Podcasts about BerkShares

I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.Devin: Enid, what is your superpower?Enid: I hope this doesn't sound sappy, but in a word, love.Devin: John, what's your superpower?John: Look at your circumstances; just observe them, don't judge them. Just have a self-awareness.In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Enid Futterman and John Isaacs, the co-founders of IMBY, a revolutionary platform for hyperlocal journalism. IMBY, which stands for "In My Back Yard," empowers communities to create their own digital newspapers, promoting citizen journalism and community engagement.Enid explained, “IMBY is a hyperlocal network of websites for citizen journalism. It allows any community to create its own digital newspaper.” This model not only fills the gap left by the decline of traditional local newspapers but also provides a space for community members to share news, opinions, and events directly relevant to their locality.John elaborated on the origins of IMBY, sharing how their initial success with a local community magazine in Hudson, New York, inspired them to create a scalable platform. “The demise of local journalism is not just an absence of information but also a threat to democracy. Local news plays an enormously important role and its diminishment is a serious issue for the preservation of democracy,” John emphasized. This sentiment underscores the critical role IMBY aims to play in sustaining informed and connected communities.One of the most compelling aspects of IMBY is its support for citizen activists. Enid highlighted, “One of the biggest uses is among citizen activists who are trying to advocate for a cause, often aligned with our mission to build community with the values of localism, sustainability, and justice.”Currently, IMBY is running a crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit to expand its reach. Enid noted, “Honeycomb's focus on crowdsourcing local capital aligns perfectly with our mission to crowdsource local news.”IMBY's innovative approach not only addresses the loss of local newspapers but also reinvigorates the essence of community journalism. Their platform represents a beacon of hope for communities striving to stay informed and engaged in an era of media consolidation and declining local news sources.Through platforms like IMBY, the power of the press is truly placed back in the hands of the people, fostering a more democratic and connected society.AI Episode Summary1. Devin introduces IMBY, a platform for hyperlocal journalism developed by Enid Futterman and John Isaacs.2. Enid describes IMBY as a network of websites for citizen journalism, allowing communities to create their own digital newspapers.3. John shares the history and motivation behind IMBY, stemming from their experience with a local quarterly magazine in Columbia County, New York.4. IMBY aims to address the decline of local newspapers by empowering citizens to become content creators, thereby preserving local journalism.5. Enid emphasizes that anyone can post various types of content on IMBY, including news stories, opinion pieces, and event announcements, fortifying community advocacy.6. John highlights that the decline in local journalism affects democracy, making platforms like IMBY crucial for maintaining local dialogues and informed communities.7. Devin speaks about the cultural shift towards conglomerates owning local papers and how IMBY counters this by providing a decentralized model for local journalism.8. Enid explains that IMBY is currently funded through local advertising and is exploring additional revenue streams such as subscriptions and merchandising.9. John and Enid discuss their successful crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit, which aligns with IMBY's focus on crowdsourcing local news.10. The show ends with Enid and John discussing their "superpowers" of love and self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of passion and self-reflection in achieving personal and professional fulfillment.How to Develop Love As a SuperpowerSummary: Enid's superpower is her profound love for what she does. This love drives her dedication to hyperlocal journalism and her mission to build community through IMBY. She believes that genuine passion and care for one's work are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful success.Developing Enid's Superpower:1. Find Your Passion: Identify work that you deeply care about and are passionate about.2. Stay Tenacious: Understand that love for what you do can help you persist through challenges.3. Align Values: Ensure that your work aligns with your values and beliefs, making it more fulfilling.4. Move Away from Unfulfilling Work: Have the courage to leave work that doesn't resonate with you, even if it's lucrative.By following Enid's example and advice, you can make love for your work a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!How to Develop Self-Awareness As a SuperpowerSummary: John's superpower is his strong sense of self-awareness. He leverages his diverse experiences and philosophical background to stay focused on meaningful work that benefits society. By maintaining a balanced perspective and reflecting on his actions, John contributes significantly to the success and impact of IMBY.Developing John's Superpower:1. Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your actions and decisions without judgment.2. Maintain Balance: Develop a balanced perspective by observing yourself from an outside view.3. Stay True to Yourself: Avoid being driven by external pressures; focus on what genuinely matters to you.4. Objective Observation: Engage in self-observation exercises in the morning and evening to maintain self-awareness throughout the day.By following John's example and advice, you can make self-awareness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest Profile - Enid FuttermanEnid Futterman (she/her):Co-Founder/Editorial Director, Imby, Inc. About Imby, Inc.: Imby is the creator and publisher of imby.com, a hyperlocal network of 32 community websites in the Hudson Valley in New York and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Website: imby.com X/Twitter Handle: @imbycentral Company Instagram Page: @imbycentralOther URL: inveset.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/IMBYBiographical Information: I grew up in Brooklyn and had a long career in Manhattan in the advertising industry as Senior Copywriter and Vice-president of Grey Advertising, followed by freelance stints for several big New York agencies. I received every major award, including multiple Clios and a Silver Lion from Cannes. I'm the author of memorable taglines, including the by-now vernacular “Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk.” My journalism career, which began as editor-in-chief of my college newspaper and a liberal arts/journalism degree from Douglass College of Rutgers University, came full circle to co-publishing and editing IMBY's print predecessor OURTOWN with John Isaacs. I have an MFA in Musical Theater Writing from NYU and am an internationally produced lyricist-librettist, as well as a published writer of fiction.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/enidfutterman/Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/enid-futterman-3a92922/Guest Profile - John IsaacsJohn Isaacs (he/him):Co-Founder/Creative Director, Imby, Inc.About Imby, Inc.: Imby is the creator and publisher of imby.com, a hyperlocal network of 32 community websites in the Hudson Valley in New York and the Berkshires in Massachusetts.Website: imby.com X/Twitter Handle: @imbycentral Company Instagram Page: @imbycentralOther URL: inveset.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/IMBYBiographical Information: John grew up in Wales and had a long career in Manhattan as president of John Isaacs Design, specializing in corporate identity and publishing. (But Enid and John didn't meet until they both moved to Columbia County and started talking about collaborating on a local journalism project.) John conceived and served as managing editor of Lapis magazine, a groundbreaking and award-winning quarterly survey of social, cultural, and philosophical trends, and in 2004, co-founded, designed, and published OURTOWN with Enid. Since 2001, he has served as a director of WhiteBox, the alternative art space in Manhattan. He has been engaged in the development, design, and publication of numerous books on contemporary art and artists for galleries, museums, and publishers, including Abrams, Charta, Hatje Cantz, The MIT Press, and Steidl, and his own imprint. John Isaacs Design has also designed websites for a wide range of clients and provided pro-bono services to numerous local nonprofits. (Isaacs received a Graphis Gold award for his design of the pioneering local currency, BerkShares).Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/john.isaacs.9484Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-isaacs-55670a6/Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/johnisaacsdesign/?hl=enUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdChicago, June 12, 2024. This in-person event at Columbia College Chicago features some of Chicago's prominent citizens and community leaders, along with crowdfunding experts. Use the discount code “SuperCrowd” to save 30 percent!* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, you must first become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, June 19, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month's webinar, Angela Barbash of Revalue will share insights about moving money from Wall Street to Main Street. Register here.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.SuperCrowd Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Crowdfunding Professional Association Webinar, May 29, 2:00 PM ET, with the SuperCrowd's Devin Thorpe talking about How to Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding.* The Reg A & Crowdfunding Conference, June 20, Westchester Country Club (Save 20% with the code Super20)* How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, Thursday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding.  Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder.  He's also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 5,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

