Community members who want to help build a strong local economy will be part of the action at a special forum set for Friday evening, November 16, at the First Presbyterian Church (Dennis Hall), 114 SW 8^th Street.  “Small Change, Big Change: Investing in Our Community” will feature presentations and discussion focused on community banking, local investing, developing cooperatives, and local currency.  Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm.

This free public event will feature a combination of presentations and facilitated discussion, providing participants an opportunity to ask questions, offer ideas, and commit to action. Presenters include Christopher Legg of Occupy Corvallis, speaking about community banking; Amy Pearl of Springboard Innovation, exploring local investing; Cindee Lolik of First Alternative Co-op, discussing cooperatives; and Cheryl Good of HOUR Exchange, explaining how local currency works.

Both before and after the program, exhibitors will be on hand to share information about what their organizations are doing to help promote a strong local economy.  Refreshments will be provided by First Alternative Co-op.

“Small Change, Big Change” is a collaborative effort of many organizations, including the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance (CIBA), the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, the Business Enterprise Center, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, First Alternative Co-op, Occupy Corvallis, HOUR Exchange, Ten Rivers Food Web, the Main Street Alliance of Oregon, Oregon Banks Local, and Friends of Family Farms.