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#HintonFirst Bucks

Support Local the Hinton way!

We are constantly adding new businesses to our Bucks program. If you would be interested in more information on this, please click the link below to learn more.



What is Hinton First?

Hinton First is a local movement that was started several years ago by the Hinton Regional Economic Development Coalition (HREDC) to strengthen our local economy by encouraging residents, visitors, and businesses to consider Hinton first before buying, selling, volunteering, or spending time elsewhere.

The initiative was designed to foster the development of local businesses, non­ profits, and visitor experiences through a change in mentality, as well as making our community as strong as it can be for its citizens, and all those who pass through it by providing the products and services they require. It simply asks all residents to consider the local potential of our existing services and products available to them in Hinton before heading out of town to spend their money.

Introduction of #HintonFirstBucks

Who are these dollars for?

The idea behind #HintonFirst Bucks is that they can be purchased and used by anyone. Here are some examples:

  • Employers can use these #HintonFirst bucks on their employees for their Service Awards, seasonal bonuses or other awards of recognition.
  • Everyday citizens can use these to give as gifts to their friends and family or purchase for themselves to use at a future date to support a local business.

Often times it’s difficult to know what to purchase and who to support when it comes to gift buying. This allows you to give the perfect gift – the gift of supporting local.

Why you should participate

This program won’t succeed without support from our local businesses to get on board with accepting these #HintonFirst Bucks as payment. The more businesses that we can get on board, the more people will be wanting to buy these dollars to use for themselves and as gifts to support local. Through this program your business can gain more exposure to potential new customers and members and it gives residents a chance to pride themselves on supporting local.

All participating businesses and organizations will be marketed as part of the program, and those businesses with a storefront will be provided with a window decal to show customers that you accept #HintonFirst Bucks at your location.

You’ve convinced me! What now?

If your business is interested in being a part of the #HintonFirst Bucks program please reach out to the Chamber by phoning 780.865.2777 or emailing info@hintonchamber.com.

Once we get your information we’ll set up a visit in person to deliver a package including any materials you need, talk with you about any potential questions or concerns, and show you a sample of what the #HintonFirst Bucks will look like.

FAQ For Businesses

We’ve listed some questions you may have about how this program will work and our answers on how to go about implementing it.

  • How would I accept these #HintonFirstBucks?

Accept the bills like you would cash.

  • How will I be reimbursed for accepting the #HintonFirst Bucks?

Once you have accumulated some #HintonFirst Bucks you can contact the Hinton Chamber for reimbursement. We will work with your business to verify the denominations and then either send you an e-transfer or issue a cheque for payment. We will be issuing payment to businesses bi-weekly (*unless you have a large order and need to be reimbursed sooner*)

  • Will my business be listed on a website as a participant in this program?

Yes, we will be planning to create a landing page online that promotes the initiative and a list of all our participating merchants and organizations that accept #HintonFirst Bucks. There will also be digital and print marketing efforts put into promoting the local program and showcasing our participating vendors.

  • What if someone tries to use a $20 #HintonFirst bill to pay for a $15 item?

With this program there will be no change given back. This is a great opportunity for the business to upsell the customer.

  • What if my business doesn’t have a storefront, can I still participate?

Yes, anyone that accepts payment for a service or product is invited to participate in this program. We’d like to get as many businesses as possible on board with accepting #HintonFirst Bucks. This may even extend to some of our local non­ profit organizations that accept memberships or other services. We may need to make some exceptions for approval in the program so if you are unsure please reach out.

  • Who is creating these #HintonFirstBucks?

We are working with a local supplier to procure these secure, numbered bills for circulation. It will be important for you and your staff to be familiar with the look and feel of these bills as we want to make this as secure as possible to avoid fraudulence. Once you accept this tender and communicate with the Chamber for payment, we will ask that you destroy or void the bills, so they don’t get recirculated.

  • Is this a one-time event or an ongoing initiative?

This will be an ongoing initiative – the more opportunities we have to keep dollars in the community the better. We may be having special #HintonFirst events and promotions throughout the year, but the intention is for the program to run year round.

  • Who do I reach out to if I have any additional questions?

If you need any more information please reach out to the Chamber of Commerce by calling 780.865.2777 or emailing Natalie Charlton, Executive Director at natalie.charlton@hintonchamber.com.