BerkShares Pocket Directory Now Available

Berkshire citizens and visitors can now find the complete and up-to-date list of “BerkShares Businesses” in a newly printed pocket directory available at all 13 participating bank branches, from Lenox to Sheffield.

The pocket directory is a hand-held guide to all of the businesses that accept BerkShares, the Berkshire Region’s local currency. Business listings are organized by type, (food, services, lodging, shopping, etc.), and each listing is coded to reflect the business’s location.

The number of businesses that have officially signed up to accept BerkShares is greater than ever. This network of BerkShares Businesses spans economic sectors and includes food and beer manufacturers, artists, lawyers, dentists, plumbers, contractors, excavators, retailers, health care providers, restaurants and community nonprofits, among others.

BerkShares present an opportunity to retain even more money in the local economy and to support and enhance the success of local businesses.  The “BerkShares Accepted Here” sticker displayed by BerkShares businesses and exchange banks helps consumers to distinguish the locally owned businesses and the community-minded banks that make the Berkshires unique.  The 95 cents/1 BerkShare exchange rate incentivizes citizens to spend their money in locally owned businesses and encourages local businesses to recirculate the money by spending it with other local businesses.

While many regions such as the mid-Hudson Valley are just now developing tools to retain money in the local economy, the Berkshire Region already has one at hand, BerkShares. BerkShares are issued by a nonprofit membership organization, in which the membership elects the board of directors.  This puts the economic tool of a local currency in the hands of the people of the region in which it circulates.

Any person or business in the Berkshire Region may accept or spend BerkShares.  However, businesses that register with BerkShares benefit from a free listing in both the online and printed directories and from promotion in BerkShares social media.  Business owners may register their business to be included in the BerkShares directory by visiting the “Business Sign-up” page of the BerkShares website.

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds. 

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.