Saturday, January 25, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Rachel Moriarty

Rachel Moriarty is the coordinator of BerkShares Local Currency and director of operations at the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. Born and raised in the Berkshires, her knowledge of the area allows her to work to increase circulation of BerkShares locally and engage the community around the opportunities for economic resiliency in Berkshire County. Rachel received her B.S. in sustainable food and farming from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to working at the Schumacher Center, she worked for Berkshire Grown and Greenagers.

written articles

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Roger the Jester

Nothing brings Roger Reed more joy than having an audience member from the early days of his 49-year-old career return with their children and grandchildren.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: Digitizing small businesses in the Berkshires

Silo Media, BerkShares' Business of the Month, is a multimedia creative agency run by Beth Carlson and Kip Beacco. The duo specialize in graphic design, video production, website design, and social media marketing management.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: HART

Jamie Goldenberg's downtown Great Barrington store is equal parts gallery, shop, and classroom, and has become a safe haven for creatives during the pandemic.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Shaker Mill Books

Amongst the 30,000 books at Eric Wilska's West Stockbridge store, you'll find used, rare, antiquarian, out-of-print, and the occasional new works.

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month: Berkshire Children’s Chorus

More than just singing, the chorus provides invaluable mentoring relationships and lifelong friendships.

PERSPECTIVES: BerkShares Business of the Month:North Plain Farm and Blue Hill Farm

While studying at Berkshire Community College, Sean Stanton began North Plain Farm in 2001 with 25 chickens at his parents’ property.

BerkShares Business of the Month: OKUN

Despite his casual attitude and desire to have fun on the job, he conducts himself in a professional manner and understands that his reputation is everything.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Lauren Clark Fine Art and Framing on the Edge

Like many small businesses, gallery curators have a unique bond with their clientele, who share the same sense of style and develop trust in the curator to procure art that speaks to their taste.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Mahaiwe Tent

It’s the connection to other local businesses that make it possible for Mahaiwe Tent to accept BerkShares.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Braise Worthy

Braise Worthy has a unique business model: Through a direct-to-consumer subscription service, meals are delivered weekly to three pick-up locations throughout the southern Berkshires.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Rolling Rock Farm

When asked about the most important thing he’s learned from all his years in business, Rolling Rock Farm's Tony Carlotto said that it’s to be nice to people, adding, “When you’re happy and show up with a big smile, it spreads.”

BerkShares Business of the Month: Berkshire Gold & Silversmith

Just as he recognizes his shop as a community hub, Tom Parker says he loves the way that BerkShares are a tool to create community.

BerkShares Business of the Month: The Floor Store

They don’t see many cash sales, but Joe Sr. says that they accept BerkShares at the Floor Store because, “Anyone who is helping increase the visibility of the Berkshires is helping everyone in it.”

BerkShares Business of the Month: Chesterwood

The first retail location to carry BerkShares postcards, Chesterwood supports BerkShares as a marketing opportunity to reinforce the connection to the Berkshire economy.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Heirlooms Jewelry

During the slow season in the dead of winter, businesses in Stockbridge look to innovative ideas like cooperative advertising and value-added opportunities like BerkShares.

BerkShares Business of the Month: Brookside Quiltworks

It is difficult for her to source local textiles because fabric is considered a low-end good in the United States. However, Kane recognizes the importance of supporting the local economy.
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