The creators of BerkShares, a currency found only in the Berkshires region, are hoping a new app will boost adoption and increase revenue for local businesses.

Christopher Lindstrom's long passion for alternative monetary systems and local currencies led to his work at the Schumacher Center for a New Economics, where he organized a major international conference, called “Local Currencies in the 21st Century,” in '06 he co-founded BerkShares, a local currency for use in the southern Berkshires of western Massachusetts, which continues to receive international media attention and has served as a model for other communities interested in creating their own locally circulating currency. Lindstrom has been active in the bioenergy sector as an investor and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Catalyst Bioenergy Group, has served on the Board of Directors of the Slow Money Institute, and currently serves as a director of the David Rockefeller Fund. He is also the co-founder of CyclEffect, a new model of cooperative investing and business incubation that enables companies in their early stages to own a stake in a growing ecosystem of mission-aligned businesses. Learn More: growthguide.love

The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community. Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor. 1. Great Barrington Selectboard has given the green light for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations available to the general public. Fueling up, though, won't be free: https://theberkshireedge.com/its-official-great-barrington-will-charge-for-electric-vehicle-owners-to-fuel-up/ 2. BerkShares, the local currency pioneered in Great Barrington 15 years ago, is going digital: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshares-celebrates-15-years-in-the-berkshires-with-plans-to-evolve-to-a-digital-format/ 3. The two southern Berkshire school districts have hired a project manager to assemble a process of merging the two districts: https://theberkshireedge.com/school-district-consolidation-panel-hires-project-manager-seeks-essential-public-input/ 4. At the same time Berkshire Hills Regional School District has received a $300,000 grant from the Barr Foundation to expand the role of students in making school decisions: https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-hills-regional-school-district-receives-300000-barr-foundation-grant/ 5. On the musical front, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is offering free tickets for the re-opening of Symphony Hall in Boston:https://theberkshireedge.com/free-bso-community-concert-at-symphony-hall-october-3/ 6. Finally, we have a column from Carole Owens about the tradition of women's clubs in the Berkshires: https://theberkshireedge.com/connections-the-history-of-berkshire-county-womens-clubs/

Rachel Moriarty of the Schumacher Center for a New Economics tells the history of the BerkShares currency and its ongoing evolution in developing a new vision for its regional economy. BerkShares, which circulate in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, are one of the most successful local currencies in the world today.

