Meet the 1Berkshire Team
By Jonathan Butler
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: Cathleen King, Marketing Coordinator, and Amanda Alibozek, Digital Marketing Associate.
Meet Cathleen King, Marketing Coordinator
Cathleen lives in Clarksburg with her husband and The Livestock – two senior kitties, Olive and Pomplemousse, and a ten-month old rescue pup named Fiona. She has two adult children who live as continental bookends – a son in Seattle and a daughter in Boston. Cathleen loves creative outlets including writing, gardening, cross stitch, crochet, and making jewelry.
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
As Marketing Coordinator, my position is people-centric, which I just love! I have the privilege of working with our membership to promote their events and businesses to residents and visitors alike. I assist in creating the annual Official Guide to the Berkshires and the Explore the Berkshires brochure, maintain our Events Calendars, and coordinate visits by journalists and influencers looking to highlight our area through their social media channels. As a content contributor, I enjoy writing pieces that showcase the myriad unique businesses and activities that are the Berkshires! No two days have been the same – I have even assisted with Membership and the Econ/Dev team from time to time.
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
When my husband and I relocated to the Berkshires in 2012, it felt like I had come home – even though I had never been here before! The people are so welcoming. There is no lack of things to do, foods to taste, trails to hike, friends to make – the issue is more finding enough time to take it all in! There is an unmatched serenity that comes from being surrounded by the beauty of the mountains; I didn’t know how much I needed that until I began to experience it. Creativity abounds – I am in awe of the crafters, the artisans, the sheer talent up and down the County. Noticeable is the pride that residents have in being a part of the Berkshires, and I am happy to share in that pride. To be fortunate enough to call the Berkshires my home, and now have a position promoting it, is a bit of a full circle moment.
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
My father always told me that nothing happens without reason, and that we are the sum of our experiences. Prior to my current post, I spent nearly 20 years teaching high school English. Half of that time was spent working with at-risk youth, including in the North Adams School District. I helped to develop a project-based and competency-based program in which our students worked internships with partnering businesses. Many of the connections I made while teaching are now the ones I am encountering here at 1Berkshire. Having that grassroots understanding of the business climate and association with local business owners was an asset as I changed careers! (Oh – and a really fun fact is that I have been on board a US nuclear submarine! My brother served on the US JK Polk!)
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that every day, I learn something new about this wonderful region. That is truly the nature of my job – to learn and then share what I have learned! But what makes it even better is the crew I get to work with. It is a pleasure to work with dedicated and talented individuals who work like a well-oiled machine. We help each other out, feed each other ideas, and share some really great laughs when we have a bit of downtime together. I truly have never worked somewhere where I have felt so supported, and encouraged to try new experiences.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
I wish people could see just how dedicated 1Berkshire is to promoting and developing this region, and casting a positive light on our member businesses. All of us at 1Berkshire work here not just because it is a wonderful work atmosphere and work family, but because we truly believe in celebrating and showcasing all the beauty, all the talent, all the hard work being done throughout the Berkshires. There is so much pride in a job well done, and in lifting not just one but all our members through economic development and tourism.
Meet Amanda Alibozek, Digital Marketing Associate
Amanda Alibozek lives in Adams with her husband and pup. She loves her community, volunteering for multiple boards and committees in town. In her free time, Amanda loves to explore the area with friends, listen to audiobooks, take walks with her dog, Bear, and trying new recipes.
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
I am the Digital Marketing Associate at 1Berkshire. In my role, I manage all this digital marketing on both our 1Berkshire and Visit the Berkshires platforms. I help to optimize our websites and manage digital advertising with our members. I also generate all our 1B and Berkshire tourism e-communications and promote the area on our corporate and tourism based social media channels. Here’s my not-so-subtle pitch to follow us on social media!
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
The Berkshires has so much to offer! First and foremost, I love the Berkshire County community. I love going to places, getting to know other people, and the sense of community that follows. The people truly make this area an incredible place. Add in all the different activities for each season, and it truly is an amazing place to live and work. There is always something new to experience, both professionally and personally. From visiting classic Berkshire attractions to exploring off-the-beaten paths to trying out new businesses, there is something for everyone and every interest!
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
I love softball. I played throughout college and have coached for close to 10 years.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love that I am able to promote the region that I love. As someone who is born and raised in the Berkshires, I am passionate about seeing this area grow, thrive, and prosper. Everyday I learn something new! There are so many wonderful people, businesses, experiences, and opportunities in the Berkshires, and my job allows me the opportunity to bring awareness to all the great things happening here.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
Wow, there are so many things I wish people knew about 1Berkshire. It wasn’t until I started working here about a year ago that I truly realized the impact of this organization (and I’m still learning more everyday)! 1Berkshire is the silent supporter for many of the positive impacts happening in the Berkshires. From promoting the region for tourism, to assisting local businesses through economic development, to providing educational and professional resources for individuals, it is hard to find something happening in the Berkshires that has not been assisted, in some capacity, by 1Berkshire. I am constantly amazed at the reach 1Berkshire has promoting, developing, and aiding the region, and the overwhelming passion each of my coworkers has for the Berkshires.
Photo credits: Tricia McCormack Photography
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