National Conference on AI in Rural Economies In North Adams

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — 1Berkshire, the Berkshire Innovation Center and the Center on Rural Innovation will hold a conference artificial intelligence on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
 
"Accelerating What's Possible: The Next Chapter for Rural Economies in the Age of AI" will be happening at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
 
"For five years, CORI and the Rural Innovation Network have been a vital conduit to improve practices, advancing initiatives, and finding tailored guidance," said Ben Lamb, vice president of economic development at 1Berkshire. "To be able to partner with them in bringing this national conference to our corner of the world is both energizing and an honor as we get to welcome in friends, peers and colleagues from near and far to think and act in ways to advance our regional economy and the rural economies we find kinship with." 
 
This one-day national conference will bring together industry experts, policy leaders, rural economy innovators, and acceleration partners from across the country to the Berkshires to network, engage and set the course for the next chapter of rural economic development and innovation. 
 
Starting in 2020, the Berkshire Tech Impact Collaborative, a coalition of 1Berkshire, the Berkshire Innovation Center, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College, began working with CORI to assess and advance initiatives and opportunities aligned with the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0 to catalyze, amplify, and accelerate the tech and innovation economy of the Berkshires. 
 
"The incredible potential for technology and innovation to drive rural growth is evident in places like the Berkshires," said Matt Dunne, CORI founder and executive director. "We are excited to be able to host this national gathering in a state that is leading the nation's innovation economy and explore opportunities and challenges that the AI era presents for rural communities across the country."
 
For more information and to register for the conference, visit ruralinnovation.us/accelerating-whats-possible/

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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
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