Say hello to the Boston Bean!
A pilot project of JP New Economy Transition (JP NET), introducing community members and neighborhood businesses to a local currency, in coordination with Egleston Square Main Streets, Centre/South Main Streets, Hyde/Jackson Main Streets, JP Buy Local and JP Forum.
The 5 Bean note will be worth $5 US at participating locations
To encourage local shopping, to introduce our community to the potential power of a local currency, and to provide a fun way for folks to claim membership in JP’s New Economy Transition, a limited number of just-like-money BOSTON BEANS will be distributed and honored at many local JP stores and restaurants this holiday season.
Where can I get Boston Beans?
If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can receive your very own 5 BEAN bill for free! Look for BOSTON BEANS at:
- December 1st Egleston Square Holiday Party
- December 6th First Thursday (at Prudential Realty, 673 Centre St)
- December 8th Holiday Stroll (by the stroll terminus near the Monument)
(limit: one free 5 Bean note per person – additional notes may be purchased at face value.) Additionally, you can ask for change in Beans from participating local merchants – see below for list. Please note: this first round of Boston Beans will expire (at least for now) after January 31, 2013 – so please spend them by then!
Where can I spend my Boston Beans?
Participating independently owned local businesses so far include:
- Plaza Meat Market (local meat, eggs, butter and milk) – 207 Boylston Street
- Designs by Rey (the tailor for David Ortiz!) – 3161 Washington Street
- Latino Beauty Salon – 3125 Washington Street
- La Personalidad Beauty Supply – 3119 Washington Street
- Crystal fruit – 278 Centre Street
- Evelyn’s Market – 298 Centre Street
- La GranVia (Casual and Sports Clothes)- 306 Centre Street
- Gondres Bakery – 333 Centre Street
- Video Underground – 385 Centre Street
- Revolution Bicycle – 371 Centre Street
- Yachris Market – corner of Boylston & Amory
- Canto 6 – corner of Green & Washington
- Ula Café – in the Brewery
- City Feed & Supply – 672 Centre Street and 66A Boylston Street
- Hatched (Eco-Friendly, Ethically produced clothing and toys for children ages newborn to 10 yrs) – 5 Green Street
- James’s Gate – 5-11 McBride Street
- On Centre – 636 Centre Street
- Blue Frog Bakery – 3 Green Street
- Miss Laura’s – 46 South Street
- Boing Toys – 667 Centre Street
- Arborview Realty – 709 Centre Street
- Centre Street Cafe – 669 Centre Street
- Vee Vee – 763 Centre Street
- Tres Gatos – 470 Centre Street
- Ten Tables – 597 Centre Street
- Grass Fed – 605 Centre Street
- Agricultural Hall – 245 Amory St
- J.P. Licks – 659 Centre St
- Kitchenwitch – 671 Centre St
- Fire Opal – 683 Centre St
- Cobwebs – 703 Centre St
- Sal’s Barber Shop – 665 Centre St
- Same Old Place Pizza – 662 Centre St
- Art Market/Monumental Cupcake – 36 South St
- JP House of Pizza – 775 Centre St
- Polka Dog Bakery – 42 South St
- Fiore’s Bakery – 55 South St
- 40 South Street
- Salon Q – 676 Centre St
Organizers are reaching out to more businesses, so this list will grow in the next few weeks.
View Boston Bean – Participating JP Local Businesses in a larger map
Why a local currency?
Jamaica Plain prides itself on the unique character of its local businesses. And when we shop at those businesses, we strengthen our local economy, helping to keep jobs and capital right here in our community where we collectively benefit in multiple ways. Every dollar spent locally generates two to four times the economic benefit (in terms of income, jobs, tax revenue) than a dollar spent at a multi-national chain store (see Michael Shuman’s work for more information on the benefits of local businesses).
Did you know that for many retailers, a full 20% of their sales occur during the holiday season? It’s an especially important time to keep our dollars local.
A BOSTON BEAN note is worth the equivalent of 5 US dollars, and will be honored at participating stores and restaurants displaying the JP Buy Local/Compra Aqui logo, until January 31st 2013, when the value of The BEAN expires, at least for now. Any business interested in participating should contact JP NET for details (info@jptransition.org).
Logo for ¡Compra Aquí!/Buy Local JP – look for this in the window of local retailers!
As an extra benefit, when you spend your BEAN you’ll automatically become a member of JP NET (Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition). So help strengthen our local economy by keeping your dollars in the neighborhood wherever you can this holiday, and see how it feels to buy something with our very own BOSTON BEAN!