Bridgewater creates its own currency, local business shares progress

BRIDGEWATER, Va. (WHSV) – The town of Bridgewater has created its own local currency called ‘River Roos,’ in hopes of boosting the local economy.

Bridgewater officially implemented River Roos on November 1. According to the town’s website, which boasts the currency’s kangaroo logo, River Roos can be purchased online or as a physical gift card.

Consumers can only use River Roos at participating local business, many of them located on Main Street.

“It’s currency the city of Bridgewater is providing to the community to help people get out to try some of the new restaurants, or restaurants they haven’t tried, to get more people interacting with the community,” Michael Morgan, manager of New York Flying Pizza, said.

New York Flying Pizza is one of the several businesses along Main Street participating in the River Roos program. Morgan has already seen an increase in customers since the program began.

“We’ve just started at the beginning of the month, do I’ve had quite a handful,” Morgan said. “It’s not a boatload, but we’ve definitely had a lot more people come in.”

So far, the town of Bridgewater said community members have spent almost $9,000 on River Roos. One community member said the currency is a great way to keep money local, especially in a small town.

All participating stores are listed on the town website.

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