eviction.
Non-profit organizations in the district such as the Downtown Alliance (a NYC Business Improvement District), the newly formed Tribeca Organization and the non-profit Wall Street Rising are all striving to support the neighborhood through fund-raising efforts and marketing outreach.
The State has come up with grants for retail businesses and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) has put forth grants for the service business sector for up to $10,000. These funds come with caveats. For example, some grants are being distributed based on a 3-day sales average. A little flower shop one block from ground zero was closed for 2 months. Their grant is $2,200, which doesn't even pay a half of a month's rent.
Low interest loans are being offered in conjunction with the grants but collateral is now a home, car or your first-born child! And many don't want to risk losing their business and their home so they are not taking the loans.
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and our non-profit affiliate, the Manhattan International Development Corporation (MIDC), have been supporting many of the efforts of the non-profits and the small businesses below Canal Street through our MCC & MIDC Small Business Recovery Funds.
Thanks to Denise Murphy McGraw from the NY State Chamber Alliance, and her outreach, as well as the ACCE & U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the outpouring of support has been tremendous. Over 450 Chambers throughout the U.S. and Canada have joined MCC! In addition, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Northern Palm Beaches Chamber, the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Spring-Ford Chamber and now the Vermont Chamber have all stepped up to the plate with fundraisers and additional monies for the Fund. However, our Funds are depleted. We have given out $78,000 to 113 businesses to date. Our application is a simple one pager…no strings, no caveats.
We have helped the small businesses with less than 10 employees pay a bill, pay an employee or put the money towards rent. These small grants won't keep their doors open, but they are so grateful for every bit of financial help and moral support. And every little bit helps as noted by the thank you notes we have been receiving. One such note came from the 10-year old son of Mr. Mazumder, owner of the Mini-Deli downtown, who sent his picture and wrote a poem for us with a note saying "thank you for helping my father". Every week we see their faces and hear their stories.
The Manhattan Chamber has also worked on the development of an "Adopt a Business" program with the NYC EDC. Their website www.newyorkbiz.com is about to be launched and will list all of the affected businesses. An individual or company can surf through the site and find a business in lower Manhattan that they may wish to help and can contact them directly to work together. The Chamber has also put together a special membership package for just $75 a year for businesses below Canal Street in an effort to help them market their company and gain new strategic partners.
To show support for our new MCC members, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Regent Wall Street along with BSC Travel have created for us a travel program called "MCC Magic." This is to encourage Chambers and their members to visit NYC and take advantage of a greatly reduced lodging package for an extended weekend stay. Both hotels have chosen several dates where they will offer rooms starting at $129 a night! Some Chambers have already taken advantage of this offer and have brought delegations here to enjoy the Big Apple. Berkshire Chamber of Commerce members wishing to learn more about "MCC Magic" packages may contact Louise Shohet at BSC Travel, 212-808-9770.
It will be a long haul. Not only in lower Manhattan, but also throughout the rest of the city, the state, the country and many of the countries abroad who depend on our trade. The ripple effect of our lagging NYC economy will continue. We know in our hearts, with continued support from our new Mayor, government agencies and the private sector, the soul and entrepreneurial spirit of the quintessential New Yorker will survive and come back even stronger! .
On behalf of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the small businesses in our community, I thank the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to contribute this article to share with you our city's woes. The support of all the chambers around the country has been amazing and we have learned that no matter what happens anywhere, the chamber community will be there to help each other!
The Chamber wishes to extend its warmest thanks to Nancy Ploeger, Executive Director of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, for contributing this article to Berkshire Business News. We send our prayers and best wishes to all of the businesses in Manhattan who have been affected by the tragic events of September 11th.
Member of the Month
Dr. Lahey's Garden Center & Landscaping
1032 South Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Phone ~ 443-7321 Fax 4421515
Joe Corcoran & Maureen Daury-Corcoran own Dr. Lahey's Garden Center and Landscaping located directly across the street from the Dakota and right behind Guido's Fresh Marketplace. Dr. Lahey's provides services both commercially and residentially throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties.
