LGBTQ+ Business Networking Events Launch in Berkshires

12:46PM / Thursday, April 10, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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.

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Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves.

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said.

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County.

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.

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