Lenco Armored Vehicles Wins Gold at MassEcon Impact Awards

07:04AM / Sunday, May 10, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lenco Armored Vehicles has been named the Gold Winner for the Western Massachusetts region at the 22nd Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards.

The award, presented by MassEcon, recognizes Lenco's significant contributions to the Commonwealth's economy through facility investment, job creation, and community engagement.

The award recognizes a recent $5 million investment in Lenco's Pittsfield manufacturing facility. The equipment and facility upgrades are designed to streamline production and meet the increasing global demand for the BearCat, Lenco's iconic armored rescue vehicle.

"We are honored to be recognized by MassEcon and the Commonwealth for our commitment to growth here in Western Massachusetts," said Lenny Light, Executive Vice President at Lenco Armored Vehicles. "Our $5 million investment in Pittsfield isn't just about upgrading machinery, it's about investing in our workforce and ensuring that the world's most advanced rescue vehicles continue to be built right here in the Berkshires."

Lenco was selected as the Gold winner following a rigorous evaluation process that included site visits, interviews with regional judges, and a competitive "pitch" session. MassEcon's leadership praised the awardees for their resilience and dedication to the local economy.

"These are amazing employers with stories that would make every Massachusetts resident proud," said Peter Abair, MassEcon CEO and Executive Director. "We are honored to recognize their investments in new jobs and facilities in our Commonwealth".

The 22nd Annual Impact Awards ceremony took place on April 16, 2026, at Gillette Stadium, where Lenco was formally recognized alongside 12 other innovative companies from across the state.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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