1Berkshire Announces Winner of Esther Quinn Award

BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA – April 4, 2019 – 1Berkshire is excited to announce that this year’s Esther Quinn Award will go to Bernie Klem of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. This annual award is given to a member of the Berkshire professional community who is involved in several volunteer efforts and continues to make the Berkshires a better place to live and work. The award will be given out at the next 1Berkshire Good News Business Salute at The Country Club of Pittsfield on April 24 at 7:30 a.m. sponsored by Berkshire Money Management.

Bernie Klem is a shining star in our community, and always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others. He serves as Marketing Associate and chair of the Community Involvement Committee at Guardian. Prior to joining Guardian, Klem held positions with Gargan Communication, Profit Partners in Marketing and The Rome Daily Sentinel. Community members know Bernie best for his volunteerism with the Community Recreation Association (CRA) for more than 20 years. He currently serves as president of the CRA Board of Governors. He is a founding member of the Berkshire Robotics Challenge Planning Committee and has been involved since the first event in 2000. Klem has also volunteered with the American Cancer Society since the early 1990s and has been awarded the Berkshire Life Outstanding Community Service Award four times for his work with these organizations. He has also been a leader in his church for 25 years and is a Guardian United Way campaign volunteer.

“The Esther Quinn Award, now in its 20th year, is given to leaders in the business community who are also actively giving back to the Berkshire community as volunteers in so many ways. 1Berkshire is thrilled to be giving Bernie this award as he exemplifies the qualities and spirit of this award,” said Jonathan Butler, CEO of 1Berkshire.

To celebrate and honor Bernie, you are invited to attend the April 24 Good News Business Salute and Breakfast. Reserve your ticket online at https://1berkshire.com/events/good-news-business-salutes/

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.