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."

 

She and Pignatelli were a part of the inaugural 1Berkshire Leadership Program in 1997. Boulger added "That is how long we've both been around and now you are stepping down to truly enjoy your retirement."

 

Pignatelli was elected as state representative of the 3rd Berkshire District in 2002, serving 18 towns for 22 years.  He did not run for re-election this year and Leigh Davis was elected to take the seat.

 

"We wanted to thank you so much for all that you've done, all of your advocacy for the 20,000 job seekers, 10,000 employers, and 25,000 youth you have helped over these past few years as our state representative," Boulger said.

 

"You're going to be missed. Leah has big shoes to fill."

 

The meeting was originally intended to be in-person with a gift basket presentation to Pignatelli but was made virtual due to the snowstorm.

 

"It's hard to believe that in 1997 we all kind of convened in that first Berkshire Leadership Group and look where we all are today," he said.

 

"But really, I've long admired your good work and I'm not calling it a retirement. I'm calling it a reinvention because retirement makes me feel old, I don't want to feel old, but I want to stay involved and do what I can to keep the Berkshires moving forward."

 

Earlier in the meeting, the board discussed milestones and new opportunities for career technical education training and emphasized the importance of trade work in the local economy.

 

Under this year's Mass Tech Collaborative grant, MassHire offered several manufacturing trainings, including Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative training in partnership with Taconic High School and Berkshire Community College.  Four participants passed with high exam scores and one has already been hired by Interprint.

 

"I really think we need to double down on the trades,"  Pignatelli said, explaining that he is glad to see schools stepping up and getting into the career path.

 

Pignatelli said he looked forward to working with MassHire on this issue and hopes that the delegation continues to do the same.

 

"I've always believed that what's good in Pittsfield helps Lenox, what's good in Great Barrington helps Dalton. I really believe that and I say the same for North County," he said.

 

"So we've all got to work together."

 

He said he felt that Berkshire County is in a critical phase, as it has been able to capture people from outside of the area during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"What are we going to do to keep them here? I think that's going to be a critical piece," he said, explaining that one of his big fears is losing the new residents due to lacking infrastructure like broadband internet.

 

"I think we need to continue to make investments in technology and not only broadband but cellular activity," Pignatelli asserted.

 

"I think the live here, work there mindset is real and that's why I think the West East Rail is critically important. You don't have to live in the Berkshires to work in the Berkshires if we have a good transportation system or people living in the Berkshires could work in Albany or Springfield or Worcester as long as they can get to and fro in a very quick, efficient, affordable way."

 

He closed by saying: "You've helped me more than I've helped you and I appreciate it all very, very much."