To: File FROM: Ann Dobrowolski DATE: May 15, 2014 RE: Doreen Wade, NE. Informer 3/7/2013 Doreen Wade sent blanket email to business development contact people in Berkshire County. See emails; reviewed website and materials sent; called and set up meeting, 4/2/2013 Meeting between D. Wade and A. Dobrowolski . Wade explained that she was planning to move to Pittsfield and bring her business here. She said the business had not been making money. It was originally a print publication that wes now strictly web- based, but that she planned to restart a print publication while continuing a web presence. She said she was self-employed in the business and might add 2 employees. She said she had 40 writers that contributed to the publication and national advertisers. She said she might need funding, but did not have a business plan. A. Dobrowolski explained the Pittsfield business assistance programs that were available, including the Pittsfield Community Development Technical Assistance Program and the Pittsfield Community Development Small Business Loan Program. She reviewed program eligibility requirements, and the application and PERC review process. D. Wade asked if the city had any business assistance programs especially for minority business owners and A. Dobrowolski explained that while there were no programs targeted for minorities that the business assistance programs were available. A. Dobrowolski referred D. Wade to Berkshire Community College and Berkshire Enterprises for incubator space and provided contact numbers. 4/29/2013 Meeting with Mayor Daniel Bianchi, D. Wade, Will Singleton, Mary McGinnis and A, Dobrowolski Note: D. Wade had an initial meeting with Mayor Bianchi prior to this one, in which the additional parties were not included, D. Wade expressed that as a business relocating to Pittsfield she found the city nat welcoming and racist. She stated there were no black role models in the city. Affirmative action needed; no programs for black women. Mayor of Medford donated space. Cambridge does not charge for licenses for 3 years. She projected 7-10 employees in her business; she would not be bringing any existing employees to Pittsfield. The conversation was contentious with D. Wade contradicting most statements made by Mayor Bianchi, particularly statements made of their discussions at the prior meeting. Mayor Bianchi asked D, Wade "What do you want?” and “What do you need?” to which she replied “I will need to think about it.” She said she did not need training (technical assistance) and did not need a business loan. Mary McGinnis offered help with business contacts (Chamber of Commerce and real estate) and following the end of the meeting walked D. Wade to the Chamber of Commerce office and downtown locations.