Co-op Bank Partners with Brown & Brown Partnership

11:01AM / Sunday, November 09, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced a new partnership with Brown & Brown, insurance brokerages.

Together, the two organizations will offer customers and community members throughout the Berkshires access to a range of insurance products backed by trusted, local service.

Unlike national call centers or impersonal online platforms, this partnership brings together two organizations with ties to Berkshire County. Brown & Brown's regional team of insurance professionals live and work in the community, offering local personal attention, and providing responsive support.

"At the Co-op, our mission has always been to serve our customers and strengthen the communities we call home," said Gregg Levante, President of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. "Partnering with Brown & Brown means our customers can access top-tier insurance solutions while working with people who understand their needs and live right here in the Berkshires."

Through this partnership, customers can access comprehensive insurance coverage— including auto, home, umbrella, life, recreational vehicles, commercial property, liability, and organizational employee benefits—delivered with the same personal touch and community commitment that define both organizations.

"We're excited to team up with Pittsfield Cooperative Bank to support Berkshire County residents and businesses," said Darin Burniske, Executive Vice President at Brown & Brown. "Our local team shares the Co-op's commitment to building long-term relationships and helping people protect what matters most."

Customers interested in learning more or requesting a no-obligation quote can call 866-636-0244 or visit pittsfieldcoop.com or BBrown.com.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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