Impact of DEI on Berkshire Economic Development Topic of Forum

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alexandra Eberhardt and North Adams City Councilor Andrew Fitch, a business owner, will participate in a panel discussion on Wednesday, May 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Heart's Pace Teahouse on Eagle Street.

The panel is part of the Berkshire LGBTQ+ Business, Professional & Community Leaders Networking Event. 

The discussion will focus on how the Berkshire region's ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is attracting new businesses, leaders, economic development, and innovation. The speakers will also address the potential acceleration of this trend due to North Adams and Pittsfield's designation as Sanctuary Cities for Trans and Gender Diverse People.

Berkshire LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals have been convening on the third Wednesday of each month for networking events aimed at fostering connections and increasing the community's capacity to address political, economic, and demographic challenges relevant to the rural LGBTQ+ community and its businesses. These events also serve to highlight new LGBTQ+ businesses and leaders establishing themselves in the Berkshires, attributed to the region's public support for diversity and equity.  

The monthly networking event is a collaboration between the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, and media sponsor Berkshire Magazine. It aims to provide a platform for local LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, community leaders, and allies to connect and engage in dialogue.  

"In this time of tumultuous change, it's vital that our local LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals come together to support one another and work in solidarity with our many allied businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to improve the region’s economic development and creative economy, particularly as LGBTQ businesses and business owners from more repressive parts of the country look for a place where they will be welcomed," said Q-MoB Executive Director Bart Church. 

Registration for the May 21 Networking Event is free and can be accessed here.

Weekend Outlook: Art Week, Farmers' Markets, Pancake Breakfasts

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
01:09PM / Thursday, May 14, 2026

Despite the chilly weather, we know that summer is on the way with the start of the local farmers' markets. Saturday is the first outdoor markets for North Adams and Williamstown and others will be added as the month continues. Look for our listings each week.  

Editor's Picks

Art Week Berkshires
Various times and venues

The Berkshires celebrates the arts during the sixth annual Art Week with exhibitions, open studios, presentations and events starting Friday.

 

Find the full calendar of events here. 

 

North Adams Farmer's Market  

Main Street

Time: Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

The south side of Main Street from American Legion Drive will be closed to make room for the city's weekly farmers market, which will kick off this Saturday. Explore downtown North Adams and discover local businesses and fresh produce from local farms. More information here. 

 

Pittsfield Farmer's Market

Pittsfield Common

Time: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.