Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire Welcomes Two New Board Members

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Blumkin and Timothy Prinz. 
 
Both bring professional expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening communities through expanded opportunity, economic vitality, and access to affordable housing.
 
"Mark and Tim each bring deep experience that will help guide the CDCSB's work as we expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen the small business ecosystem across South Berkshire County," said Jim Harwood, Board Chair. "Their insight will help ensure our projects are both impactful and sustainable for the long term."
 
Mark Blumkin brings more than four decades of experience advising on capital construction projects, with particular expertise in project planning, delivery strategies, and cost-effective implementation. As Principal of MSB Advisors LLC, he supports organizations in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His career includes more than 30 years with leading professional services firms, as well as roles with the City of New York and an engineering consulting firm. A Berkshires resident for nearly a decade, Blumkin is committed to advancing affordable housing solutions that support the region's workforce and long-term economic health.
 
Timothy Prinz is a public health and health policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience translating research into effective policy and programs that improve outcomes for underserved populations. His work has spanned national health reform efforts, nonprofit leadership, and academic research. Dr. Prinz has held senior roles with organizations including The Children's Health Fund, the United Hospital Fund, and the Blue Sky Health Initiative at UCLA, where he contributed to policy ideas incorporated into the Affordable Care Act. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University and has taught American politics at the University of Virginia.
 
The CDCSB works to strengthen South Berkshire communities by developing affordable and workforce housing, supporting small businesses, and advancing initiatives that promote economic opportunity and community stability. 
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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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