As the global meltdown continues to put pressure on regional economies, the Ojai Economy Group may have found a way for citizens to keep the area’s economy vibrant, jobs local and economic relationships face to face.

Drawing its inspiration from Western Massachusetts’ successful BerkShares program, the group wants to implement an alternative currency system for the entire Ojai Valley. And they want to do it by year’s end.

“Ultimately we’re focused on doing something that enriches the community using a system based on abundance instead of scarcity,” said Tyler Suchman, one of group’s core members. “A lot of people in the Ojai community have explored the different components and ideas around what a local economy means.”

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