June 26, 2009

Dear BerkShares Businesses,

There are many ways to take a stance in support of the local economy. For
one, we know from both studies and experience that much more of our money
stays in the local economy when citizens shop at their small, independent
businesses. Yes! Magazine recently noted that on average, for every dollar spent at a local businesses, 45 cents is reinvested locally, compared to a mere 15 cents spent at their
bigbox counterparts (Civic Economics, December 2002.)

BerkShares is revolutionary in its promotion of keeping money local, thanks
to the growing network of nearly 400 dedicated businesses currently
accepting the region’s currency. BerkShares “Business-to-Business” (B2B)
exchanges are especially vital to ensuring the flow of local money in our
community. The more BerkShares that can circulate without returning to the
bank, the more robust the program becomes, which brings us closer to more
radical local self-reliance: a loan program to start up much needed local
production and job creation, and an independent, stable currency linked to a
basket of local commodities.

In this way, every BerkShare recirculated is a tour de force advocating
greater sustainability for our region; every Du Bois bill you spend is a
rally of activism for an alternative economic future.

To help actively support the number of BerkShares in circulation, here is a
refresher list of commonly used B2B opportunities:

Accounting
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category.htm#accountant)

Advertising
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category.htm#ads)

Automobile expenses
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category.htm#automotive)

Business meals and food
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category1.htm#foodconfections)

Computer Services
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category.htm#computerconsulting)

Donations – Support our local non-profits!
(http://www.berkshares.org/nonprofit.htm)

Legal Services
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category.htm#attorney)

Office Supplies, Shipping
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category2.htm#office)

Printing
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category2.htm#printer)

Website Development and Hosting
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category3.htm#website)

‘Zines and Other Publications
(http://www.berkshares.org/directory/dir_category2.htm#publishers)

Best wishes,

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

*** New BerkShares Businesses ***

Art of Wellness Massage Therapy
17 Bridge Street, Great Barrington, 01230
(413) 329-5573
Contact Person: Nanci Worthington
Contact e-Mail: artofwellness@earthlink.net
http://www.artfwellnesslmt.com
Providing wellness support through massage therapy and allied holistic
healing techinques since 1985.

Berkshire Children's Chorus
PO Box 18
Sheffield, MA 01257
(413) 229-2465
Contact Person: Nancy Loder
Contact e-Mail: voices@berkshirechildrenschorus.org
http://www.berkshirechildrenschorus.org
Since 1990, Berkshire Children's Chorus has been providing students in
grades 3 through 12 with musical experiences that develop personal and
artistic excellence, support the growth of positive values, and enrich our
community. Auditions are open to anyone from Berkshire, Columbia and
Litchfield counties.

Brookview Studios
P.O. Box 752, Lee, MA 01238
(617) 240-0177
Contact person: Jennifer Knodler
Contact e-Mail: jennifer@brookviewstudios.com
www.brookviewstudios.com
Professional event photography and graphic design services for all events
ranging from weddings to festivals, corporate events to family reunions.

JWS Art Supplies
38 Railroad Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 644-9838
Contact person: Deb DesCognets
Contact e-Mail: info@jwsartsupplies.com
http://www.jwsartsupplies.com
We are dedicated to providing high quality and beginner art supplies in a
friendly, helpful atmosphere. Our staff is knowledgeable and seeks to
encourage and support local artists at all stages of creation.

Raven Wing Massage
26 Daniels Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 446-2913
Contact Person: Jeff Torres
Contact e-Mail: JT@JeffTorres.com
www.RWMassage.us
Jeff is already receiving praise from fellow students and teachers as well
as paying customers of the schools clinic. One fellow student even went so
far as to say that "it was simply awesome, like I received a gift."

Tamara Valicenti, LICSW
56 Housatonic Street, Suite 2, Lenox, MA 01240
(413) 637-4484
Contact Person: Tammy Valicenti
Contact e-Mail: tamcsw@aol.com
Counselor and psychotherapist specializing in divorce and relief from
trauma, anxiety and substance abuse. Providing EMDR.