BUSINESS BRIEFS August 3, 2026: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond

Belden House & Mews awarded

Litchfield, Conn.— Belden House & Mews has received an Award of Merit from Preservation Connecticut in the 2026 Connecticut Preservation Awards, presented annually to recognize exceptional efforts to preserve and revitalize the state’s historic buildings, landscapes, and communities.

Preservation stories often tell of threats and losses. With this in mind, the Connecticut Preservation Awards instead turn to stories of accomplishment and creativity. The awards honor rejuvenated places where the community can work or play, gather and govern, or create. The award recognizes places that provide shelter, conserve resources, and recall the history of their region recontextualized for a modern audience. In many ways, the award honors individual projects, long-term contributions, and professional achievements that demonstrate how historic places contribute to the life and vitality of Connecticut communities.

Belden House & Mews, opened in 2025, carefully preserves the character of a restored c. 1888 Victorian mansion with a c.1959 modernist estate, upholding the property’s architectural integrity of its historic buildings while offering a contemporary, design-forward destination deeply connected to the cultural heritage of Litchfield.

In addition to the Award of Merit, Belden House & Mews received official citations and special recognitions from the State of Connecticut’s General Assembly and United States Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher S. Murphy. 

Founder Anthony Champalimaud said, “There were once many hotels in town lost by quirk of history long ago. Belden House is therefore also a restoration of our long-standing tradition of hospitality, welcoming visitors from near and far.”

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‘Speed Networking’ at BCC

Pittsfield— On Tuesday, August 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents “Speed Networking.”

The series of five- to ten-minute, one-on-one conversations are designed for business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to make networking easier and more productive. Participants will have a chance to introduce their businesses, talk about what they offer, share the kinds of clients or partners they’re looking for and exchange contact information. When time is called, each participant rotates to meet someone new. Come ready to make connections, grow your network, and explore ways to collaborate with others in the Berkshire business community.

The event is on Tuesday, August 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Berkshire Community College, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. Registration and more information can be found online.

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MountainOne Bank announces Vice President

North Adams— MountainOne Bank has announced that Tracy McConnell has rejoined the bank as Vice President, Berkshire County Commercial Team Leader.

McConnell is returning to MountainOne after previously serving with the Bank for more than 22 years, most recently as Vice President of Commercial Lending from 1995 to 2017. In her new, expanded role, McConnell oversees MountainOne’s Berkshire County commercial lending team, leading business development, relationship management, credit quality, special asset management, and portfolio performance. She also provides leadership and mentorship to the Bank’s commercial lending staff while strengthening relationships with businesses and community organizations throughout Berkshire County.

McConnell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Business and Leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and earned a Graduate Banking Diploma from the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking. She is a highly active community volunteer, serving as Treasurer of UCP of Western Massachusetts, a Board Member of the AYJ Fund, and an advisory board member of Charles H. McCann Technical School. McConnell is also a long-time member and former president of the North Adams Rotary Club and supports the Mount Greylock Regional High School and McCann Technical School booster clubs.

“I am excited to return to MountainOne and continue serving the businesses and communities that have meant so much to me throughout my career,” said McConnell. “As a lifelong Berkshire County resident, I understand the unique opportunities and challenges our local businesses face, and I look forward to helping them achieve their goals while supporting the continued growth of our communities.”

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The Carle announces Chief Curator and Director of Education

Amherst— The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has announced two new senior staff who will help lead the Museum: Rebecca Klassen as Chief Curator and Craig Langlois as Director of Education.

Rebecca Klassen will join The Carle in September 2026 after 13 years at The New York Historical, where she served as Curator of Material Culture and Decorative Arts. While there, she curated or co-curated exhibitions that explored underrepresented stories, including “Betye Saar’s Black Dolls” (2026); “Art for Change: The Artist & Homeless Collaborative” (2021); and “Stonewall 50 at the New-York Historical Society” (2019), among others. She collaborated with The Carle on shows presented at The New York Historical, including “The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems “ (2016) and “Eloise at the Museum” (2017), as well as served as consulting curator for The Carle’s recent exhibition “The Art of Grace Lin: Meeting a Friend in an Unexpected Place” (2025).

Craig Langlois is an education and museum leader with more than two decades of experience connecting art, learning, and community. He spent more than 15 years at the Berkshire Museum, serving as Director of Education and Public Programs, Chief Experience Officer, and Co-Interim Executive Director. At the Berkshire Museum, he led interdisciplinary education and public programs, supported curatorial and exhibition development, oversaw visitor experience and museum operations, and helped guide institutional planning and building management initiatives. Prior to joining The Carle, Langlois served Pittsfield Public Schools as District Data and Assessment Coordinator and Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, supporting curriculum implementation, educator professional development, instructional coaching, and applied learning initiatives.

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Southern Berkshire welcomes Administrator

Sheffield— As part of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District’s continued commitment to strengthen financial and operational practices, the district is pleased to announce the selection of Matthew Myers as the new School Business Administrator. 

Myers brings more than twenty four years of experience overseeing finance, accounting, budgeting, and strategic and operational planning for businesses across the country. He has been a commercial banking manager for BNP Paribas/Bank of the West, where he led compliance and accounting reporting, founded two successful companies, and spearheaded projects for the State of Hawai’i. Myers earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and his Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell University. 

“I’m honored to join the district. I believe that strong financial management in public schools creates opportunities for everyone,” Myers said. “When we can ensure that resources are being invested thoughtfully and strategically, we pave the way for better outcomes for students and the entire school community.” 

The hiring of Myers comes at an important time as the district continues to enhance its business office and financial practices following the approval of the FY27 Budget by the district’s five member towns. In addition to welcoming Myers as the district’s new School Business Administrator, the district is also providing ongoing support for School Treasurer Camie Lamica via a mentoring school business professional from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). Together, these efforts reflect the district’s commitment to strengthening internal financial practices. 

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Dewey Hall welcomes board member

Sheffield— Dewey Hall welcomes Andrew Baroody as a board member.

Andrew Baroody is a legal and business executive at Warner Bros. Discovery whose career has been devoted to supporting the creation, distribution, and growth of media and entertainment businesses. Earlier in his career, he practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, advising companies on significant commercial and corporate matters. He is proud to support Dewey Hall’s mission of promoting creativity, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment. 

An enthusiastic learner and traveler, Andrew enjoys exploring different languages and cultures, spending time reading and gardening, and sharing daily adventures with his partner Justin and their two labs, Heidi and Parker.

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BCC info sessions

Pittsfield— Berkshire Community College (BCC) is offering two free community college informational sessions with Dr. Hara Charlier for prospective students. 

Dr. Hara Charlier, who joined BCC as its new president on July 1st, will meet prospective students, who will learn about degree and career training programs as well as how to qualify for free tuition. The sessions are on:

• Thursday, August 13th at 5 p.m. at the Lee Public Library, located at 100 Main Street in Lee
• Wednesday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the North Adams Public Library, located at 74 Church Street in North Adams

To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/freecollege.