Here is your April Chamber Connection Newsletter!

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Engaging Our Students to Fill the Workforce Pipeline

By Jack Llewellyn, CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce

With spring break behind us, I am reminded summertime is when school is out, high school and college students are looking to gain experience. Coincidentally, when I ask local businesses what are the challenges faced in today’s environment, one of the top three answers relate to finding skilled employees. As businesses navigate the shifting market landscape, the demand for a diverse, trained, and talented workforce grows. Recognizing this, numerous avenues exist that may contribute to the solution. These range from shadowing initiatives and internships to mentoring programs, enabling businesses/organizations to provide valuable practical experience to the next generation of workers.

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative recently launched a key initiative to help connect businesses and organizations who are interested in work-based learning opportunities for students in our region. Career Launch Southwest is a virtual tool that connects industry with our region’s high school students to promote workforce development. Any business or organization that wants to participate is eligible to take part in the program. Once you create an account, you can host a job shadow, be a guest speaker, participate in a career fair, or employ a student intern at a variety of commitment levels. Each of these options matches your availability with their interests.

Job shadowing provides an avenue for businesses to engage with young talent at an early stage. Shadowing is a firsthand glimpse into the daily business operations. These programs allow the student to observe and “test drive” the career, typically for one day. This type of experience gives the student an idea of what the profession entails, ultimately deciding if they would like to explore the career further.

Internships are more involved and can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, or for credit. Interns typically are interested in a particular field, eager to gain real world experience. Interns bring a new perspective and can complete specific tasks quickly due to minimal daily interruptions. Internships are a cornerstone in the bridge between academic and real-world application. As an intern supervisor you will provide practical insights into your industry while the intern develops essential skills, builds networks, and grows their resume. If it’s a good match, you possibly have a future employee.

Mentoring is a crucial part of nurturing talent. Mentoring can take place on the job or as a guest speaker. Mentoring can occur with an individual or a group of students. Offering your experiences and knowledge might be the key to piquing a young person’s interest in your profession. As a mentor, you can foster a culture of continuous learning, not only for the mentee but also for yourself.

Programs like shadowing, internships and mentoring play a crucial role in shaping the future of our workforce. By investing in these initiatives, you not only expand the talent pool but also foster long-term advantages in recruitment, retention, innovation, and community engagement. Join us in being part of the solution and invest in our workforce pipeline.

Key resources: Career Launch Southwest: swCoEdCollaborative.org and FLC Handshake: FortLewis.joinhandshake.com

Join us for the next Business After Hours Where Creativity Meets Commerce!

Embrace the art of networking at the upcoming Business After Hours on April 18, hosted by Sorrel Sky Gallery. Engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues, forge new connections, and savor palate-pleasing delights of appetizers and beverages. Plus seize the

chance to win a great door prize. Thanks to Star Liquors & Sorrel Sky for providing the great door prizes! Register online & save! $15 online or $20 at the door

RSVP Here

Learn How to Utilize Data to Benefit Your Business During April’s Lunch & Learn Workshop!

Join Insight Lime Analytics as they share tips on utilizing data you already collect to benefit your business and grow revenue. Featured speaker and founder of Insight Lime Analytics, MayBeth Maskovas has an extensive experience internationally and with major top brands such as KAYAK, Pandora Jewelry, Wendy’s, plus smaller businesses.

NEW! Choose Your Own Lunch! Every Lunch & Learn features a restaurant/caterer with your choice from a selected menu.

Save your seat & register for lunch here!

Mornings at El Moro!

Networking & Learning Series!

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for an engaging networking and educational program from 7:45 to 9am at El Moro Spirits & Tavern. Connect with community peers, participate in a 25-minute learning session presented by a community leader, organization, or business. Showcase your best elevator pitch in this revamped morning mingle.

Don’t miss the complimentary coffee by 81301 and the chance to savor a delicious El Moro breakfast burrito – the perfect start to your day! Brought to you by the Durango Chamber of Commerce and El Moro Spirits & Tavern.

Check out DurangoBusiness.org for details & to order your breakfast burrito.

Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, May 7th

Tuesday, June 4th

Tuesday, August 6th

Tuesday, Sept 10th

Tuesday, Oct. 1st

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

Informative Session on the State of the Community during the Eggs & Issues Forum

Thank You to Mayor Melissa Youssef, Councilman Dave Woodruff, County Manager Chuck Stevens, and Regional Housing Alliance board president Pat Vaugh for providing valuable insight into pressing issues affecting our community, including workforce housing.

Eggs & Issues is hosted by the Durango Chamber once a quarter to delve deeper into important topics affecting our community. This year’s topics will include workforce development, a candidate forum and more. Thank you to the Bank of Colorado and the Durango Area Association of Realtors for their continued participation to bring this forum to our members.

Empowering Local Organizations and Nurturing Future Marketers: The Student Marketing Agency Program

As part of the agency program at the Katz School of Business, teams of students supported by faculty and select mentors provide professional marketing services to local businesses and organizations. The program is housed within the Center for Innovation on Main Street in Durango, which provides a convenient and professional space for student consultants to work with participating organizations.

The Student Marketing Agency Program is one of the many initiatives made possible by the generous donation of Marc and Jane Katz. This support allows the program to provide services to local organizations at no cost, thanks to funding that covers student salaries, faculty support, and expenses for key project activities (e.g., research and marketing software).

Organizations based in the Durango area, both non-profit and for-profit, are encouraged to participate. It's an excellent way for local businesses to gain access to fresh, innovative marketing strategies while supporting the educational development of students.

The benefits for participating students are equally significant. Student consultants are compensated with a competitive salary, gaining hands-on experience that is invaluable for their future careers. They work closely with business leaders and marketing professionals, learning not just about marketing, but also about the intricacies of operating within a professional environment.

During this upcoming summer, the program is looking for approximately two large-scale projects. While a wide range of marketing needs can be addressed through the program, projects that include a focus in any of the following areas will be given priority: artificial intelligence (AI), website/application development, product development, digital marketing (e.g., search engine optimization), and market research. Depending on the level of interest from the community, it should be noted that the agency might not have the capacity to work with all of the interested organizations during this summer’s program.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your marketing efforts while supporting the next generation of marketing professionals.

Learn more about the program and fill out a quick interest form if your organization is interested in participating: innovation.fortlewis.edu/student-marketing-agency.

Making Our Voice Heard!

The Durango Chamber Board of Directors voted to oppose several bills currently being considered by the Colorado State Legislature that could negatively impact La Plata County and its business community.

In opposition of HB 1230 – Protections for Real Property Owners, which increases the statute of limitations from 6 years to 10 years after the action or discovery of the construction defect. This bill could create additional challenges for constructing condominiums and townhouses, and the community needs better access to workforce housing, not more challenges.

In opposition of HB 1245 – Fair Labor Practice Requirements for Broadband Projects, which could stifle much needed expansion of broadband into rural areas. Colorado is receiving $1.2 billion in federal grants to connect rural areas with residential and commercial access to broadband & high-speed internet. These federal funds already include meaningful requirements for high labor standards, so we do not want to impede further progress by creating additional standards.

In opposition of HB 1300 – Home Sale Wildfire Mitigation Requirements which requires counties to establish a program for home sellers to acquire a certificate of compliance for wildfire mitigation standards. This bill could increase housing costs and does not provide a mechanism for local entities to implement a compliance program.

For more information on developments locally and statewide, visit the Chamber’s government affairs webpage.

Navigating Local & State Policy Initiatives

As part of the Durango Chamber’s commitment to effective advocacy, the Legislative Affairs Committee monthly report is posted online so our members and community can stay abreast of the latest developments related to public policy on the state and local levels. Read the reports here!

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Chris Schnurr

What do you do for a living? I am a project manager for Nunn Construction, and we build commercial construction projects in the Four Corners region. Some of my past projects in Durango include DFPD Station #3, FLC Schlessman Family Hall, the Axis Health HQ in the old Mercury building, and the La Plata County Sheriff's Office/Search & Rescue buildings across from Ska.

What LLP Class were you in? 2021-2022

What do you love about LLP? The thing I love most are all the relationships I've made with my classmates and members of other classes. I also appreciate the personal and professional growth I experienced while going through the LLP program.

What do you enjoy about the Chamber? The Chamber is a great way to network and meet new people around town. We have a wonderful community in Durango, and the Chamber provides an avenue to remain connected to other business and people in town.

