January 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

BerkShares local currency is gaining unprecedented national and
international media attention as a positive citizen response to a troubled
global economy. A January 7th front page Wall Street Journal story on a
local currency used in Santi Suk, Thailand highlighted BerkShares as "one of
the more successful programs." The story was then referenced in media in
Norway, Lithuania, Turkey, China, and other international press.

Ben Block of World Watch Institute wrote a more detailed story and posted it
at http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009286.html.

As a result of such media focus the E. F. Schumacher Society's office which
hosts BerkShares is fielding calls from other communities asking how they
can set up similar programs to encourage support of regionally owned
businesses. In December hits to the BerkShares website averaged 8,600 hits
per day according to Zenn New Media's internet tracking system.

In difficult economic times businesses are willing to be more creative in
how they do business and community groups are willing to organize to support
the businesses that make up the intricate but fragile fabric of their local
economies.

If you are still unfamiliar with the BerkShares program and are wondering

* how you could be more involved in expanding the import replacement
capacity of Berkshire businesses through your economic choices, or

* how as a business owner you could accept BerkShares and expand your trade
with other local businesses,

BerkShares is holding two informational meetings in January.

The first is Tuesday morning, January 13th, at 8AM at the Red Lion Inn in
Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Space is limited so if you are planning to
attend, please contact BerkShares Executive Director, Sharon Palma, by
emailing sharon@berkshares.org or calling 413-358-2692. Our thanks to the
Red Lion Inn for graciously providing space for this event.

The next is Monday, January 26th at 5:30 at Brix Wine Bar in the center of
Pittsfield. Light refreshments will be served and, of course, a fine
selection from the bar at your own cost.

Please join us. If you are unable to attend, you can still access the
directory of BerkShares businesses, a list of participating banks at which
federal dollars may be exchanged for BerkShares, and a free business sign up
form at:

http://www.berkshares.org

Best wishes,
BerkShares Team
PO Box 125
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413 528-1737
www.berkshares.org