New age town in U.S. embraces dollar alternative

Reuters ^ | 19 Jun 07 | Scott Malone

[Barney Gumble]

GREAT BARRINGTON, Massachusetts (Reuters) - A walk down Main Street in this New England town calls to mind the pictures of Norman Rockwell, who lived nearby and chronicled small-town American life in the mid-20th Century.

So it is fitting that the artist's face adorns the 50 BerkShares note, one of five denominations in a currency adopted by towns in western Massachusetts to support locally owned businesses over national chains.

"I just love the feel of using a local currency," said Trice Atchison, 43, a teacher who used BerkShares to buy a snack at a cafe in Great Barrington, a town of about 7,400 people. "It keeps the profit within the community."

There are about 844,000 BerkShares in circulation, worth $759,600 at the fixed exchange rate of 1 BerkShare to 90 U.S. cents, according to program organizers. The paper scrip is available in denominations of one, five, 10, 20 and 50.

In their 10 months of circulation, they've become a regular feature of the local economy. Businesses that accept BerkShares treat them interchangeably with dollars: a $1 cup of coffee sells for 1 BerkShare, a 10 percent discount for people paying in BerkShares.

Named for the local Berkshire Hills, BerkShares are accepted in about 280 cafes, coffee shops, grocery stores and other businesses in Great Barrington and neighboring towns, including Stockbridge, the town where Rockwell lived for a quarter century.

"BerkShares are cash, and so people have transferred their cash habits to BerkShares," said Susan Witt, executive director of the E.F. Schumacher Society, a nonprofit group that set up the program. "They might have 50 in their pocket, but not 150. They're buying their lunch, their coffee, a small birthday present."

[maine-iac7]

I thought it was Norman Rockwell. The conservative of all conservative person. The paintings that he did made life the best of the best so I am not sure of your point.

Bingo

Gt. Barrington is still a sleepy little "NR" town.

I'm getting a little tired at the FReeper's laziness and assumptions - without checking/knowing the facts - I thought that was Rather's realm - and I thought Freepers were more careful before positing judgments.

Is it me, or do the postings from FR's lately seemed to have gone downhill?

[Mrs. Ranger]

“Is it me, or do the postings from FR’s lately seemed to have gone downhill?”

It’s not just you. :) Nor is it just this subject.

Frankly, I don’t have the time, much less the patience, to teach “Retail 101”, much less explain the difference between the “Berkbucks” marketing strategy and the “Ithaca Hours” bartering system.

I clicked on this article mainly because we pass by Stockbridge a couple of times a year and I’ve been wanting to stop and visit the Rockwell Museum. If we do stop next time, I’ll be sure to buy some “Berkbucks” at the outset to avoid paying the “cash premium” if I purchase anything, and will redeem any remaining ones before we leave. :)

[Alouette]

Can I use my Canadian loonies?

[maine-iac7]

I’ve been wanting to stop and visit the Rockwell Museum. If we do stop next time,

DO!

I lived in the Berkshires for many years - when NR was alive - and his studio, a charming little cottage - (which he called "the cottage" ) was in the back yard of his place in downtown Stockbridge. I had many delightful conversations and much invaluable critiquing with/from him. He was a totally humble and witty man.

His cottage has been transported to the grounds on of the museum which is situated on many lovely, bucolic acres out of town.

To step inside the cottage is to feel as tho' he's just stepped out for a lunch and will be back momentarily.

[Terabitten]

again! try reading the whole article.

I did read the whole article. The article gave every indication that this was approved by the town government, not just by local businesses. To wit:

one of five denominations in a currency adopted by towns in western Massachusetts

The only indication that this was not government sponsored was in this sentence: "BerkShares are cash, and so people have transferred their cash habits to BerkShares," said Susan Witt, executive director of the E.F. Schumacher Society, a nonprofit group that set up the program." Just because a non-profit set up the program originally doesn't mean that it's not government sponsored in the end.

So, before you accuse others of not reading the article, make sure it says what you think it does.

Good day.