Berkshire Workforce Board Honors Area Businesses, Elects Officers
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (BWB) held its annual meeting on June 9, 2022 virtually via zoom.
As a state certified High Performing Workforce Board, the BWB highlighted accomplishments during the meeting including career readiness programming; training in manufacturing, healthcare & hospitality; employer assistance, rapid reengagement activities, and more collaborative efforts in meeting the demand for more highly skilled workers.
During FY2022 the BWB leveraged over $3.5 million which assisted 800 employers, 2800 job seekers, and 2500 youth with their workforce needs.
The Board convened the Berkshire Skills Cabinet, started the Market Maker initiative, and implemented training in healthcare, manufacturing and hospitality as part of its Berkshire Workforce Blueprint.
More than 120 organizations received labor market data from the Board which helped to generate $1.6 million in new resources.
FY2022 Workforce Impact Awards presented to:
- 2022 Workforce Ambassador – John Lipa Linden Consulting & General Dynamics retiree – for his 30-year commitment and leadership on the Board, at the state level and strong civic engagement in the community.
- 2022 Youth Ambassador – Teagan Far, intern at Berkshire Workforce Board from Lenox High School – for generating labor market reports and igniting a marketing campaign where she developed flyers, banners and career trees.
- 2022 Employer of the Year – Susan St. John from Berkshire Health Systems – for her 35+ years teaching, guiding and advocating for students and trainees through their healthcare career ladders.
- 2022 Employer of the Year – Lenco Armored Vehicles - for being strong supporters of our manufacturing initiatives including providing company tours, work-based learning experiences for students, and for providing opportunities to help get people back to work.
In other business, the Board of Directors elected the FY2023 officers which include:
- President: Eva Sheridan, Jane Iredale
- Vice President: Michael Taylor, City of Pittsfield
- Vice President: Albert Ingegni, III, BHCS - Salisbury Estates
- Youth Council Co-chair: Doug McNally, Frosthollow Associates
- Youth Council Co-chair: Bryan House, District Attorney Office
- Treasurer: James Brosnan, McCannTechnical School
- Asst. Treasurer: Beth Petropulos, MountainOne
- Secretary: Chelsea Tyer, Neenah Paper
- At-Large: David Moresi, Moresi & Associates
The Board voted on the Workforce Business Plan for FY2023 which can be found on its website www.MassHireBerkshire.com.
