Banks You Can Bank On

June 15, 2009

Dear BerkShares Businesses,

As we face a progressively shaky national economy and the failure of large
scale banks around the country, BerkShares is increasingly proud of its
partnership with local banks and community bankers who know the importance
of supporting community and the local economy.

Our thanks to Berkshire Bank, Lee Bank, Salisbury Bank and Trust, Pittsfield
Cooperative Bank, and Lenox National Bank for their support of BerkShares.

In related local banks news, Paula Miller of Lee Bank in Great Barrington
was quoted in Yes! Magazine’s latest issue, in an article by Judy Schwartz
entitled “Dollars with Good Sense: Do It Yourself.”
(http://www.berkshares.org/press/09june1.htm) Here’s what Paula had to say
about our homegrown money creating community:

“Customers love it. We’ve gotten to know other businesses better,” she
said, adding that it’s always fun when clients recognize the work of local
artists who designed the bills. “It makes it a little more real.”

Helping to further authenticate our local currency and pioneer the northern
and eastern expansion of BerkShares, Berkshire Bank in Lee has signed on as
the 13th local bank branch to open its doors to individuals looking to make
exchanges between federal dollars and the region’s local currency. This
addition will support the growth of the BerkShares community, helping
customers more readily connect to the thirty-five plus participating
businesses in the Lee/Pittsfield area.

Back down south, it’s easier than ever to exchange federal dollars for
BerkShares and vice versa: you can count on Salisbury Bank in South Egremont
to welcome your exchanges at their drive-thru window. So, if you’re on the
run or have the kids in the car, swing through South Egremont for an
efficient transaction from the comfort of your driver’s seat.

The Yes! Magazine article hailed BerkShares as being “considered the
best-designed and most successful local currency in the United States.”
Please help further support BerkShares’ success by donating services to the
BerkShares Fundraiser & Service Auction, set to take place on August 22.
Find out more details here and please join in the fun:
http://www.berkshares.org/press/newsletters/09jun08.htm

Best wishes,

Sarah Hearn for the BerkShares Team
BerkShares, Inc.
P.O. Box 125
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-1737
www.berkshares.org