ADAMS, Mass. —Dave Bissaillon, candidate for 1st Berkshire District State Representative, supports pending legislation that would consolidate Massachusetts’ economic development agencies, making it easier for businesses to launch, grow and relocate.

Bissaillon noted there are more than 30 state agencies that have a role in economic development, making it difficult for business owners to get state assistance. While he was president and CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Bissaillon participated in efforts to form more efficient and regionalized economic development agencies so that Berkshire cities, towns and companies could conduct economic development more efficiently. Doing the same statewide only makes sense, he said.

A conference committee is working to reconcile differences between House Bill 4863 and Senate Bill 2380. The bill would put the Massachusetts Office of Business Development in charge of coordinating business development efforts in the state and creating regional economic development plans in partnership with local entities. It would also consolidate agencies that have a role in attracting business to the state into a Massachusetts Marketing Partnership.

Bissaillon said he was struck during his time at the Chamber of Commerce by the myriad of economic development agencies whose acronyms amounted to alphabet soup.

“In most cases, although we had competent individuals in state agencies at the local level, it was difficult at best for local companies to determine which of the state agencies were best suited to help them,” Bissaillon said.

“I hope the conference committee finishes its work by Saturday’s close of the legislative session, because the reorganization will make it easier for businesses in the First Berkshire District to take advantage of state resources,” he added. “Business owners need to spend their time growing their business, working with their employees, and taking care of their customers, not trying to figure out how to find state assistance.”

Bissaillon said another aspect of the bill — the absorption of the Health and Educational Facilities Authority by MassDevelopment to expand services to non-profit organizations, small businesses and municipalities — would assist the district as well.

He supports a provision in the economic development bill that provides for a state sales tax holiday Aug. 14 and 15 to stimulate spending at businesses across the state.

ADAMS, Mass. — The Bissaillon Committee is hosting a pancake breakfast on Sunday, June 6, from 8 to noon at the Adams Elks Lodge, 63 Center St.

The event provides an opportunity to meet David Bissaillon, the candidate running for state representative, 1st Berkshire District, or for people who already know him to learn more about why Bissaillon seeks to represent the district at the State House.

"I hope to see new friends and old at this event, so I can hear about the state legislative issues that matter to you," Bissaillon said.

Bissaillon, a vice president at Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance Agency and former president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, has a long history of community service.

He seeks to convert his professional and community experience to public service by representing the residents of the 11 communities that comprise the 1st Berkshire District. The district consists of Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy and Williamstown, all in Berkshire Couunty, and Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe in Franklin County.

Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; and $3 for kids under 12. You may purchase tickets in advance at Creations and Shima in North Adams and Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency Inc. in Adams. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

For more information about Bissaillon, visit www.bissaillon.com, call 413-672-2460, or e-mail dave@bissaillon.com.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Bissaillon's campaign kick-off spaghetti supper will be Thursday, May 13, from 4 to 7 at the North Adams American Legion.

The event provides an opportunity to meet the candidate running for state representative, 1st Berkshire District, or for people who already know him to learn more about why Bissaillon seeks to represent the district at the
State House.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and kids under 12. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Creations  and Shima on Main Street or Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency Inc. in Adams. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

To donate baked goods for the dessert table, contact Ashley Cote at 413-663-6209.

"I hope to see new friends and old at this event, so I can continue hearing from you about the state legislative issues that matter to you," Bissaillon said.

Bissaillon, a vice president at Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan & Collins Insurance Agency and former president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, has a long history of community service.

He seeks to convert his professional and community experience to public service by representing the residents of the 11 communities that comprise the 1st Berkshire District. The district consists of Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy and Williamstown, all in Berkshire County, and Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe in Franklin County.

For more information, visit www.bissaillon.com, call 413-672-2460, or e-mail dave@bissaillon.com.

FLORIDA, Mass. — Daniel E. Bosley's boyhood mountain home will be the setting for the first forum between Democratic candidates vying to replace him.

North Adams City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi; David Bissaillon, former president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Chester Town Administrator Edward MacDonald, a former Adams selectman, will appear at the Florida Senior Center on Route 2 on Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

The forum is sponsored by the Florida Council on Aging and the Williamstown League of Women Voters. The moderator will be Williamstown Selectwoman Jane Allen. The public is encouraged to attend and to come prepared with questions.

Bosley is stepping down after 12 terms representing the 1st Berkshire District in the State House to run for sheriff.

With no Republican or independent candidate in sight, the winner of the September primary will likely be North County's new representative.

The 1st Berkshire seat covers Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy and Williamstown, and Charlemont, Hawley, Heath, Monroe and Rowe in Franklin County. The candidates all hail from Berkshire County; Cariddi is a North Adams native and both Bissaillon and MacDonald are from Adams.

iBerkshires hopes to post audio of the forum by early next week.