Biz Briefs: Berkshire Bank Pays Veteran's Mortgage for One Year

How exciting

Keith Cosimini of West Springfield, Mass., was the winner of the Berkshire Bank Exciting Rewind Mortgage Giveaway for veterans. Cosimini spent much of his career as an Army specialist. As the winner, he will be awarded $12,000 to pay his mortgage for the year. The giveaway was extended to active military members and eligible veterans, serving as an extension of the dedication of Berkshire Bank to the servicemen and servicewomen of our country.
 
When asked of how he felt about winning the Exciting Rewind giveaway, Cosimini said, "I couldn't believe that I won when I got the call. I had recently opened an account with Berkshire Bank and saw the contest on NESN's website and said, 'Why not?' We have our first child due very soon so this couldn't have come at a better time."
 
The Exciting Rewind Mortgage Sweepstakes consisted of a breakdown of the top plays throughout the season and was featured during every Bruin's game on NESN. Viewers were encouraged to watch and vote online for their favorite Berkshire Bank Exciting Rewind segment to be entered for a chance to win.
 
Berkshire Bank has a history of making banking easier for our servicemen and servicewomen by providing discounts, money management tools, banking and lending offers to save money so they can make the most of life’s exciting moments.

Medicare program

MountainOne Insurance has launched a new Medicare Insurance services program. MountainOne Insurance Medicare program will offer advising and products to clients heading into, or already in, retirement. A dedicated team of MountainOne Insurance agents have had comprehensive Medicare Insurance training and have earned specialized licenses, which means they have in-depth knowledge of Medicare program and options.

Secure your cyber

A workshop on cyber security for small businesses and nonprofits will take place on Wednesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to Noon at Berkshire Community College South County Center at 343 Main St. in Great Barrington. The cost is $35.

In this two-hour workshop led by IT consultant Rob Horner, participants will learn the most important computer security practices, what to do if your computer or email gets hacked, how to secure your email and browser, common types of malware and anti-malware techniques, and other tips and tricks to prevent security issues and identity theft.

Rob Horner offers IT consulting services in the Berkshire-Taconic region. Located in Great Barrington, Horner and Ken Benson offer computer/device repair, technology purchasing assistance, setup and tutoring, networking, website design, hosting and maintenance. Register through Berkshire Community College online or call 413-528-4521.

Building value

The advisers at Berkshire Money Management, a full service financial management firm based in Dalton, are focusing their professional development efforts on helping business owners see their own value. BMM founder and CEO Allen Harris, along with Client Success Coordinator Lauren Russo, have both achieved their Certified Value Builder certification after a combination of online, case-study and international training. CVBs are trained to work with business owners to utilize the Value Builder System – a specific methodology and software designed for business owners who want to retire by selling their business at a premium, and increasing the profits and value of the business.

In addition to the CVB, Allen has also earned the designation of Certified Business Valuation Specialist (CBVS) by passing several courses including Evaluating Business Entities, Financial Statement Analysis, and Classical Valuation Approaches. The completion of this "deep dive" course-work, including a lengthy capstone project, is illustrative of his commitment to optimally serving BMM's business-owning clientele by updating and sharpening his existing business valuation skills. This additional training and education is consistent with the needs expressed by local business owners.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.