Chamber Logo 
October 22, 2014 - In This Issue:
"Love, love, love living here! We have bears, deer, martins, otters, beaver, bobcats and more!!
~ Sharon & Bruce Anderson, Basalt residents 
  
~ From Basalt Chamber of Commerce Guest Book 10/9/14 ~
  
CabooseNEWS FROM THE CABOOSE

Last week was especially inspiring around Basalt. With two groundbreakings - the Element by Westin Hotel at the Willits Town Center and the Rocky Mountain Institute's new Innovation Center in downtown Basalt - the tantalizing vision of what's ahead for Basalt is becoming more tangible.

Both of these buildings draw from cutting-edge technology and advance sustainable principles. A LEED-certified hotel, Element by Westin is literally one more element in the Willits Town Center's model of a fully sustainable, mixed-use community, a singular concept in the Roaring Fork Valley. Keep an eye out for additional retail space and residential units. RMI's Innovation Center, a beautifully and brilliantly designed "beyond" state-of-art building, will be among the highest performing buildings in the world and will attract visitors from equal distance. Both buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Let's Gear Up for Small Business Saturday
Free advertising opportunity through the Chamber.
 
The past few days have given us all an opportunity to catch up with other projects. Among the big items on my list is getting ready for next month's Small Business Saturday. November 29 is the day we celebrate and support small businesses and all they bring to our community. For the next few weeks, we'll be gathering steam and helping our local businesses promote themselves on this special day. If you're a small business in Basalt, please take advantage of this special free advertising opportunity  described below. If you have some shopping to do, please stay local and give a boost to our amazing and wonderfully diverse small businesses!

Another Free Promotional Opportunity - the Ski & Snowboard Expo

The Basalt Downtown Business Association has been hard at work pulling together all the details for this year's Ski & Snowboard Expo. You can get excellent exposure for your business without the highway journey. Take a moment to read the details below and sign your business up to participate. And remember, I did say free, though you'll need to get a little creative or come up with a give-away that says "Yes, I'm here. Come visit us in Basalt."
 
The Students Continue to Amaze Me

Last Friday, I met again with the leadership students at Basalt High School. As we discussed, they've formed a working group of four students to develop our new project to place soon-to-graduate students in professional settings to add real-life content to their career and advanced-education planning. They're excited and so am I. I'll tell you more about this modified internship program after our October 31 meeting. In the meantime, if you have a practice or business in the following areas - nutrition, pediatrics, marketing, broadcasting, or photography - and would like to be part of this pilot project, please contact me for more details. These are just a few of the business categories we'll include.

Are Your Lungs Happy at High Altitude?

Living at high altitude over long periods of time can have varying impacts on the body, some good and some less so. For those of us who are outdoors a lot -- and, well, breathing -- the altitudinal impact on our lungs might be of special concern. Fortunately, the Valley View Hospital has new screening technology and pulmonary rehabilitation programs available for Valley residents, and a very popular lung specialist. Dr. "Aki" will speak at our November Lunch & Learn next Wednesday, the 29th, about how high altitude affects lung health and what you can do to make your lungs happy. Seating is limited so please sign up soon to get a place.

More About Our New Directors

Last week I introduced Charlie Spickert, a long-time professional in business brokerage, commercial real estate and corporate management, who will spearhead our efforts to support small business and maintain healthy economic vitality in the community. Today you'll have a chance to learn more about Catherine Markle whose skills in land-use planning and landscape architecture will strengthen our collaborative and visionary process. Stay tuned, as next week we'll introduce our third and final new member of 2014.

With our new members in place, the Chamber Board of Directors will enter into its 2015 planning session at the end of the month. If you have something special on your mind or would like to volunteer support, please let us hear from you. The Chamber of Commerce is a family of collaboration and opportunity. We hope you'll continue to take advantage of all the benefits of networking, advertising and planning partnership and are excited to roll out some important new initiatives in the months ahead.

Last but not least I have a special request for you from a far-away correspondent. We do get some interesting inquiries here at the Chamber - such as where to get a shower after work in Basalt (I think we helped them) - and some are especially delightful.  Joyce Walton is trying to identify the enigmatic fellow her lovely grandmother is holding hands with in an old sepia tinted photo. Please take a look below and see if you can help her. 

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. 
CharlieWELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER
Catherine E. Markle, Alpine Design & Planning, Inc. 


When I first talked to Cathy Markle in August, we were both looking at Downtown Colorado, Inc's upcoming "2014 Annual Conference, Vibrant Colorado Downtowns." The presentation topics were thrilling - particularly in light of the new challenges facing Basalt's historic downtown - but the timing was wrong and it seemed synchronistic that our new board applicant was eyeing the same conference. She went and returned with an abundance of ideas for Basalt and downtown revitalization. 
 

