Trevor Jones, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Friday June 11, 2010
PITTSFIELD — Creative economy officials from across the state came together at the Colonial Theatre on Friday to praise Pittsfield’s redevelopment efforts and discuss the steps that are needed to further those improvements.
The meeting is one of four that will be held throughout the state by MassINC, a nonprofit think tank that uses non-partisan research, civic journalism and public forums to stimulate debate and shape public policy. These gatherings feature gateway cities like Pittsfield, and their efforts to improve economic opportunities.
In Pittsfield, as well as gateway cites like Lowell and New Bedford, those efforts have been centered on the change from an industrial center to one that focuses on creative and cultural endeavors on a community-wide basis. That effort is succeeding here better than some other areas, said MassINC’s executive vice president, John Schneider.
“There’s a grassroots element about it that’s become more institutionalized than in other places,” said Schneider.
Schneider pointed to the Colonial’s restoration as one of the city’s key revitalization efforts, and cited Mayor James M. Ruberto’s efforts in transforming the city’s image and economy.
“It’s not just a tired old mill town, there’s some interesting opportunities here,” said Schneider.
He said that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with a realistic approach to the work that remains.
“You’re trying to turn around decades-long decline,” said Schneider. “That’s going to take time, and some risks and some failure.”The major issues that need to be addressed to continue those efforts include increased inter-connectivity between cultural institutions and other business sectors, improved networking with the entire county and beyond, and greater education and workforce development, the attendees said.
Helena Fruscio, the director of Berkshire Creative, said continuing to inform industries outside the creative economy that they need to work together will be a major step in this area’s revitalization.
“It’s the breaking down of the silos and saying, ‘Yes, you are a part of this,’” said Fruscio.
David M. Rooney, the president of the Berkshire Economic Corp., said other improvements need to be done to draw people to the area and foster more growth.
“The more we improve the quality of life, the more opportunities you’re going to create from that,” said Rooney.
Rooney also said the region needs to leveraging the strengths that already exist here, and expanding its connections with areas that range from the Hudson Valley in New York to the Connecticut River Valley.
Click here to learn more about the Gateway Cities initiative.
