County business leader Interprint, Inc. was founded right here in Pittsfield in 1983. Locally managed, although part of Global Interprint, the firm currently employs about 130 folks at their handsome corporate headquarters, constructed in 2006. They have supported WAM Theatre since the beginning and for this year, have increased their support to make it possible for WAM’s after school Girls Ensemble program to get launched successfully. Interprint Director of Communications Peter Stasiowski took a moment to chat with us about why WAM is an easy choice for him to recommend to the Interprint Managing Directors for continued support.
“There are a lot of mouths to feed in Berkshire County, a lot of worthy organizations seeking corporate support,” Stasiowski explained. “At Interprint we strive to spread our sponsorship over several areas. Having an educated work force here is vital to us, so we support education in all its forms. We want to address social justice issues of poverty, hunger, and oppression. And our cultural institutions provide that quality of life that is so important to us in attracting and retaining employees. WAM offers something different, they cross over all the categories we care about, not just the arts, not just the education, not just the charity to those in need, but all of the above.”
“In Kristen van Ginhoven you have someone who is personally invested in her vision and in our community. She has come every year to speak to us about what WAM is doing and how our support will make a difference. She doesn’t have to do that, but she understands, as an employer and leader in the county herself, that the personal approach makes a huge difference.”
Interprint is a décor printer. “Here in Pittsfield we design and then print beautiful patterns that our customers use to create products like furniture, cabinetry, countertops, and flooring,” Stasiowski explained. “If it looks like real wood but it isn’t the chances are the design originated at Interprint.”
The Pittsfield facility boasts five printing machines, one of which has a width of up to eight feet, three laboratory machines, and an in-house repro department supply the North American market with the latest decors.
“We see WAM as part of the whole renaissance of the Berkshires, and Pittsfield in particular. The value of the revitalized Colonial Theatre and the growth of Barrington Stage means we don’t have to travel far to enjoy high quality entertainment. The value of WAM is the message that there are women here and abroad who face oppression and don’t have these opportunities. It is so important that message is communicated and heard and that local awareness is raised. That has value beyond the excellence of WAM’s productions.”
“Interprint is behind WAM Theatre for the long haul and we understand the importance of what the company is doing. Our message to the WAM team is: ‘Please soldier on and continue to do this good work. It is what we want and need to have happen in the community, and we want to help your efforts grow.’”