Local Exchange Network Kicks Off APPLE and the Local Exchange Network jointly sponsor free public demonstration Austerity or prosperity? Too many people are chasing too few dollars. What if you could buy and sell things without using your hard-earned cash?

The Local Exchange Network’s system for trading goods and services using online credits instead of money will be demonstrated at 6:30 pm, Thursday June 9 that the Madelyn Helling Library Community Room. The system makes it easy for people to find the goods and services they need, and to offer goods and services to others, all using online credits instead of dollars. Those attending the event will have an opportunity to join the Local Exchange Network.

APPLE is co-sponsoring this event because most trades on the Local Exchange Network (LEN) are done locally, keeping value in the community and helping the local economy.

There is no cost to join the LEN system, which is supported by a 1% charge on sales paid from online credits. All members can post free ads on the system, and communicate with other LEN members about goods or services through an internal email system.

LEN is a member association founded by volunteers who want to create the benefits of LEN for themselves and the community. Local exchange associations have been used successfully for many years elsewhere in the U.S. and Europe. LEN will be using well-proven open source software that users can connect with using any web browser.