Eric is the owner of EBITDA Intl. Business Consultancy and is a 30+ year global M&A and business integration professional, specializing in process optimization and international expansion. He received a B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; a Russian Linguist Certification from the Defense Language Institute/Presidio of Monterey, CA; and a certificate in Russian studies from Middlebury and Harvard.
Eric is an Army 10th SFG(A) Honorably Discharged veteran. After living overseas for nearly 30 years, Eric relocated from Europe to North Egremont in 2020 and, with his partner and her children, has a small farm with rescue animals (horses, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens). He is passionate about community and economic development and strongly believes that leveraging his diverse international experience and business skillset can positively support the efforts of the Impact South County.
He is committed to working with stakeholders in the area to optimize available resources, advocate for an improved quality of life for all, and support affordable housing and enhanced economic and employment opportunities.
Cara graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in Business Administration. Before moving to the Berkshires, she worked as a Manager of Executive Training and Development for Lord & Taylor stores where she created and implemented Executive training programs for the company nationwide. Cara moved with her family to the Berkshires from Long Island and has since taken roles as Community Liaison for the town of Great Barrington and Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. Cara has also participated in many task forces that focus on the betterment of the community she loves.
Mark brings more than four decades of experience advising on capital construction projects, with particular expertise in project planning, delivery strategies, and cost-effective implementation. As Principal of MSB Advisors LLC, he supports organizations in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His career includes more than 30 years with leading professional services firms, as well as roles with the City of New York and an engineering consulting firm. A Berkshires resident for nearly a decade, Blumkin is committed to advancing affordable housing solutions that support the region’s workforce and long-term economic health.
Erik is the President of SoCo Creamery. He has also led an investment company specializing in emerging markets and has been a reporter, editor and writer, publishing several books, including Our Nation’s Archive. He was the founding president of the Railroad Street Youth Project for ten years and has taken leadership roles in several community organizations.
Eugene is a serial entrepreneur who has been a visionary in building Internet-based technology solutions at the intersection of arts and technology. His first company was the national arts listing site CultureFinder.com, funded by AOL Ventures and Comcast. He then co-founded and was the CEO of Patron Technology, which developed PatronManager.com, a CRM/ticketing/marketing/
Tom is a Broker Associate with Dunes Real Estate and Bishop West Real Estate, as well as the Managing Director of TOPA Enterprises, LLC, a real estate investment and development company. Tom joined the Impact South County Board in 2017.
Robin is the Principal of RH Consulting, www.consultrobin.com , founded in 2000 in NYC. She holds a BA/BS from Tufts and an MBA from Cornell. Her practice provides strategic support to clients from startup to succession. As the former owner of a small business (Robins Candy est. 2004, sold 2025) Robin is especially passionate about working with small business owners in the Berkshires.
Robin joined the board of Impact South County in 2021 and currently serves as Chair of the Governance Committee. Her board involvement focuses on economic development, marketing strategy, and small business technical assistance (SBTA) programs. Robin brings an entrepreneurial spirit, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to community-centered economic growth and housing opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking the Berkshire Hills and exploring local farmers markets.
Dennis is a dedicated advocate for food access and housing insecurity. He and his family relocated to the Berkshires from Oakland, CA six years ago. Since settling in Great Barrington, Dennis has been deeply involved with food initiatives. He serves as the business manager at Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Director of Operations at The People’s Pantry, and manages the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market. In these roles, he focuses on ensuring that everyone in the community has access to nutritious food and works to strengthen the local food system. His work goes beyond mere provision, emphasizing the importance of local currency and fostering a strong sense of community. Through his efforts, Dennis is committed to creating a resilient and self-sufficient local economy while addressing food and housing insecurities in the Berkshires.
Richard has been involved in town projects and affordable housing projects, including the development of several condominium projects in Great Barrington with affordable home ownership. Taconic Parking lot was funded through a grant written by Richard and he helped found the Impact South County in the early 1990s, serving on the board at that time. We are pleased to have Richard back on the Impact South County board once again.
David is the former owner of the Thornewood Inn in Great Barrington for more than three decades. With his wife, Terry, they transformed a neglected Dutch Colonial home on the outskirts of Great Barrington into a successful Bed & Breakfast and restaurant. A talented musician, David could often be found performing at the Inn for visitors and guests.
Cameron is a Creative Real Estate Marketer and Sales Associate with Stone House Properties, and Co-Founder of the digital marketing agency 413Buzz. Cameron draws on his experience as a Berkshire native to educate others in his Living in the Berkshires YouTube channel. His understanding of the area’s multifamily properties and first-time home buyers has given him a unique understanding of the relationship between tourism and the need for affordable year-round housing. His perspective as a budding entrepreneur sparked a passion for helping other small business owners overcome challenges when taking the first steps to pursue their dreams.
Jim has practiced architecture for more than 20 years and is a graduate of Cornell University. In 2007. Jim moved from New York City to Lenox, Massachusetts where his office for J. Harwood Architect is now based. Jim has a history of designing responsible, energy efficient buildings in the challenging northeastern climate. He is a LEED accredited professional. Jim joined the board at Impact South County in 2010 because of his commitment to the creation of living wage jobs and affordable housing.
Emmalyn joined the Impact South County full-time in 2017. Emmalyn is a Berkshire native from Becket, MA. After graduating from high school she spent the next ten years living and studying in Washington, DC, New Mexico, Texas, and Spain. She studied Sociology and Spanish at American University in Washington, DC, worked in the education department at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque, and taught yoga. She lives in Great Barrington with her husband and children.
Photo credit: Sam Backhaus
Giulia joined the Impact South County in early 2022. Giulia is originally from Italy and moved to the U.S. in 2013. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Verona and, since relocating to the Berkshires in 2015, has worked in the nonprofit sector. Giulia is passionate about food and cooking, and loves to support our excellent local restaurants. She lives in Great Barrington with her husband, two young children, and dog.
Reid joined the Impact South County in early 2025. Reid brings extensive experience from a career in television, where he worked as a director and producer on renovation and design programming for networks such as HGTV and A&E. His credits include 24 HR Flip and House Hunters International. While his airline status may take a hit, he’s pleased to be home more and rooted in the community. Reid enjoys applying his production and storytelling skills in support of Impact South County mission.
In our monthly newsletter, you will receive project updates, event invitations, and updates on activities happening at Impact South County and our partner organizations.
