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November 5, 2014 - In This Issue:
"Hello Basalt! The Howe boys visit this great town.
Dad is the new dermatologist at Roaring Fork Dermatology. We love it here :)
~ Will & Denise Howe, plus Connor, Oliver & Asher. 
  
~ From Basalt Chamber of Commerce Guest Book 10/18/14 ~
  
CabooseNEWS FROM THE CABOOSE

You might have gathered that there isn't a week that doesn't hold excitement and promise for me. This last week brought a follow-up to the first brainstorming session of our new
Economic Development Committee. We're sketching out objectives and will post them later in the month. What we know for sure is that we'll be looking at every possible way to support the Our Town Planning/Basalt Area Advisory Group process, as well as both the common and unique objectives of our diverse commercial communities - Historic Downtown, Basalt Business Center, Willits Town Center, Orchard Plaza, El Jebel, the Mid-Valley Design, Industrial and Medical centers.

As I consider all the myriad businesses represented in Basalt - from retail to restaurants, coffee makers to inventors - I marvel at the ingenuity of our human species. The time I've spent with the Basalt High School students - first in a group of 25+ and now in a self-selected "steering committee" of girls, two freshmen and two seniors - has been an adventure of discovery. For those of you who've followed the twice monthly progress reports on this new "pilot" program we're putting together collaboratively, I would like to be able to better convey how exciting it is to all of us. When Rebecca Doane, principal at Working Solutions, expressed an interest, I suggested she come along for our Friday meeting. To her inquiry for more detail, I responded: "Wait. Come with Me. You'll Feel It." And indeed she did, just as I and the girls do every time we meet.

The program now has a name - "Set Your Sails" - one the girls came up with and announced to me last week. It's perfect for what we're creating... Be thoughtful... Analyze the conditions... Chart your course through life... "Set Your Sails" and have an adventure. Rebecca writes below of her observations. The girls are working on a proposal and summary of the structure of the program -- yes, part of the experience for them is to create a project together, define it, market it and evaluate it. Exciting week? This goes way beyond.

Just a few announcements which you can read more about below:
  • A Big Welcome to our October new members. I'm thrilled that you've not only joined the Basalt Chamber but also all the ways you'd like to participate!
     
  • Our Small Business Saturday promotion is off and running with 20+ businesses already participating with special offers on November 29, including KSNO which will draw among participating businesses to give away a $500 ad package! All the rest of you, don't worry. You're welcome to join until November 25 but to get the most benefit, send in your offer now so your business can get in next week's newsletter.
     
  • Applications are already coming in for hosting 2015 Basalt Business After Hours. Take a look below and send in your application by November 21 to be considered.
     
  • Basalt's November Moonstruck is tomorrow night at the Basalt Public Library. Fun things planned. Check it out!
     
  • Dare I remind you again that the last day to get your Chamber Discount Ski Pass is November 14? I do. We don't want you to miss out. So give us a call and stop by the Caboose for your free voucher then head over to SkiCo for your seasonal pass. You can save more than the cost of your entire year's membership! 
Reflections

Did you have any thoughts about last week's meeting at the Town Hall? Has anything in recent newsletters been bouncing around in your head? Please write me any time. I appreciate your observations, especially now as the Board works through its annual strategic planning. Remember, we're here for you and we want to hear from you.

As I close up this week's reflections, the final tally of votes is being taken across the country. Whatever the results, let's agree to focus on bringing our community together and taking it forward in the most beneficial way. With the Our Town Planning and Basalt Area Advisory Committee process moving thoughtfully ahead, RMI Innovation Center and Element by Westin under construction, Mike's Scanlon's leadership training, the success of the Willits Town Center and new businesses coming to Downtown Basalt, this truly is an exciting time to be in Basalt.

Warm regards,
Robin
Robin Waters
President/CEO for your Chamber of Commerce

Check the calendar below for this month's business and networking events in Basalt and don't forget that the Aspen Ski Company's Early Deadline for the Chamber Discount Ski Pass is coming up on November 14. 
WELCOME NEW BASALT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS!!
Welcome
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology of the Rockies
120 Midland Avenue #230
Glenwood Springs, CO
www.AllergyoftheRockies.com
(970) 947-0601

Central Distributing
245 South Avenue
Grand Junction, CO
www.CentralDistributing.ws
(970) 243-0024
Habitat For Humanity
39060 Highway 82, Unit 16
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 366-2669
Thanks Candace Cross!

