Nearly 80 people filled the historic salon rooms of the Tempranillo Restaurant last Thursday for the Basalt Chamber of Commerce's Annual meeting. it was a record audience, and largely due I think to new energy coursing through the town.

The theme of the 2014-2015 Annual Meeting was ideas and innovation and a community coming together. Long-time Basalt Town Planner Susan Philp discussed the myriad projects ahead for the Town. Tim Belinski talked about the uniqueness of the multi-faceted Willits Town Center in the valley, the new Element Basalt hotel, and what to look for in the days ahead. Marty Pickett, RMI managing director, described not only the distinguished contributions of the Rocky Mountain Institute over the years, but gave us a vision of what the new Innovation Center will bring to Basalt. Marci Krivonen of Aspen Public Radio, who's long covered news in the valley, observed that Basalt seems to be coalescing into a strong, focused citizen-driven community. I reviewed the Chamber's activities over the last year, the essential role of volunteers to the strength and success of our organization, and the clear signs of vitality ahead. Key points included:

To read more about the Chamber's 2014 Annual Report and year-in-review, download a copy here.

Thanks to all of you who joined us last week. It was deeply gratifying to feel the spirit and collegiality of our town. And thank you to Javier Gonzales Bringas and Laura Maine, owners of Tempranillo Restaurant, for pulling together a seamlessly perfect luncheon, and again to Matt Harrington for giving us sound from room to room.
 

Does Basalt have vitality?
 

At last Tuesday's Town Council and Public Meeting, Town Manager Mike Scanlon talked about vitality as almost an ineffable concept, made of factors too numerous to describe. Vitality comes in stages. It exists in some pockets, while others are quiet. Some shops, not others. Some business owners tell me 2014 was their best year yet, while others are struggling. When we have it, we feel it and we know we're riding high. I like the part of the definition above that recognizes the "vitality of seeds." In all the phenomena I highlighted covering the Chamber's last year: the increased members, the exploding magazine, the terrific attendance at our networking events and annual meeting, the packed chambers of the Town Council, yesterday's ReStore Basalt opening - I feel both the seeds of vitality and its fruition.

On Saturday, I had a three hour (or was it four) lunch with our Chamber chair, the chair of the Downtown Business Association, and a former Basalt business owner. The conversation was thick with streaming ideas and promising collaboration, punctuated by laughter and camaraderie. The Basalt CO Community Page on Facebook is taking off with thoughtful conversation, and generally respectful dissent. As I write there's a lively thread about vibrancy that started with a picture of the Seattle Farmer's Market. If you're not a member of the group, head to the page and ask to join. All are welcome.

Looking for something to read to get the juices flowing? Tracy Bennett, BDBA chair and long-time owner of Midland Shoes, recently shared some inspiring anecdotes from  Why People Buy (and next week you'll learn which of the three different authors penned the recommended book). We also talked about creating a gathering for out-of-the-box thinking in Basalt. What do you think? Anyone interested in a weekly or monthly luncheon to brainstorm and feel the vitality flow? If so, write us here and we'll send you notice of the first get-together.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Basalt Preview Opening

Speaking of vitality, yesterday Habitat for Humanity's Preview Party & Ribbon Cutting packed in a crowd of more than a hundred guests to see the transformation of the old Clark's Market into a fine-looking furniture and accessories store. Today, the ReStore will hold their Grand Opening and Earth Day Fair from 10 am to 5:30 pm. More information is available below. Stop by to welcome Habitat for Humanity to Basalt, then wander around town to see all the new activity... the soon-to-open Cocina del Valle across Two Rivers Road, along with two new shops getting set up at the other end of Midland Avenue.

Basalt Avenue / Highway 82 Underpass & Annual Fryingpan River Clean-up