"There are some wonderful businesses that have been in business for many, many years in Greensboro that are stuck in that downturn in the economy and are having to close. If I have this Greensboro currency, I might think about going to the local clothing store before I go to a different store," said Abuzuaiter.

Abuzuaiter said the Bank of Oak Ridge will support the currency's creation and circulation. She says the currency will be overseen by a nonprofit organization with a governing board. The paper money will have security features and can be used either alone or with U.S. dollars.

The U.S. Constitution bans governments from making coins, but they can create paper currency.
The idea of creating local currency seems to be a trend across the country. Bigger cities like Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans have their own currency. In North Carolina, the small community of Pittsboro, southwest of Raleigh, has" The Plenty".

Miki Adams is the bookkeeper at Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro. She said foot traffic has increased for many businesses since the currency began circulating in 2002.

"When it started initially it was quite popular - the popularity has died off some, but there are some people in the community that use it every day. I think people in the community are more aware of where their dollars stay because of "The Plenty". It is a symbol if nothing else, a promise to ourselves that we will shop locally as much as possible," said Adams.

Abuzuaiter said organizers are still trying to find a name for Greensboro's currency. She says they are looking to the community for help.

"Possibly to have a little contest between fourth and fifth graders to see who can come up with a wonderful name for something that is going to make Greensboro better," said Abuzuaiter.