Congratulations to John Clippinger

Congrats go out to Berkman Fellow John Clippinger who, earlier this week, received commendation from Boston Mayor Tom Menino on behalf of the Interra Project. 

The Interra Project, in conjunction with Boston Main Streets, established a way for residents of Boston to give back to their community with many of their everyday purchases.  They developed Boston Community Change, which gives free cards to residents, who then swipe them after a purchase in a local business for discounts at over 100 merchants throughout the city. 

The network continues to grow with the hopes that the Community Change Cards and discounts will encourage shoppers to choose local merchants.  With the factor of cost taken out of the equation, residents are allowed to consider convenience and neighborhood, which could lead to habitual recognition of Mom & Pop shops versus national chains.