BMM CEO Joins South Berkshire Development Board

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) has welcomed Allen Harris as its newest member to the Board of Directors.  
 
Allen, a Berkshire native and longtime resident of Dalton, was elected to serve a three-year term this week on the nonprofit's Board of Directors.
 
He is the Founder and CEO of Berkshire Money Management (BMM), a full-service financial management firm, located in Dalton. Allen is a professional investment management veteran who, for more than 20 years, has used his expertise to help his clients increase their investment portfolio value while protecting their wealth during economic downturns. 
 
He has grown his company to more than 15 employees and is in the process of opening BMM's first satellite office on the corner of Castle and Main Street in Great Barrington.
 
"BMM's community development outreach includes nations across the globe, but the emphasis has typically been in Berkshire County. In particular, the towns near our headquarters," said Allen.  "Our move to Great Barrington means we'll widen our primary target area, which we have already begun by making donations to area non-profit organizations. But a check can only go so far. The CDCSB has presented me with an opportunity to apply time, experience and physical effort to helping the southern Berkshires become an even better place."
 
In his personal life, Allen has a passion for philanthropy, with a particular focus on animal welfare. He has personally fostered scores of pets in his own house as he tried to find them "forever homes."
 
Allen is also a strong supporter of both economic revitalization and the arts in the Berkshires. He will be a member of both the Economic Development and the Marketing/Fundraising subcommittees of the board helping to move forward the CDCSB's mission to build affordable housing and support small businesses.
 
 CDCSB Executive Director Allison Marchese welcomed Allen to the board, remarking, "Allen brings to us his immense talents as both a business leader and a caring, dynamic human.  
 
"The CDCSB has already benefited from his generosity as the lead sponsor of our upcoming Virtual Film Fundraising event taking place on Zoom on Friday, October 8, at 7pm." 
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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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