ABOUT BUY IN THE BERKSHIRES

What is Buy in the Berkshires? Buy in the Berkshires is less about money and more about prosperity, less about spending and more about building, less about currency and more about community. Buy in the Berkshires recognizes that a healthy economy helps build a healthy and happy community and it is to this end that Buy in the Berkshires was developed, to serve as a vehicle for bringing local business back to the Berkshires.

Buy in the Berkshires is a community-based initiative designed to unite local businesses and residents in an effort to strengthen the economy and ultimately keep businesses, jobs and families in the Berkshires. You may be wondering how you can join in the effort to keep more business in the Berkshires. It’s this simple: “Keep 3 in the B”. Buy in the Berkshires has discovered that as a community, if we shift 3% of all our spending back into the Berkshires, our county stands to generate $50 million in economic impact as a result - that’s only three cents out of every dollar!

This $50 million boost equates to more than 350 jobs, jobs in banks, financial services, car dealerships, restaurants, retail stores, and real estate, jobs that add to the tax base of the county and the state which could equate to as much as $3.2 million in taxes that help to provide the public services we all depend on, taxes that could very well go to other communities when we choose to spend elsewhere.

The data proves that a dollar can go far, very far, and Buy in the Berkshires seeks to prove that an investment in the Berkshires is an investment in community. Choose to Buy in the Berkshires.

SIX REASONS TO BUY IN THE BERKSHIRES

1. Embrace what makes us different in the Berkshires
Where we shop, where we eat and hang out - all of it makes the Berkshires unique. One-of-a-kind independent businesses are real and truly make our region what it is and what it will be. If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn't be living in Berkshire County.

2. Get better service
Businesses in the Berkshires, big and small, often hire people who have a better understanding of the products they're selling, and take more time to get to know customers.

3. Create more good jobs
Small businesses are one of the largest employers nationally and in the Berkshires, and these businesses offer greater loyalty to their employees and the community.

4. Help out the environment
Independent businesses make purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in commercial corridors and in-town instead of developing on the fringe. This means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5. Support community groups
Nonprofits receive an average 350% more support from Berkshires businesses.

6. Invest in your community
Berkshires businesses are owned and/or operated by people who live here, work here, and are invested in our future.

Click below for Berkshire businesses