A simple tool with a big local impact

Lovell Area Chamber of Commerce bucks

We have a powerful but often underutilized economic tool in our community: Chamber Bucks.

For those unfamiliar, Chamber Bucks are local gift certificates printed and managed by the Lovell Area Chamber of Commerce. They function exactly like cash at participating businesses throughout the area, and they are designed with one goal in mind: keeping local money local.

Lovell Chamber President Cam Miller explained the program in memorable terms.

“OK, it’s pretty simple. We just print our own money,” he joked. “Well…sort of. These certificates can only be spent at local businesses. Our chamber members accept them the same as cash, and we list all participating businesses right on the back.”

A small example shows the power of the program. If a local business gives each employee $50 in Chamber Bucks, that money stays in the community instead of drifting to Billings or Cody. And while many of us still order from Amazon or make occasional larger shopping trips, we all pick up groceries, grab dinner or buy home-repair items locally. Miller noted that, if even one-10th of our community spent $50 more a month at local establishments, the impact would be tremendous.

Each year, the North Big Horn Hospital District embraces that idea in a major way, distributing thousands of dollars in Chamber Bucks as employee gifts and bonuses. Hospital Foundation consultant Janet Koritnik commented, “By giving Chamber Bucks each year at Christmas, as well as throughout the year, NBHH encourages our employees to shop locally. Supporting our local economy helps us all. It’s a small way to recognize our employees and support the local businesses who support us all year long.”

Chamber director Linda Morrison echoed that sentiment, saying, “Chamber Bucks give shoppers options for where they can support local businesses. When money stays within the community it boosts jobs and stabilizes our business community. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Anyone -- businesses, parents, employers, schools or community members -- can purchase Chamber Bucks in 10-dollar denominations. You pay 10 dollars and receive 10 dollars in local currency. The purpose isn’t to offer a discount; it’s to ensure that holiday bonuses and plenty of gift spending stays within the community.

The bigger picture

It is worth noting how much our local businesses already do for the community. They sponsor youth sports teams, donate to school programs, support local events, advertise in hometown publications and help keep our charities operating. When even one business closes, the loss doesn’t stop at that storefront; it ripples through the entire local economy: fewer jobs, fewer services, fewer sponsors and fewer opportunities.

That is why Chamber Bucks matter. They are not just gift certificates, they are investments in the long-term health of our towns. Imagine if our schools, factories and other major employers gave even 10 or 20 dollars in Chamber Bucks to each employee; the boost to our local economy would be remarkable. For those of us who love this area and hope our kids will have opportunities to live and work here, spending locally is one tangible step we can take. It isn’t too late to use this opportunity this year, stop by the Chamber Office or contact Linda Morrison today.

President Miller put it simply: “You do things for your community because you want your kids to have opportunities in the future. It’s going to take everybody.”

List of participating businesses

Retail: Bazooka Lumber, Haskell Furniture, Horseshoe Bend Motel Boutique, KB Hardware & Lumber, Little Acre Farms, Lovell Drug, Queen Bee Stores, Red Apple Supermarket, Successful Gardens Greenhouse, SweetArt Cake Company, Valley Flower and Gifts, White Ink Printing, Wild Edge Screen-printing.

Dining/drink: Aud’s 4 Corners, Bull Pub Restaurant, Mustang Café, The Pizza Factory, Wyoming 310 Restaurant, Rusty Anchor Café at Horseshoe Bend (seasonal).

Gas/convenience stores: Conoco Country Store, Good 2 Go, Maverik, Minchow’s Service.

Motels: Cattlemen Motel, Horseshoe Bend Motel, Travelodge Motel, Western Motel.

Services: Barber Mafia, Family Vision Clinic, Kodiak Pest and Lawn, Lovell Chronicle, Lovell Dental, Lovell Rec. Department, Mayes Brothers Auto, North Big Horn Hospital, North Big Horn Senior Center, Pivotal Physical Therapy, Revive Salon and Spa, Yellowstone Chiropractic.

Recreation: Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center, Foster Gulch Golf Course, Hyart Theatre, Pryor Mountain Mustang Center, Rose City Lanes/Pizza.