Bay Bucks

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

Final Bay Bucks Newsletter Nov 2018 - https://mailchi.mp/1138/final-bay-bucks-newsletter-nov-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."

We LOVE trading for our services!! FInd us on Bay Bucks!! http://members.baybucks.com//Couples%/product_listing_1792

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