Their business has four main focuses including: a full service landscaping department (patios, walkways, retaining walls, new plantings, hydro-seeding, and lawn maintenance to name just a few); interior plant maintenance and installation (servicing both businesses and residences); a retail garden center (carrying a vast array of gardening supplies, soil ammenrments, traditional and unique annuals, perennials trees and shrubs); and snow plowing, snow removal, sanding and winter care taking
Joe and Maureen met at Syracuse University where Joe earned a BS in Marketing Management and Maureen a BS in Consumer Affairs. Maureen also went on to culinary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Joe's love of landscaping began in 1986, during his senior year of high school and continued during his summer breaks, through college. After graduating from Syracuse University, he began a management job in the Boston area and in 1993 left that job to pursue his dream of operating his own landscaping business.
Joe started J & M Landscaping, a successful landscape business that originated in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Boston in 1993 and then relocated to the Berkshires (where Maureen was raised) in 1996.
In December of 1999, the couple purchased Dr. Lahey's Garden Center & Landscaping and have been hard at work ever since!
Maureen completed the Entrepreneurial Training Program offered through Berkshire Enterprises and both Joe and Maureen regularly attend horticultural seminars at various trade shows, as well as courses offered at Berkshire Botanical Garden and UMASS. Maureen recently became a Master Gardener with the Western Massachusetts Master Gardening Association to which she is an active member. Both are active members of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and make a conscience effort to support local non-profit agencies through various donations.
Residing adjacent to the business allows them to spend much of their "spare" time raising their two children, Mackenzie, 3, and Jake, 2. And another baby is on the way….
According to Maureen, "Joe and I make a great team. I run the interior plantscape program, and he heads the landscape department along with our Forman, Walt, and a crew of about 10 others."
She added, "We share the store ordering responsibilities and scheduling and are fortunate to have such a talented staff to work with us. We still have a lot to learn, but feel we are definitely headed in the right direction."
Check out our other Chamber Member
Landscaping Companies:
Battaini Lawn and Landscaping
85 Newell Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ph: 413-499-3524 Fax: 413-499-8665
Berkshire Environmental Design
19 Bishop Estate Road, P.O. Box 1793
Lenox, MA 01240
Ph: 413-637-4614 Fax: 413-637-1635
Canterbury Landscaping, Inc.
1986 Fred Snow Road, Becket, MA 01223
Ph: 413-623-0100 Fax: 413-623-8765
Dunham Landscaping
78 Lebanon Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ph: 431-448-6152
Energetic Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc.
P.O. Box 794, Lanesboro, MA 01237-0794
Ph: 413-442-4873 Fax: 413-499-3374
Email: energetic@vgernet
Website: www.energeticlawncare.com
Gordon's Tree Service
36 Dalton Division Road, Dalton, MA 01226
Ph: 413-684-3294
Maynard Landscape, Inc.
328 Summer Street, P.O. Box 1740
Lanesboro, MA 01237-1740
Ph: 413-499-4545 Fax: 413-448-2666
Email: thegifted@gardener.com
North Branch Landscape Co., Inc.
392 Main Road, Stamford, VT 05352
Ph: 802-694-1782 Fax: 802-694-1707
Email: stworig@bcn.net
Website: www.northbranchlandscape.com
Reliable Yardworks
Dan Fox Drive, P.O. Box 4511
Ph: 413-443-7551 Fax: 413-443-7551
Email: tquirk@berkshire.net
Ryan Landscaping & Lawn Care
92 Jason Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ph: 413-442-7962
FOR IDEAS ON LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES PLEASE VISIT BERKSHIRE EXPO, A SHOWCASE OF HOMES GARDENS & BUSINESSES, MARCH 14-17 AT THE BERKSHIRE MALL!
Chamber members wishing to be profiled as a Member of the Month, may submit biographical information and photos to vross@berkshirechamber.com. Members of the Month are published on a first come, first serve basis. The Chamber reserves the right to edit content of submissions.
COMING APRIL 2nd - 5th
The Annual Membership Drive for the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Call the Chamber for more information on how to participate as an individual or as a "team". Fantastic prizes will be awarded to the person/team who enlists the most members!
OSHA ANNOUNCES NEW RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS
All employers should be aware that new OSHA record keeping requirements went into effect on January 1, 2002 and employers are now required to utilize new forms and instructions when recording injuries and illnesses incurred by their employees while on the job.
Training will be offered to assist employers, particularly smaller employers, in understanding the new forms and requirements for recording Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The training, lasting approximately two hours, will provide employers with all of the necessary information for them to comply with the OSHA requirements and will answer questions such as:
Ø Do I need to fill out the OSHA log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses?
Ø What do I need to comply with the new record keeping requirements?
