This week is 3rd Thursday, but because it's also school vacation week (and president John has abandoned Pittsfield for warmer climes), there will be no luncheon meeting or organized evening social. At our last meeting, president John noted that the Mayor has organized an award ceremony at Hot Plate Brewery on School Street from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, honoring Hot Plate Brewing Company and Interprint, who have respectively have been named silver and bronze winners of the 2023 MassEcon Economic Impact Awards. The Economic Impact Awards celebrate companies throughout the Commonwealth for their contributions to the state’s economy. Each awardee must meet three criteria including locating a new operation in Massachusetts or expanding operations resulting in added jobs and facility investment, social impact with community involvement/philanthropic efforts and internal/ external equity, diversity and inclusion practices. The event offers members an opportunity to socialize, and perhaps recruit new members.