Biz Briefs: Berkshire Money Management Founder Allen Harris Publishes First Book| 12:05PM / Monday, March 19, 2018 | |
 Berkshire Money Management founder and CEO Allen Harris has released his first book. |
Written in stone
Berkshire Money Management founder and CEO Allen Harris has released his first book, written especially for business owners in the midst of transition. "Build It, Sell It, Profit," published by Advantage in February, as a longtime labor of love and valuable insight into preparing business owners who are looking to reap the benefits of their hard work.
"Build It, Sell It, Profit" is written for all business owners, including those who know what they need to do, but who are trying to navigate where to begin in the process. The book is about increasing an owner's income while making the business a better candidate for sale – either in two years or 10.
The book is an accessible culmination of Harris's expertise and anecdotes detailing why it's critical for business owners to have a proper valuation of their business well before they decide to sell. It is also a valuable tool to guide readers and clients on how to structure their business, while it is still theirs, which will dramatically increase an owner's income. For a limited time, Berkshire Money Management is offering valuation for non-client business owners online. The book is also available through the BMM link.
Liquor license
John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant in South Egremont has received a new liquor license permitting wine, beer and spirit service once again. Still under the ownership of longtime Chef-owner Dan Smith, the restaurant recently reincorporated and changed its holding company name to Dan Smith, Inc.
After several weeks of a B.Y.O.B policy for guests during this recent transition, John Andrews Farmhouse is again fully licensed to serve alcohol. Patrons can enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages from local craft cocktails, cider and beer to an extensive wine list as recognized by the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
In addition to its seasonal dinner menu, John Andrews Farmhouse offers a casual bar menu. The bar menu, which includes a local burger, mac & cheese and fried chicken, is available along with the dinner menu in the dining rooms and on the patio in season. Special weekly menus include Giovedi, a three-course Italian prix fixe menu every Thursday, featuring a different region of Italy each week for $30 per person. Meatloaf Mondays, a prix fixe menu featuring spinach salad followed by succulent housemade pork meatloaf, mashed potatoes and broccoli served with a mustard pan sauce, is priced at $24 per person and will continue through April 1.
Entry to Entrepreneurship
Students in the program listen to an instructor in 2015. This year's students will present their business plans on April 11.
BerkShares will host an event to hear students from the Entry to Entrepreneurship business planning program present their business plans to the public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Dewey Hall, 91 Main St. Following the presentations, BerkShares will award each student 50 BerkShares in seed money and audience members will be invited to ask questions of the students and join a conversation about business opportunities in the Berkshires.
This is the fourth consecutive year that BerkShares has offered Entry to Entrepreneurship. Developed with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Berkshire Regional Office and hosted by Berkshire Community College's South County Center, the 10-week program is taught by members of the local business community and others volunteer their time as mentors, advisors, and business plan reviewers. Students are introduced to multiple voices and perspectives from throughout the local economy while also learning the fundamentals of business. This year's students range in age from 17 to 33.
Entry to Entrepreneurship is part of an initiative through BerkShares called "Community Supported Industry," which builds on the community-supported agriculture (CSA) model to find ways that Berkshire citizens can identify local business opportunities and work together to turn them into enterprises that become part of the local economy.
Housing help
The Housing Ministries of New England has made a $15,000 grant to the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire to fund predevelopment work on a property at 910 Main St. in Great Barrington, which CDCSB is exploring as a possible affordable housing site. If proven feasible, the project will add a significant number of new affordable apartments in Great Barrington.
HMNE promotes the housing and social needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and families through advocacy and support for quality affordable housing. This grant program is focused on maintaining and expanding the supply of quality housing through innovative practices in the low- and moderate-income housing market.
CDCSB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating job opportunities, promoting economic development, and building low-moderate income housing in south Berkshire County. In collaboration with other like-minded organizations, the CDCSB has built more than 60 housing units and leveraged over $19 million in private and public funding.
Nonprofit nominations
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is launching an annual awards program to recognize people who work tirelessly in the nonprofit sector to serve the Berkshire community. The NPC will present the first Berkshire Nonprofit Awards breakfast on Tuesday, May 22, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Country Club of Pittsfield.
Nominations are being solicited from across the Berkshires in seven categories: Executive Leadership, Board Member, Super Staffer, Unsung Hero, Volunteer, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement. Finalists and winners will be selected by a committee of business leaders. The nomination form is available online; the deadline for submissions is March 31.
Founded in 2016, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires serves as a clearinghouse for information, helping nonprofits connect, learn and grow. The NPC has more than 70 members.
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