BIC B[E]TA Program Application Period Closing Soon

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) is running their experiential learning program - B[E]TA - this summer for high school students entering their Junior or Senior year or those recently graduated. 
 
The B[E]TA program is designed to connect students with local businesses, explore idea development and business strategies, and engage in technologies offered at the BIC.
 
Specifically, participants will learn:
  • The entrepreneurship journey
  • Business agility
  • Key aspects of 3D printing
  • Professional uses of virtual and augmented reality
The six week summer program will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; starting Tuesday, July 5 running through Friday, Aug. 12.  It will be held in-person at the Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave, Pittsfield, MA and will also include tours of local businesses.
 
Participants will receive a $1,500 stipend. 
 
The deadline to apply to the B[E]TA program is Monday, May 16, 2022.  Acceptance decisions will be made on or before June 1, 2022.  Application can be found:  https://berkshireinnovationcenter.com/programming/beta.
 
In addition, there are two optional programs running at the BIC this summer that students can participate in.  These programs are hosted and run by the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
  • Principals of Entrepreneurship:  students will develop entrepreneurship skills through the integration and application of Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Lean Canvas.  This four week program will run July 18 – August 11 on Monday and Thursdays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
  • College Planning Workshop:  students will participate in a series of workshops that support the transition to college.  This four week program will run July 5 – 27 on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 1:00 – 2:30 pm.

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Closure Continues; Layoffs Reported

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than a month after the Holiday Inn & Suites abruptly closed its doors, reports have emerged of employee layoffs.
 
The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, when the last of its three elevators broke down. The 101 Restaurant & Bar, located inside the hotel, has also been a casualty of the closure, temporarily shutting its doors while repairs are underway.
 
Now, The Berkshire Eagle reports that 20 hotel employees across all departments have been laid off and it remains unknown when the hotel will reopen amidst ongoing issues with the building. The Holiday Inn & Suites declined to comment to iBerkshires' inquiries. 
 
According to The Eagle, hotel facilities manager Pete Leidt said approximately five employees remain on staff and expressed hope that those who were laid off could return when the hotel reopens.
 
When the elevator stopped working, emergency medical technicians and firefighters assisted more than half a dozen people with mobility disabilities down the stairs, Building Commissioner Rian Dowd previously told iBerkshires. 
 
"So with the no working elevators, we shut the building down," she said. 
 
The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.
 
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