The Who, what, when, where, why & How

We’re neighbors, friends, associates, co-workers & local business owners; ministers, volunteers, and donors.

Some of us inherently understand the idea, and others like it but need to become familiar with it - community currency.

In times of economic upheaval and turmoil, community currencies have arisen to fill the gap where the USD was scarce. Many different methods, models, and styles have been developed and used to accomplish their stated goal(s). The problem, however, is that once their mission was accomplished, or the economy recovered, those projects were scrapped.

Now, for the North East IN territory, the Torch is being used for inter-community economics, as a badge of trustworthy producers & dedicated consumers. It is exclusive to character, not an income class. While there are aspects of the Chiemgauer, the Berkshare, and the Ithaca Hour integrated into the Torch, the Torch is designed, will be disbursed (only up to 10,000), and re-circulated dynamically, according to the needs of the top performers. While charity is considered, it is blended with the concepts of stewardship, character, existing creditworthiness, and other such factors needed for operation.

We hate rising prices, long & drawn-out processes, hidden costs, breaching of trust, and small print. What we love is simplicity, handshakes, quick transactions, and tangible gratitude.

Yes, that’s right: Words are cheap in the modern American world, thanks to marketers. Trust is worthless, thanks to legalese. Pricing is out of control, thanks to algorithms. Demand is the product, and supply is contracted. Half the time, I’d need to take a step back to rephrase that.

Now by use of the Torch (a savings-focused, private inter-community currency), truly local business owners, workers, volunteers, and others can enjoy the extension of trust. Truly local businesses can gain exposure to more local customers, and be seen as an integral part of the local economy, rather than just a novelty by tourists or passers-by.

Truly local non-profits (I’m looking at you, churches) can see how much they influence and drive the local economy by their selflessness and other values they promote, while at the same time provide a tool to their members and volunteers to engage those around them with the same values.

Families, friend groups, and social projects can freely enjoy a credit system to level-up their interactions! Yeah, some might call it “Monopoly money.” But at least local businesses will give you something for it!

Whether you need to pay your child chore money (without using your paycheck), implement a token system (without gambling), or would like to build a project or community with a verification system which recognizes character and productivity, this is it!

  • Barter & Trade

    Members of this private economic community use a dual currency to reduce taxable events, and spend their hard-earned money to achieve their local spending goals on a greater scale.

  • Supply Chain Networking

    We frequently check in with each member to find areas where they can be, and access, the most convenient parts of the local supply chain for them.

  • Payment Processing

    Payment processing is...a necessary complication that is unnecessarily complicated. As a member of the community, your processing is included. No plans, tiers, chargebacks, adjustments, interchange, brand, authorization, or card fees. It’s all included.

  • Advertising collective

    Every member is promoted on the network. We're also focused on reducing the waste of traditional advertising. Premium services include immersive and digital marketing, a mutual advertising network, and other options. The community currency will fetch a better price when used for premium services.

  • Quality Local Merchants

    Trustworthy producers who use quality ingredients and parts, don’t over-charge, and who don’t escape through the small print - whether home-grown or franchise.