Share a lesser-known fact about you. I'm a huge LEGO fan! I have many completed sets displayed around my house, as well as at least 10 unopened sets I've yet to build.

Interested in participating in LLP? Learn more about LLP plus how to become involved in LLP committees. DurangoBusiness.org/LLP

Chamber Diplomat Spotlight:

Garrett Kelly

What’s Your Business? Bank Central - I guide homebuyers through the mortgage loan process.

How long have you been a Diplomat? 3 months and counting.

How long have you lived in Durango? Since the Fall of 2006.

Tell us about your family: I met my amazing wife, Bree, 10 years ago; we have been married for 7 years. We have a 2-year-old son, his name is Iver. We also have 2 dogs Wrigley (10-year-old Shepard/retriever mix) and Finley (3-year-old cocker spaniel/ bichon mix).

What is your favorite part of being a Diplomat? The best part of being a DIP is getting out and mingling with folks and supporting the businesses that make this community so special. We are all incredibly lucky to live and work in such a beautiful and thriving community.

Fun Fact About You: I can write with both hands, but I prefer writing with my left hand.

Learn more about getting involved with the Diplomat Program here.

Featured Chamber Young Professional of Durango:

David Bratcher

Where do you work? Vectra Bank

What do you do? I am a relationship banker, and I handle any new accounts, and new loans (both secured and unsecured), along with account maintenance and servicing all of our great clients.

Why did you want to be a YPOD board member? I believe in the mission of connecting, empowering, and engaging our future generation of leaders (our YPOD members). There is no instruction manual to life, but I hope that all of us on the board can be a guiding light and mentor to those who don’t know what to do next. One of my favorite phrases is – you don’t know what you don’t know until you know, you know? I believe YPOD’s can connect individuals, especially young people, with opportunities they would not have been able to find on their own. This allows our young leaders to achieve more than they ever thought they could. I highly encourage anyone curious to come out to an event, check out the Chamber’s calendar, and say hi!!

How do you spend your free time? I spend most of my time doing nerdy things! I love video games, movies, music, trivia, etc.

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

YPODs Team up with Community Compassion Outreach!

The Young Professionals of Durango recently helped the Community Compassion Outreach staff with sweeping, mopping, organizing donations, and serving hot/cold meals to 20 unhoused guests. The YPODs look forward to more collaboration events and long-term projects together!

Check the Chamber calendar for more philanthropy activities.

YPODs Mix, Mingle, and Make Connections at Zia Cantina North

On the third Wednesday of each month, the Young Professionals of Durango gather at a local restaurant for a happy hour. In March, more than 25 YPODs networked, laughed and made lasting connections at Zia Cantina North. The YPOD Happy Hours are free to members and non-members and are a great place to start if you are interested in joining the Young Professionals of Durango!

Join us on April 17 at Public House 701 from 5pm to 7pm for the next YPOD Happy Hour! Learn more here.

Groovy Girls Gone Golfing!

Friday, June 7, 2024 at Hillcrest Golf Club

Get ready to spread peace, love and laughter on the greens because Groovy Girls Gone Golfing is coming soon! Mark your calendar for Friday, June 7 and join us at Hillcrest Golf Club for a fun day on the fairways. Dust off your clubs and stay tuned for registration details - out soon! Don’t forget to whip out those far-out threads and get your groovy costume on-point! For details, click here.

Upcoming Chamber Programs & Events!

For more information & to register: DurangoBusiness.org

Apr. 2 7:45-9am Mornings at El Moro! Networking & Learning Series Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency – Learn about Green Business Certification! (free)

Apr. 4 8:30am – Get to Know the CEO Dave Thibodeau, Ska Brewing,

Innovation Center (free)

Apr. 17 5:30pm YPOD April Happy Hour at Public House 701

Apr. 17 6pm Leadership La Plata Alumni Wine Tasting 101 at EsoTerra

Apr. 18 5-7pm Business After Hours at Sorrel Sky Gallery

Apr. 24 noon Lunch & Learn: Use Data to become more efficient with Insight Lime Analytics

May 2 5:30pm Ribbon Cutting at Mercy Hospital Cath Lab (event is 4:30-6:30)

