BUSINESS BRIEFS August 10, 2026: Business news in the Berkshires and beyond

August 10, 2026 - 12:40

A roundup of recent business and community news from across the Berkshires and neighboring regions, highlighting new leadership, financial milestones, and corporate giving efforts.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announced a new partnership with the Berkshire United Way to launch a workforce development program focused on digital skills for regional employers. The initiative will offer certificate courses in data analytics and cloud computing, with scholarships available for low-income residents. College officials say the first cohort will begin in October, and they expect to train roughly 120 workers over the next year.

Beacon Bank reported a strong second quarter, with net income up 12 percent compared to the same period last year. The bank credited growth in small business lending and a rise in commercial deposits. In a statement, the CEO noted that the bank has seen particular demand from manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Beacon also announced it will open a new branch in Pittsfield's downtown district by early 2027.

MountainOne has completed its acquisition of a local insurance agency, expanding its portfolio to include commercial property and casualty coverage. The deal, which closed on Monday, adds about 1,500 new clients. Financial terms were not disclosed. The company says it will retain all existing agency staff and integrate operations over the next few months.

Berkshire Health Systems is moving forward with a $4 million renovation of its outpatient care center in North Adams. The project will add six new exam rooms, a dedicated imaging suite, and an expanded waiting area. Construction is set to begin in September, with an expected completion date of next spring. Hospital leadership says the upgrade is meant to reduce patient wait times and improve access to preventive care.

In other news, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission received a state grant to study the feasibility of a shared electric vehicle fleet for rural towns. The study will look at usage patterns, charging infrastructure, and cost models. A report is due by June 2027.