1Berkshire is a county-wide marketing and economic development organization that works to simultaneously preserve, position, and promote Berkshire County’s profound sense of place.
As the official Regional Economic Development Organization and Regional Tourism Council of Berkshire County, we are here to assist you in becoming a part of our dynamic region in Western MA, which is well-positioned for investment, growth, and development. Its mission is to advance Berkshire County’s economy by advocating for the business community and attracting visitors. Powered by membership, 1Berkshire provides programs that connect businesses with resources and potential customers, as well as develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs.
At 1Berkshire, we understand that our unique Berkshire County is shaped by hills and lakes. By music, dance, and theater. By art, literature, and history. Our region is textured by farmers, entrepreneurs, and technicians. It is made rich by those who were born here, those who have visited or moved here, and those who have returned here. Our profound sense of place defines The Berkshires brand, and 1Berkshire is the steward of this brand.
1Berkshire’s purpose is to simultaneously preserve, position, and promote Berkshire County’s unique sense of place in order to cultivate businesses, attract visitors, and engage residents who contribute to the vitality and strength of our region.
Our Mission is to advance our economy by advocating for the business community and attracting visitors through robust marketing efforts.
By advocating for the regional business community and attracting visitors, 1Berkshire plays a pivotal role in sustaining and enhancing the area’s economic vitality.
A strong membership of over 700 businesses, of all sizes and from all sectors, make 1Berkshire’s work possible.
As the region’s official economic development organization, 1Berkshire provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers. We aim to be the voice of the Berkshire business community, working to develop future leaders, both youth (390+ graduates) and professional (665+ graduates), and supporting entrepreneurs at all stages with free consultations (150+ annually), networking events (80+ annually), skill-building programs, grant support and distribution ($3.5 million in FY24), and many other resources.
1Berkshire was created in June 2016 by a merger of four countywide economic development organizations: the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, and the Berkshire Creative Economy Council. By combining these entities, we leverage resources, improve efficiency, expand audience reach, and coordinate programs that benefit every area of the region. We are the voice of the Berkshire business community with a strong membership and a powerful network of resources.
We’re driven by six core values: Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Courage, Leadership, and Empathy. Through our partnerships, we created our Board of Directors and investors network that encompasses the energy of the business community, our visitors, the creative economy, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. If you are interested in supporting our work, join our vibrant community through 1Berkshire membership.
With a strong membership base of over 700 businesses across various sectors, 1Berkshire fosters a connected and resource-rich community. Members benefit from increased exposure, access to economic development resources, and opportunities to participate in regional initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
Explore membership opportunities and discover how 1Berkshire can support your business and connect you with the broader community.
Thank you to our 1Berkshire Alliance and 1Berkshire Foundation Boards who works tirelessly to support our mission in the Berkshires.
Meet Our Boards1Berkshire Investors represent some of the most successful and influential organizations in the Berkshires. Together they greatly support economic development across the region.
Meet Our Investors1Berkshire Membership is key to keeping our doors open. In exchange we offer an abundant slate of benefits for businesses of all sizes, from local to worldwide promotion, opportunity to network, connection to resources, professional development, and more.
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