It's this arena - the process of informing and guiding Basalt's current and future economic development - that most attracts Cathy to the Basalt Chamber of Commerce and service on its Board of Directors. Although drawn to the opportunities in our downtown core, she states: "This ambitious goal will involve a broader scope than just the downtown area, and will need to encompass our community needs and issues as a whole, to create and maintain a vibrant business and social community while assuring the most pleasant living circumstances we have."
 

With her background in land use planning and landscape architecture throughout the Colorado mountain resort communities, she'll work with the Chamber developing and enhancing collaborative program between Eagle and Pitkin counties and the Town of Basalt.

Cathy is President of Alpine Design & Planning, Inc., a local landscape architecture and land use planning firm serving the Valley since 1991. She is a licensed landscape architect with extensive land planning experience in the private and public sectors. She also provides pro bono assistance to various community organizations to help bring their voices to the elected and appointed officials. Cathy moved from California to Denver in 1972, then to Steamboat Springs during college at C.S.U., followed by Vail, Aspen and now, Emma. She is also proprietor of Emmadale Farms, a small farm producing greens for restaurants and the public.
 

She currently serves on the Roaring Fork Valley Eagle County Planning Commission, and has also volunteered on the Wheeler Opera House Board, the Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Board, the Colorado Association of Homebuilders, and was former president of the Hunter Creek Phase II Board, representing 82 employee housing units in Hunter Creek. Cathy is an avid biker, hiker, skier, and Zumba-lover.

Cathy is the second of three new area professionals to join the Chamber and be profiled here. Welcome Cathy! 

SmallBiz 
FREE ADVERTISING IN THE CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

Saturday, November 29 is Small Business Saturday, a day when people across the nation celebrate and support small businesses and all they bring to our communities. American Express gives a special credit to cardholders. Newspapers highlight our small local businesses. And here at the Chamber, we want to give you an advertising boost to support your post-Thanksgiving holiday promotions.

It's easy.... and it's free. Any business member who wishes to offer a special discount on Small Business Saturday will be listed in a special, on-going promotion encouraging the community to Shop Basalt. Just send me a quick note and describe your discount in four words or less (alas, there's only so much room) - for example, 10% off store-wide - and we'll advertise your offer in our weekly newsletter through the month of November. 

The more businesses that join in, the bigger the promotion and the better the town-wide appeal.

Contact us as soon as possible with your business name, location and special offer and join the celebration!

If you want to do even more to prepare for Small Business Saturday, download free Small Business Saturday marketing materials, and get a few Holiday Marketing Tips & Ideas, you can visit the Small Business Administration webpage. Enjoy!
MarkCalendarMARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 
& LOCAL EVENTS
 
Town of Basalt - Update on the Basalt Avenue/Hwy 82 Underpass
October 22, Wednesday, 4:30-6:30pm **TIME CORRECTION**
The Town is moving forward efficiently with the design, engineering and financing of the Basalt Avenue/Highway 82 Underpass. An open house and presentation on the project will be held next Wednesday in the Basalt Library Community Room. You'll have an opportunity to see display boards of the current plan, the history of intersection improvements, and examples of other underpasses. Representatives from the Town of Basalt and the project and design team, will be present to answer questions on all facets of the construction process: traffic drainage, landscaping, lighting, structural and wall elements, parking, bus stop impacts, safety improvements and connectivity between the Southside neighborhood and historic downtown. Be in the know, and join in this important community process.

Lunch & Learn - "Lung Health Awareness: How High Altitudes Affect
 Your Lungs & What You Can Do to Make Them Happy!"
October 29, Wednesday 11:30-1pm 
Eagle County Building next to the El Jebel Theater
Dr. Akrum Al-Zubaidi "Dr. Aki" from the Lung Center at Valley View Hospital will discuss new technology and services available at VVH including the lung cancer screening and pulmonary rehab programs. Learn more about lung cancer awareness, how high altitudes affect lung health and what you can do to make your lungs happy.
The cost to attend, including lunch, is $15 for members of the Basalt or Carbondale Chambers of Commerce and $25 for non-members

Space is limited for the Lunch & Learn. To reserve a place, RSVP with payment to (970) 927-4031 by Monday, October 27. Lunch is catered by the Downvalley Tavern.

"Citizens' committee debates park or hotel at Basalt site" Aspen Times 10/20/14

"Permaculture action tour lands in Basalt" Aspen Daily News 10/18/14

"Silverpeak owner applies for water rights for pot greenhouse in Basalt" Aspen Daily News 10/13/14 

"A vocational revolution is underway in the Roaring Fork Valley" Alpine Bank Community News 9/29/14

And of course there's Town Manager Mike Scanlon's Weekend Update where you'll learn everything from how local development projects are coming along and what the new Downtown Area Advisory Committee is doing to where most Basalt Residents work (68% in Aspen), when and where the next Leaf Drop will take place, and how the Town's Public Works Department is keeping everything running smoothly. 

