North Adams selected as national finalist for $500,000 grant
North Adams — On Thursday, Feb. 9, the city of North Adams became one of five national finalists for a $500,000 award from the Small Business Revolution, an online series spotlighting five communities across the country vying by popular vote for the award in a competition running through Thursday, Feb 16. The award focuses on entrepreneurial activity creativity, and innovative economic re-development. North Adams is the only finalist in New England and the northeastern U.S.
In addition to $500,000 to support small businesses and city initiatives in the downtown business district, the winning city will receive widespread exposure while featured on the Small Business Revolution online web series, produced by Minnesota-based Deluxe Corporation. A production team from the firm visited North Adams in early January, talking to small business owners, touring MASS MoCA, and tasting Tunnel City Coffee and Bright Ideas beers. The Small Business Revolution host Amanda Brinkman jabbed at a heavy bag with Miner Combat fitness instructor Becky Miner and twirled with toddler ballerinas at Freedom Dance during her visit.
If North Adams wins the popular vote, the Small Business Revolution team will return in late spring and early summer to chronicle the influx of $500,000 in cash, goods and services to the town.
–E.E.
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Berkshire Pulse receives Feigenbaum grant
Housatonic — Berkshire Pulse has announced that it is a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Feigenbaum Foundation for the installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant passenger elevator that will make the Housatonic dance school’s studios accessible to all. The grant is an important component of Berkshire Pulse’s efforts to match an $80,000 grant received in 2016 from the Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust.
Berkshire Pulse must raise all $80,000 in matching funds by Thursday, June 1. The elevator project was recommended by the Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee to receive a $30,000 Community Preservation Act grant, which will be presented at Town Meeting on Monday, May 1, for approval. This grant represents part of the match for the Fitzpatrick Trust, leaving a balance of $40,000 that must be raised in order to achieve the organization’s longtime goal of complete accessibility in the old mill building it inhabits.
–E.E.
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Berkshire Money Management gains new executive director
Pittsfield — Berkshire Money Management has announced that Pittsfield native Peter Coughlin has been hired as its executive director. Coughlin joined the BMM team in December and will be focusing on new business development, portfolio management, and client education and communication.
Coughlin brings with him 30 years of experience, including more than 20 years at USB Wealth Management and several years at Wells Fargo Advisors. Coughlin lives in Pittsfield with his wife, Sheila, a dental hygienist. They have four grown children.
–E.E.
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Markovits joins Salisbury Bank as vice president, trust officer
Lakeville, Conn. — Salisbury Bank and Trust has announced that Justin Markovits Esq. has recently it as vice president, trust officer in its wealth advisory services division.
Prior to joining Salisbury Trust, Markovits practiced law as an associate in the trusts and estates department of a law firm in New York. Prior to that he worked at two accounting firms in Silicon Valley, California, offices on a wide range of tax issues. He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University, his JD degree from Boston College Law School, and his LLM degree in taxation from the University of Miami School of Law. He currently resides in Newburgh, New York.
–E.E.
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BCC announces new hires, promotions
Pittsfield — Berkshire Community College has announced new faculty and staff additions as well as recent promotions.
Julia Curletti of Richmond has joined BCC as staff assistant to the dean of enrollment management and student success. She previously worked at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston as a program coordinator. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and attended New England Law.
Alyssa Felver has been named assistant professor of practical nursing. A registered nurse in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, she previously worked at Berkshire Medical Center and, prior to that, as a critical care registered nurse at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s in biology from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. She resides in Dalton.
Lori Moon of Pittsfield has joined BCC’s faculty as an assistant professor of practical nursing. She was previously a case manager and education specialist at Berkshire Medical Center and worked at HospiceCare in the Berkshires for approximately 20 years. She earned an associate’s degree from Springfield Technical Community College, an associate’s degree in nursing from BCC and a bachelor’s degree from the UMass Amherst.
Lawrence Stalvey has been promoted to academic counselor with BCC’s TRIO (Talents, Resources, Initiative, Opportunity) program. He was previously a learning specialist with TRIO. A resident of Lanesboro, he holds an associate’s degree from BCC and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College in Williamstown.
Charles Stephens has joined BCC as the coordinator of career planning and placement. He previously held positions at Philadelphia University, Saint Louis University and Michigan State University. He most recently worked as area coordinator for residence education at Philadelphia University. A graduate of Michigan State University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in student affairs administration. He currently resides in Williamstown.
Peggy Williams of Lanesboro has been promoted to academic coordinator with BCC’s TRIO Program. She previously worked for more than a decade as an academic counselor and learning specialist with TRIO. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.
–E.E.
