“With everything that’s going on with the economy, the more local it can be, the more successful and secure.”
--- Oskar Hallig, owner of Only in My Dreams Events
There is a growing awareness of where and how our goods are made and a lot more transparency from the clothing industry about what we are buying and wearing.
Isaacs created a design for the currency, BerkShares, that was inspired by the Euro, one that was elegant, contemporary, and “looked as good as global, but had a local feel.”
Right now, Doyle says, is a great time to be in the Berkshires. Thanks to improved communications technology people can choose to live here for the quality of life, even if their work is based somewhere else.
“When you look at the big picture in the world — between politics and war and where money is going – it’s a privilege and it’s liberating to have our own currency. It’s an action when you use BerkShares. It’s an instant way to not feel helpless; to do something that makes a difference. It’s like voting.”
-- Adam Zieminski, owner of Café Adam
“In many places, things are getting homogenized, which is a real loss for our economy and our culture. I see the Berkshires as one of the final bastions of independent, unique entrepreneurs. What really makes our entire economy go is local people supporting each other.”
-- Rob Navarino, owner of The Chef's Shop in Great Barrington