A “complementary currency” is money created for circulation in a specific community or region. It is used in tandem with a national currency, and creates incentive for local commerce and celebrates the unique heritage of a place. Complementary currencies revitalize local economies by maximizing circulation of local goods within a region. They create incentives for local […]

In this episode we’re going to share with you some creative ways on how to strategically use barter to better your business and personal life. By preserving your cash and thinking barter first you improve your cash flow and lifestyle. So, if Cash is King, Barter is Queen.

As our lives become more digital, our money is becoming increasingly digital too. There are more than a thousand cryptocurrencies floating around and new ones seem to launch every day. But is this new form of money, one that only exists online, even a currency? What exactly gives cryptocurrencies value?In this episode of the Ideas podcast, we head to the Berkshires to see what a local currency, the BerkShare, can teach us about the value of alternative currencies. We speak with the creator of BerkShares, Susan Witt, about creating a brand new currency, and we turn to local business owners to see that currency in action. How did BerkShares go from a crazy idea to a real form of money? And will the same ever happen for cryptocurrency? James Faucette, a Morgan Stanley Senior Research Analyst, looks at the similarities between cryptocurrency and BerkShares to question whether cryptocurrencies will ever be the new normal.For more, visit http://morganstanley.com/ideas.The host Ashley Milne-Tyte is an employee of Pineapple Street Media. The guest speakers are neither employees nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. (“Morgan Stanley”). The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley.This podcast does not provide individually tailored investment advice and is not a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this podcast may not be suitable for all investors. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.This podcast may contain forward-looking statements and there can be no guarantee that they will come to pass. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.© 2018 Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Members SIPC.

"Buy local" is a mantra that has appeal across the political spectrum. Small communities have preached this gospel for a long time. Our current president advocates a version on a national scale. So how do you put it into practice? One experiment has been taking place in the Berkshires -- a region in the U.S. state of Massachusetts -- that has its own currency called Berkshares. On this week's Odd Lots podcast, we speak with Alice Maggio, the executive director of the currency, about how a regional currency works, what it accomplishes, and what they've learned from it.

In the season two premiere, we... encounter some growing pains and quality control issues while using fancy new equipment ...we also head to a rural county in the Berkshires, where the coalescence of agriculture, city weekenders, and a regional currency helped create the farm-to-table movement. /This week's guests: Alice Maggio: Alice is the Local Currency Program Director at the Schumacher Center for New Economics, where she is further developing Berkshire County’s own local currency, BerkShares. www.berkshare.org /Andy Pruhenski & Abby Webster: Abby and Andy are Berkshires natives and own and operate a housewares store in downtown Great Barrington, One Mercantile. www.one-mercantile.myshopify.com /Our Americana is produced & hosted by Josh Hallmark. Learn more at www.ouramericanapodcast.com //Sponsor Our Americana at www.patreon.com/ouramericana -or- www.ouramericanapodcast.com //Featured Music: Dave Depper - Perspective; Keshco - Waterback; Podington Bear - Golden Hour;Zachary Wilson - Depths of HeavenMusic available at: www.freemusicarchive.com

Interview with Alice Maggio, local currency program director at Schumacher Center for a New Economics Like and Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter: https://goo.gl/2HkMtQ https://facebook.com/primonutmeg https://twitter.com/primonutmegSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/primonutmeg)

