Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — Hayden officials plan to introduce a new form of currency in hopes of encouraging residents to spend money in town.

Of course, Hayden Bucks will not replace greenbacks. But the bucks will be accepted at many Hayden businesses.

"We are hoping it will make an impact in Hayden and also give the residents a better awareness of the businesses available in Hayden," Hayden Economic Development Commission chairman Jack Giessinger said.

Details of the Hayden Bucks program are being worked out, and officials hope more information will be available later this month, Hayden EDC member Don Johnson said.

Hayden will join other Routt County communities that use similar programs. The Hayden Bucks program likely would be similar to an Oak Creek program. The bucks are purchased at businesses and used to buy merchandise and services from those businesses. The businesses redeem the bucks for cash at the bank.

Oak Creek Mayor Kathy "Cargo" Rodeman said the South Routt Bucks program has been successful since it began more than a year ago.

Like the proposed Hayden Bucks, South Routt Bucks can be used only at businesses in the community. Residents use the bucks for everything from food and cocktails to massages.

"It's been great," Rodeman said. "People love getting them, and people love giving them."

They also are popular as gifts, and employers often give them to their employees as bonuses, Rodeman said. The bucks have done their job -- keeping money in South Routt, she said.

The Steamboat Springs Cham-

ber Resort Association sells Chamber Bucks, which are accepted at Steamboat businesses that are Chamber members. The bucks can be purchased at the Chamber, 1255 S. Lincoln Ave.

-- To reach Matt Stensland, call 871-4210

or e-mail mstensland@steamboatpilot.com