Live Updates-Press Releases

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2012

For additional information, contact:
Ashley Sulock
Director of Marketing & Communications
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
(413) 499-4000, ext. 15
asulock@berkshirechamber.com

PITTSFIELD, MA - The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has announced the development of a new collaborative known as the Nonprofit Business Network (NBN). NBN, jointly administered by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and a Steering Committee consisting of nonprofit professionals, will afford the benefit of a network of peers who often share values and challenges despite apparent differences in their organizations' individual missions.

"The Chamber is pleased to announce the formation of a business network that will address concerns specific to the nonprofit sector of the county’s economy," stated Michael Supranowicz, President & CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. "Collectively, this sector supports many jobs in the region and provides invaluable services to residents and visitors alike."

The mission of the Nonprofit Business Network is to provide networking and educational opportunities for nonprofit business professionals in Berkshire County; facilitate collaboration on projects that will benefit the nonprofit sector and the overall community in Berkshire County; and unite the nonprofit sector in matters requiring advocacy from a larger entity.

"The Berkshire Chamber is pleased to extend a helping hand to the nonprofit world with this new network," commented Jerry Burke, President & CEO of Hillcrest Educational Centers and Chair of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. "The Chamber's efforts work to enhance services to the Berkshire community, and the Nonprofit Business Network will have a positive impact on this very valuable sector of our local economy."

Data rendered from an economic analysis conducted by Stephen Sheppard, Professor of Economics at Williams College and Director of C3D, reinforces the impact nonprofit organizations have on the Berkshire County economy. Nonprofits in Berkshire County not only generate 24,000 jobs, but also generate significant economic activity with $1.3 billion in total expenditures annually. It was also revealed through this report that arts expenditures per capita in Berkshire County are the second highest in the nation, trailing only Washington DC, which is tremendous new for the Berkshires.

The Nonprofit Business Network will launch a series of educational programs later this month, beginning with a seminar on Cloud Computing, which will be hosted at the Beacon Cinema on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 8:00 - 11:00AM. The workshop will define cloud technology and examine how nonprofits can take advantage of this new evolution, while also identifying key areas of cloud technology that allow organizations to leverage technology in their day-to-day operations. The 2012 program schedule will continue with workshops on the real-time dispersed work environment (June 5); greening of nonprofit facilities (September 20); and nonprofit boards of directors (October 11).

Workshops are open to both members and non-members, and individuals may attend the seminar on Cloud Computing for a conservative $10 entry fee. Light refreshments will be provided. To register for the workshop on Thursday, May 17, call (413) 499-4000, ext. 116, email dtoomey@berkshirechamber.com or visit www.berkshirechamber.com.

ABOUT
The Nonprofit Business Network (NBN) is a program of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in affiliation with 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance Foundation, Inc. For more information, call (413) 499-4000, ext. 116 or visit www.berkshirechamber.com.

###