Ø What should I do if there is a fatality? A catastrophe? Or an injury?
Ø How do the new requirements differ from previous requirements?
Ø What kind of assistance does OSHA provide to help me comply with the new requirements?
Ø What if I still have questions?
Copies of the new required forms will be available for employers to take back to their company after training. Please notify the Chamber, via email, vriello@berkshirechamber.com if you are interested in taking part in an OSHA training seminar. Please include name, company, and telephone number. Once the seminar details are finalized, we will contact you with times, dates, and locations.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
President's Message
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has recently completed a very successful two-part Strategic Planning session.
We are very grateful to Tyler Fairbank of MassExcellence, our immediate Past Chair, for sharing his talent with us in conducting these retreats. From this process, the Chamber will begin to define how our organization will operate in the upcoming 12 to 36 months and beyond. The formal plan will be presented to our members in March. For now, though, we have the advantage of having just undergone a very thorough examination of both the Chamber itself, and the area in which we operate.
We come out of those sessions focused, determined, and very optimistic about our future!
Most of the discussion regarding the Berkshires and the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce had to do with the issues that confront us all the time: jobs, housing, education, workforce training, economic development, opportunities for our children, our downtowns, transportation, and culture in the Berkshires. The difference this time is that the Chamber is committed to ACTING on these results. We will have clearly defined measurable goals and objectives that will relate directly back to many of the topics listed above. Our focus will be on one and three year goals that will allow us to evaluate how we are doing.
The Chamber will be in a much stronger position to advocate for our members and to support the growth that will occur in the county. In the meantime, this chamber has developed a very productive agenda for the New Year. Here are some of the highlights:
Ø A very successful Good News Business Salute on February 13th with nearly 500 guests listening to Mayor Hathaway and Mayor Barrett.
Ø Berkshire Expo (the very popular showcase of homes, businesses and gardens) takes place at the Berkshire Mall on March 14-17th. This is the largest show of its kind in the Berkshires. Some spots are still available, but are going very quickly.
Ø The new Chamber website, www.berkshirechamber.com is fabulous! Please check it out and let us know what you think. We will be introducing Member-to-Member opportunities on the site very soon.
Ø The 2002 Annual Membership Drive will take place on April 2nd through April 5th. Again, we will be asking our great volunteers to take a few hours of their own time, to help our organization add 225 new members. Great prizes will be awarded. Call the chamber if you would like to help us!
Ø The 2002 Membership Directory and Relocation Guide will be produced this year by one of our members, Laurin Publishing Company of Pittsfield. It promises to be an outstanding publication and another great reason to be a member of the Chamber prior to the printing (approximately May 15) of the Directory.
Sincerely,
Dave Bissaillon
SMALL & MICRO BUSINESS
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Small & Micro Business Committee presents a business roundtable breakfast forum:
"Gaining the Edge in Today's Challenging Economy"
at THE COUNTRY CLUB OF PITTSFIELD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2002 7:30 - 9:00 AM
Cost: $15 for Chamber Members, $23 for non- members. Includes buffet breakfast.
Featured Guest Panelists:
Matt Harris of Village Ventures
Steven Valenti of Steven Valenti Clothing for Men
Mark McKenna of Legacy Banks
Jennifer Segala of Steepleview Realty
Eileen Glostner of Papyri Books.
SPEECHCRAFTERS
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Last Word Toastmasters Club of Pittsfield are offering Speechcraft a mini-course on public speaking skills, beginning in April with four consecutive Tuesday nights sessions: April 23rd, April 30th, May 6th and May 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Chamber offices, 75 North Street, Suite 360, in Pittsfield.
The purpose is to improve presentation skills, to think and respond quickly, and to overcome fear of public speaking. Participants will learn to prepare and deliver short speeches, as well as to deliver impromptu speeches. During each session, each person will have a chance to speak. Participants will receive supportive feedback from the group with recognition of strengths and tips for improvement. At the end of the session, speakers will receive assistance on preparing the next assignment.
This is a special offer for Berkshire Chamber of Commerce members only. Space is limited and advanced payment and registration is required by March 28, 2002. Those interested should mail a check for $50, payable to Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Please include your name, address and phone number. Email address, company name, company address, and title is also appreciated. For credit card orders, you may register via phone, 413- 499-4000, or online at www.berkshirechamber.com. The program fee includes all materials, a certificate of completion of the course, and a six-month membership in Last Word Toastmasters.
