The Purpose of BerkShares, Inc. is to foster and encourage regional economic self-reliance in the Berkshire Region of Massachusetts. The central focus of the group’s work since it was founded in 2006 has been BerkShares, a local currency for the Berkshire region. BerkShares serve as a tool for community economic empowerment and development by building a greater affinity between citizens, local business owners, community bankers and members of the non-profit sector and encouraging people to keep their money within the region. The members of BerkShares, Inc. are inspired to do this work for economic, environmental, and social reasons. We envision a thriving, diverse regional economy where we can increasingly meet basic needs through local efforts. Such an economy will allow more opportunities for the residents of the Berkshires, both young and old, to create fulfilling livelihoods for themselves in the region, (which has seen a steady decline in population since the 1980s).