Community Development Corporation South Berkshire Becomes Impact South County

10:54AM / Thursday, August 13, 2026Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. After more than four decades, Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) has announced a new name: Impact South County.

The new name reflects the organization's evolution while reaffirming the mission that has guided its work since its founding, stated a press release.

While affordable housing remains at the heart of the organization, its work today also includes small business support, community partnerships, and strategic investments that strengthen the region's long-term vitality.

"We have really begun to move the needle on affordability in the Berkshires" said Jim Harwood,

interim executive director. "And not only on housing. Our mission includes much more than building homes- it's about creating opportunities for people to live, work, and thrive."

"As our work has grown, we wanted a name that better reflects the impact we're making across South County while honoring the commitment we've had to this community for more than 40 years," he added.

That impact is reflected in projects across the region, including the recently launched Egremont Duplex Homes workforce homeownership development, the planned 69-unit affordable housing community on West Center Street in Lee, the preservation of Thornewood as workforce housing, and technical assistance that helps local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses.

While the organization's name is changing, its mission, staff, board, and commitment to South Berkshire County remain the same.

During the transition, the organization will use the name Impact South County, formerly Community Development Corporation South Berkshire, to ensure continuity and recognition.

The community is invited to celebrate this next chapter at Impact South County's annual End of Summer Block Party on Sunday, Aug. 30, featuring live music, local food, children's activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations working to build a stronger South

County.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building.

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.

View Full Story