For more information on this Speechcraft course, call Victoria Riello, at the Chamber, 413-499-4000, extension 14 or log onto www.berkshirechamber.com.
PROGRAMS, AWARDS, GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Application forms are now available for the 19th annual "A Closer Look at the Berkshires" photography & art contest sponsored by Quality Printing Company, Inc. of Pittsfield. Again, this year the contest will allow participants to enter digital images into competition. Full color photographs, slides, transparencies and original artwork are also accepted. Application forms can be obtained throughout Berkshire County at all area libraries, all area Chambers of Commerce, The Prime Outlets at Lee and at photo and framing supply stores. Applications are also available at the headquarters of Quality Printing Company located at Three Federico Drive in Pittsfield and on the company's website at www.qualprint.com. The top twelve images chosen will be published in the full-color 2003 calendar. The 2002 calendar won a national award last year. Cash prizes totaling $1050 will be awarded, and all entrants will receive a free calendar. Honorable mentions will be chosen as well. Deadline for submission is April 30, 2002. Please contact June Roy-Martin at 413-442-4166 ext. 125 or via email at jmartin@qualprint.com.
Working women who are 25 years of age or older are encouraged to apply for career advancement scholarships from the Berkshire Business and Professional Women (BBPW). Scholarships range from $200 to $500 and may be used for tuition, books, childcare, uniforms or other education related costs. The awards will be presented in June. Questions may be directed to Dawn M. Dellea, Chairwoman, BBPW Scholarship Committee, at 413-442-4614.
At their recent annual awards ceremony, Coldwell Banker Rose Real Estate announced that the Multiple Listing Service Figures showed Coldwell Banker Rose Real Estate to have the highest combined volume of listings and sales in Pittsfield during 2001. Recognized as multi-million dollar producers for 2001 were Coldwell associates Kathy Broderick, Susan Seely, Linda Tynan, Rosemary O'Brien, Patricia DeGroat, Eileen Ziskind, and Stepanie Isaak Dooley. For more information, visit their award winning website at www.coldwellbanker.com.
MassExcellence (MAX), an independent not-for-profit organization that assists organizations to achieve performance excellence, is pleased to announce that Buddy Reneau from Operations Management International, Inc. (OMI), will present "An Evening of Lessons Learned" at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston on March 12, 2002. The evening will begin at 6pm, with a reception; dinner will follow at 7pm. Mr. Reneau's presentation will begin at 8pm. Registration fees: $50 for MAX Members and $60 for Non-Members. To register, please call 978-934-2403 or email: louisa@massexcellence.com.
MassExcellence Announces Upcoming Workshops ~ Massachusetts Performance Excellence Award Application Writing Workshop - gives valuable insights into how to write an effective application for the Massachusetts Performance Excellence Award. Dates and locations: March 5th, 2002 - Tower Square; Springfield, MA; co-sponsored by Springfield Area Council for Excellence; April 2nd, 2002 - UMASS Dartmouth; Fall River, MA; co-sponsored by UMASS Dartmouth; May 2nd, 2002 - Berkshire Life Insurance; Pittsfield, MA; co-sponsored by Berkshire Life. Each workshop will run from 8 am - 4 pm. Prices are $35 for MAX members and $45 for Non-Members. To register please call 978-934-2403 or e-mail: Louisa@massexcellence.com. Introduction to Performance Excellence Workshop - understand the basic principles of Performance Excellence. Topics include The Importance of Performance Excellence Today; The Core Values, Concepts and Framework of High Performance; What Performance Excellence looks like in the "real world" and; How your organization can get started on The Pathway to Excellencesm. Dates and locations: February 20th, 2002 - Wannalancit Mills, Lowell, MA. April 10th, 2002 - TowerSquare, Springfield, MA; co-sponsored by Springfield Area Council for Performance Excellence (SPACE); May 22nd, 2002 - UMass Dartmouth, Fall River, MA; co-sponsored by UMass Dartmouth; Each workshop will run from 8 am - 12 pm. Prices are $35 for MAX members and $45 for Non-Members. To register please call 978-934-2403 or e-mail: Louisa@massexcellence.com.