Outside Adventure Media
74 Sagewood Court
Basalt, CO 81621
(469) 338-3233
Thank you Barry Stevenson, award-winning videographer!

Roaring Fork Hospitality
120 Tucker Lane
Basalt, CO 81621
(970) 279-5024
(More info coming up!)
Schonewill International
P.O. Box 3020
Basalt, CO 81621
www.schonewillinternational.com
(303) 638-4474
Welcome Debra Schonewill!
        
SmallBiz 
HOORAY FOR BASALT SMALL BUSINESSES
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH, PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD
RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESS


Basalt businesses are celebrating too! By offering you, their treasured customers, a special discount all day Saturday. It's a perfect time to do your early holiday shopping and enjoy the nature of friendship that abounds in our community. We'll be adding names through the month so check out the list next week and until November 29.
  • The Aspen Clinic - 50% off on Saturday!
  • Bangkok Happy Bowl El Jebel - Happy Hour All Night Long beginning at 4pm!
  • Basalt Bike & Ski - 20% off store-wide!
  • Basalt Emporium & Flying Circus - Free chocolate truffle with purchase over $10!
  • Basalt Fitness - Half-off personal training. Call ahead for appointment. 927-0305
  • Basalt Pharmacy - Offer coming up. (Check back next week.)
  • Basalt Printing - 10% off all ink/toner cartridges!
  • Burn Fitness Studio - Buy a monthly pass, get a 2nd at 1/2 price!
  • Design Finch - 10% off custom holiday cards. Order by Dec 1 Contact Shayla
  • DownValley Tavern - 1/2 off all bottles of wine all day and night!
  • Heathers Savory Pies & Tapas Bar - Spend $15 Saturday and Get 20% off Next Visit!
  • Heirlooms Resale - 10% off Storewide!
  • Midland Shoe - Draw In-store for Discounts!
  • Mountain Greenery - 10% off store-wide!
  • Sculco Creative - 20% off next Letter Press order (1 per customer) Contact Mark
  • Taboo - 10% off storewide (Welcome new business in downtown Basalt!!)
  • Two Rivers Chiropractic - 10% off massage & chiropractic (family & pets) (970) 927-2225
  • Woo Du-An Shaman/Healer/Teacher - 25% off 1 hour consulting. Call (970) 927-0278
  • Working Solutions LLC - Free one-hour consultation about any employee related issue or concern. Call Rebecca (970) 987-1764
Be sure to mention the Basalt Chamber Small Business Saturday promotion to receive your gift or discount! Valid only on Saturday, November 29.

KSNO Radio is offering a $500 advertising package to one participating business.
There will be a drawing on November 29 and KSNO will announce the winner on air.
So stay tuned!

*** Not on the list? No problem. I'm adding names all through the month so 
send me your business name and special offer any time and we'll get it posted***
MarkCalendarMARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
& BASALT EVENTS
 
Moonstruck at the Basalt Public Library *** 
Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 5:00 to 7:00 pm
With live music, a warming hut, firepit, marshmallow roasting. Wander around this fabulous library AND get free tech tips for your devices and bedtime stories for the kids. Plus food, drink and shopping specials in historic downtown! See below for more info.

Taste of Basalt 
Saturday, November 8, 2014 - 6:00 to 11:00 pm
Roaring Fork Club with DJ Dylan
A party and auction to benefit Basalt public schools. Check in at Midland Shoes or online to see if any tickets remain then enjoy one of Basalt most cherished events. See you there!

The Basalt Chamber Business After Hours at the Bank of Colorado
Thursday, November 20, 2014 ***
655 East Valley Road, Basalt
Co-hosted by the Bank of Colorado, Names & Numbers and El Jebeverage. 
This is a super popular event so mark your calendars and we'll give you more information next week.

COMING UP IN DECEMBER

Holiday Tree Lighting 
Join us as we light up the town!
There'll be caroling, hot cider, cookies and lots of Ho-Ho-Ho's
December 5 - Lion's Park next to the Town Hall in Historic Downtown
December 12 - Triangle Park in Willits Town Center

December Business After Hours ***
Alpine Bank Willits
711 East Valley Road
Visit Santa and all the great folks at Alpine Bank!

