MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SOUNDING HIS VOICE FOR MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS

It was a true DLE moment when community member Auric Enchill became the youngest member of the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation’s (PERC) Board of Directors.

Auric’s nomination was presented for approval at PERC’s annual meeting on Dec. 10 by DLE President Linda Dulye, who is a member of the PERC board. It was approved unanimously.

Sales Manager at Pittsfield, MA-based Elegant Stitches, Auric is excited about his new role. “As a young native resident of Pittsfield who is active in the city’s small business community, I believe this opportunity will allow me to give voice to minority business owners as well as young entrepreneurs.”

After graduating from Tufts University, Auric began injecting his innovation at his family’s custom embroidery and screen-printing company. Teaming up with his father, he transitioned the business to virtual sales by creating a new website that is generating new revenue and online customers nationwide. Their success caught the attention of the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, and Auric and his father were featured on its 2019 Annual Report.

PERC is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to small businesses. Formed as a community development corporation in 1982, PERC serves as a resource for economic development in Pittsfield and Berkshire County by providing direct loans, grant assistance and consulting services.
Auric says that a PERC grant awarded two years ago contributed greatly to his company’s success. “We received a technical assistance grant through PERC to redevelop our website, which played a big role in our 23% increase in annual sales.”

An alum of the 2018 and 2019 DLE Retreat, Auric is looking forward to a bright 2021. “I am hopeful that my contributions to this organization will manifest themselves in long-term business development and growth in our community.”

Auric is truly committed to giving back to his community. Over the past year, he has joined the Board of Directors of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and the Berkshire Immigrant Center. He now becomes the youngest member of the PERC Board.