Innovation Lives #InTheBerkshires

The Changing Workforce, Part 3: ClimateTech

Episode three of our six part limited series about the changing workforce is a conversation about the emerging ClimateTech sector with Eric Planey, CEO of SolaBlock.  Founded by renewable energy expert Patrick Quinlan and veteran mason Jason Laverty, SolaBlock is a Pittsfield-based startup whose technology is the next direction in solar, allowing an entire building to be used for renewable energy production.  Eric sat down in the studio to discuss the strategic positioning of Berkshire County in the regional ClimateTech ecosystem, and the broad implications for supply chain and workforce here in the Berkshires. SolaBlock [https://www.solablock.com/]

The Changing Workforce, Part 2: Interprint USA

“Innovation Lives #InTheBerkshires”  is an original podcast produced by BIC Studios in partnership with MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board.  In a region internationally renowned as a destination for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, the phrase “Innovation Lives #InTheBerkshires” is a broad acknowledgement that technology and innovation are also part of the Berkshire’s industrious past, thriving present, and limitless potential. Episode two of our six part limited series about the changing workforce zooms in on the Advanced Manufacturing sector in the Berkshires through the story of Interprint USA.  Interprint is one of the largest Advanced Manufacturers in the region, and is in the process of a nearly $28 million expansion of its Pittsfield plant, expanding its facilities on Route 41 by 57,000 square feet and adding 20 new jobs over the next three years.  We sat down with Peter Stasiowski, Director of Communications at Interprint to discuss the expansion and some of the challenges and opportunities in today’s evolving labor market. Interprint USA [https://www.interprint.com/en] Careers in the Berkshires [https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/innovationlivesintheberkshires] Socials: in [https://www.linkedin.com/company/berkshire-innovation-center/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/berkshireinnovationcenter/] FB [https://www.facebook.com/berkshireinnovationcenter] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkv2dXUhyBy5Szcc60pmew]

The Changing Workforce, Part 1: Lay of the land

Welcome to “Innovation Lives #InTheBerkshires” - an original podcast series produced by BIC Studios in partnership with MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board.  In a region internationally renowned as a destination for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, the phrase “Innovation Lives #InTheBerkshires” is a broad acknowledgement that technology and innovation are also endemic to the Berkshire’s industrial past, present, and future. Our first installment of the podcast entitled “The Changing Workforce” is a six-episode limited series investigating the evolving landscape of the job market through the stories of firms and workers that makeup the fabric of Berkshire County’s technology-focused sectors.  From AI and the breakneck pace of technological advancement, to the churn in labor markets and rise of emerging industries, the waters are choppy and challenging to navigate for both employers and job seekers.  Episode one of “The Changing Workforce” is a conversation amongst stakeholders in regional workforce and economic development that lays the groundwork for the challenges and opportunities for firms and workers amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.  We sat down with Brenda Burdick from General Dynamics, Ben Sosne from the Berkshire Innovation Center, and James Kupernik from VidMob at our shiny new podcasting suite here at the BIC, to jump feet first into a conversation that impacts everyone in our region. General Dynamics [https://www.gd.com/] Berkshire Innovation Center [https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/] VidMob [https://www.vidmob.com] Socials: FB [https://www.facebook.com/berkshireinnovationcenter] in [https://www.linkedin.com/company/berkshire-innovation-center/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkv2dXUhyBy5Szcc60pmew] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/berkshireinnovationcenter/]