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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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action.

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature."

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures.

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis.

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.

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