Mount Rainier group hopes residents buy into local currency program

In today’s global economy it may be easy for consumers to choose corporate giants when purchasing goods or services, said Mount Rainier resident Nick Williams, who hopes his organization breaks that mindset by keeping local dollars local.

Anacostia Hours is a local currency servicing Mount Rainier, Brentwood, Riverdale and parts of Hyattsville created in 2006 to encourage local bartering and boost small business.

Williams, president of Anacostia Hours, Inc., said the organization is trying to expand its membership of 74 — comprised of residents and businesses — that currently has 650 Hours in circulation.

To use the currency, participants must pay a $5 fee to become Anacostia Hours members. Members are given two Anacostia Hours valued at $10 each, upon registering and their services or goods are listed in an online directory.

“We’re trying to reorient people’s thinking. Think local first,” he said. “We’re trying to keep the money in town.”

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