1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program Accepting Applications

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire's Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) is excited to announce that the 2025 class applications are open. 

The Berkshire Leadership Program seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to and competent in addressing community challenges and improving the quality of life in the Berkshires. More than 640 community-minded individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1997. 

The Class of 2025 will kick off with a two-day retreat Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking. The retreat is followed by weekly sessions held on Thursdays, May 8 - June 26, focusing on areas of economic development, healthcare, tourism, creative economy, housing, and community involvement.

The Berkshire Leadership Program is coordinated by 1Berkshire with the dynamic support of the volunteer BLP Steering Committee, composed of professionals from across the region who commit their time and expertise to develop and facilitate the entire program.

The deadline to apply for the Class of 2025 is 4:00 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024. The cost of tuition is $800; some scholarship dollars are available.

The application and a full program schedule can be found at: 

Please contact blp@1berkshire.com with any questions.
https://1berkshire.jotform.com/242754067299165


Tags: 1Berkshire,   

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

Big Lots to Close Pittsfield Store

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two major chains are closing storefronts in the Berkshires in the coming year.
 
Big Lots announced on Thursday it would liquidate its assets after a purchase agreement with a competitor fell through. 
 
"We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Bruce Thorn, Big Lots' president and CEO, said in the announcement. "While we remain hopeful that we can close an alternative going concern transaction, in order to protect the value of the Big Lots estate, we have made the difficult decision to begin the GOB process."
 
The closeout retailer moved into the former Price Rite Marketplace on Dalton Avenue in 2021. The grocery had been in what was originally the Big N for 14 years before closing eight months after a million-dollar remodel. Big Lots had previously been in the Allendale Shopping Center.
 
Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September. It operated nearly 1,400 stores nationwide but began closing more than 300 by August with plans for another 250 by January. The Pittsfield location had not been amount the early closures. 
 
Its website puts the current list of stores at 960 with 17 in Massachusetts. Most are in the eastern part of the state with the closest in Pittsfield and Springfield. 
 
Advanced Auto Parts, with three locations in the Berkshires, is closing 500 stores and 200 independently owned locations by about June. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories