Berkshire Innovation Center and MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board Joint Media Campaign

08:00AM / Thursday, October 20, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) and MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board have released the first video installment of a multi-platform regional marketing campaign aimed at building awareness about career paths in key growth sectors in the Commonwealth which are available in Berkshire County, including: Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, CleanTech, Aerospace & Defense, Software & Engineering, and Healthcare.

According to a press release, the slogan "Innovation Lives Right Here" acknowledges that beyond the natural beauty and cultural attractions that the Berkshires are already well known for, there is a long-standing tradition of technology and innovation that underpins the regional economy. As stakeholders in workforce development, the BIC and MassHire intend to utilize the campaign as a building block towards reframing the Berkshires as a hub and destination for technology driven career opportunities that provide exciting, meaningful work, in addition to the quality of life that the region is already renowned for.

The initial campaign content will be distributed via the BIC and MassHire's digital platforms in partnership with regional companies and affiliates.

"Innovation is in our DNA here in the Berkshires," said Ben Sosne, Executive Director of the Berkshire Innovation Center. "The foundation that was laid by transformative figures such as Zenas Crane and William Stanley is carried on today by firms that are rapidly scaling in the key sectors that are the drivers behind Massachusetts' consistent ranking as the most innovative State in the nation. These firms are fueled by talent, and we are committed to making more of the unbelievable talent that we have in this County aware of the opportunities right in their backyards."

The campaign announcement and initial 60 second video will be followed by industry-specific 30 second spots featuring footage sourced from local companies, and will eventually expand into broadcast television, billboards and print media.

"MassHire connects hundreds of youth and educators to career readiness opportunities annually, however, we are always surprised about how many people are not aware of the dynamic careers that currently exist in the Berkshires," said Heather Boulger, Executive Director of MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. "This exciting partnership with the BIC serves to drive people to these innovative career pathways."

For more information please visit www.InnovationCareers.org/Berkshires.

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State Wins $130M to Advance West-East Rail

03:03PM / Saturday, October 17, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Some $130 million in federal monies is being invested into passenger rail along the so-called Knowledge Corridor and for laying the groundwork to establish West-East Rail from Albany, N.Y., to Boston.

The funding for the Springfield Hub Modernization Project was announced on Friday by Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and James McGovern.

The project is part of the state's Compass Rail vision, centered on Springfield Union Station and building on existing Amtrak Vermonter, Hartford Line and Valley Flyer service.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was awarded the funding through the Federal Railroad Administration's Fiscal Years 2025-2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program to support modernization of the rail infrastructure around Springfield Union Station.

"This is a major win for Western Massachusetts and a big step forward for West-East Rail," said Healey in a statement. "This $130 million investment in Springfield will help us improve transportation, reduce congestion and connect more communities to jobs, housing and economic opportunity. I'm grateful to Senators Markey and Warren, Congressmen Neal and McGovern, and all of our partners for helping us secure this critical funding and move us closer to expanded passenger rail service across Massachusetts."

The project will upgrade tracks, signals and other infrastructure to address a major rail bottleneck, reduce conflicts between freight and passenger trains, and allow more efficient operations and expanded rail service. This work is expected to improve on-time performance, reduce delays and provide more schedule flexibility for Amtrak Vermonter and Valley Flyer passengers. The project will also create capacity for future passenger rail service while reducing unnecessary train idling, emissions and operating costs.

"Building West-East rail is a once-in a-lifetime investment to connect Massachusetts' communities and our regional economies like never before. It will mean lower costs, less congestion, and access to opportunity for families across the state," said Markey. "I'm proud to have secured this $130 million in federal funding alongside Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Congressman Neal and Congressman McGovern, bringing our total federal investment to more than $280 million to date, which will build the track to this more affordable, cleaner, better connected future."

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