In this episode of BIC Presents, we share highlights from a special event hosted at the Berkshire Innovation Center in 2024 - a public screening of the Oscar-winning documentary American Factory, followed by a live community discussion. The film, produced by Participant Media and Higher Ground Productions (founded by Barack and Michelle Obama), documents the culture clash that unfolds when a Chinese auto glass company reopens a shuttered GM plant in Dayton, Ohio - revealing tensions around labor, automation, and values in a shifting global economy.

Facilitated by award-winning filmmaker PJ Moynihan, the conversation took place on the historic grounds of the former GE Plastics plant - a site that once represented economic vitality in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and whose closure left deep scar tissue in the local workforce.  Today, the Berkshire Innovation Center stands on that same ground, helping to shape a new vision for innovation and industry in the region.

Panelists include Eric Planey, CEO of SolaBlock; Dr. Dennis Rebello and Tim Butterworth from the BIC leadership team; and retired local engineer Mike Lindsey.  Voices from the audience brought urgency, history, and perspective - challenging the narrative portrayed in the film while spotlighting new opportunities in workforce development, clean energy, and technical education.

From global supply chains and automation to vocational training, youth engagement, and climate-resilient jobs, this episode explores what it means to rebuild trust in manufacturing and connect local history to future opportunity.  It’s a conversation rooted in place - and possibility.

Links:

Berkshire Innovation Center:

 https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com

American Factory (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81090071

Higher Ground Productions:

 https://www.highergroundproductions.com

Produced by Nate Christy & PJ Moynihan, BIC Studios