Ferry Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Commercial Banking Leader

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced that Michael Ferry has come out of retirement to join the bank as its new SVP, Commercial Banking. 
 
With more than 40 years of experience in the local banking industry, including 34 years with Berkshire Bank, Mr. Ferry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
 
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Ferry served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Regional President for Berkshire County and Vermont markets at Berkshire Bank. In this capacity, he led commercial lending, relationship management and related services, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering economic growth within the regions. Additionally, he previously held the position of President of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Ferry currently serves as a Director of The Feigenbaum Foundation further exemplifying his dedication to community development.
 
Beyond his professional achievements, Ferry has been an active participant in various community organizations. He has served as a board member and treasurer for Berkshire County Arc for 16 years and was elected as the organization's Chairman of the Board in July 2020.
 
In his new role at Co-op Bank, Ferry will oversee the commercial banking division, focusing on expanding services and strengthening relationships with local businesses. His leadership is expected to enhance the bank's ability to provide tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of the community as well as mentor a growing commercial team that recently won Banker & Tradesman’s 50 Fastest Growing Commercial Lenders.
 
Michael P. Daly, CEO of Co-op Bank, expressed enthusiasm about Ferry's appointment.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Mike Ferry to our team. His extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to the Berkshires align perfectly with our mission to support local businesses and contribute to the economic vitality of the region," Daly said.
 
Ferry shared his excitement about joining the bank, stating, 
 
"I am excited to join Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and look forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional service to our commercial customers," Ferry said. "Together, we will continue to support the growth and success of businesses in our community."
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St. Mary's Team Takes 24th Annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Trophies for this year's Robotic Challenge.

DALTON, Mass. The 24th annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge, hosted and sponsored by the Berkshire Innovation Center, was held Saturday, March 15, at Wahconah Regional High School.  

"This is such a great after school activity for them to get involved in. So they can learn all about science and technology and math, but also have that, you know, learn to collaborate with teammates and work with friends and problem solve as a team. So all those great skills that you learn team activities, plus the science and technology stuff that you learn here,” said Berkshire Innovation Center executive director, Ben Sosne.

This year's challenge, "Submerged," featured a field of 27 teams with more than 200 students from all over Berkshire County, using programmable robots to complete a variety of missions. The Submerged theme shines a spotlight on the ocean, which is home to some of the planet's most complex ecosystems and encourages students to explore the layers of the ocean and bring what they learn to the surface.

The teams competed in three rounds with the top eight point-scorers advancing to the Great Eight Playoff. After the great eight, two teams were left, the Lee RoboWildcats and the SMS Coding Crusaders of St. Mary's School in Lee.

They faced off in the finals with the SMS Coding Crusaders hitting first place with a total of 235 points.

Some of the teammates expressed how happy they were with their hard work.

"My year has been really good with this, I've had some struggles but as I went along I found out how to pick them up with some friends.” said eighth-grader Jasmine Filek. 

"It's my last year at St. Mary's right now and I was sincerely hoping that we would get into the great eight but to finish on top and it's my last year too it's just amazing because I get to go out with something I can be proud of," said eighth-grader Sophia Springstead.

We just had a group of kids that were ready to work and support each other and did what was best for the team,” said coach Christine Barry.

The awards ceremony followed the competition:

Best Research Project: Ro-BART-ics

Against All Odds Awards: WES Purple Owls

Comeback Kids: Engenuity 2B (Lenox)

Rookie Team of the Year: Roboty McRobotFace

Best Programming: Lee RoboWildcats

Most Innovative Design: Richmond Robotics

Team Spirit: Crosby Crew

Sportsmanship Award: Pine Cobble PSC Pringles

First Runner Up: Lee RoboWildcats

Challenge Champion: SMS Code Crusaders

 
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