Ithaca Local Economy Lab -- Radical Experiments in Business and Community

Ithaca HOURS - The Most Important Economic Experiment You've Never Heard Of

What If Your Town Printed Its Own Money — And It Actually Worked? In 1991, as the U.S. economy stumbled through recession, a community organizer in Ithaca, New York did something radical: he printed money. Not counterfeit dollars — something more interesting. A labor-backed local currency called Ithaca HOURS, where one note equaled one hour of work, equaled ten dollars, and could only be spent right here in town. For more than two decades, it worked. In this episode, Dia sits down with Steve Burke, former president and board member of Ithaca HOURS, for an honest, detailed account of what happened. The Problem Ithaca HOURS Was Built to Solve Ithaca in the early 1990s was a town of wage struggle and economic anxiety. Workers were paid too little. Dollars flowed in, then immediately flowed out to distant corporations. Local businesses competed against national chains with no structural advantage. Paul Glover, the currency's founder, understood that money is not inherently valuable. It is valuable because a community agrees it is. If a community could agree to believe in something new, and back it with real labor and goods, they could create economic gravity that kept wealth local. That insight became Ithaca HOURS. How You Build Trust in a Currency From Scratch Steve walks us through the unglamorous, essential work of building belief: community meetings, early adopter lists, handshake agreements with local businesses, and the slow accumulation of a directory that proved the currency could actually be spent. At its peak, over 500 businesses and thousands of individuals participated. HOURS funded loans to local entrepreneurs and grants to nonprofits. Music stores, bookshops, farmers, landlords, healers, and carpenters all joined the network. Why It Declined — And What Actually Killed It The decline of Ithaca HOURS wasn't a single failure, it was a collision of forces: the rise of credit cards (which made cash-adjacent systems feel clunky), the shift to online commerce (which rewarded national platforms over neighborhood networks), Paul Glover's eventual departure from Ithaca, and the organization's inability to transition from paper to a digital infrastructure. By 2015, Ithaca HOURS had wound down. The Questions This Episode Leaves You With Could it happen again? Steve thinks yes — but differently. Dia suggests perhaps a digital local currency with modern infrastructure, institutional backing, and a clear circulation strategy could address the structural weaknesses that paper HOURS couldn't. Steve raises something worth sitting with: as electronic currencies become more prevalent, the question of transparency and government oversight becomes urgent. Who controls the black box? Who audits the ledger? Community currencies of the future will have to answer those questions before they launch, not after. What You'll Take Away This conversation is part history lesson, part governance case study, part meditation on what money is really for. Whether you're curious about local economics, community resilience, alternative finance, or just a great Ithaca story — this episode delivers. 🔗 Resources * Ithaca HOURS Archive [https://ithacahours.com/] * Alternatives Federal Credit Union [https://alternatives.org/] * BerkShares — Local Currency in Massachusetts [https://berkshares.org/] Ithaca Local Economy Lab is a podcast about the people, models, and ideas building a more resilient local economy — one conversation at a time.

Found: One of the Most Radical Stores in Ithaca Doesn’t Look Radical at All

Vanessa Weber and Jeremiah Signo are turning a local antique mall into a thriving, community-centered enterprise through creative ownership, vendor collaboration, and strategic moves—all while navigating the challenges of small-town retail. This episode explores the intricate workings of their business model, the power of local relationships, and plans for expansion and community engagement. In this episode: * The origins of Found in Ithaca and Vanessa's vintage and antique passions * The unique buyout model used to acquire the business without traditional bank financing * Details of the operation: vendor-managed booths, commissions, and furniture sales * Challenges and strategies in relocating from an old building to a creatively refurbished space * The importance of local, community-driven economy and vendor relationships * Insights into the renovation process of Southworks and the collaborative design vision * The role of community support and small-town relationships in business success * Future plans: programming, community events, and space expansion * The significance of maintaining a welcoming, high-end boutique atmosphere * The intersection of local art, mutual aid, and sustainable retail practices Resources & Links: Found in Ithaca https://FoundinIthaca.com [https://FoundinIthaca.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundinithaca/ [https://www.facebook.com/foundinithaca/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundinithaca/ [https://www.instagram.com/foundinithaca/] Patricia “Patty” Brown - https://integratedbv.com [https://integratedbv.com] Creative ReUse - https://www.rachelfeirman.com/creativereuseofithaca [https://www.rachelfeirman.com/creativereuseofithaca] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Creative-Reuse-of-Ithaca-61575877676117 [https://www.facebook.com/p/Creative-Reuse-of-Ithaca-61575877676117] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativereuseofithaca [https://www.instagram.com/creativereuseofithaca] Ithaca Murals: https://www.ithacamurals.com [https://www.ithacamurals.com] Join the conversation and stay inspired about local economies and community-driven retail! http://IthacaLocalEconomy.com [http://Patreon.com/Practicalmuse]

Is Shared Kitchen Ithaca the Future of Small Town Food Business?

