MEMBER PROFILE

Ba Stopha, owner of Claws and Paws

Ba Stopha, a long-time member of Alternatives, owns Claws and Paws, a successful pet grooming business in Ithaca. She credits our Business CENTS class, and two loans, for helping her get her business established... click for more.

ALTERNATIVES ACCEPTS ITHACA HOURS!
Ithaca HOURS is a local currency system that promotes local economic strength and community self-reliance in ways which will support economic and social justice, ecology, community participation and human aspirations in and around Ithaca, New York. Ithaca HOURS help to keep money local, building the Ithaca economy. It also builds community pride and connections. Over 900 participants publicly accept Ithaca HOURS for goods and services. Additionally some local employers and employees have agreed to pay or receive partial wages in Ithaca HOURS, further continuing our goal of keeping money local.

ASK FOR ITHACA HOURS
Alternatives pays Ithaca HOURS as part of withdrawals, on request, and when available. Ask for Ithaca HOURS as part of your withdrawal at Alternatives, then spend them for thousands of goods or over 300 services listed. By spending HOURS and spreading them around town, you:
&bull Expand the local money supply to allow more trading, thus supporting local businesses, farmers and crafts people.
&bull Create informal job opportunities at double minimum wage.
&bull Make grants to community organizations.
&bull Provide zero-interest loans.

Alternatives Credit Union also welcomes HOURS for all bank fees. Present your Ithaca HOURS when you initiate a transaction or within a month of incurring a punitive fee.