Pittsfield's Boost North Street Cohort Celebrates Program Launch

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC)  announced the launch of the 2024 Boost! North Street Cohort. 
 
This program is supported with funding from TDI Local Funds, provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), and matched with additional funding from the Pittsfield Economic Development Revitalization Corporation. The partnership aims to empower and support local businesses on North Street through competitive grants and professional consulting, said a press release.
 
Professional consulting services will be provided by Revby LLC., a technical assistance grant provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative.
 
Twelve downtown Pittsfield businesses have been selected to join the 2024 Boost North Street Cohort through a competitive process that considered applicant's initiative, proposed feasibility, purpose, and collaboration efforts. Participation in the Boost North Street Cohort is designed to enhance various aspects of business operations, including sales, marketing, digital presence, financial organization, growth strategy, website development, and operations workflow. 
 
Businesses will receive grant funding upon completion of program requirements which include one-on-one business consulting sessions.

The 2024 Boost North Street cohort participants are:

  • ASTScuba/Aquatic Roots
  • Berkshire International Market
  • Clark Vintage Lighting
  • Dottie's Coffee Lounge/Dorothy's Estaminet
  • Empire Pizza
  • Espetinho Carioca
  • Methuselah Bar and Lounge
  • Otto's Kitchen and Comfort
  • Placita Latina Restaurant and Market
  • Steven Valenti Clothing
  • Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill
  • Witch Slapped
 
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Thanksgiving Angels Show Up for Increased Need

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Cole, 6, and Trey, 3, stock bread for the Thanksgiving Angels in this provided photo.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the need for Thanksgiving Angels.

The meal kit distribution effort has surpassed last year's numbers, serving more than 2,200 local families in need. Around 500 volunteers have helped with the entire process and on Monday, around 100 volunteers packed into the South Congregational Church for drive-through distribution.

Generosity is the engine that has powered Thanksgiving Angels for around 15 years.

"The community is so incredibly generous with financials and their time and helping us to pull this off," co-Chair Gretchen DeBartolo said.

"… it's a lot of hands, an awful lot of hands, and without that, there'd be nothing."

There were about 600 home deliveries over the weekend for the elderly, those with disabilities, and those without a vehicle.

"People have been generous with in-kind donations and with money," co-Chair Hope Amandos said.

"I think we will be able to cover our expenses. I think we did well with donations."

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