While you're getting up-to-date on the goings-on about the town, if you've never read the Town of Basalt's 2014 Work Plan you have a few months left before the year is over. In addition to the "routine" and "expected" services, the report says, "there's an incredible amount of work being accomplished behind the scenes." Situated as I am in the Caboose next to the Town Hall and regularly using the "facilities" there, I can testify that this is true, and am impressed with both the dedication and diligence of our Town's staff and representatives. 

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.
Expo
EXPOSE YOUR BUSINESS... in a good way!

Get Great Exposure for Your Business at the November 2014 Ski & Snowboard Expo in Denver Without Ever Leaving Town.... and help us promote Basalt as an ideal winter destination 
 
The Basalt Chamber of Commerce and the Basalt Downtown Business Association (BDBA) are partnering together to exhibit at the Ski and Snowboard Expo next month. The Expo is the undisputed king of the Colorado retail ski scene and is the single largest ski and snowboard sale in the state. What a fantastic opportunity to promote Basalt as a winter visitor destination. Our Stay Basalt. Ski Aspen seasonal marketing campaign highlights Basalt's proximity to the Aspen/Snowmass slopes and our diverse and affordable lodging, dining and shopping experience. 
 
You can get all the benefits of our involvement without ever leaving Basalt. We're planning several drawings and giveaways and there are several ways your business or organization can be included. Could you donate a gift certificate, experience or product for our Basalt vacation package drawing at the Expo? How about some free promotional items to give away at our booth?

The attached sponsorship form provides more details about the Expo and promotional opportunities for your business. This is a great opportunity for your business to get a bunch of exposure with just a little effort. To join with us and help promote Basalt as a terrific winter destination, please return the sponsorship form to shayla@designfinch.com by October 31st.

I want to give an extra thanks to the BDBA and Shayla Groves for spearheading this effort, and the team who's volunteering to man the booth through a very long and energetic weekend (names soon to be provided). We think we have all the volunteers we need, but if you want to get your name in in case a space opens, let us know.

PhotoWHO'S THAT FELLOW ON THE LEFT?


Joyce Walton of California writes that the stunning young woman in the photo above is her grandmother Margaret Irene Clarke-Ould. To her right, is the dashing Clarence L. Danielson, co-author of "Basalt: Colorado Midland Town." Margaret is holding hands with a handsome, mysterious fellow (not Joyce's grandfather) and Joyce would love to know who he is. Was he a best friend? A beau? Well, it's possible that he's Alfred Sloss, Joyce says, as the two families were friends, but she's not sure. Clarence married Margaret's sister Lucy Clark and Margaret married Mr. Ould, but whatever has happened to this young man at the left edge of the bench.

 
If you have a clue, please write me and I'll forward your information to Joyce. Thanks, you're a peach!

  
For you history buffs, here's more family info. Margaret's mother was Edith May Willits-Clarke and her grandmother was Mary Frick-Willits, AKA "Grandma Willits." Joyce has more old photos if anyone is interested.

 

volunteerVolunteer to Support Your Business Community
Choose an activity you'll enjoy! Decide how much time you have to give..

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
TasteCOMING UP SOON. GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!

 
BizAdBROADCAST YOUR NEWS HERE FOR ONLY $20!
Exclusive Member Only Advertising Opportunity

We can help you get the word out about your specials, sales and up-to-the-minute news for only $20! This is an affordable avenue to reach your fellow business associates as well as community members. We reach more than 1400 businesses and community members have a high open rate on our campaigns. All you need to do is send us up to 200 words with your message as well as a picture. We can also insert a link to any type of pdf - flyers, invitations, articles and more - so send us as much as you'd like to see hit the news waves.
 Information must be received by Friday noon to be included in the next week's newsletter.
 
Have an extra special fundraiser, sale or event and want your news sent out in an exclusive e-blast? We'll spread the news for you for $100 (that's less than 10 cents per contact!). We do need 48 hours notice and cannot send one out on a day we already have a campaign scheduled, so get your request in early.

Contact info@basaltchamber.com to schedule your ad or email blast

The FISHING REPORT
 
Sublime fall fishing awaits you in Basalt! Flows on the Fryingpan lowered this week to around 100 cubic feet per second, which is spurring some terrific blue-wonged olive and caddis hatches. Streamer fishing on the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers is as good as it ever gets, right now. Don't forget the Crystal River either, Highway 133 offers up some of the prettiest drives in the valley, and autumn colors are really popping. Wherever you go to fish in the Roaring Fork Valley, the fishing is pretty sweet this week.

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 the current 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. 
Chamber Logo

STAY CONNECTED
Like us on Facebook