Berkshares

In an effort to promote local businesses and save residents money, Southern Berkshire, MA began printing its own cash last fall. Known as 'Berkshares,' the currency is the brainchild of Susan Witt. The USD/Berkshares exchange rate is $90 = 100 Berkshares.

However, according to Asa Hardcastle, the head of Berkshares, Inc., helping the businesses and residents of Southern Berkshire isn't the only motive: "We think that by strengthening the piece of the fabric of this country, this world, that you're strengthening the whole. We definitely hope that this grows and this becomes something that flourishes across the country and the world."

For more information on Berkshares see "New England Town Prints Up Its Own Currency" (ABC News) by Stephanie Sy.

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