*** Basalt Chamber of Commerce Event

For a complete list of Basalt events, visit the Chamber website
BAHINVITATION TO HOST A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Applications Now Being Accepted for 2015

If you've been to a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, you'll know what a great opportunity it is to see old friends, make new business contacts, eat excellent snacks and often drink some very nice beer or wine. Our members are getting increasingly bold with the microphone talking for 30 seconds or so about their latest business news. I predict that one day in 2015, someone is going to break into song!

The monthly gathering - every 3rd Thursday of the month - is a fun social event, with relaxed networking, libations and priceless giveaways. As Chamber director, I especially enjoy these occasions because I get to spend time with members and even do a little match-making. Nothing makes me happier than a good collaboration.

For business hosts this is an excellent opportunity to bring potential customers and referrers in your doors. We've had a great new bunch of hosts in 2014 and look forward to seeing the inside of some new stores in 2015.

Would you like to host a Business After Hours? If so, just fill out this application and email it to us by November 21st. A selection committee will choose the locations and a schedule will be announced at 2014's final Business after hours on December 18 at Alpine Bank Willits.

Every year we have more businesses interested in hosting than months available, so make your application stand out. A few tips: Think of something fun and different. Pretty sure we're going to see Santa Claus in December. Consider partnering up with another business. If you're an interior decorator with a home office, how about getting together with an architectural firm. Fitness centers can team up with chiropractors. Door prizes are always popular, even music.

Get Your Application 
Deadline for Submission: Friday, November 21, 2014
NewsBASALT IN THE NEWS

"Election: GOP's Gardner beats Udall in heated U.S. Senate race Aspen Times 11/5/14

"Election: Preliminary Basalt initiative results from Eagle County" Aspen Times 11/4/14

"RFTA service cutbacks create logistical issues for businesses" Aspen Daily News 11/1/14

"Real estate sales are up by 22.5 percent so far in 2014" Aspen Times 10/30/14

"Basalt group seeks arts-civic centerAspen Times 10/29/14

"Basalt council shares views on Pan and Fork site future" Aspen Times 10/29/14

Angry crowd cools down after grilling council" Aspen Times 10/29/14 

Marijuana greenhouses approved in Missouri Heights Aspen Times 10.29.14

And there's always Town Manager Mike Scanlon's Weekend Update (though this week, it seems just a tad behind so hang tight understanding that Mr. Scanlon is a very busy man). I wait in anticipation for all the news of what's happening inside the town halls, under the pavement, in the parks and around the Town. 

If we've missed anything or you have new news to report, please send it right over. If it's good news, and hasn't yet made the headlines, we'll see if we can get our local papers interested.
SkiPassMORE BIG SAVINGS ON SEASON SKI PASSES
WITH A BASALT CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Pick up your voucher and purchase your pass by November 14

As a Chamber member you and your eligible employees may choose among several categories of passes for up to $370 in savings (more than the cost of a Chamber membership). Each pass offers a variety of great benefits and additional savings, including the popular Premier Pass which now includes 50% off lift tickets at six more world-class destinations. Have a look at Aspen
SkiCo's letter for all the details and following these easy steps:
 
Step 1: Pick up your voucher at the Basalt Chamber office
Step 2: Purchase your Season Pass at SkiCo's ticket offices
Step 3: Gather your gear and get ready for the snow!
 
The Early Deadline Discount is only available through Friday, November 14 
so stop by soon to get your voucher.
Please call first to let us know you're on your way (970) 927-4031.
Sails"SET YOUR SAILS"
Observations from a New Volunteer Program Developer

"I sat in on Robin's meeting with the four brilliant and beautiful high school students working with her to create a student-business "externship" program, to be called "Set your Sails". 
    The purpose of the program is to enhance students' knowledge about the "world of business" and add value to their pursuit of discovering or affirming their personal career goals. These students are enthusiastic, motivated, and have exciting ideas about how this type of program might benefit the student body, the local businesses that participate in it, and the Basalt community as a whole.
 
    The youthful exuberance that I witnessed during this meeting affirmed my faith in today's young adults. I am honored to have been there and extremely excited to participate in the program's future development.
 
    I'm so impressed and inspired that I've committed to participate with the Chamber and Basalt High School in developing this pilot program, and I invite others who share my enthusiasm to contact me about getting involved."

