Good news from Sun People Dry Goods Co.: They are announcing the launch of one of Spokane’s first complementary currencies, Sunshine Dollars. The term complementary currency describes a currency that exists as a supplement to our national money. According to the International Journal of Community Currency Research, community and complementary currency systems have four main purposes: 1) To promote local economic development; 2) To build social capital; 3) To nurture more sustainable lifestyles; and 4) To meet needs that mainstream money does not. Presently, there are over 200 complementary or local currencies in circulation around the country. Sunshine Dollars are now available for purchase.

“We are excited to launch Sunshine Dollars this month! I recently returned from the national BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was energizing to meet with so many mission-driven businesses from around the country. Folks working hard to build their local economies. Complementary currencies are a tool regularly employed throughout the country by small businesses,” says Juliet Sinisterra, Co-Owner and General Manager for Sun People.

Sunshine Dollars will offer a great value for customers willing to wait until November 1, 2012—when they will start being accepted as payment for goods at the store. For a pack of $60, the cost is only $45. That is a 25% savings! Sunshine Dollars may be used towards any purchas(s) in the store except consignment items, and they will never expire. There will be a limited amount issued, and all sales will be treated as taxable merchandise similar to a gift certificate.

“The last day of the BALLE conference, I was able to attend a day-long tour of Detroit, while there I spoke with one of the founders of Avalon Bakery, a triple-bottom line business whose motto is “Eat Well. Do Good.” Avalon Bakery was one of the first businesses to come back to downtown Detroit, and they started it all by selling Bread Dough Dollars. It is heartening to see entrepreneurs, creatively building local economies from the ground up,” says Sinisterra.

Sun People hopes that their launch of Sunshine Dollars might encourage other local businesses to join-together to develop a local currency that could be used at participating stores. “Complementary currencies are not a new idea. They were widely used during the Great Depression to boost local economies. Part of our mission, in the community, is to help build a strong, thriving local economy.”

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