Using HOURS at your Business

Businesses and HOURS

The Corvallis HOUR Exchange invites your business to participate in the HOURS local currency system! A local currency is an easy way to support local businesses and trades-people, build connections with neighbors, expand income, and keep money in the local economy. The basic premise is that by printing and circulating our own money our community can ensure that we are hiring our own members, keeping local businesses thriving, and investing in local goods and services which are produced in a manner consistent with its social and environmental concerns. As the HOUR Exchange grows, it increasingly benefits its business members.

The HOUR Exchange currently includes many businesses and appeals to those that are: locally owned, small scale, locally appreciated, or operated in accordance with a social or environmental ethic.

Benefits to Business

HOUR Exchange members are devoted customers who seek out local business through HOUR trading. Membership in the HOUR Exchange will strengthen your regular customer base.

Access to goods and services
There are numerous individuals and businesses that accept HOURS as payment. The HOUR Trader is our community resource directory that contains extensive listings of these goods and services.

Advertising space
New business members a complementary business card sized advertisement in the HOUR Trader(larger ads may be purchased at a discounted rate). Subsequent advertisements are payable in dollars and HOURS.

Strengthened competition
Presently, many small locally owned businesses have difficulty competing against large scale transnational companies and wholesale discounters. HOURS strengthen your ability to compete because many HOUR Exchange members choose local services and products. HOUR businesses create a niche for themselves that other businesses can't touch.

Community involvement
We benefit the greater community through the grants of HOURS that we give to other non-profit organizations. HOURS help neighbors build connections, respect,and trust.

Complete control
You have complete control over how many HOURS to accept. For instance you could accept HOURS for a percentage of the purchase price or only accept HOURS during your slow hours. We encourage businesses to accept HOURS at a rate they can reliably use.

Support from the HOUR Exchange
Our organization can assist your business in getting started with HOURS and answer any questions you might have.

Decision-making power
As an HOUR Exchange member you are invited and encouraged to attend the HOUR Exchange meetings and events. Membership input is valued and welcome by the program coordinator or at Board of Trustees meetings.