Rebecca Doane

Working Solutions, LLC

 

Through the "Set Your Sails" program - a name cleverly chosen by students MacKenzie, Stina, Stephanie and Kaylin - the Basalt Chamber will match students with participating businesses to give them an opportunity to cultivate first-hand the seeds of their human and career development. Some businesses will be intensely involved; others just a little. We welcome the participation of any creative entrepreneurs who own or operate local businesses and who revel as we do in the bright spirits of young adults. We're working hand-in-hand with the students to create a proposal, program for student involvement, objectives list, self-evaluation questions, and broad applicability of the program. We'd like to have a handful of business owners join us for a noon discussion in December to learn more about the program from the students and provide feedback on how to best involve businesses for the benefit of all. Please contact us to learn more. ~ RW

 

 
MoonstruckTOMORROW NIGHT!
Enjoy a special Moonstruck
at the Beautiful Basalt Library!

There'll be a warming hut, fire pit, marshmallow roasting, plus complimentary tech tips for your devices and bedtime stories for the kids.

Stop by from 5:00-7:00pm then head into historic downtown for special sales along Midland Avenue. Mention that you saw this post to be sure to get your discount at participating stores.






Emma2014 EMMA SCHOOLHOUSE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
volunteerVolunteer to Support Your Business Community
Choose an activity you'll enjoy! 

We need help in the caboose in a variety of ways: phone outreach, list development (cross-checking and updating lists), mailings and general in-office support. We'd also love to have a weekend tourism outreach coordinator and ambassador. Do you know someone who'd like to join a happy team, hang out in a historic Colorado Southern caboose and meet great people. If so, invite them to fill out this form and send it by fax to 927-2833, by email to info@basaltchamber.com or by hand to the Caboose.

We're also launching several working groups and are looking for experienced, committed participants to help enhance business vitality and quality of life in our community. Opportunities are available in the following areas:
  • Membership Outreach & Training
  • Economic Enhancement
  • Downtown Revitalization
  • Events Planning
  • Marketing
  • Scenic ByWays Presentation & Planning
  • Chamber Membership & Program Development
  • Ambassadors
  • And more...
We invite you to join us. Make new contacts, network with other professionals and business owners, develop your leadership skills, and have a great time. For more information on volunteer opportunities, click here then send in the attached volunteer form or call us at (970) 927-4031.
THANK YOU TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS
YOUR NEWS HERE FOR JUST $20!
Taste

You can reach a broad, targeted audience with your sales, specials and latest news. Send us either typed information and a photo, or your ad in .jpg format and we'll post it in our next newsletter. Plus, we can insert a link to your website, email address or any type of .pdf flyer, invitation or document. Contact us when you're ready for that extra boost.


Looking for even more direct exposure? Take advantage of our exclusive member e-blasts? The member rate is $100 (that's less than 10 cents per contact!). Just email us with with your ad details and we'll have it out within 48 business hours (just not on a day when another campaign is scheduled). As a bonus, with your e-blast, we'll include an ad in the newsletter for free.
The FISHING REPORT
November weather is starting out here in Basalt on the mild side, and we'll take it!  We have yet to see any serious snow, and indian summer just keeps on rolling here in the Roaring Fork Valley. On the fishing side of the coin, beware of spawning brown trout throughout the Valley.  Please give pairs on beds a wide berth, as there are plenty of ravenous rainbows, cutthroat and brook trout out there very willing to eat the fly. Streamer fishing on the lower Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers is as white-hot as it gets, the upper Fork has excellent action in the afternoon, and the Fryingpan still has very decent mid-day blue winged olive and midge hatches. Get out there and enjoy!

More extensive river reports are available for:
USGS Real Time Flow Chart for the Frying Pan River
USGS Real Time Flow chart for the Fork at Basalt (Emma)

From Scott Spooner at Taylor Creek Fly Shop http://www.taylorcreek.com/ 

This Month In Basalt

 

To view this month's and future calendars click HERE
Basalt Area Chamber of Commerce
The Red Caboose in Lions Park
POB 514
Basalt, CO 81621
970.927.4031

Our Mission:  To advocate for, promote, and serve our members.

 

Our Vision:  To grow Basalt as a destination for businesses, locals, and visitors. 
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