[COMM-ORG] query: local currency

[Discussion list for COMM-ORG]

[ed:  thanks to David for replying to Lisa's query.]

From: David Desiderato <ddesiderato at neaction.org>

I think "Berkshares" is the kind of thing Lisa is asking about .. but 
maybe not.  Don't know much about it but it's quite visible in a lot of 
western mass towns.
David

http://www.berkshares.org/
What are BerkShares?
BerkShares are a local currency for the Berkshire region. Dubbed a 
"great economic experiment" by the New York Times, BerkShares are a tool 
for community empowerment, enabling merchants and consumers to plant the 
seeds for an alternative economic future for their communities. Launched 
in the fall of 2006, BerkShares had a robust initiation, with over one 
million BerkShares having been circulated in the first nine months and 
over two million to date. Currently, more than three hundred and fifty 
businesses have signed up to accept the currency. Five different banks 
have partnered with BerkShares, with a total of twelve branch offices 
now serving as exchange stations. For BerkShares, this is only the 
beginning. Future plans could involve BerkShare checking accounts, 
electronic transfer of funds, ATM machines, and even a loan program to 
facilitate the creation of new, local businesses manufacturing more of 
the goods that are used locally.



Discussion list for COMM-ORG wrote:
> --------
> This is a COMM-ORG 'colist' message.
> All replies to this message come to COMM-ORG only.
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>  
> Starting a local currency
> From:
> [ed: please feel welcomed to copy COMM-ORG with responses to Lisa's query.]
>
> "Lisa J. Marshall" <lisa at smartworkco.com>
>
>
> I’m thinking about starting a local currency (also known as a 
> “complementary currency”) in my rural community. I know about Ithaca’s 
> work in this area, but would love to hear from others who’ve done it. 
> And I’ve heard that many communities tried it in the ‘30’s, but can’t 
> seem to find any literature on it. Can anyone point me towards some?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Lisa J. Marshall
>
> 145 Greenbriar Gap Rd.
>
> Spring Mills, PA 16875
>
> 814 349-5561
>
> "Preparing for the Best"
>
>
>
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