1Berkshires’ 2018 Berkshire Trendsetter Awards Nominations Are Open

BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MA – The nomination process for 1Berkshire’s 8th annual Berkshire Trendsetter Awards is now open. The Berkshire Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding organizations and individuals whose achievement, innovation, and/or commitment has strengthened our regional economy and helped the Berkshires grow. Top finalists will be honored, and final winners announced at 1Berkshire’s annual event, Celebrate the Berkshires on Thursday, September 13th at the Proprietor’s Lodge (the former Itam) 22 Waubeek Rd, Pittsfield.

The categories to be awarded reflect the incredible commitment our community members have put into encouraging innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the region. Categories include Comprehensive Marketing Campaign; Creative Economy Standout; Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year; Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy; Newcomer of the Year; Nonprofit Impact; and Under 40 Change-Maker. Full descriptions for each category are below. Take a moment to view the 2017 award winners.

“These awards truly recognize some of the best in our community and I am excited about all the outstanding business and individuals we spotlight via our Berkshire Trendsetter Awards. Now in its 8th year, these awards are all about good news in the Berkshires,” stated Jonathan Butler, Chief Executive Officer of 1Berkshire, “we have no shortage of exemplary work being done in this region, and these awards honor those effecting positive change here in the Berkshires and beyond.”

1Berkshire encourages everyone to nominate deserving businesses and individuals for one of these prestigious awards or to self-nominate themselves or their business by completing the online form. Deadline for nominations is Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Finalists will be notified in late July and asked to provide additional information for the selection process.

Berkshire Trendsetter Award Category Descriptions:

• Comprehensive Marketing Campaign: A multi-faceted campaign utilizing paid, earned, and owned media that demonstrates excellence and effectiveness; that not only shows creativity but also provides measurable results
• Creative Economy Standout: A creative program, product or entrepreneur demonstrating original and effective methods of production, unique design, or significant impact on the Berkshires’ creative economy
• Entrepreneur/Visionary of the Year: Recognizing a Berkshire business founder/owner whose company, organization, or project has made a significant impact in an industry or community
• Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy: A project that attracts new residents or new jobs or enhances the current workforce attributes for a single employer, targeted employee segment, or the region as a whole
• Newcomer of the Year: Celebrating a person or company that relocated or opened in the Berkshire since January 1, 2016, and has already made a significant impact on the County
• Nonprofit Impact: A program or menu of programs that show excellence in serving the character of the community by providing an educational experience and/or enhancing the quality of life in the community
• Under 40 Change-Maker: Recognizing a community leader under 40 that has proven leadership, team building, problem-solving skills, and has heightened awareness of key issues affecting Berkshire County

Apply at https://1berkshire.com/ta-nomination-form/

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.