Country Curtains, a Fitzpatrick Company, recently announced the following promotions and appointments: Leo F. Kavanaugh has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Merchandising. Kavanaugh has been with the company since 1983 and most recently served as Vice President of Retail. Mark Ryan has been appointed as Inventory Planner where he will be responsible for insuring that the mix and quantity of inventory is optimized for customer fulfillment purposes at each of the Country Curtains locations. Paul Doherty has been promoted to Vice President of Management Information Systems. Doherty joined Country Curtains in 1996. Prior to that he was Plant Manager for the Pepperidge Farm Mail Order Company.
Dianne Supranowicz was recently appointed Vice President & Controller of Legacy Banks. She manages the Accounting Department operations, ensuring strong financial controls are maintained and is responsible for the Bank's annual budgeting. Previously, Supranowicz had held the position of Bank Controller since 1996. She began her career at Legacy Banks in 1984. In other related news, Sharon Simmons will serve as the Senior Oversight Executive at both of Legacy Banks' Lenox offices where she will be responsible for maintaining communication between Human Resources, Branch Administration, and Operations. Prior to her current position, Simmons served as Assistant Vice President & Administrative Officer. Marcia Hornbeck has been appointed to the position of Insurance Specialist for the bank's insurance subsidiary, Legacy Insurance Services of the Berkshries, LLC. She will promote and sell Legacy Banks' expanded line of life insurance products. Prior to joining Legacy, Hornbeck worked for ING Aetna Financial Services.
Ascentek, Inc. is pleased to announce the official launch of their Network Security division. Ascentek, which provides consulting services including network design and installation, project management, Internet solutions, and support services. The new division develops and delivers critical services that companies need to adequately protect their businesses from loss of data and revenue that results from Internet hacking. They have developed a comprehensive and customizable group of products and services that assess an organization's vulnerability to hackers while monitoring the organization for suspicious network activity. For more information, or to setup a meeting, please contact Ted Frederick (413) 496-9900 or email him at tfrederick@ascentek.com.
The Alliance Berkshire Insurance Agency, Inc., has expanded into all corners of Berkshire County with the addition of Smith Bros.-McAndrews Agency of Adams. In addition, Alliance Berkshire, has also expanded into Franklin County with the addition of MassOne Insurance Agency. The Alliance is made up of the aforementioned agencies, plus Reynolds, Barnes & Hebb, Inc., of Pittsfield and Dalton; the Minkler Insurance Agency of Stockbridge and H.S. Andrews Insurance Agency, Inc., of Great Barrington.
The law firm of Donovan & O'Connor, LLP, has announced that Stephen N. Pagnotta, Esq., has been named a partner in the firm. Pagnotta, who joined Donovan & O'Connor in 2000, has practiced law in the Berkshires for 20 years. A 1977 graduate of Williams College, he received his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1981. He was first associated with the law firm of Cain Hibbard Myers & Cook in Pittsfield and, since 1983, with the North Adams firm of Driver & Ripps, which subsequently became Driver & Pagnotta. Pagnotta concentrates his practice in real estate, bankruptcy, criminal defense, trust and estate planning and family law. He is a member of the board of directors of Northern Berkshire Health Systems and the board of directors of the Turner House Living Center for Veterans in Williamstown. He also serves as a director of the Williamstown Rural Land Foundation and is a member of the the Faith Scarborough Civic Service Award Committee.
Claudine Chavanne, of Claudine Chavanne and Associates was recently elected President of the Board of Directors of Pittsfield Beautiful, Inc. at the organizations annual meeting. Chavanne is a business consultant based in Lenox, and served as director of communications for the former Chamber of Commerce of the Berkshires for ten years.
Gold Leaf Investment Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Bank, announced the appointment of Thomas H. Perrea as Investment Representative for Gold Leaf. He will be available in the bank's network of countywide offices providing clients with personalized, professional guidance. Perrea, who has over twenty years experience in the insurance and securities business, was most recently a licensed broker with Liberty Securities.
Arts & Education Consultants (AEC) has been selected to provide the facilitation of strategic planning processes for two non-profit organizations in the Berkshires: Pittsfield Community Television and Berkshire Applied Technology Council (BATC). AEC has also been assisting the following three organizations: The National Children's Music Project, Inc.; The Berkshire Education Collaborative, Inc.; and Duncraig at Iona Association, Inc. For more information about AEC's services, please contact President, Gene Wenner at 413-499-5311 or via email at AECENN@concentric.net.
BBE Office Interiors has hired two new staff members to meet the needs of their growing company. Kenneth Needham will serve as Office Designer where he will be involved in interior office design, space planning, and office reconfiguration. Daniel Proskin has been appointed to the Sales Team where he will focus on customer development and personal consultation.
