Goodwill Taps New Director of Retail Operations

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont has announced that it has appointed Stephen Rotter as director of retail operations.

In his new position, Rotter will oversee Goodwill's donated goods and retail operations, working closely with Goodwill's leadership team to meet the needs of an ever-changing economy.

A native of Portland, Ore., Rotter holds a B.A. in business management and is a graduate of Western Oregon University and Western Governors University. Most recently Rotter was the direct store delivery operations specialist for Shaw's Supermarkets, with stores throughout New England. Previously he held management positions for 14 years with the Albertsons Companies chain of grocery stores in Oregon, Arizona and Massachusetts. Throughout his career, Rotter has led numerous training programs in leadership development, financial management, and retail receiving protocol.


"I'm excited about joining the Goodwill family and in supporting its mission to give a 'hand up' to those with barriers to independence and sustainability in our community," Rotter said.

He serves as president of the Lanesborough Baseball Board of Directors and enjoys coaching baseball, traveling, hiking and kayaking. Rotter resides in Lanesborough with his wife, Andrea, and their four children.

"Stephen comes to us with extensive experience in retail operations, management, and community service. I’m very pleased to welcome him to the team," said David Twiggs, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont.

 


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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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