LGBTQ+ Business Networking Events Launch in Berkshires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire LGBTQ+ business owners, professionals, and community leaders have established a monthly networking event. 
 
The event aims to facilitate connection and collaboration within the community, and to address political, economic, demographic, and public health challenges.   
 
The networking event will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, in partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, WANDER Berkshires, and Berkshire Magazine.   
 
The April 16th gathering, held at Brazzucas Market in Pittsfield, will focus on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in fostering business innovation and opportunities in the Berkshires.   
 
Speakers at the April event include:
  • Pittsfield At-Large City Council Member Alisa Costa, who will discuss Pittsfield’s designation as a Trans/Non-Binary Sanctuary City.   
  • Alexandria Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss the benefits of DEI initiatives for businesses.
  • Kevin Pink, 1Berkshire Deputy Director of Economic Development, who will discuss the impact of DEI on business engagement.   
Future networking events are scheduled at Heart’s Pace Teahouse in North Adams on May 21st, and Devonfield Inn in Lee on June 18.
 
Registration for the events is free and available online.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Finance Approves Amended Police Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Finance Committee approved an amended version of the Police Department budget.
 
The amended budget of $1,664,924 is $14,564 less than what was originally requested. This is still an increase of $129,668 increase from this year.
 
The budget is made up of $191,338 in expenses and $1,473,586 in salaries. 
 
The department initially proposed a budget of $1,679,488, a $144,232 or 9.39 percent, increase mainly caused by salary increases.
 
Police Chief Deanna Strout emphasized that the increases within the budget are mostly contractual.  
 
Finance Committee chair William Drosehn said if "we all kind of tightened our belts even further," the budget could be cut by $15,000 or $20,000. 
 
However, he stressed that if more funds are needed, reserve fund transfer requests can be made if the need arises. 
 
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