Biz Briefs: Berkshire Food Co-op One of Three Finalists for MassEcon Award

Economic Impact Award

Berkshire Food Co-op is one of three regional finalists to receive an Economic Impact Award from MassEcon. On Sept. 19, finalists will present one-minute pitches to a panel of judges and business leaders describing their growth in the commonwealth. Finalists compete on a regional basis in the West, Central, Southeast, Northeast and Great Boston areas. The winners from each of the five regions will be announced in October.

"Our mission has always been to support the health and well-being of our community and this expansion was a massive investment in that mission. This recognition from MassEcon represents a sweet moment for us, even as we continue the work of keeping our Co-op a vibrant and sustainable hub for community in Southern Berkshire County," said Troy Bond, the co-op's general manager.

The co-op's recent expansion was partially funded through small loans made by members of the community who made the choice to invest on Main Street rather than on Wall Street. During the expansion process, Berkshire Food Co-op employed local contractors, subcontractors and vendors, infusing the local economy with nearly $2 million. This is in addition to the more than $1 million the co-op spends annually with local businesses for goods and services. The committee was impressed with the scale of the expansion, the co-op's commitment to paying a living wage and the business' long history of generosity in the community.

"We are thrilled to recognize Massachusetts companies that contribute so much to the commonwealth's economic success. The diversity of industries across the state demonstrates that Massachusetts is an outstanding location for businesses to expand and thrive," said Pete Abair, executive director of MassEcon.

MountainOne Insurance award

MountainOne Insurance, a full service insurance agency with offices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Williamstown, has been named a "Top Insurance Workplace" by Insurance Business America (IBA). IBA’s annual Top Insurance Workplaces program ranks leading U.S. insurance organizations based on a series of employee satisfaction metrics, including benefits, compensation, culture, employee development and diversity.

Big Y Best-in-State rankings

Forbes Magazine has identified America's Best-in-State Employers for 2019 based upon an independent survey from a vast sample of 80,000 U.S. employees working in companies employing at least 500 in their U.S. operations. Forbes utilizes several platforms to anonymously contact employees. Their experience has shown that this method allows for both full and part-time employees to openly state their opinions while avoiding any influence from their employer.

Big Y ranks number two in the state of Massachusetts among 74 companies and number 20 in Connecticut out of 36. "At Big Y, we are especially humbled and grateful to be honored by our employees and Forbes Magazine as a top employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Our goal is always to partner with our employees to best serve our customers and our communities. We are blessed to have a workforce of colleagues and friends who give their best every day and are the tops in our industry, said Big Y president and CEO, Charles L. D'Amour.

Trendsetter Awards

1Berkshire will present the Berkshire Trendsetter Awards at the ninth annual Celebrate the Berkshires event on Sept. 26 at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock. The 1Berkshire Trendsetter Awards showcase Berkshire-based individuals and businesses who demonstrate excellence in several areas.

More than 150 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in the following categories: Innovative Marketing Campaign, Creative Economy Standout, Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year, Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy, Newcomer of the Year, Nonprofit Impact, and Under 40 Change Maker. To purchase your tickets or to learn more, visit the website.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.