ARTS & CULTURE
The Fire & Ice Ball at MASS MoCA on February 2nd raised over $114,000 that will go to fund future exhibitions at MASS MoCA. The dinner was sold out (actually oversold) at 285, and an additional 277 bought tickets to dance so there were 562 people in attendance. The auction was a highlight of the evening with a week on the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique bringing in $7,350.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, March 6 ~ Marketing on the Internet ~ Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. This workshop will explore the Internet potential for advertising, marketing, and selling across industry sectors. From 9:00 - 11:00 AM ~ $25 ~ Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, 75 North Street, Suite 360, Pittsfield. Call Susan Mongue, 413-499-0933 to register.
Wednesday, March 13 ~ Gaining The Edge In Today's Challenging Economy ~ Presented by the Small & Micro Business Committee as the first of three educational forums designed to address challenges facing small businesses today. Guest panelists Matt Harris of Village Ventures, Steven Valenti of Steven Valenti Clothing for Men, Jennifer Segala of Steepleview Realty, Mark McKenna of Legacy Banks, and Eileen Gloster of Papyri Books will speak on how their businesses are growing and thriving in today's new economy. Country Club of Pittsfield, 639 South Street, Pittsfield. Beginning at 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM. Cost: $15 for Chamber members, including a buffet breakfast. Reservations required.
Thursday March 14 ~ Sunday, March 17 ~ Berkshire Expo, A Showcase of Homes, Gardens and Businesses. The largest show of its kind in Berkshire County. At the Berkshire Mall, Route 8 & Old State Road, Lanesborough, during regular Mall hours. Sponsored by Adams Cooperative Bank, Banknorth Massachusetts, Citizens Bank, South Adams Savings Bank, Boxcar Media, The Berkshire Eagle, North Adams Transcript and Quality Printing Company. Please call the Chamber for booth prices and reservation information. BOOTH SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE, REGISTRATION DEADLINE, MARCH 7th.
Wednesday, March 20, Chamber Nite @ The Silvia Inn at Adams
5:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM, Complimentary Hors d'hoeuvres. Free to Chamber members and their employees.
The Silvia Inn, 17 Commercial Street, Adams
Wednesday, March 27 ~ BYP Leadership Roundtable Breakfast. GUEST SPEAKER: Mayor of Pittsfield, Sara Hathaway at South Mountain Grille, 1015 South Street in Pittsfield. Beginning at 7:45 until 9:00 AM. Cost: $10 includes continental breakfast. Open to all young professionals in the Berkshires. Reservations required.
Wednesday, March 27, Berkshire Community College Job Fair. Co-sponsored by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and The Berkshire Eagle.
9:00 AM~ 1:00 PM ~ For more information contact Career Development Office at Berkshire Community College, (413)499-4660, ext 209 or 421 ~ Patterson Field House Berkshire Community College 1350 West St, Pittsfield
YOU MAY REGISTER FOR THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE AT WWW.BERKSHIRECHAMBER.COM.
WWW.BERKSHIRECHAMBER.COM HAS A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH!
On February 3rd, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce launched www.berkshirechamber.com , our new website. Over 200 people took the time to comment on the site and enter a drawing to win overnight packages at three premier Inns in Berkshire County. The lucky winners were announced live on the website on Valentines Day.
Jodi Novaris of the Tobacco Free Advocacy Network won a Snuggle Up Package at The Red Lion Inn including overnight accommodations for two, dinner and breakfast.
Suzanne Koperek of GE Plastics won a MASS MoCA Package at The Porches Inn, complete with overnight accommodations for two, complimentary breakfast and passes to MASS MoCA.
Becky Paquette of Pittsfield Generating Company won an overnight package at The Silvia Inn at Adams, complete with dinner and breakfast.
Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on our new site. We promise to keep the sight updated and lively and there will be more chances to win exciting prizes in the future!
Please keep visiting www.berkshirechamber.com. You will find a wealth of information on the Chamber, our members, upcoming events and the Berkshires as a region! Log on now to and find out why "the Berkshires is a great place to do business! "
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Collaborative Approach to Employee Training
By Heather Putnam
In difficult economic times, employers need to decide where to cut back on their budgets. Unfortunately, employee-training budgets tend to be one of the areas targeted for reductions. However, there are ways for employers to maximize smaller budgets and get good value for their training dollars. The Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc. (BCREB) is sponsoring a Collaborative Training Initiative, designed to explore opportunities for employers to work together in meeting their training needs. Through this initiative, the BCREB provides support to existing networks and coalitions of employers and helps to create new collaborations.
