BUSINESS BRIEFS June 29, 2026: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond

June 29, 2026 - 08:35

The local business scene in the Berkshires and beyond saw several notable developments this week, with organizations announcing leadership changes, community partnerships, and new initiatives.

Christine Bilé has been named the new executive director of the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board. Bilé brings over a decade of experience in workforce development and nonprofit management to the role, where she will focus on connecting local job seekers with employers in growing sectors like healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

BFAIR, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities, has received a $50,000 grant from the Greylock Foundation. The funding will support the expansion of their residential services in North Adams, adding two new group homes designed to provide independent living skills training for adults.

UCP of Western Massachusetts announced a merger with the Springfield-based Center for Human Development. The combined entity will serve over 5,000 clients across the region, offering integrated services for people with developmental disabilities. Officials say the merger will streamline operations and expand access to vocational training programs.

In energy news, Lipton Energy has broken ground on a new solar farm in Pittsfield. The 10-acre installation is expected to generate enough electricity to power 400 homes annually. The company says the project will create 30 temporary construction jobs and two permanent maintenance positions.

Berkshire Community College reported a 12% increase in enrollment for its summer session compared to last year. College officials attribute the growth to new online certificate programs in cybersecurity and data analytics, which have attracted students from outside the traditional service area.