BUSINESS BRIEFS June 1, 2026: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond

June 1, 2026 - 09:01

A roundup of recent business and organizational developments across Berkshire County shows a mix of new leadership, financial milestones, and community initiatives.

Berkshire Community College has announced a new partnership with local manufacturing firms to create a paid internship pipeline. The program, set to launch this fall, aims to place 30 students in technical roles at companies like General Dynamics and Interprint. BCC President Ellen Kennedy said the effort is designed to address the region's skilled labor shortage while giving students real-world experience.

In other news, Berkshire Pride reported that its annual June festival generated over $250,000 in economic impact for downtown Pittsfield. Organizers noted a 20 percent increase in vendor participation compared to last year, with many businesses extending their hours during the weekend event. The nonprofit also launched a small grant program for LGBTQ-owned startups in the county.

Greylock Federal Credit Union announced the completion of its branch renovation in North Adams. The updated facility includes a new drive-through lane and expanded digital banking kiosks. The credit union said the project created 15 construction jobs and will support faster service for its growing membership base.

Meanwhile, The Mount, Edith Wharton's historic estate in Lenox, reported a record-breaking spring season for its literary retreats and garden tours. Executive Director Susan Wissler credited the surge to new programming partnerships with local hotels and restaurants. The estate also secured a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to fund accessibility upgrades, including improved pathways and audio guides for visitors with disabilities.

Finally, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission released data showing that small business loan applications in the county rose 12 percent in the first quarter of 2026, signaling cautious optimism among entrepreneurs despite ongoing inflation concerns.