Collaboration offers employers an opportunity to:
§ Work with training providers to create customized programs.
§ Share the costs of training programs with other employers
§ Negotiate training discounts based on higher numbers of people being trained
§ Ease budget pressures by exchanging slots in in-house training programs
There are a number of formal and informal collaborative groups in Berkshire County that are working together to address training needs. Some recent collaborations include:
·Hospitality Training: In April, 2001, a half-day customer service workshop, "On the Front Line", was offered to front line staff in the hospitality industry. This collaborative effort was made possible through a partnership between the Crowne Plaza, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the BCREB with additional marketing support by area chambers of commerce.
·Human Services Collaborative: A group of human services organizations have been meeting since the fall of 2001 to discuss common training needs. The BCREB has provided them with information about training resources for CPR and blood borne pathogen training, two areas identified as needs.
·Leadership Alliance of the Berkshires: The Leadership Alliance of the Berkshires, a subcommittee of the Human Resources Association of Berkshire County, is working on offering cost-effective, professional leadership training in the Berkshires. Spring courses, to be offered by Charter Oak Consulting, will include a one-day Communication Skills for Managers on March 21st or May 7th and a Leadership (L4) System two-day program on April 2nd and 9th or June 13th and 14th. For more information, please contact Cathy Crosky at (413) 458-7980 or ccrosky@cocg.com.
·Museum Collaborative: A group of Berkshire County museums have been meeting for the past year to identify their training needs and plan collaborative training programs. A Visitor Service Training Program was conducted by Peter Lungo, Director of Training at K-B Toys, in the spring of 2001. This spring, Jerry Posner will offer additional Visitor Service Training. Ad Lib will be offering training for the museum collaborative in Working with Visitors Who Have Disabilities.
·Berkshire Plastics Network: Formal industry groups such as the Berkshire Plastics Network have long recognized that they can address education and training needs by working together. The BPN has developed industry-wide training including their current apprenticeship program and computer-based injection molding training, and in the past, a customized program of training modules offered in collaboration with Berkshire Community College.
The BCREB encourages all types of employers to work together to address training needs, either as a formal industry group or an informal group of employers with common needs. Employers who are interested in participating in a collaborative effort are encouraged to call the BCREB at 442-7177.
Heather Putnam is the Executive Director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Board and contributes a monthly column on Workforce Development to Berkshire Business News.
Business Committee as the first of three educational forums designed to address challenges facing small businesses today. Guest panelists Matt Harris of Village Ventures, Steven Valenti of Steven Valenti Clothing for Men, Jennifer Segala of Steepleview Realty, Mark McKenna of Legacy Banks, and Eileen Gloster of Papyri Books will speak on how their businesses are growing and thriving in today's new economy. Country Club of Pittsfield, 639 South Street, Pittsfield. Beginning at 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM. Cost: $15 for Chamber members, including a buffet breakfast. Reservations required.
Thursday March 14 ~ Sunday, March 17 ~ Berkshire Expo, A Showcase of Homes, Gardens and Businesses. The largest show of its kind in Berkshire County. At the Berkshire Mall, Route 8 & Old State Road, Lanesborough, during regular Mall hours. Sponsored by Adams Cooperative Bank, Banknorth Massachusetts, Citizens Bank, South Adams Savings Bank, Boxcar Media, The Berkshire Eagle, North Adams Transcript and Quality Printing Company. Please call the Chamber for booth prices and reservation information. BOOTH SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE, REGISTRATION DEADLINE, MARCH 7th.
Wednesday, March 20, Chamber Nite @ The Silvia Inn at Adams
5:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM, Complimentary Hors d'hoeuvres. Free to Chamber members and their employees.
The Silvia Inn, 17 Commercial Street, Adams
Wednesday, March 27 ~ BYP Leadership Roundtable Breakfast. GUEST SPEAKER: Mayor of Pittsfield, Sara Hathaway at South Mountain Grille, 1015 South Street in Pittsfield. Beginning at 7:45 until 9:00 AM. Cost: $10 includes continental breakfast. Open to all young professionals in the Berkshires. Reservations required.
