Meet the 1Berkshire Team
Welcome to the newest round of our behind-the-scenes Meet the Staff column. All that 1Berkshire accomplishes is made possible by our dedicated and hardworking staff members. From actively supporting the economic ecosystem of the Berkshires, to attracting new talent and growing the community, our mission to foster entrepreneurship and bolster tourism is realized every single day through the stewardship and devotion of these loyal individuals.
Enjoy getting to know two more members of the 1Berkshire team: Alex LaValley, Economic Development Associate, and Hannah Pimenta, Member Engagement Associate
Meet Alex LaValley, Economic Development Associate
Alex lives in Pittsfield with his partner and spends his time watching movies, reading, spending time with family, and watching sports. He is an avid animal lover and has slowly begun cultivating his love of the outdoors thanks to the beauty of the Berkshires!
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
I’m part of the Economic Development team as the Economic Development Associate. We aim to connect business owners to resources through business consultations and technical assistance programs. On top of connecting business owners to resources, I assist with our Entrepreneurial Meetups and Youth Leadership Program. Finally, I run the day-to-day operations for our job posting platform, the jobs thing, which promotes job openings to current Berkshire residents, as well as people looking to relocate to Berkshire County!
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
I really enjoy the variety that comes with living in the Berkshires! Every community in the Berkshires really has its own feel while still being grounded in an atmosphere that feels unique to Berkshire County. On top of that, we’re so close to major cities which just adds to the flexibility that the Berkshires provide.
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
I have a yearly “ritual” of attending the Hoophall Classic in Springfield to watch some of the best high school basketball talent in the country. I’ve been going for the past five years and I sit in the same spot each year. It’s a way to enjoy some great basketball, connect with people from all over the country who may be coming for the first time or are annual attendees like myself, and get a glimpse of the next generation headed to the NBA.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love the ability to connect with people of all walks of life that my role provides. I’ve met so many kind, intelligent, and inspiring people through my work since I’ve moved to the Berkshires from the Pioneer Valley. On top of just meeting these people, I get to help them on the path to starting a business or, in the case of our Youth Leadership Program, help them on the path to becoming leaders. The Berkshires are beautiful, no doubt, but what really makes it are the people.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
I wish people knew that the vast majority of services and programs we offer on the Economic Development team are entirely free, whether it be technical assistance programming, business consultations, or referrals to resources.
Meet Hannah Pimenta, Member Engagement Associate
Hannah Pimenta is a transplant to the Berkshires and now lives in Pittsfield with her partner. She expresses pride in being a woman of many hobbies and varied interests ranging from crocheting and pop culture to video games and reading.
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
As the Member Engagement Associate here at 1Berkshire I work with Christine on the member services team. I talk with members and prospective members alike about what a membership at 1Berkshire can offer their businesses. I provide administrative support for leadership and I also help coordinate the Berkshire Leadership Program and other events we host. I work closely with all our teams to ensure that our members have the best experience possible.
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
I went to MCLA and moved out to the Berkshires officially when I graduated in 2020 (rough year I know). I am originally from Taunton and my draw to the Berkshires was the quieter atmosphere but the arts, outdoors, innovation and residents is why I stay. I dabble in writing poetry in my spare time and finding inspiration is never a difficult task.
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
Name any sport and I guarantee you I’ve played it: soccer, softball, lacrosse, basketball, discus throw, cheerleading – I could go on! My Dad was a believer of if you aren’t sweating you’re not working hard enough, and I’ve carried that mantra throughout my life. However if you ask me, the most demanding sport I ever participated in was marching band. A proud trombone player of 10 years!
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that I now have the opportunity to make lasting connections in my community. When I first moved out here I felt like a tourist, no one knew who I was and I didn’t know anyone else. But now because of this job I have met so many people and business owners that I run into someone and chat almost everyday.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
Something that I am most impressed about and wish more people knew is that we are a team of only 11! It just goes to show what only a few of us can accomplish when we work together.
About 1Berkshire
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. 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. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.
