Welcome!
Begun in 2004, the Gorge Local Currency Cooperative (GLCC) administers a formal barter and trade system for the Columbia Gorge region. The Columbia Gorge region is located on the border of Washington State and Oregon State where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade mountains. RiverHOURS primarily serve four counties, Hood River County, Wasco County, Skamania County and Klickitat County. RiverHOURS is the name of the currency we use to make trading more convenient.
RiverHOURS stay local.
RiverHOURS is a complementary currency. There are already many complementary currency systems in America and throughout the world. Complementary currencies do not replace federal currency. Instead, they supplement it.
Many people throughout the Gorge region already trade goods and services. For example, someone might trade soap for candles, a chiropractic adjustment for a massage, art work for landscaping etc. The major obstacle to this type of trade is that each trader must have something the other wants.
With a local currency, traders can now trade with anyone at any time because there is no longer this limitation. The candle maker can now trade RiverHOURS for the soaps, and the soap maker can take those RiverHOURS to the chiropractor for an adjustment, and the chiropractor can take the RiverHOURS to the landscaper for lawn care, who then takes it back to the candle maker for candles. RiverHOURS always stay in the community and continue to circulate, backed by the goods and labor of our friends and neighbors.
Many people throughout the Gorge region already trade goods and services. For example, someone might trade soap for candles, a chiropractic adjustment for a massage, art work for landscaping etc. The major obstacle to this type of trade is that each trader must have something the other wants.
With a local currency, traders can now trade with anyone at any time because there is no longer this limitation. The candle maker can now trade RiverHOURS for the soaps, and the soap maker can take those RiverHOURS to the chiropractor for an adjustment, and the chiropractor can take the RiverHOURS to the landscaper for lawn care, who then takes it back to the candle maker for candles. RiverHOURS always stay in the community and continue to circulate, backed by the goods and labor of our friends and neighbors.
Our Local Currency
Currently, we have three denominations in circulation. Pictured on the left is both the front and back side of each. They were designed by a local artist and printed at a local printer. We're very proud of our RiverHOURS!
The One Hour note is worth the equivalent of ten Federal Reserve Notes, ($10).
The Half Hour note is worth the equivalent of five Federal Reserve Notes ($5).
The One Tenth Hour note is worth the equivalent of one Federal Reserve Note ($1).
The One Hour note is worth the equivalent of ten Federal Reserve Notes, ($10).
The Half Hour note is worth the equivalent of five Federal Reserve Notes ($5).
The One Tenth Hour note is worth the equivalent of one Federal Reserve Note ($1).
Why Your Business Should Accept RiverHOURS
Advantages to accepting RiverHOURS
Setting a RiverHOURS Acceptance Policy, business owners have complete control over how many RiverHOURS they accept, and can change their acceptance policies to meet their needs. The amount of RiverHOURS accepted varies from business to business, and each owner sets his or her own policy.
Some businesses accept 100% RiverHOURS from the start, but we recommend that you begin with a conservative acceptance policy, and increase your acceptance rate as you develop outlets for spending the RiverHOURS you take in.
Ideas for Acceptance Policies
© 2004-11 Gorge Local Currency Cooperative, Columbia River Gorge, USA
The Local Currency Education Project is a joint venture of
the Columbia Gorge Earth Center and Gorge Local Currency Cooperative
web hosting donated by Hammock Hosting
Advantages to accepting RiverHOURS
- RiverHOURS can increase your sales.
- People who accept RiverHOURS will go out of their way to patronize businesses where they can spendRiverHOURS. This generates new and repeat customers for you.
- As long as you remain a member, the GLCC will help promote your participation in the local currency system. Through our trade directory, events, press releases, etc., we will make sure the community knows that your business uses RiverHOURS.
- GLCC volunteers can also provide consultation and support on how to make RiverHOURS work for you, including helping you to find sources to spend your RH.
- Customers will frequent businesses where they know they can spend their RiverHOURS.
- When you accept RiverHOURS, you are participating in a network that supports
local businesses over national chains.
- Since RiverHOURS are a cash equivalent, treat them just as you would cash.
- One RiverHOUR is equal to $10, 1/2 RiverHOUR is worth $5, and 1/10 RiverHOUR
equals $1.
Setting a RiverHOURS Acceptance Policy, business owners have complete control over how many RiverHOURS they accept, and can change their acceptance policies to meet their needs. The amount of RiverHOURS accepted varies from business to business, and each owner sets his or her own policy.
Some businesses accept 100% RiverHOURS from the start, but we recommend that you begin with a conservative acceptance policy, and increase your acceptance rate as you develop outlets for spending the RiverHOURS you take in.
Ideas for Acceptance Policies
- As straight percentage of each purchase.
We'll take up to 50% of your bill in RiverHOURS, and the rest in dollars. - As percentage with conditions.
We accept 25% RiverHOURS on purchases over $10.
or
We accept 50% RiverHOURS on purchases made during weekdays. - As flat limit of RiverHOURS per purchase.
We accept 1/10 RiverHOUR per purchase. - As flat limit with conditions.
We accept RiverHOURS for up to half of your total on purchases over $15.
We accept RiverHOURS for up to half of your total on purchases before noon. - As a pricing mechanism for specials.
- All red-tag items are 1/2 RiverHOUR each.
© 2004-11 Gorge Local Currency Cooperative, Columbia River Gorge, USA
The Local Currency Education Project is a joint venture of
the Columbia Gorge Earth Center and Gorge Local Currency Cooperative
web hosting donated by Hammock Hosting