Wednesday, March 27, Berkshire Community College Job Fair. Co-sponsored by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and The Berkshire Eagle.
9:00 AM~ 1:00 PM ~ For more information contact Career Development Office at Berkshire Community College, (413)499-4660, ext 209 or 421 ~ Patterson Field House Berkshire Community College 1350 West St, Pittsfield
YOU MAY REGISTER FOR THE ABOVE EVENTS ONLINE AT WWW.BERKSHIRECHAMBER.COM.
WWW.BERKSHIRECHAMBER.COM HAS A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH!
On February 3rd, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce launched www.berkshirechamber.com , our new website. Over 200 people took the time to comment on the site and enter a drawing to win overnight packages at three premier Inns in Berkshire County. The lucky winners were announced live on the website on Valentines Day.
Jodi Novaris of the Tobacco Free Advocacy Network won a Snuggle Up Package at The Red Lion Inn including overnight accommodations for two, dinner and breakfast.
Suzanne Koperek of GE Plastics won a MASS MoCA Package at The Porches Inn, complete with overnight accommodations for two, complimentary breakfast and passes to MASS MoCA.
Becky Paquette of Pittsfield Generating Company won an overnight package at The Silvia Inn at Adams, complete with dinner and breakfast.
Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on our new site. We promise to keep the sight updated and lively and there will be more chances to win exciting prizes in the future!
Please keep visiting www.berkshirechamber.com. You will find a wealth of information on the Chamber, our members, upcoming events and the Berkshires as a region! Log on now to and find out why "the Berkshires is a great place to do business! "
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Collaborative Approach to Employee Training
By Heather Putnam
In difficult economic times, employers need to decide where to cut back on their budgets. Unfortunately, employee-training budgets tend to be one of the areas targeted for reductions. However, there are ways for employers to maximize smaller budgets and get good value for their training dollars. The Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, Inc. (BCREB) is sponsoring a Collaborative Training Initiative, designed to explore opportunities for employers to work together in meeting their training needs. Through this initiative, the BCREB provides support to existing networks and coalitions of employers and helps to create new collaborations.
Collaboration offers employers an opportunity to:
§ Work with training providers to create customized programs.
§ Share the costs of training programs with other employers
§ Negotiate training discounts based on higher numbers of people being trained
§ Ease budget pressures by exchanging slots in in-house training programs
There are a number of formal and informal collaborative groups in Berkshire County that are working together to address training needs. Some recent collaborations include:
·Hospitality Training: In April, 2001, a half-day customer service workshop, "On the Front Line", was offered to front line staff in the hospitality industry. This collaborative effort was made possible through a partnership between the Crowne Plaza, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the BCREB with additional marketing support by area chambers of commerce.
·Human Services Collaborative: A group of human services organizations have been meeting since the fall of 2001 to discuss common training needs. The BCREB has provided them with information about training resources for CPR and blood borne pathogen training, two areas identified as needs.
·Leadership Alliance of the Berkshires: The Leadership Alliance of the Berkshires, a subcommittee of the Human Resources Association of Berkshire County, is working on offering cost-effective, professional leadership training in the Berkshires. Spring courses, to be offered by Charter Oak Consulting, will include a one-day Communication Skills for Managers on March 21st or May 7th and a Leadership (L4) System two-day program on April 2nd and 9th or June 13th and 14th. For more information, please contact Cathy Crosky at (413) 458-7980 or ccrosky@cocg.com.
·Museum Collaborative: A group of Berkshire County museums have been meeting for the past year to identify their training needs and plan collaborative training programs. A Visitor Service Training Program was conducted by Peter Lungo, Director of Training at K-B Toys, in the spring of 2001. This spring, Jerry Posner will offer additional Visitor Service Training. Ad Lib will be offering training for the museum collaborative in Working with Visitors Who Have Disabilities.
·Berkshire Plastics Network: Formal industry groups such as the Berkshire Plastics Network have long recognized that they can address education and training needs by working together. The BPN has developed industry-wide training including their current apprenticeship program and computer-based injection molding training, and in the past, a customized program of training modules offered in collaboration with Berkshire Community College.
The BCREB encourages all types of employers to work together to address training needs, either as a formal industry group or an informal group of employers with common needs. Employers who are interested in participating in a collaborative effort are encouraged to call the BCREB at 442-7177.
Heather Putnam is the Executive Director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Board and contributes a monthly column on Workforce Development to Berkshire Business News.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
