Starting June 26, pairs of friendly faces will be taking to the streets of downtown Pittsfield to be an approachable source of directions, information, and assistance for residents, visitors, business owners, and the general public during the busiest time in the Berkshires. This year, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the program by the City of Pittsfield, Pittsfield Garden Tour, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, NBT Bank, Lee Bank, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Museum, Hotel on North, and Berkshire Theatre Group/Colonial Theatre, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s (DPI) Ambassadors will be on the streets at peak times for visitors, Wednesday through Sunday through the end of August.
The Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program is a partnership between Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Police Department. The program addresses increased visitor presence during the summer and helps to relieve the demand on police presence downtown. It is based on similar models implemented in other cities around the country.
The job is twofold focusing on concierge service and safety. The ambassadors are walking concierges. They are a welcoming, information sharing resource helping visitors and residents find parking, offering directions and wayfinding, and providing information on dining, shopping, and cultural activities.
The ambassadors are trained and certified by the Pittsfield Police Department in CPR, AED, First Aid, and public safety protocol. Ambassadors observe street activity and, when needed, call for assistance via police radios, which they are equipped with. Downtown ambassadors walk in pairs along the downtown loop donning distinctive uniforms identifying them as official representatives of Pittsfield and greet everyone with a smile.
“The goal of the Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program is to create a welcoming downtown environment for all residents, workers, and visitors by delivering on DPI’s mission to maintain a clean, safe, and friendly district”, says Cheryl Mirer, Executive Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Their primary focus will be on hospitality – giving directions and parking information, as well as information on things to do, places to eat, and where to shop. “Ambassadors will also act as eyes and ears for public safety, social service partners, and public works by educating, assisting, and reporting on various needs and issues.”
The 2019 Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program is sponsored by the City of Pittsfield, Pittsfield Garden Tour, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, NBT Bank, Lee Bank, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Museum, Hotel on North, and Berkshire Theatre Group/Colonial Theatre.
The mission of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is to foster the ongoing growth and vitality of downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts through vision, leadership, and advocacy and to position downtown as the creative and business hub of the Berkshires for the benefit of all.
Since 1983, DPI has been the recognized leader, facilitator and principal advocate for downtown. DPI has developed strategies and programs, mobilizing resources resulting in a creative, lively, and sustainable environment.
DPI is a nonprofit membership organization consisting of property owners, businesses, residents, cultural and entertainment venues, restaurants and nonprofit organizations joining forces to increase economic activity by promoting downtown as a great place to live, work, and play. DPI works in partnership with the various city departments—which has led to major streetscape projects, parking improvements, marketing initiatives, and the Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
