Supporting Durango Businesses with Unique Offerings | |
There is a lot more to the Durango Chamber of Commerce than meets the eye. While networking events and other educational programs are integral to what we offer the community, we also work behind the scenes to support the well-being of local businesses, advocate on their behalf and provide resources for their employees, all creating economic vitality.
In our more than 100 years as a membership-based business organization in Durango, we have learned to evolve and update our services to address the ever-changing issues that arise. Whether you are a member of the Chamber or not, we are advocating for the best interest of our local businesses and are continuously developing innovative ways to bring our community together.
So, what exactly happens behind the curtain? It all boils down to active involvement, visibility, and advocacy, we are a catalyst, connector, convener and champion for our members and the community.
As a 501c6, we act as a prominent voice for small companies and advocate at the local, state, and federal levels providing input on the policies and issues that directly impact Durango’s businesses. Our advocacy work for our 700+ members provides them a voice when they don’t have the time to monitor and attend the meetings and legislative sessions. When additional data and input is needed, survey results are reported to elected officials.
Find more here
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Business After Hours at Three Springs + Free Concert in the Plaza! Aug 17 5-7pm
Business After Hours is hosted by Three Springs,175 Mercado Street. Enjoy food, beverages & door prizes, then stay for the free concert by Rob Webster!
Pre-register & SAVE!
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Lunch & Learn Workshop:
Elevate Your Brand Strategy for an Unshakeable Business Foundation with Ashley Blackmore, Blackmore Group
Aug 23 from noon to 1pm
Sponsored by TBK Bank
Sign up here!
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Eggs & Issues Healthcare Forum:
How it Impacts Businesses, Employees & Beyond
Sept. 7 | 8am to 10am
Q&A Session with a panel of healthcare experts from around the area.
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Coffee Connections:
Maximizing Leadership Potential with Mindfulness
Join speaker, FLC Professor Amoneeta Beckstein for this special leadership session. FREE to all members.
Sept. 12 8am-9am
More Details here
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Shred Day Sept. 13, 2023
In partnership with Three Springs, Alpine Bank, and Phoenix Recycling. Suggested donations benefit San Juan Mountains Association. Learn more here
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Business Connection
Strater Hotel
By Sara Lynn Valentine
“The Strater is Durango’s hotel,” says General Manager Tori Ossola. “The people that work here are the stewards of this property. We recognize our place in history and are appreciative of all the effort the Barkers put into this property during the 95 years and three generations the family owned it. I’ve been here five years and was lucky enough to start when the Barkers still owned it. I learned so much from Rod and Laurie about the ‘care and feeding’ of the antiques!”
In 2021, the Barkers sold the Strater to Ross Garrett and his business partner, Karen Hutcherson. Garrett grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and during his boyhood in the 1960s his family frequently visited Durango and the Strater. Garrett dreamed of someday owning the hotel and, now that he does, wants to maintain its character and style just as it is.
“Our guests are very loyal to the Strater and they come back year after year,” Tori says. “Our focus has been on providing an excellent experience for our guests. We are also focusing on deferred maintenance. We are so, so lucky to have a five-person maintenance team that comes in every day with a list of things they need to accomplish - and inevitably this building will throw something at our maintenance team that they had not expected. We recently opened a ceiling panel and discovered a time capsule! We did manage to outfit this property with Wi-Fi, which was quite a challenge - but this is a necessity for today’s traveler.”
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The Strater is a living museum. The Strater’s 88 hotel rooms, along with the lobby and common seating areas, are uniquely decorated with the largest collection of antique walnut furniture in the world. Complimentary historical tours are offered throughout summer, with a knowledgeable historian on site to answer any questions on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 3:00pm. The front desk personnel are also well informed about the Strater and its history.
“We’re the next to the longest continuously operating business in Durango,” Tori says, “second only to the train. We are committed to making sure the Strater remains relevant not only to our visitors, but also to our town. We’ve been here so long and are one of the most photographed buildings in all of Durango. Locals regularly walk by this beautiful building but they don’t necessarily realize how much is going on inside!”
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Residents of Durango sometimes forget that the Strater offers fine dining in three separate venues with three distinct menus, which are regularly updated to reflect changing times and evolving tastes. The Mahogany Grill’s fine dining focus now is steak and seafood. The Office Spiritorium, in addition to craft cocktails, appetizers, and live entertainment, also offers entrees. The Diamond Belle serves appetizers, salads and burgers, along with a kids’ menu, during a nightly ragtime dinner show.
“We’ve been packed every single night this summer,” Tori says. A weekend brunch, with all the traditional brunch favorites, is served from 10:30 to 2:00 every Saturday and Sunday, and wedding receptions, family reunions, business meetings and banquets for up to 100 people can be comfortably accommodated in the Strater’s banquet space.
