Bay Bucks

11/28/2018

A Goodbye and a Hello...

Dear Bay Bucks Members,

After six years working with you, our great members, we have arranged with International Monetary Systems (IMS), a nationwide barter network that functions in the same way as the Bay Bucks barter system, to take over the running of Bay Bucks. As many of you know, Chong Kee has been building a permaculture homestead in rural Oregon, Kendra has been working a full-time job, and Mike has been juggling time between launching his businesses and working on Bay Bucks. None of us could devote sufficient time to running Bay Bucks and servicing you.

We explored the possibility of making Bay Bucks, which operates now as a workers' co-op, into a members' co-op by joining a large members-owned co-op barter exchange that is thinking of expanding into California as a franchisee. But the cost of doing is too high, as it will require the creation of a full-time paid position and payment of their franchise fees. Right now all Bay Bucks staff works without drawing a salary. We do not have the cash to fund a paid position or buy into a franchise.

Finally, we realized that the only way to protect all our members and allow all of you to continue bartering with each other without disruption is to be acquired by a commercial barter exchange. Chong Kee serves as a board member of the global barter exchange industry association for many years and knows most of the reputable exchanges. In his opinion, IMS is one of the most well-run exchanges. He is also a personal friend of their CEO, John Strabley.

Being a commercial barter exchange, IMS has a higher fee structure than us. However, as part of the negotiation, IMS has agreed that all Bay Bucks members' fees structures remain the same after the switch over. IMS may eventually start raising the fees to bring them into alignment with their norms, but they will only do so after demonstrating to you the value of their services.

While we are personally sad to say goodbye to our inspiring local business owners, we know you'll be happy with the large network of 16,000 members nationwide and the larger variety of products and services available to you with IMS. They have many local members in the Bay Area as well, so you can continue to barter locally and will be able to continue existing trade relationships you have with current Bay Bucks members.

The switchover date is December 1st, 2018. That means, there should not be any more transaction done on Bay Bucks by Nov 30th. All members will be automatically rolled over to IMS membership (at no cost) and will maintain their existing balance, positive or negative. IMS uses a different software so you will all be given account on their software platform. IMS will be saying hello to all of you very soon. They will give you more information on how to log in and operate on their platform and will assist you with all your inquiries.

We have enjoyed working with you and getting to know our local business owners - thank you for believing in us and being part of the Bay Area's local barter network.

Wishing you a happy and successful 2019,

Chong Kee, Kendra, and Mike

11/28/2018

Final Bay Bucks Newsletter Nov 2018 - https://mailchi.mp/1138171cc562/final-bay-bucks-newsletter-nov-2018

10/01/2018

Happy to see this innovative use of empty space that will benefit local female- and minority- owned businesses as well as residents. Way to go La Cocina!

"The La Cocina Municipal Marketplace will serve double duty as a below-market-rate retail and commercial kitchen space for woman-owned businesses looking for a start in the city, as well as an affordable food option for Tenderloin residents on tight budgets."

Culinary incubator La Cocina will oversee a food hall on the site of a future affordable housing project, set to begin construction in 2025.

09/06/2018

Think about massage as a life skill you can acquire and compare it to cooking. You don’t have to be a chef to follow a recipe resulting in an outstanding culinary masterpiece. Taking a hands on couples massage class is just that. It’s understanding simple techniques and putting the pieces togeth...

08/03/2018

One of our members is looking to hire. You get a little something if you refer the right person!

Julie's is looking for hard working and creative team players who strive for excellence. Job description: -Soup/salad/sandwich prep and plating -Looking for full time and part time -Open...

08/02/2018

Innovative way of building worker power in the farming industry! "To find this sort of nurturing culture in almost any industry is exceptional. But it’s particularly extraordinary considering where Singh works: in the farm fields of California.
Singh is part of a startup venture that stands to shake up the agriculture industry by improving the way that farm workers are treated, trained, and compensated. Called California Harvesters, it operates for all intents and purposes as a worker co-op (though, technically, it’s a labor trust)[...] The key to it all is replacing the traditional middleman. In the case of California Harvesters, that means the farm labor contractors, or FLCs, who supply a majority of the agricultural workforce to growers up and down the state’s giant farm belt.
California Harvesters charges growers the same as an FLC does. But it takes the amount of the total labor bill that’s pocketed by the FLC–5% to 8% after expenses, those in the industry say–and directs that sum back to the employees in the form of higher wages, more generous benefits, and so on."

California Harvesters, which has recruited 450 workers in farm country, has grown “at an incredible pace” and could be a model for other industries.

07/19/2018

Members, you can buy tickets in Bay Bucks for Periodic Table SF Pop-Up's Taco Fusion Bar this Friday in SF! This will be a fun, casual event where you can experience flavors from different parts of the world.
They feature taco fillings inspired by Filipino, Middle Eastern, Mexican and Indian cuisines with several vegan protein options and lots of veggie toppings. All the food is gluten free! The evening will start with a tasting of Lev's kombucha and will last about 2 hours. Log in to Bay Bucks today and get your tickets!

This will be a fun, casual event where you can experience flavors from different parts of the world. We will feature taco fillings inspired by Filipino, Middle Eastern, Mexican and Indian cuisines with several vegan protein options and lots of veggie toppings. All the food is gluten free. The evenin...

04/24/2018

Check out one of our newest members, Julie's Coffee & Tea Garden, with locations in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood and on Park Street in Alameda! Log in to Bay Bucks today and treat yourself to some great food or drinks in a lovely setting. Julie's mission is to nourish our community with organic & wholesome products in a casual and serene environment. Specializing in coffee/espresso, loose-leaf tea, tonic herbal beverages, nutrient rich foods and tasty pastries. The menu embraces those with food intolerance or preferences. Patio seating and private events too.

12/26/2017

How much money exists in the world? This updated visualization compares the world's richest people, companies, and markets with the world's money supply.

12/04/2017

Bay Bucks Newsletter 12/4

While giving your loved ones gift this year, why not kill two birds with one stone and support your local economy at the same time?  Here are some gift ideas that will spruce up your holidays:

11/08/2017

CA Fire Update

You guys filled in the survey last week and we now know what to do. Let's Go Farm is the member whose farm was completely destroyed by the fire. They need Bodywork (massage, craniosacral), Truck/hauling junk, Seeds, Spreadsheet /record keeping help in order to rebuild. We have offers from the commun...