The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Souvenir or a way to save money?
By Mark Reaman
‘Tis the season (almost) for Butte Bucks. The popular Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce–sponsored program that sells $100 in Butte Bucks for $80 in cash will hit the streets Tuesday, December 1.
The idea is to promote spending in the upper valley by offering discounted coins to consumers, both locals and tourists. It is the fifth year for the program and the second year that it includes a “lodging/visitor” component.
The program will run until January 18 with a blackout period between December 22 and January 1. Businesses that aren’t chamber members will take on half of the 20 percent discount. Chamber members pick up 5 percent. Grants from the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte will pick up the rest.
“Extending the dates of the program, we anticipate greater visitor and second home-owner participation,” said chamber of commerce director Dave Ochs. “The new blackout period is due to direct feedback we received from businesses in regard to the increased program duration, and the lodging/visitor components introduced last year. Businesses commented that we have a captive audience here during that time, willing to spend money. Therefore, why should they be offering a discount?” said Ochs.
He continued, “We see an advantage here in that it will hopefully push more visitation around the ‘blackout’ period and/or keep people around longer to take advantage of these benefits. In addition, the more the ‘lodging/visitor’ component is utilized with a greater program length and simplified distribution, the more Butte Bucks will be a driver for repeat or increased visitation.”
There will be 4,000 coins available. Of that, 2,800 will be earmarked for locals and 1,200 to the lodging component of the program.
“Also new for the 2015/16 season, and upon receiving the full funding request, coins can be added back into circulation upon redemption,” said Ochs. “By analyzing the program each day after all coins have been sold, we plan to re-circulate coins and continue the spending as long as we have ample funds to do so.”
Ochs looks at the coins as a possible keepsake for some tourists. “One of our intentions, alongside the Tourism Association, is to put the guest first—give them memorable and lasting experiences, and get them to return knowing they can do their shopping here with a fun coin that also serves as a great souvenir and reminder of their time in Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte,” he said.
According to Ochs, distribution will be both in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. On December 1 and 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Four-way Visitor Center in Crested Butte, the chamber will begin selling Butte Bucks to reach those who are working and have traditionally not been able to get in on the action. Ochs said, “They are on sale to those working and residing in the Gunnison Valley, and we will request proof of residency and a pay stub or other valid proof.
“On December 3, we will continue the regular tradition of sales during the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor Center hours on a first come first serve basis,” said Ochs. “That is limited to $80 cost/$100 value, per day, per person. There is also a spending limit of $100 per participating business per customer.” Chances are there will be a line to obtain the coins when they go on sale but for many people a 20 percent discount makes it all worthwhile.