“I would like to say thank you to our community for their continued support,” Tori says. “Without the local community supporting us, the Strater wouldn’t be what it is.”
I asked Tori if the Strater has any resident ghosts. “All of our spirits are behind the bar,” Tori replies. “We don’t claim to be haunted, but the Strater has entertained millions of guests over all the years. If each one of us leaves a little of our energy behind, and you’re feeling something, perhaps that’s why.”
Learn more at Strater.com, info@Strater.com or call (870) 247-4431.
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Durango Rocks Awards - Feb. 29
Nominations are Now Open!
Now accepting nominations for individuals, non-profits & businesses that have made positive impacts on our community!
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Featured Leadership La Plata Alumnus: Laura Lewis Marchino
What do you do for a living? I am the Executive Director of Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado
What LLP Class were you in? 2021-2022
What do you love about LLP? Being in the LLP class was life-changing for me, professionally and personally. I feel that 99% of LLP participants would agree with me about that as well.
What do you like about the Chamber/what does the Chamber do for you? I appreciate Business After Hours and “Eggs & Issues.” The recent “Hiring, Firing and Retaining Employees” was also top-notch.
Fun fact about you? I moved to Durango as a news reporter for KREZ-TV
Interested in participating in LLP? Learn more about LLP plus how to become involved in LLP committees. DurangoBusiness.org/LLP
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Meet the President of the Young Professionals of Durango Board: Joseph Kuzma
What do you do? I work at The Community Foundation Serving SWCO as the community outreach manager and help plan, develop, and implement the Community Foundation’s marketing strategies and public relations activities. I am also the co-owner of Blue Lily Productions and work to create visually stunning and impactful videos in our communities.
Why did you want to be a YPOD board member? To help be the driving force for our young professional community, and to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and inclusion for those needing it most.
How do you like to spend your time? I am actively involved in youth ministry and passionate about sharing the love of the Creator. I enjoy gardening, camping, reading, biking, videography, and volunteering my time in a myriad of ways.
Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.
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Featured Chamber Diplomat: Ashley Blackmore
What is your business? I am the founder and CEO of Blackmore Group, a locally owned real estate brokerage specializing in full concierge services with 13 agents. We are passionate about giving a portion of our proceeds to local charitable organizations.
How long have you been a DIP? less than a year
Why did you become a DIP? I think it’s really important to be a part of your community. Even with me being mostly introverted, I believe that it’s essential to continue the legacy of young people being advocates for the towns that they love. I really enjoy meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone.
Fun fact about you: I am a HousingWire 2023 rising star recipient, and my company has been featured on real trends. Honestly, I never anticipated owning a real estate brokerage, I just really wanted to make our industry better.
Tell us about your family & pets: My husband is Valentino, and I have a son, as well as two incredible dogs. I rescued two horses: one from a kill pen in Texas who was being sent off for slaughter; and another was a very abused barrel racing horse, which after a lot of nurturing, qualified for the NBH worlds three times with me.
Learn more about getting involved with the Diplomat Program here.
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Upcoming Programs & Events!
Find more information here.
Thurs. Aug 10 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting at Manna Soup Kitchen
Thurs. Aug 17 5-7pm Business After Hours & Free Concert at Three Springs Plaza
Wed. Aug 23 noon-1pm Elevate Your Brand Lunch & Learn Workshop
Thurs. Sept. 7 8-10am Healthcare Forum Eggs & Issues: Learn about how changes in the industry are impacting small business & what options are out there
Tues. Sept. 12 8-9am Coffee Connections: Maximizing Leadership Potential with Mindfullness
Tues. Sept. 12 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting at Three Rivers Title Company
Wed. Sept 13 9-1pm Shred Day at Three Springs
Thurs. Sept. 21 5-7pm Member Appreciation Party @ the Chamber
Wed. Sept. 27 12-1pm Video Marketing with Ascent Digital Lunch & Learn Workshop
Thurs. Oct. 12 8-10am Proposition HH: a ballot initiative that changes property taxes & what that means for the future of Colorado
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What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!
Find more information here.
Aug. 11 at 4pm Adaptive Sports Association 40th Birthday Party
Aug. 11 & 12 Demystifying Entrepreneurship with the Southern Ute Tribe & the CU Leeds School of Business
Aug. 12 at 1pm History of Electricity at the Animas Museum
Aug. 14-19 Summer Hayride Farm Tour with Jack-a-Lope Acres
Aug. 16 8am Employment Law Update with DAHRM
Sept. 20 Economic Development Alliance Summit
Do you want your program or event listed? It’s free through your member online portal. Questions, ask Hannah@durangobusiness.org or call (970) 247-0312 ext 2
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Thank you to August Coffee Connection speaker, Rhonda Muckerman with Durango Jin Shin Jyutsu
Rhonda shared valuable techniques using the non-invasive ancient healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu to relieve stress & anxiety. Learn more about author, Rhonda Muckerman and her Jin Shin Jyutsu practice here.
