Meet the 1Berkshire Team
Round 4: Ben & Lindsey
By Jonathan Butler
Welcome to the fourth 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: Ben Lamb, Director of Economic Development, and Lindsey Schmid, Vice President of Tourism and Marketing.
Meet Ben Lamb, Director of Economic Development
Ben Lamb lives in North Adams with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever. He’s an avid backyard gardener, DIYer, spicy food aficionado, and lover of creative placemaking initiatives.
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
As Director of Economic Development I focus my energy on an array of efforts and areas, but primarily on big picture issues that will have a sustained and long-term impact on the Berkshire economic ecosystem. As we’ve coined our work “wraparound economic development” it tends to include a wide array of direct, and peripherally related issues. From housing, to transportation, to workforce, to brick and mortar, to social issues, and everything in between. I oversee our Youth Leadership Program, manage our commercial real estate platform, provide oversight of our jobs page, and co-conduct around 200 consultations a year. On top of that, I work deeply with an array of regional partners to develop and execute targeted projects that address issues and actions of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, our regional economic imperative. By aligned with the blueprint scaffolding, we are able to aggregate resources, create connectivity, and maximize the impacts of collective efforts to strive for more inclusive economic prosperity across the entirety of the region. We aim to create fertile ground, and provide tracking and facilitation that will pay off both in the short and long term for private industries, municipalities, and the community here in the Berkshires.
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
I love pretty much everything about the Berkshires but in particular, I love how much there is to do with my family, and how varied things are from one end of the county to the other. There is never a lack of opportunities, even during the pandemic. I can end my work day, and in 10 minutes be on a trail to a waterfall, or playing in the garden, or heading to a world class concert a mile away from my house. I also love the entrepreneurial spirit and authentic grit this region holds. We have deep history that speaks volumes to the impact the Berkshires have had over time, but also this scrappiness that helps us innovate, try new things, fight for what we need, and get things done. It’s a hard energy to pin down, but once you sense it, you see it everywhere around here, and it can really recharge your inspiration batteries.
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
I’ve had an array of professional experiences in my life, everything from salmon population research in Alaska, to polymer resin adhesive chemistry, to ecotourism in Belize, and as a high school guidance counsellor, but nothing compares to the profession of parenthood.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love the dynamism and constant agility needed to address the needs of both my job and the region. There is always something to add to the docket of opportunities to dig into, and there is never a dull moment.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
We are the front door to so many incredible resources, relationships and opportunities. Whether we have them in-house, or we know somebody who knows somebody, we are the perfect place to start, especially if you are looking to start, adapt, move, or grow a business here in the Berkshires. And 99% of what we can do to support you is FREE, you just need to reach out.
Lindsey Schmid, Vice President of Tourism and Marketing
Lindsey Schmid is a self-proclaimed foodie and world traveler who lives in Lenox with her husband and two daughters. When not promoting the amazing Berkshires, she enjoys swimming in any of our many lakes, sipping wine on her back porch, and the stillness that comes from a great winter snowstorm.
Tell us a little about your role at 1Berkshire.
I am the VP of Tourism and Marketing and I am also the Regional Tourism Council Director which allows 1Berkshire to be the official state designated regional tourism council. In my role I oversee the marketing team which actively works to promote the Berkshires to visitors, relocators, businesses, and more.
What do you most enjoy about living, working, and playing in the Berkshires?
I love all the access to the great outdoors that we have, coupled with ongoing cultural offerings (there is always something to do). I also really appreciate access to real local food and having the ability to have my own backyard garden. The sense of community is so strong here which makes it a great place to raise kids while also having a little bit of something for everyone in my family.
Tell us one fun fact about you – professional or personal.
Right after college I lived in Costa Rica. I was there for two years and I think that really sparked my love of travel and also what has inspired my role at 1B to market this place as an amazing destination.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I have been with this organization since its inception and was with the Berkshire Visitor Bureau prior and have enjoyed the on-going change. It has taught me a lot about being flexible and adaptable and has allowed me to work with an amazing group of people both within the organization and out.
Is there anything you wish people knew about 1Berkshire that perhaps they are unaware of?
I wish that more people locally knew about and utilized our website, berkshires.org, especially now as we are set to launch a total overhaul of this site. It is truly the quintessential Berkshire planning tool for residents and locals alike.
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