ACE Members Meeting Wednesday August 21, 7-9 PM

At the Warrensburg Town Hall

See Agenda below

Michael Tracy Ireland will be facilitating this important meeting. We need to make important decisions. We want input from the Business Community!

ADIRONDACK COOPERATIVE ECONOMY
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2013
7 – 9 PM
WARRENSBURG TOWN HALL

AGENDA

Approval of the Minutes of the June 27, 2013 Membership Meeting

Officers’ Reports:

President, Anna Busser

Vice-President, Linda Marcella

Secretary, Barbara Boggia

Treasurer, Colleen Combs

Committee Reports:

By-Laws Committee

Purpose and Membership

Promotions & Events Committee

Purpose and Membership (Volunteers WILL be needed)

Report on the status of the recently published brochure

Report on the 25 Adirondack Bucks for $20 U.S. promotion

Recruiting Policies & Procedures

Purpose and Membership

Finance Committee

Purpose and Membership

Old Business

Linda Marcella will present the results of the recent town-wide survey.

New Business

Introduction of Michael Tracy-Ireland

Proposal for FAQ’s

ADIRONDACK COOPERATIVE ECONOMY

 

The Adirondack Cooperative Economy (ACE) was formed a little over a year ago by a small group of local citizens.  The mission statement of ACE is:

 

“To create a system that will enhance the local economy by encouraging trade with local businesses in order to keep money local and by increasing the buying power of local residents.”

 

In the past year, over 70 local businesses and individuals have become Members of the Adirondack Cooperative Economy and are pursuing their mission by working to promote commerce among local businesses and individuals.

 

These businesses and individuals each paid $25.00 (U.S. Dollars) and received 25 Adirondack Bucks – the local alternative currency – which the Members then use to buy and sell goods and services with other Members.

 

Alternative currencies and local exchange trading systems have been successfully used in thousands of American communities for decades.  A local exchange trading system (LETS) is a locally initiated, democratically organized, not-for-profit community enterprise that provides a community information service and records transactions of Members exchanging goods and services by using the currency of locally created LETS credits.

 

Alternative currencies don’t look like U.S. Dollars and are not illegal (not counterfeit) because the bills are different in size, color and design from U.S. Dollars and there is no attempt to make anyone believe that they are U. S. Dollars.  Businesses account for alternative currencies the same as U.S. Dollars and pay all applicable taxes just as they do on sales and purchases using U.S. Dollars.

 

ADIRONDACK BUCKS

 

The Adirondack Bucks are created by local graphic design artist, Terrilynn Jamison of Documents and Designs in Lake George, using state-of-the-art laser printing techniques and high quality tear resistant and water resistant papers.  Each Adirondack Buck is stamped with a serial number and embossed with the Adirondack Cooperative Economy seal. Each of the four denominations of Adirondack Bucks features a different historic work of art and a quote from Jimi Hendrix, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”

ADIRONDACK BUCKS FAQs

 

What are Adirondack Bucks? Adirondack Bucks are an alternative currency offered by the Adirondack Cooperative Economy which can be used to purchase goods and services from the Members of the Adirondack Cooperative Economy. Adirondack Bucks are created by local graphic design artist, Terrilyn Jamison of Documents and Designs in Lake George, using state-of-the-art laser printing techniques and high quality tear resistant and water resistant papers.  Each Adirondack Buck is stamped with a serial number and embossed with the Adirondack Cooperative Economy seal.  Each of the four denominations of Adirondack Bucks (ones, fives, tens and twenties) features a different historic work of art and a quote from Jimi Hendrix, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”

 

What is an alternative currency?  An alternative currency is any currency used as an alternative to the dominant national currency system.  When used in combination with a national currency, it may be referred to as a complimentary currency. Most alternative or complimentary currencies are also local currencies and are limited to a certain region.

 

Are alternative or complimentary currencies legal? Alternative or complimentary currencies are legal in many countries, including the United States.  Alternative or complimen-tary currencies must not look like U.S. Dollars and are not illegal (not counterfeit) because the bills are different in size, color and design from U.S. Dollars and there is no attempt to make anyone believe that they are U. S. Dollars.

 

Are alternative or complimentary currencies socially acceptable? Alternative and complimentary currencies have been used in thousands of American communities for decades.  The Adirondack Bucks have quickly become a welcome addition to the Warrensburg economy and many businesses in other Adirondack communities are interested in joining as well.

 

Are alternative or complimentary currencies a way for businesses or individuals to avoid paying taxes? No.  Alternative or complimentary currencies are accounted for in exactly the same manner as U.S. Dollars.  Businesses must pay sales taxes and income taxes (with U.S. Dollars) just as they would if their sales were paid for with U.S. Dollars.

 

How do alternative or complimentary currencies help individuals and businesses? Because alternative or complimentary currencies can only be used within the local economy, they are an incentive for consumers to buy locally rather than buying from non-Member businesses in other communities.  The goal is to increase LOCAL business.

 

Which local businesses welcome Adirondack Bucks? More local businesses are becoming members of the Adirondack Cooperative Economy every day.  A complete list of participating Members is maintained on our website at www.adirondackbucks.com.

 

Where can I get Adirondack Bucks?  Adirondack Bucks may be purchased from many of our participating Member Businesses – just ask!  You may also contact the Adirondack Cooperative Economy by calling Linda Marcella, Vice-President, at 518-623-5030 or Colleen Combs, Treasurer, at 518-494-2474.

 

Where can I spend Adirondack Bucks? Most Member Businesses are displaying a brochure of Special Offers, signs, and other literature explaining the Adirondack Cooperative Economy and the Adirondack Bucks.  Consumers should ask wherever they do business because more and more businesses are joining every day!

 

How much do Adirondack Bucks cost?  JUST UNTIL LABOR DAY,   25 Adirondack Bucks may be purchased for $20.00 U.S. Dollars, which is an increase of 25% in buying power!

 

Will I save money by using Adirondack Bucks?  Goods and services that are produced locally generally cost less to get to market (the consumer) which means they can be sold for less than the same product that must be transported some distance.  Many of our Member Businesses offer special incentives for their customers to use Adirondack Bucks.  We currently have a brochure which lists many of them.

 

Will I have other opportunities to use my Adirondack Bucks?  The Adirondack Cooperative Economy will be sponsoring several community events in the coming months to help raise awareness of the availability and benefits of Adirondack Bucks.

 

Why is MY participation in this program important? BUYING LOCAL has come to symbolize the essence of SUSTAINABILITY – ALL of earth’s citizens need to be aware of their use of resources and the life-ending consequences of refusing to take responsibility for our actions – particularly as consumers.  DO THE RIGHT THING – BUY LOCAL AND PROMOTE LOCAL BUSINESSES!!

 

 

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESSES!!

USE YOUR ADIRONDACK BUCKS!!

 

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