Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Generates Positive Momentum
Progress and Promise
Rebecca Brien was born and raised in Berkshire County and has lived in Pittsfield for the past 30 years, so she knows something about the ebbs and flows of the economy and how that impacts a city and its downtown.
“When an organization like General Electric or a major employer leaves, it does create this gap,” she said, which is why she’s thrilled that 20 new businesses have set up shop downtown over the past two years.
And why she’s equally excited to be managing director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI), which has been advocating, convening, and promoting downtown businesses since its launch in 1983.
“We act as a chamber of commerce for downtown. It’s a membership-driven organization; members consist of the usual retailers, restaurants, and cultural and entertainment venues. Nonprofit organizations are welcome, and we work very closely with key property owners downtown as well,” Brien explained.
“We have a vision for as many businesses to join our membership as possible. We have really great diversity downtown, and we want to make sure we welcome as many people as possible and create more foot traffic and a bustling district. Our mission is to strengthen and promote membership through advocacy, collaboration, and celebration.”
The advocacy element means DPI acts as a representative for its members to the city of Pittsfield, speaking to what members want to see downtown. One example has been the parking situation.