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The July Lunch & Learn Workshop featured Ways to Create Extraordinary Customer Experiences
Many thanks to Dan Hurdle, with Extraordinary Performance Improvement Coaching (EPIC3), for sharing strategies behind providing a higher quality customer experience.
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LLP Monthly Focus:
The Importance of Rest and Recovery for Leaders and their Teams
By Stacy Reuille-Dupont, StudioB
As summer reaches its peak, it becomes essential for leaders to recognize the value of rest and recovery. While some might perceive constant busyness as a sign of productivity, research consistently emphasizes the necessity of downtime for maintaining and repairing both physical and mental systems. This article delves into the significance of rest and recovery for leaders and their teams, highlighting its positive impact on productivity and overall well-being.
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Ribbing Cutting Celebrations! | | |
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A ribbon-cutting celebration was held for the Hampton Inn, commemorating their major remodel.
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Congratulations to AIS Medicare & More on their Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening!
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The Blackmore Group celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting & festivities.
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Cheers to Sutcliffe Vineyards Downtown Durango Tasting Room on their Grand Opening celebration!
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Congratulations to ParkerDane Salon & Boutique on their special grand opening gathering!
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American Legion Trujillo - Sheets Post 28
Axis Health System
Backcountry Experience
Bechtel & Santo
Bryan Turnbough
Community Banks of Colorado
CRC Janitorial Services, Inc.
CT Electric
Durango Adventures (Full Blast)
Durango Nursery & Supply, Inc.
Durango VA Clinic
DurangoSpace
Express Employment Professionals
Four Corners Eye Clinic
Frank Lockwood
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Geiger
GOAL Academy High School
Housing Solutions for the SW
Just Click Printing
La Plata County Democratic Party
Ledger Metrics, Inc.
Parker's Animal Rescue
Peak Exploration & Production, LLC
R. Bell & Associates, PC CPAS
Salt 360 Float Studio
Seasons Rotisserie-Grill
Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum
Southwest Eye Consultants
Tomsic Physical Therapy
Visiting Angels of Southwest Colorado
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Before You Go, Review this Outdoor Adventure Checklist
La Plata County Extension: Health Tip of the Month
by Nicole Clark, RDN, M.Ed.
Did the scorching July heat send you running for water or the high country last month? Temperatures may have peaked for the summer, but the water and mountains continue to call. In your haste to seek comfortable temperatures, remember to plan ahead.
In all fairness, it’s hard to make rational decisions when your brain is melting; basic safety precautions are easily forgotten. Let this serve as a friendly reminder of what to pack. The checklist format is designed with your heat-stroked brain in mind. Print and review before you bid adieu!
Read more
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Employers Prefer In-Person Interviews, but 40% Fold In Virtual Components
Interview Methods Appear Industry Specific
Latest Results from The Harris Poll
Job seekers should prepare to meet with potential employers at least once during the hiring process, as 51% of U.S. hiring managers say they prefer to interview candidates face-to-face instead of through a screen or phone.
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However, the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still evident as 8% of hiring managers only conduct interviews virtually, while another 40% use a combination of in-person and virtual.
This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.
If an applicant shows up at a business unannounced to secure employment, a majority of employers describe the tactic positively, saying it shows motivation (57%), initiative (46%) and that the candidate is driven (40%).
Learn more here.
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NEW! Value-Based Memberships
The Durango Chamber is now offering value-based memberships with the ability to choose what works best for your business. The previous structure was a “fair share” model, based on the number of employees with 15 total membership levels. The Chamber has been working on this change for several years, and hasn’t altered its structure in 10+ years, nor has it changed pricing in 5 years. The current 15 levels are being simplified to 7 and all members are being offered a choice of what’s best for them. Learn more here
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2023 DURANGO CHAMBER STAFF | |
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Chamber Board Members
Charles Spence, Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel
Dr. Karen Cheser, 9-R School District
Melisa Jackson Palmer, Bank of Colorado
Vaughn Morris, Boys and Girls Club
Michael Hennon, The Payroll Department
Brandon Mencini, CEO Mercy Hospital
Diana Murray, ASAP Accounting & Payroll
Rebekah Click, Durango Motor Company
Neil Dolder, Leadership La Plata Representative
Jaynes Construction
Joseph Kuzma, YPOD Representative
The Community Foundation
Dave Woodruff, City of Durango Representative
Matthew Gomez, Diplomat Representative
The Payroll Department
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