PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Innovation Center has a new leader.
Ben Sosne is taking over as the executive director as the opening of the BIC at the William Stanley Business Park inches closer. Sosne replaces Scott Longley, who served as the executive director during the construction.
"The BIC was fortunate to leverage the leadership of Scott Longley during the funding and early construction periods. Scott's efforts supported the rapid transformation of the BIC from concept to a growing organization set to manage a $14 million facility. Scott will remain a valued member of the team, leveraging his manufacturing and supply chain experience to further enhance BIC member services and development opportunities - and assisting Ben as he assumes his new role," said President Stephen Boyd in a prepared statement.
"Ben's leadership experience, advanced skillset, and network will serve the organization well during the final phases of the facility's construction, to its grand opening and beyond. Ben's interest is proof that the BIC's momentum is getting noticed and starting to attract top talent from other respected organizations."
Sosne, a Berkshire County native and 1998 graduate of Monument Mountain Regional High School, returned to the area in 2015 with his family after working in law and digital media in New York City for several years. Ben comes to the BIC after serving as general counsel and senior project manager for Thomas Krens' proposed Extreme Model Railroad and Contemporary Architecture Museum (EMRCA) in North Adams.
"I have been following the progress on the BIC for several years and have been incredibly impressed with their model, leadership team, and the partnerships they have established," said Sosne.
"As someone passionate about the Berkshires and the economic future of the county, this position offers an amazing opportunity to help shape an organization that will play an absolutely critical role in spurring economic growth, job creation, and overall investment in the region."
The BIC has been under construction since September. The $13.75 million center will be for research and development featuring cutting edge technology, biotech wet space, clean rooms, and other features. It will run training programs and includes members from colleges, universities, and vocational high schools. It features offices and event spaces and the organization will be holding various business events.
In all, the center is particularly eyed to help small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the advanced manufacturing and life sciences fields, expand and grow. It had been years in the making and expects to open later this year.
"While the BIC and the EMRCA operate in different sectors, there is a tremendous amount of overlap in terms of the technology employed and the overarching goals of serving as a catalyst for economic development," said Sosne.
"Thomas Krens is without peer in the world of arts and culture. Working with him over the last three years has been an education far beyond anything I could have imagined. He has encouraged me to take this leadership role with the BIC and I am certain the two organizations will remain strong allies in the regional economic development landscape."
Sosne lives in Williamstown with his wife Amy and their three young children. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 2002 and a doctorate from Pace Law School in 2009. He is a member of both Massachusetts and New York State Bar and also serves as president of the Sand Springs Recreation Center.
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Pittsfield Council to See 10-Year Charter Review Report
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Following almost two years of work, the Charter Review Committee has made its recommendations to the City Council.
Tuesday's council agenda includes the committee's report dealing with governance items such as the charter objection, term limits, and financial procedures. Every 10 years, a panel reviews the City Charter, which defines the city's structure of government.
"The Charter Review Committee was established by city ordinance in May 2023. Its first meeting took place on August 7, 2023, under the direction of City Solicitor Stephen Pagnotta," Chair Michael McCarthy's executive summary reads.
"Solicitor Pagnotta informed the committee that its mission is to offer recommendations to city government concerning the Charter."
The charter objection was the most discussed issue throughout the preview process. Members determined "the City's interest in a functioning government is not served well by a Charter' Objection being made by a sole Councilor."
The nearly 50-page report proposes amendments to Article 2 Section 9C, Charter Objection, to allow for discussion, require three supporters, and be prohibited when it pertains to the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
"The Committee felt strongly that the budgetary process should not be held hostage to a Charter Objection. The process of approving a budget under the Charter involves months of hearings with firm calendar restrictions, leading to a budget that must be in place before each fiscal year begins," McCarthy wrote.
"A Charter Objection during this process would have the potential to disrupt and delay the budget being in place on July 1 of each fiscal year."
Stop & Shop boosted Berkshire Community College's food pantry by $7,500, providing students with nutritional stability while focusing on education. click for more
The committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to offer the post to Michael Henault, who has been the district's assistant superintendent for three years.
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