In this episode: * Rod Rotundi shares his diverse background in economic development and his journey to Ithaca * The origins and mission of Shared Kitchen Ithaca * How shared kitchens bolster local entrepreneurs * Examples of successful members, from bakers to hot dog vendors Resources & Links: https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com [https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com] https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com/the-smorg [https://www.sharedkitchenithaca.com/the-smorg] https://www.facebook.com/thesmorgithaca [https://www.facebook.com/thesmorgithaca] https://www.instagram.com/thesmorgithaca [https://www.instagram.com/thesmorgithaca] https://greenstar.coop [https://greenstar.coop] https://www.rochestercommissary.org [https://www.rochestercommissary.org] https://ithacareuse.org [https://ithacareuse.org] http://farmtofeastny.com [http://farmtofeastny.com] https://www.facebook.com/styxstreetfood/ [https://www.facebook.com/styxstreetfood/] https://gardellasgoodies.com [https://gardellasgoodies.com] https://www.facebook.com/ithacabreadworks/ [https://www.facebook.com/ithacabreadworks/] https://lamexicanarestaurantandgrocery.com [https://lamexicanarestaurantandgrocery.com] https://littlerambakery.com [https://littlerambakery.com] https://rashidasawyer.com [https://rashidasawyer.com] https://www.wellspringforestfarm.com [https://www.wellspringforestfarm.com] Resources & Links: * https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com [https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com] * Jake Gribschaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw] * Stacey Cornelius https://agencyofwords.com [https://agencyofwords.com] * Sonia Simone - https://remarkable-communication.com [https://remarkable-communication.com] * Erin O'Shaughnessy - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808] * Yen Ospina - http://yenospina.com [http://yenospina.com] * Carsie Blanton - http://carsieblanton.com [http://carsieblanton.com] Go deeper: • https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse [https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse]

LocalFiber - Weaving a New Economy From the Ground Up

Explore the journey of natural fiber production, from raising goats to handcrafting textiles, and discover how local fiber collectives are fostering sustainable, community-centered economies. Lisa Ferguson shares her insights on building relationships, educating consumers, and creating a resilient regional fiber industry. Key Topics: * The role and mission of the Local Fiber Collective in Central New York * The process of turning fiber into finished products: from goat to sweater * Valuing quality and natural fibers over fast fashion's low-cost, short-lived clothing * Building customer relationships through storytelling and transparency * The importance of collective care and fair pricing among fiber farmers * Challenges faced by fiber collectives, including volunteer engagement and organizational identity * Opportunities for newcomers: joining collectives as farmers or makers * Advice for starting a similar community-driven fiber initiative elsewhere Timestamps: 01:31 - How Lisa got into goats and fiber farming, inspired by natural fibers 03:19 - The community aspect of fiber farming and connection with other farmers 04:26 - How Lisa joined the Local Fiber Collective and its growth 05:38 - Membership details and the regional scope of the collective 07:30 - The fiber chain: from goats to finished garments 08:49 - The processing steps: shearing, skirting, washing, spinning, dyeing 11:15 - Building customer trust through storytelling and transparency 12:31 - How natural fiber production educates and reconnects consumers with craft skills 14:20 - The collective approach to fair pricing over competition 15:14 - The benefits of natural fibers versus fast fashion products 16:37 - Environmentally conscious farming practices in the collective 18:42 - Challenges of maintaining interest and organizational clarity 19:01 - The importance of mentorship and community support for new farmers 22:02 - Advice for starting similar collectives outside Ithaca 23:44 - Building community through local events and shared purpose 25:49 - Challenges: volunteer engagement, organizational structure, funding Resources & Links: * Local Fiber Collective [https://localfiber.org/] * Laughing Goat Fiber Farm [http://laughinggoatfiber.com/] * https://IthacaLocalEconomyLab.com The Practically Real Team: * Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw] * Stacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.com [https://agencyofwords.com] * Sonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.com [https://remarkable-communication.com] * Erin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808] * Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.com [http://yenospina.com] * Carsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.com [http://carsieblanton.com]

Beyond Insurance - The Healthcare Model That's Changing Everything

Beyond Insurance - The Healthcare Model That’s Changing Everything Discover how healthcare is transforming with an innovative direct primary care model, offering affordable, accessible, and relationship-based health solutions in Ithaca. Learn why this model is gaining momentum as a sustainable alternative to traditional insurance-based healthcare. Key Topics * The limitations of the current patient care system and the complexities of insurance * How direct primary care (DPC) simplifies access and reduces costs * Cost savings with DPC, including cheaper labs, imaging, and medications * The role of DPC in managing emergencies and routine health needs * How DPC offers tailored services like men's and women's health, hormone therapy, and home visits * The impact of DPC on practitioner burnout and patient satisfaction * Strategies for starting or joining a DPC practice, including low overhead requirements * The future of healthcare: people-over-profit and a return to personalized care Contact details: homesteadyhealth.com [http://homesteadhealth.com] and 607-882-6001 Resources & Links * Homesteady Health - https://homesteadyhealth.com [https://homesteadhealth.com/] * Homestead Health on Facebook - [https://facebook.com/homesteadhealth]https://www.facebook.com/homesteadyhealth [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552793574702] * Homestead Health on Instagram - [https://instagram.com/homesteadhealth]https://www.instagram.com/homesteadyhealth/ [https://www.instagram.com/homesteadyhealth/] Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to share this episode, rate, review, and subscribe to support the local economy conversations. For more resources and to connect with hosts, visit https://ithacalocaleconomylab.com The Practically Real Team: * Jake Gribschaw - Technical Advisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgribschaw] * Stacey Cornelius - Associate Producer https://agencyofwords.com [https://agencyofwords.com] * Sonia Simone - Content Strategist https://remarkable-communication.com [https://remarkable-communication.com] * Erin O'Shaughnessy - Creative Consultant https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/erin-o-shaughnessy-depoe-bay-or/373808] * Yen Ospina - Artist http://yenospina.com [http://yenospina.com] * Carsie Blanton - Musician http://carsieblanton.com [http://carsieblanton.com] Connect with Dia on Patreon: https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink [https://patreon.com/Practicalmuse?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]