Company Notebook

Adams Community Bank, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Announce Merger

ADAMS, PITTSFIELD — Julie Fallon Hughes, CEO of Adams Community Bank, and Michael Daly, CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, announce that their boards of directors have unanimously approved a strategic merger estimated to be completed late fall 2026. This combination reflects a strategic partnership between two community banks coming together with a shared vision to better serve the Berkshires. The combined institution will operate as a mutual banking organization with approximately $1.5 billion in assets, nearly 200 employees, and 15 full-service branches serving communities throughout the county. The combined institution will be positioned as a centrally located, locally focused community bank dedicated to serving the businesses, individuals, and families of the region. A new name and brand are being developed to honor the values, history, and distinct contributions of both organizations. This merger of equals will bring together two boards of directors, creating a unified governance structure that represents both institutions. The merged bank will retain Adams Community Bank’s mutual holding company, with the current chairmen of each bank’s board of directors — Jeffrey Grandchamp of Adams Community Bank and John Martin of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank — serving as co-chairs. Hughes will remain CEO. Executive leadership of the new institution will include lifetime Berkshire residents Gregg Levante as president and Andre Charbonneau as COO, working in partnership to drive growth and long-term success while aligning talent from both organizations and maintaining strong regional insight. The merged bank will locate its headquarters and a full-service branch at 99 West St. in Pittsfield, a building recently purchased by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Upon completion, the combined institution will remain a locally focused community bank with decisions made in the Berkshires. The bank will continue to invest in local businesses and nonprofit organizations to support its customers and communities. All customer deposits will continue to be fully insured through the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. The merger is subject to customary state, federal, and governance regulatory approvals. Additional details, including timing, branding updates, and executive and senior leadership, will be shared as the process moves forward. Nutter McClellan & Fish LLP served as legal counsel for Adams Community Bank. Luse Gorman, P.C. served as legal counsel to Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Piper Sandler provided strategic consulting for both institutions.

Hideaway Inns Launches Third Property in Lenox

LENOX — Hideaway Inns announced the opening of its third property, Hideaway Inn Lenox. This property also marks the brand’s first franchise agreement and the introduction of Hideaway Inns into franchise partnerships. Developed by Hideaway Inns and managed by Revival Hotels, the 24-room hotel is the third property under the Hideaway Inns brand, launching less than six months after the company’s first opening in Mount Sunapee, N.H. With several additional franchise opportunities already in the works, Hideaway Inns plans to partner with strong ownership groups to transform properties into thoughtfully designed, experience-driven destinations. The brand prides itself on delivering a hospitality experience that combines frictionless technology, design-forward guest rooms, and fun communal spaces in scenic regional destinations. Located in the historic downtown of Lenox and within walking distance to Tanglewood Music Center, the hotel is well-positioned to serve leisure travelers. The facility is powered by Revival Hotels’ proprietary Invisible Hospitality model, enabling seamless direct-to-door check-in. Each guest room is uniquely designed (no two are alike), and comes equipped with a Hideaway-branded Crosley record player, a rainfall showerhead, a white noise machine, and amenities from La Bottega. The hotel also offers access to the HI Innsider Guide, a mobile app that serves as a personal concierge, providing curated recommendations, local insights, and on-property information. The hotel offers a range of shared spaces suitable for guests of all ages. The living room includes a vinyl library, board games, and a fireplace in a relaxed, BYOB-friendly setting. The Hideout is a retreat for children, giving families a chance to relax. The Commons offers indoor recreation with ping pong, vintage game tables, and foosball. Guests also have access to a complimentary 24/7 specialty coffee bar, curated vending machines, and a co-working space called Work from Hideaway.

Beacon Bank Invests $2.6 Million in Local Nonprofits in 2025

PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested more than $2.6 million in its communities in 2025 through grants to more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. “When we support our communities close to home, the impact is personal,” said James Morris IV, president of the bank’s Berkshire & Capital Region. “Our charitable giving reflects our belief that lasting change starts locally, where it can make the greatest difference.” Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.

BFAIR, UCP Boards Discuss Possible Merger

PITTSFIELD, NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced they are exploring the possibility of a future merger. The organizations emphasize that no final decisions have been made and that this process is in an exploratory phase. Discussions formally began in June 2025, with a shared goal of determining whether a combined organization could strengthen services, improve long-term sustainability, and enhance impact across the region. Over the past eight months, board members from both organizations have participated in a structured and collaborative process, supported by an external consultant, to guide planning and evaluation. As part of the process, both organizations conducted a comprehensive due diligence review of operations, governance, compliance, and risk. Financial records and assets were also closely examined to better understand opportunities and challenges. No significant concerns were identified. Following this work, both boards of directors approved and signed a non-binding resolution of intent to merge, reflecting a shared commitment to continue evaluating the opportunity. Further updates will be shared as the exploration continues.

TRE Olive Releases Custom UMass Bottle

EAST LONGMEADOW — UMass Amherst alumni and TRE Olive owners Joe and Michael Maruca announced the new release of a custom UMass 500-mL bottle of extra virgin olive oil. The UMass bottle features the award-winning TRE Olive Select, a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100% Carolea olives that are selected when the olives are perfect for making olive oil. The Maruca brothers are UMass Amherst alumni, graduates of the Isenberg School of Management, and members of the family behind TRE Olive, a business with deep roots in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. For generations, their family has been producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and in 2010, the TRE Olive brand was launched in the U.S. TRE Olive’s UMass bottle is available for purchase at the UMass campus store, the TRE Olive store in East Longmeadow, and online at www.treolive.com.

Hogan Technology Invited to National Convention

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology participated in the 25th annual Technology Assurance Group (TAG) Convention on April 26-28 in Las Vegas — one of the technology industry’s premier events focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of business technology. This year’s theme, “AI: Embrace, Capitalize, Dominate, Profit,” reflects a pivotal moment for business innovation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is actively reshaping how companies operate, serve customers, and compete. For Hogan Technology, attending this milestone event is about one thing: bringing back real-world strategies and technologies that directly improve outcomes for customers. Throughout the convention, Hogan Technology participated and provided insight during sessions focused on how AI can be applied across service operations, cybersecurity, and internal workflows.

Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy Opening in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy will host its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its new office located at 34 Depot St., Suite 303, Pittsfield. The event is open to the public and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new therapy space, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet Executive Director Colleen Passetto, a licensed independent clinical social worker, and her team. Light refreshments will be available. Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy is a group private practice offering traumainformed, inclusive mental health services for children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors. The practice provides inperson therapy in Berkshire County and telehealth services throughout Massachusetts, expanding access to care for individuals and families statewide.