The Impact of Local Action: Ben Lamb’s Work in Massachusetts

In the Western Berkshires, where Norman Rockwell sat at his easel capturing everyday moments in paint, streets and buildings still resonate with echoes of his masterpieces. The region that sparked "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas" and "The Four Freedoms" has evolved beyond those canvas snapshots. Now, between weathered brick storefronts and along maple-lined streets, neighbors are crafting their own renaissance, with Dr. Ben Lamb at the forefront.

Ben exemplifies how lasting community transformation begins with local voices and hands. From his position as Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire in Western Massachusetts, he helps steer initiatives that strengthen local businesses, draw visitors, and nurture community bonds. Yet this role tells only part of his story.

A former city councilor and nonprofit coalition chair, he pours his energy into every corner of civic life. Each undertaking stems from his belief that the Berkshires' next chapter should open doors for all who call these hills home - honoring the community spirit Rockwell painted while blazing new paths forward.

“If you see a need, don’t wait for someone else to fix it - step up and do something about it.”

Learning to Serve from an Early Age

Ben grew up in a small town in upstate New York, where helping others was simply a way of life. His father volunteered as a firefighter and an EMS coordinator while working as a chemist, and his grandparents were always involved in local service. He recalls,

“It was just part of our household culture. No one talked about volunteering like it was something special - you just did it because that’s what we did.”

These early experiences taught him the importance of giving back, a lesson that has shaped his path ever since.

As a teenager, he discovered he had a knack for leadership. In high school, he took on roles in student government and organized volunteer events. "My sophomore year was when it all came together," he says. "I realized that I enjoyed stepping up, getting people involved, and making things happen."

His educational journey wasn’t straightforward, but it gave him broad skills. He earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies and a Master’s in College Administration. Recently, he completed his doctoral degree, focusing on keeping young graduates in rural areas. “I ended up in economic development, even though my degrees don’t match the field,” he admits with a smile. “But that’s okay - the hands-on experience has been more valuable than any specific course.”

He credits his liberal arts background teaching him to think critically and adapt quickly. These skills have been essential in his work with local governments and community projects. He explains,

“You don’t need a degree in Economics to help a community grow. What matters is being able to solve problems and bring people together.”

What Does Community Engagement ‘Really’ Mean?

The term ‘community engagement’ is used a lot these days, often in different ways depending on who’s talking. For him, it’s about more than just putting on events or sharing information - it’s about involving people in meaningful ways.

“Community engagement can take many forms. Sometimes it’s about getting people’s input or building support for a project, and other times, it’s about just making sure people feel connected.”

He understands that not everyone will choose to be involved in the same way, and that’s okay. "Some people don’t show up until after a project is done, and that’s still part of the engagement process," he notes. He sees the value in including as many people as possible, even if they participate in different ways or at different times.

Ben often compares his work to planting seeds. "You’re always laying the groundwork for the future," he says. This mindset was a driving force behind the NAMAzing Eagle Street Initiative in North Adams. What started as an idea to improve the local street turned into a project that revitalized the entire area. It took time and effort, with he and other volunteers meeting regularly for over a year before launching the initiative.

"We didn’t have a budget - we just had a group of people who cared," he recalls. Their hard work paid off, and the project sparked new businesses, events, and community activities.

“The best part is that it’s self-sustaining now. It keeps growing and evolving, and that’s exactly what we hoped for.”

Learning to Adapt and Stay Resilient

His work has taught him the value of resilience. When you’re involved in community projects, there are bound to be setbacks and criticism. He admits,

"You’re not always going to get it right. But if you’re listening and making improvements based on feedback, you’re heading in the right direction.”

He stresses the need to adapt, especially in today’s world, where community engagement includes both in-person events and online interactions. "You can’t rely solely on social media, but it’s a great tool for reaching people and gathering feedback," he says. Still, he believes that face-to-face communication is essential for building trust and understanding.

In his various roles, whether working on economic development or leading youth programs, he has learned that listening is one of the most powerful tools in community work. “You’re not going to solve every problem,” he says, “but just being there to listen can make a big difference.” He explains that even if a suggestion isn’t used, the fact that people feel heard can be just as valuable.

“It’s a balancing act,” he notes. “You have to listen to everyone, but you also need to recognize that not every idea will be adopted.” For him, successful community engagement is about finding that balance and constant learning.

Advice for Those Looking to Get Involved

He encourages anyone considering a career in public service or volunteering in their community to just get started.

“There’s no one path to follow. You could begin by volunteering and end up leading a project, or you might work in a completely different field and find yourself drawn to community work.”

He suggests finding something you’re passionate about as a starting point. "If you love the outdoors, look for opportunities to help with trail cleanups. If you’re interested in education, volunteer with a youth program," he advises. He also recommends tackling local problems.

“If you see a need, don’t wait for someone else to fix it - step up and do something about it.”

For him, success isn’t measured by personal recognition but by the lasting impact of his efforts. “The goal is to create projects that keep going even after you’re no longer involved,” he says. His satisfaction comes from knowing that the initiatives he helped start will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

Ben Lamb’s story shows that anyone can make a difference, no matter where they start. His work, whether it’s organizing youth programs or helping to revitalize a neighborhood, is rooted in a belief that small actions can lead to big changes. His experiences remind us that community work is about more than fixing problems - it’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and planting seeds to create a beautiful future.

Additional Massachusetts Resources

Dig deeper into the organizations and resources Ben mentioned:

1Berkshire: A county-wide, not-for-profit organization focused on economic development and the promotion of the Berkshire region. Formed in 2016 by the merger of four economic development organizations, it hosts networking events and educational programs and promotes member businesses globally. It also supports business expansion, entrepreneurship, and regional tourism while developing skills through its leadership programs.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition: The coalition aims to improve the quality of life in Northern Berkshire, Massachusetts, by organizing, supporting, and empowering the community. It hosts monthly meetings, provides support for neighborhood development, and promotes positive youth development through various programs. It also engages in substance use prevention, leadership development, and health and wellness initiatives.

NAMAzing Eagle Street Initiative: A collective of local stakeholders, including municipal representatives, street residents, business owners, and community partners, working to reinvigorate Eagle Street based on the guidance of North Adams, Massachusetts residents.

Norman Rockwell Museum: An art museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, United States, dedicated to the art of Norman Rockwell. It is home to the world's largest collection of original Rockwell art.