May 7 from 7:45-9am Mornings @ El Moro: Networking & Learning Series on Internet Scams & Fraud (free)

May 16 5-7pm Business After Hours at the Gable House

May 17 LLP Graduation at Edgemont Highlands Community Lodge

May 24 Clean Day in Downtown Durango

Jun. 7 all day Groovy Girls Gone Golfing at Hillcrest Golf Club

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo Sheets Post Wednesday Luncheons

Every Friday Fresh Beer Fridays with Ska Brewing

Apr. 5-6 FLC Softball

Apr. 5 First Friday Artwalk with Tony De Luz and artist Dennis Ziemienski

Apr. 6 FLC Women’s Lacrosse

Apr 19-20 Volunteer Hotline Advocate Training with Alternative Horizons

Apr. 20 FLC College Softball

Apr. 21 Nacho Average Barn Concert with Durango Cowboy Gathering

Apr. 26-27 Durango Wine Experience Walkabout & Grand Tasting

Want your event listed? It’s free!

(970) 247-0312 ext 2

Watch the latest Member Moment Video featuring Leavitt Group. Find past Member Moment Videos here.

Check out the Chamber’s Podcast for the Durango Business Community!

The Durango Chamber of Commerce's Podcast, Down to Business, features business and community leaders, uncovers the latest happenings, and explores our vibrant mountain town life. From entrepreneurs to upcoming events, we've got you covered. The Down to Business podcast is available on Spotify or you can follow this link.

For the latest podcast featuring Clearnetworx, go here.

Lunch & Learn Workshop – How PR Can Help Your Small Business Reach a Wider Audience!

Thank you to Ryan Simonovich with Verde Brand Communications for presenting great information on the power of public relations to expand your business’s reach. He highlighted Verde’s experience and illustrated specific case studies from notable clients like Tailwind Nutrition and Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.

Now Accepting Applications!

Learn more here!

LLP Monthly Focus:

The Art of the Pivot: Adaptive Leadership Tools to Respond to Challenges and Exploit Opportunities.

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

Purpose-driven leadership and organizational identity used to be mainly for non-profit organizations. Running a business meant the bottom line, and profit dollars were the defining criteria of success. Sure, there’s a mission statement, but that defines how a business is going to make money. Company leaders made decisions that might be good for the bottom line, but negatively impacted employees, the environment or their communities.

In one of my Leadership La Plata classes, I was introduced to the 3-P bottom line: a mission that strives to balance People, Planet and Profit. I was entranced by this idea, where every decision and action are weighed against how it will affect employees, the environment, as well as how it will impact profit.

One of the 5 top trends identified by FORBES magazine in their article, “The Top 5 Leadership Trends that will Drive success in 2024” is Purpose-driven leadership. This means a company that aligns organizational goals with a broader sense of purpose and societal impact and leaders who prioritize values, ethics, and social responsibility in their decision-making.

Beth Porter is the Senior Marketing Consultant with Four Corners Broadcasting and an alumni of Leadership La Plata Class of 2015-2016.

Thank You to Leadership La Plata Monthly Sponsor:

Attention Leadership La Plata Alumni! Keep the Spirit of LLP Alive!

This is a friendly reminder that you are the backbone of the LLP program -- the driving force behind all the incredible work that is done. And hey, if you haven’t paid your LLP Alumni Dues – don’t worry! We totally get it - life gets busy. But fear not, because now is your chance to keep the LLP spirit alive and thriving. Your continued involvement means the world to us.

Simply click here to settle up and keep the LLP magic alive.

Support LLP

Sip & Mingle During the Next LLP Alumni Networking Event!

Mingle and reminisce with fellow LLP alumni from 6-8 pm at EsoTerra Ciderworks. Enjoy wine tastings and light appetizers. Plus colorful comedic commentary by Elizabeth Philbrick, CEO/owner of EsoTerra Ciderworks and the 2023 recipient of the Chamber’s Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

Wednesday, April 17 from 6pm to 8pm

EsoTerra Ciderworks, 558 Main Avenue, Durango

Cost: $10/ alumni or guests (includes wine tasting & appetizers)

$55 for event & alumni dues ($10 event + $45 dues for those who haven’t paid)

Limited Space Available – don’t wait! Reserve Your Spot Here!