Monday, September 14, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Katy Sparks

Katy Sparks is an award-winning chef and culinary and food systems consultant who lives and works in the southern Berkshires after spending over 25 years in New York City. She is Cornell certified in Executive Leadership and passionate about helping our local food businesses and food makers grow and thrive. She enjoys the abundant and diverse cultural scene in our region and shares many beautiful local walks with her husband and energetic “doodle”.

written articles

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Bizalion’s Fine Food in Great Barrington

Bizalion’s Fine Food co-owner Jean-François Bizalion emphasizes the unexpected connections between Provence and the Berkshires, the merits of Volcanic grown olive oil, and the importance of gaining fresh inspiration through travel and of valuing your community.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Ward’s Nursery

Sam and Eva Ward believe strongly in community engagement through educational programs, cultivating a strong resources page on their website, and being on site every day to interact with their customers.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Hart GB

"I made the sweater I’m wearing right now, and I like to be making things and repairing things, so whether that is craft or art doesn’t matter so much to me," said Jamie Goldenberg, owner of Hart GB. What does matter is that I’m using my mind and my hands to figure out the world around me by interacting with it."

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Western MA Graphic Novels

The heart of Andrew Sanders' business is centered around engaging knowledgeably and thoughtfully with his customers no matter their age or interests.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Berkshire Mountain Bakery

"I actually structured the bakery and organized it so that there is no reason it shouldn’t be here for the next 700 years. I started my career in Europe... and in one particular small town there was a bakery that had been there for 900 years—so it’s possible!" said Berkshire Mountain Bakery owner Richard Bourdon.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Hilltown Restaurant

"Food has been in my blood and in my soul and in my family. Providing hospitality and connecting people through food just feels natural to me. At Hilltown we aim to practice a 'joyful hospitality,'" said Hilltown chef and owner Rafi Bildner.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Barrington Outfitters

"The owners, Peter and Richard Drucker, are wonderful to work for, and the feeling of community they offer when you come into the store is like none other," said Barrington Outfitters General Manager and Sheffield native Stacy Arseneau.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Art Omi

I spent a wonderful hour learning about Art Omi’s mission and programming from its Co-Executive Director Jeremy Adams.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Tivoli Mushrooms

Tivoli Mushrooms keeps expanding its operation to meet the ever-increasing demand for locally farmed and culinarily prized maitake, oyster, lion’s mane, and beech mushrooms.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Matrushka Toys and Gifts

Making thoughtful and joy-filled choices with a mission to contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Frames on Wheels

I got the impression that once you bring your valued item to Hilary Sutcliffe's shop, you can rest easy that it is in very good hands.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is Lineflax and Roving

Visiting Cardinale Montano's home, it was immediately apparent that she had an affinity for materials that resonate with her on some deep level.

BerkShares after 20 years: Board members reflect on the past and the future

Today there are 300-plus participating businesses that distinguish themselves as locally owned and community-minded participating in the BerkShares program.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is No Comply Foods

A sense of gratitude and a little bit of “how did we get here” energy suffused my conversation with Steve and Julie Browning of No Comply Foods on a terribly cold day in February.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month is JWS Art Supplies

I sat down for a conversation with Tom Levin and Emily Cox of JWS Art Supplies to talk about their business and its future.
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