Nonprofit Center Launches Film Showcase Celebrating Berkshire Nonprofits

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) has launched its first  film sharing event, "REEL GOOD: Nonprofits Strengthening the Berkshires," sponsored by Talon Media.

The event highlights 20 Berkshire County nonprofits through short films that share their missions and invite community engagement.

"There are so many nonprofits doing essential work across the Berkshires," said McCaela Donovan, NPC associate director. "This event uses storytelling to amplify their impact, reach new audiences, and show people how they can get involved."

The free event will take place during the City of Pittsfield’s 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival on Wednesday, February 18, from 3–5 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium. A brief panel discussion with nonprofit leaders will follow the screening, focusing on the year ahead for the sector and the importance of effective storytelling. NPC welcomes local nonprofit leaders and staff, local businesses and entrepreneurs and the general public, especially those interested in nonprofit involvement.

Featured organizations include: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, The Berkshire Botanical Garden, Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Busk, Berkshire Community Land Trust, Berkshire County Arc (BCARC), Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative, Berkshire Grown, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire HorseWorks, Child Care of the Berkshires, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB), Flying Cloud, Kids 4 Harmony & 18 Degrees, Music in Common, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) & the City of Pittsfield, Sheffield Historical Society, Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, Turn Park.

To RSVP, visit www.npcberkshires.org/events and select the Feb. 18 event.

For more information, contact McCaela Donovan at mccaela@npcberkshires.org.


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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.
EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.
 
William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 
 
Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.
 
"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.
 
"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."
 
Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.
 
For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series. 
 
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