What Bitcoin is to the investment world, Hallberg checks are to the residents of Hallbergmoos: a currency that creates security. Especially for the almost 80 businesses in the “Hallbergmoos in Action” advertising association, which was set up in 2007 to support local businesses and companies. The Hallberg cheques with a value of ten euros can only be cashed in participating local businesses. A circumstance that has made them a real lifesaver, especially in the past months of the coronavirus pandemic, which have been so difficult for the retail sector. After all, much has shifted to online retail. But not in Hallbergmoos.
After celebrating the transfer of 25,000 Hallberg cheques in twelve years in 2019, the next currency anniversary was heralded just two years later with a symbolic Hallberg cheque: The pandemic-related surge of solidarity within the community had caused the acceptance to increase exponentially to 50,000 checks, or the equivalent of 500,000 euros, within a very short space of time.
Half a million that stays in the village instead of flowing into online retail. Thanks above all to the commitment of the municipality, which is one of the main recipients of the Soli currency with 600 Hallberg cheques a month. Not only to celebrate milestone birthdays, but also as a salary booster for employees of the municipality. They receive an additional four Hallberg cheques each month, making them an important tool for finding and retaining skilled workers.
In less than 15 years, the Hallberg cheques have created a win-win situation that not only benefits local businesses and citizens, but also the municipality of Hallbergmoos as an employer. It should therefore only be a matter of time and cohesion before the round million is reached. Alexander Mademann from the economic development department of the municipality of Hallbergmoos comments: “We would like to encourage every employer in Hallbergmoos to make tax-free contributions in kind of up to 50 euros per month via Hallberg cheques. In this way, we will retain this special form of economic development and local trade and gastronomy will be strengthened.”
Image material © Munich Airport Business Park, photo Manfred Zentsch
