Berkshire Bank Offers Investment Products and Services.

Business Editors

PITTSFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2001

Berkshire Bank announced the opening of Gold Leaf Investment Services, Inc., as part of a move to expand the scope of its current financial products and services. Gold Leaf Investment Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Bank, offers access to a full range of security brokerage services, including financial planning, professional money management, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and more. The Investment Representative will be available in the bank's network of countywide offices providing clients with personalized, professional advice.

Through a partnership with UVEST Investment Services, Berkshire Bank customers, as well as the general public, are provided access to investment products and services. UVEST Investment Services is a registered securities broker-dealer and member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC), as well as the Securities Industry Association (SIA).

"Today's banking customers are interested in a wide range of investment and insurance products," said James A. Cunningham, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Berkshire Bank. "In an effort to become a one-stop financial resource for our customers and to meet growing customer demand we now provide access to these products and services through Gold Leaf Investment Services and Gold Leaf Insurance Agency," he added.

J. Lea Weaver, an Investment Representative, recently joined Berkshire Bank. She is available to meet with customers by appointment at any of the bank's eleven branch offices to discuss their financial needs and build an investment plan. Prior to joining Berkshire Bank, Weaver was a financial consultant for both First Mass Bank and American Express Financial Advisors.

According to Thomas W. Barney, CFP, Berkshire Bank senior vice president and Gold Leaf Investment Services president, "one of the best things about Gold Leaf Investment Services is that it will enable the bank's clients to access a full range of financial services and products in the convenience of their local branch. Because we are not marketing specific investment products, we are an unbiased, objective resource that can recommend investment strategies with the sole goal of creating a plan that delivers the results the customer wants."

Consumers may take advantage of a free no-obligation financial consultation by calling [phone] or [phone], or by visiting any branch and setting up an appointment.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., (AMEX: BHL) is the holding company for Berkshire Bank established in 1846. Berkshire Bank is one of Massachusetts' oldest and largest independent banks and is the largest banking institution based in Western Massachusetts. The Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with 11 branch offices serving communities throughout Berkshire County. The Bank is committed to continuing to operate as an independent bank, delivering exceptional customer service and a broad array of competitively priced retail and commercial products to customers.