Local Shoppers Take BerkShares to 2 Million Mark

As of early November, BerkShares, the Berkshires’ own local currency, had put over two million locally minted dollars into circulation, all of which have been or will be—can only be—spent locally. As the global financial community continues to reel from instability and the cost of shipping goods all over the world continues to skyrocket, BerkShares are attracting the attention of those looking for other models for commerce, including the editors of Newsweek (see December 1, 2008 issue on newsstands).

And now, with the holiday shopping season upon us, BerkShares offers yet one more incentive to shop locally: the Second Annual BerkShares Holiday Shop-a-Thon. Whenever someone purchases a holiday gift using BerkShares, he or she earns the chance to enter a raffle and win great prizes generously donated by local businesses. The grand prize is 500 BerkShares cash.

Why let your holiday shopping dollars leave our community in these uncertain financial times? Support your neighbors. Shop locally using BerkShares and keep our wealth here in the Berkshires.

Holiday shopping can be stressful, and there’s nothing more stressful than a trip to the mall. Shopping on the internet may seem simple, but what if that sweater doesn’t fit? What if the gift doesn’t arrive in time? Our local merchants have a wide variety of gift items, and a trip to town is, in fact, shopping made easy. These merchants are part of the fabric of our community, and they would really appreciate your business this holiday season.

The BerkShares Holiday Shop-a-Thon began November 28th and continues through December 24, 2008. The raffle drawing will take place in early January. Winners will be contacted individually and acknowledged in local media.

Not sure what to get? Consider a gift certificate purchased with BerkShares. In addition to the retail businesses listed below, a number of fine restaurants, performing arts institutions, and health and wellness practitioners take BerkShares.

Also, don’t forget to give something back. The holiday season is traditionally a time of charity, and many Berkshire nonprofits are happy to take your donation—whatever amount is meaningful to you—in BerkShares.

For a Shop-a-Thon official rules and a complete list of participating businesses visit www.berkshares.org