PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire, the Regional Economic Development Organization and Marketing and Tourism Organization for the 32 cities and towns of Berkshire County, is currently seeking submissions to the 2024 Berkshire Business Needs Assessment.
This assessment, last conducted in 2021, has played a role in the development and allocation of business support resources across the region for years, and the updated responses will do the same for the upcoming years. Outcomes from the assessment will be utilized by 1Berkshire and shared with resource provider agencies to help them decide how to utilize their staff capacity, financial resources, and support services to best fit the current and future needs of the business community in the region.
Participants should expect to take approximately 10 minutes to complete the assessment, and submissions will be accepted up through Aug. 1, 2024.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis.
Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report.
During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report.
"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions. As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday.
"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements."
He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report.
"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote.
Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.
click for more
Pittsfield's new ice rink had a short season because of unpredictable weather, and the city is soliciting memories about the Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. click for more
Morales reported that the city will take a step back and revisit the basis of WWTP design, and return with a refined proposal that addresses concerns.
click for more
In a time of federal funding uncertainties, community members are encouraged to maintain preventative health care, such as doctor visits. click for more