LGBTQ+ Business Networking Events Launch in Berkshires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders have established a monthly networking event. 
 
The event aims to facilitate connection and collaboration within the community, and to address political, economic, demographic, and public health challenges.   
 
The networking event will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, in partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, WANDER Berkshires, and Berkshire Magazine.   
 
The April 16th gathering, held at Brazzucas Market in Pittsfield, will focus on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in fostering business innovation and opportunities in the Berkshires.   
 
Speakers at the April event include:
  • Pittsfield At-Large City Council Member Alisa Costa, who will discuss Pittsfield’s designation as a Trans/Non-Binary Sanctuary City.   
  • Alexandria Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss the benefits of DEI initiatives for businesses.
  • Kevin Pink, 1Berkshire Deputy Director of Economic Development, who will discuss the impact of DEI on business engagement.   
Future networking events are scheduled at Heart’s Pace Teahouse in North Adams on May 21st, and Devonfield Inn in Lee on June 18.
 
Registration for the events is free and available online.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Suspect Arraigned in 'Horrific' Dragging Case

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Complete write-thru 3 p.m., Feb. 18.


District Attorney TimothyShugrue says the community has been 'really upset' by this case. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Hancock man has been charged in last week's gruesome dragging that killed 69-year-old William Colbert. 
 
William Gross, 65, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on Wednesday for negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. He was arrested Monday after police investigators narrowed down the type of car seen on video at the accident scene. 
 
Police say Colbert had fallen in the road at the Francis Avenue and Linden Street intersection on Feb. 10 before he was struck and dragged nearly four miles. His body was found on West Housatonic Street.
 
Gross is being held on $250,000 cash bail in the Berkshire County House of Corrections. District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said the case will go to a grand jury and foresees additional charges being placed. 
 
"I think this community was really upset by this case," Shugrue said while being interviewed by the press after the morning arraignment.  
 
"It's a horrific case, and the fact that someone was fleeing, and there was someone that was stuck there that could have been treated, and potentially in the initial stages, could have been potentially saved." 
 
Colbert was coming from a house on Francis Avenue about 11:30 on Feb. 10 when fell in the road and had trouble getting up, according to Shugrue. 
 
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