Want
to live and work in a cooperative and supportive community?
One of the many possibilities that we expect to unfold over time
was that folks who want to live in a conscious community and be economically
self-sufficient would come to live on or near the properties that we have
acquired.
Currently, there is an opportunity to live and work at
HOSPITALITY
HOST
The most important skill is that the person can multi-task, and
is very good at being a self-starter and managing their own time.
CARETAKER/MAINTENANCE
Trade skills of all kinds are helpful. Cleaning skills are important, too.
MARKETING
We need people who can figure out the best ways to let other
people know of the wonderful resources that we have here.
STOREKEEPER
The AC General Store is not just a retail outlet—it serves as the
communications hub for the local area, and a primary intersection between the existing
area residents and our intentional village.
INCOME
OPPORTUNITIES
As we work and live in the Allegheny Crest area, we see
opportunities to create businesses that serve the community as well. These are entrepreneurial ventures; the
person spearheading a project must be excited and passionate about it. By doing these ventures cooperatively, the
start-up costs and risks are minimized.
And many of these would constitute “social enterprises”—businesses that
do good for the community as well as the owners.
Examples:
1. There is a shortage of
skilled tradespeople in the area. If you
have tradeskills or other personal service skills,
there is likely a market for them. And
with several people with these skills, we can make ourselves known as a
“guild”—people with a variety of skills, who are known to be honest, competent,
and resourceful. Advertising becomes
much more efficient, and all benefit from mutual referrals.
2.
3. The area is full of
exciting outdoor adventure possibilities.
Organizing these adventures, using the motel property as a base, could
be a great way to earn a living and have fun at the same time!
4. The motel and
enterprise center has multiple DSL internet lines, and is right next to the
Post Office. This makes it very
convenient for running all manner of internet-based businesses, from eBay sales
to on-line tutoring to becoming the next YouTube star. J
5. When groups rent the
campground, sometimes they need skilled chefs who can prepare meals for 50-200
people. Residents get first choice of
these opportunities.
6. There is a *heated*
3-square mile lake nearby, but because of bureaucratic issues, the public
access for swimmers and divers has been severely limited. Purchasing a small piece of property, and
providing access to the lake at a reasonable rate, possibly with a concession
stand or small swimmer/diver shop, could be a great business for someone who
loves the water.
Here are some other suggestions that folks came up with:
Offer space for a Farmer’s market
Massage/yoga studio
Community center
Health food store.
Wildcraft store.
Adventure tours: guided kayaking, hiking, etc.
Health care clinic
After-school programs for children
Teen center
Rent-all store
Book Store/used books
Internet Café.
Adult Ed classroom—skills & trades
Holistic health
Music venue
Visitor’s center
Repair shop – computers, electronics, appliances.
Videoconference center/telecommuting office
This is not the end of the list; we want your ideas as well. We’re excited about all suggestions, and even
more so if you want to come do them!
CITY-COUNTRY
CONNECTIONS
The “intentional village” in