PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board recognized outgoing State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli for supporting workers and employers over the last two decades.

 

Pignatelli assured the panel that he would stay involved in efforts to keep the county moving forward and pointed to several action items, including the importance of continued support in trade education and investments in technology.

 

"I think the Berkshires have a lot of challenges going forward," he said at the virtual meeting on Thursday.

 

"And my big fear is, if we're not careful, we don't continue to work together, that in about five years we're going to have some wonderful people leaving the Berkshires saying: 'Unbelievable natural beauty, world-class culture in the arts but I couldn't complete a Zoom call or a transaction on my phone or my computer to do the business and I'm going to move back to the city.'"

 

Executive Director Heather Boulger reported that the words people use to describe Smitty are engaged, committed, compassionate, trustworthy, and funny.

 

"Smitty, you have been a tireless advocate for securing workforce funding and career readiness funding through connecting activities and training initiatives," she said.

 

"You helped with all of the Rapid Response items that happened in South County and we are truly appreciative of all of that. You hosted college and high school interns. You attended career and wellness fairs."