1Berkshire honored the tourism industry at the ninth Annual Celebrate the Berkshires event hosted at Jiminy Peak on September 26, 2019. Over 300 people attended the Trendsetters Awards ceremony, which recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment have strengthened the economy and helped the Berkshires grow.
The Winners:
Putting the Berkshires on the Map
TOURISTS Hotel was recognized as the special honoree of the night for its substantial contribution to the Berkshire economy. The hotel and riverside retreat was inspired by the classic American roadside motor lodge, set in North Adams at the confluence of the Mohawk Trail, the Hoosic River, and the Appalachian Trail. Designed for the 21st-century traveler, the 48-room property is a union of design and nature, home to woodland trails, riverbank vistas, sculptural installations, unique food experiences, and more. Both a haven and trail head, TOURISTS connects guests with their best leisure selves and and serves as a vibrant base camp for exploration and adventure. Since opening in August of 2018, TOURISTS has welcomed nearly 10,000 guests to North Adams, many on their first visit to the region.
Innovative Marketing Campaign
Lee Bank won for its compelling in-house, locally-produced branding campaign featuring Lee Bank employees having fun and enjoying authentic experiences with local business customers, thereby promoting local businesses through storytelling, playfulness and partnership.
The Newcomer of the Year award
Theory Wellness opened the first recreational cannabis dispensaries in the Berkshires, attracting over 65,000 visitors from nearby states and contributing over $1M in taxes and impact fees to the town of Great Barrington in its first 6 months of operation.
Nonprofit Impact
Roots Rising founded the only teen-run farmers market in the country, providing teens with authentic and accessible job opportunities and enhancing community building and teen empowerment through work with farms, food pantries and the Pittsfield Farmers Market.
Creative Economy Standout award
Steve Sears (Stationery Factory) validated concept and starting a movement of Berkshire mill conversions into attractive repurposed space for businesses, events, live music, food and beverage, and for making the Berkshires a destination for top-notch live acoustic music.
Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy award
MASS MoCA has made a massive investment and redevelopment in the Berkshires, creating the largest contemporary art museum in the country, contributing over $50M annually in economic impact to the region, and instigating a North Adams revival.
Under 40 Change Maker
Jess Sweeney was named for her work creating an environment for local and emerging artists to thrive in the northern Berkshires through the Common Folk Artists Collective, while empowering teens in leadership and decision making through ROOTS teen center and leading the inaugural O+ Festival to address the gap in health services for freelancers and artists.
The Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year award
Margaret Keller has led the massive expansion of Community Access to the Arts’ inspirational work, increasing people served by 70%, doubling their base of financial support and launching their first-ever capital campaign/facilities project to give artists with disabilities their own campus in Great Barrington.
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers, as well as works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.