Show Me the Money: (Above), Notre Dame Bucks can be exchanged for goods in local stores. (Left) Chamber of Commerce president Lise Deleurme and Shop Easy Foods owner Rick Robitaille say the dollars make sense. Photos by Darcy Finley
HAMIOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MINNEDOSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEEPAWA & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIVERS & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WASAGAMING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HOLIDAY KICKOFF >> The Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce is
the middle emblazoned with a fleur des lis and a sheaf of grain in the background. “I think we were ahead of the government when we printed our ND Bucks on plastic,” Deleurme laughs. The bucks were deliberately made larger than a regular bill so people can’t slip them into their wallets and forget about them. “Our data indicates that the money is spent right away, with Christmas being the time of year when the largest amount is in circulation,” Deleurme says. Rick Robitaille, owner of the local Shop Easy Foods, was present during the initial discussions about Notre Dame Bucks. He says the low denominations were selected to ensure that when they’re exchanged for merchandise, the amount of change returned in Canadian money is minimal. “I don’t want a person coming into my store with a $50 ND certificate to buy a pack of gum for $1 and request $49 in real change,” he says. “I don’t think a person would do that, but it is a possibility.” Robitaille says the program has helped keep money in Notre Dame that might otherwise be spent outside of the town. “There is one businessman in town who gives his 20 employees Christmas bonuses in ND Bucks every year. It gives local entrepreneurs a real shot in the arm.” Robitaille says the local currency can be used to buy gas and groceries, as well as pay for house insurance or purchase meals at restaurants. “The bucks are accepted by most businesses in Notre Dame,” he says, adding that his Shop Easy Foods has been an inaugural member of the “ingenious plan” since it was launched. In Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, the ND Buck not only stops here, it remains here. ■
sponsoring a Pub Night at the Royal Canadian Legion on Dec. 6, from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. The social event features door prizes, an appetizer menu and music from Irish band Reel Brew. Tickets cost $40 and will be available at the chamber. See www.neepawachamber.com. LET IT SNOW >> Snowboarding is increasingly popular in Manitoba, and Minnedosa’s Ski Valley is on trend, with nine runs for skiers and snowboarders at all levels of expertise. The facility seven kilometres north of Minnedosa offers instruction and rentals for beginners. Visit www.skivalley.ca to learn more.
29 MBiz | November 2014
Powered by FlippingBook