Carnival & Fair News

  Berkshire Bank plans to stop originating loans through its Needham-based specialty lender while also pausing lending through a financial technology partnership the bank established last year.Berkshire CEO Nitin Mhatre said during the bank’s second quarter earnings call yesterday that Berkshire would stop originating loans through Firestone Financial, including for existing customers. Acquired by Berkshire in 2015, the Needham-based Firestone specialized in commercial lending for amusement, entertainment, fitness, laundry, vending and other industries.Mhatre said the decision to stop originating Firestone loans was strategic rather than a reflection of the portfolio’s performance. “Getting better before getting bigger was an important part of our strategic focus in 2021,” Mhatre said during the call. “And now, even as we’ve begun to grow our balance sheet in 2022, we continue to look for opportunities to improve our balance sheet mix and align it ...   [read more]

  The safety and security of Fairgoers remains a priority at Wisconsin State Fair. With this standard of uncompromised safety in mind, Wisconsin State Fair officials are introducing several additions and enhancements to existing protocols. These include the addition of vehicle barriers and a new bag policy as well as updates to the carry-in policy for the annual State Fair.The addition of MVB3x vehicle barriers is one of the new safety enhancements that State Fair staff has put in place to aid in defining pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Gate and entrance configurations have also been updated to increase safety between pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Additionally, this new layout allows for a better flow as Fairgoers enter and exit, delineating Fairgoers who have pre-purchased tickets from those who still need to purchase tickets.While visiting the State Fair, all bags must be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags as well as bags holding ...   [read more]