Food Business Support. Do you have a great idea for a food business? To succeed, you're going to need more than that. Over half of new restaurants in this country fail within the first year. That's not good news in a place like Charlottesville where you might be competing with over 400 other restaurants for customers. Luckily, we have such an encouraging community here for small business. I've never presented an idea to someone and been discouraged. But as in so many things, you can't succeed alone. It takes a village. Betty Hoge, Director of the Charlottesville Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help. Their mission is simple. SBDC works to enhance our local economy by providing assistance to local and midsize businesses. For FREE or very little cost. There is no hidden agenda or bias to convince new owners to use a particular service. SBDC only works to enhance the local economy. Because a world full of nothing but big box stores would be a sad one indeed. Independently-owned small businesses provide a lot to the social atmosphere and culture of a community. It keeps money within the community and makes that community rich in culture and uniqueness. May 1st through 7th was National Small Business Week! I didn't know that when we spoke, but what better way to celebrate than to speak with her about all the ways SBDC can help new and existing small food business owners in our community. SBDC helped local restaurant Nude Fude get off the ground. If you listen to our talk in Episode 11, both Ken and Dani Notari speak at length about how SBDC helped them create a business plan, scout a location, and figure out the best way to ensure their restaurant would succeed. Because of confidentiality agreements SBDC cannot brag about the many restaurants they have helped. But believe me, it's a lot. SBDC offers FREE confidential consulting then customizes services based on the owner's needs. They offer business development training and numerous resources, most at no cost for businesses not yet large enough to hire professionals on their own. Last year they helped 150-200 businesses navigate things like accounting, licensing, and figuring out how to expand. Many times folks come to SBDC with a grand idea but very little capital. SBDC can help them see the truth, change to realistic goals, and help them grow slowly within their means so eventually a bank may give them a loan. How did this former foodie and restaurant owner of The Dog and Pickle Beanery, Pub, and Banquet Hall become the director of our local SBDC? It's a super interesting story, particularly since she first got experience in small business direction by volunteering at her local chapter! Yes, you can get your dream job by volunteering within the field people! How does SBDC help folks without 10 investors and huge budgets who can't afford a space on The Downtown Mall? How are food trucks a good stepping stone to a brick and mortar establishment? What free course is offered monthly at SBDC? What do pharmacists, artists, and food business owners have in common? Listen to find out. To further SBDC's mission, the 2nd Annual Business of Food Conference will be held at the Charlottesville Omni on Monday, June 20, 2016 from 8am-4pm. At the Tom Tom Food Business Summit last month local restaurateurs, chefs, and food producers got serious about the business of food, discussing their issues, triumphs, questions, and concerns. This conference will carry on that important conversation. The Business of Food Conference is a way for new and existing food business owners to get together, network, talk, and learn from one another. A shared conference with the SBDC in Harrisonburg, this conference celebrates our entire region because, thankfully, we are awash in food businesses. Topics will include local food trends, business trends, and practices that allow a food business to be successful. Attendees will learn accounting, understanding financial statements, marketing tips, insights on social media, and even menu design. What optimal wording gets people to order more? At this conference, you'll find out. There will also be breakout sessions on designing a kitchen. Where should things go? What essential equipment do you need? Maybe that sous vide machine isn't as important as you think. Lunch is provided and confirmed speakers include Crissanne Raymond of No Bull Burger (Episode 13), Katrina Didot from Harrisonburg's A Bowl of Good, Erin Ludwig of Jack Brown's, and Nathan West of Mad Hatter Hot Sauce. There will also be some craft cocktail activities on The Downtown Mall after the conference at participating restaurants so the conversations can continue. Ticktets are only $119 until June 14th, then go up to $139 for an entire day of networking, food, and valuable learning. Costs go toward expenses to put on the conference. Money which stays in the community to help the community. Betty Hoge and the SBDC are such valuable assets to our  Charlottesville food community and I'm thrilled to have talked with her. I'll be helping promote the conference, including broadcasting a special extra episode of Edacious closer to conference time. If you have ideas for topics, speakers, or would like to be a corporate sponsor for this event, contact me here or Betty Hoge at 434-979-5610. Enjoy this important episode! SHOW NOTES - Links to resources talked about during the podcast: Berkshares - One local community creates its own money so funds spent locally, stay local. Charlottesville Small Business Development Center Webpage Charlottesville Small Business Development Center on Facebook Business of Food Conference Homepage This episode is sponsored by In A Flash Laser Engraving.

What’s crappening in this episode: Howard Stern video games, Opima Spolia, Elizabeth Warren, Title II, Berkshares, New Bedford, Bong Sounds, monster truck shows, Brian Williams is a liar.

Your wallet may be stuffed with greenbacks, but they're not the only currency around. Hear about the benefits and challenges of alternative local currencies and investment programs, which offer communities a way to sidestep "big money" and add value to the local economy. Featuring Susan Witt, Education Director of the New Economics Institute and Co-Founder of the BerkShares local currency program and Trexler Proffitt, Developer of LanX: A Local Sustainable Exchange and Assistant Professor of Organization Studies at Franklin & Marshall College. Recorded on August 25, 2011. Notes available online at bit.ly/nXPE8S.

A listener caller asks James Howard Kunstler about President-elect Barack Obama's massive proposed stimulus package, which will probably be used to rebuild America's highways. Along with the auto industry bailout, Kunstler thinks this major proposed investment in our highway infrastructure may be a last ditch effort to sustain the unsustainable. Americans have invested so much of their wealth and identity into their happy motoring suburban commuter system for daily life that they cannot imagine letting go of it or even substantially reforming it. Kunstler also talks about passenger rail, light rail and streetcars. He also strays into the thickets of futurology to talk about 21 century trans oceanic zeppelins. A listener caller ends the program with his thoughts on efforts to create local currencies, such as the Berkshares in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts.