Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Pittsfield, Massachusetts - approval to acquire Rome Bancorp, Inc., Rome, New York

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (Petitioner), Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has petitioned the Board of Bank Incorporation (Board) pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 167A, sections 2 and 4 for approval to acquire Rome Bancorp, Inc., Rome, New York. Rome Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for The Rome Savings Bank, Rome, New York. In the Commonwealth, the Petitioner is the holding company for Berkshire Bank, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. An application has also been filed with the Division of Banks for approval of the subsequent merger of The Rome Savings Bank with and into Berkshire Bank.

In determining whether or not to approve the petition the Board and Division must decide whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted by this proposal. A public hearing will be given to all interested parties on the petition before the Board on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:15 a.m., in Hearing Room 1E, First Floor, 1000 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Any interested party other than the Petitioner should file communications, including briefs in favor of or protest, with the Board or the Division at 1000 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02118-6400.

All comments concerning this petition, however, must be filed with the Board or Division by the close of business March 11, 2011. The applications and all communications relative to these matters are available for public inspection at the above address.

Board of Bank
Incorporation

David J. Cotney
______________________
Acting Commissioner of Banks


Navjeet K. Bal
______________________
Commissioner of Revenue


Steven Grossman
______________________
Treasurer and Receiver-General