Yet our greater self-reliance, rather than isolating Ithaca, gives us more potential to reach outward with ecological export industry. We can capitalize new businesses with loans of our own cash. HOUR loans are made without interest charges. Ithaca's money honors local features we respect, like native flowers, powerful waterfalls, crafts, farms and our children. Our commemorative HOUR is the first paper money in the U.S. to honor an African-American.
Local currency is also lots of work and responsibility.
To give other communities a boost, we've been providing a Hometown Money Starter Kit. We've sent the Kit to over 1,000 communities in 49 states so far, and our example has become international. There are at least 66 HOUR systems in North America, with at least 42 more forming. Credit cards accepted. For complete contact information, visit our contact page .