Here is your February Chamber Connection Newsletter!

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Honoring Exception Leaders, Local Businesses & Organizations at Durango Rocks on Feb. 29th!

In the heart of a thriving community lies remarkable individuals, businesses and organizations that contribute tirelessly by helping others and growing our local economy. The Durango Rocks Awards Celebration, an annual event hosted by the Durango Chamber, serves as a platform to acknowledge and honor their outstanding contributions. Join us on February 29th at the FLC Community Concert Hall where our community will come together for the much-anticipated Durango Rocks Awards event.

All awards that are given during our annual Durango Rocks Celebration are merit based, and our 15-member awards committee reviews all nominations and submits their secret ballot. During the process, I am always impressed by how giving our community is, and our finalists are no exception as they go above and beyond their scope of running their business or organization. I am often asked by my chamber colleagues throughout the state, “how does Durango have so many events and activities?” It all comes down to the people and their commitment to make Durango a better place to live.

We invite you to unite and join us at this year’s Durango Rocks as we shine a light on the remarkable community leaders, local businesses and organizations that fuel our economy and energize community engagement. Each nominee’s passion is a testament to their hard work, resiliency, and entrepreneurial spirit with the common thread of paying it forward.

At the core of this event is the celebration of excellence as we recognize the finalists in the following categories:

Business of the Year: Durango Nursery, Leavitt Group, Star Liquor

Small Business of the Year: Create Art and Tea, Desert Sun Coffee, Farm to Fingers

Nonprofit of the Year: Economic Development Alliance, The Powerhouse, Snowdown

Spirit of Durango: Happy Pappy’s Pizza & Wings, La Plata Electric Association, Visit Durango

Individual Community Leadership Awards for the following categories:

Citizen of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Young Professional of Durango

Diplomat of the Year

Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award

Barbara Conrad Leadership Award

We will recognize each of the finalists and hear from the recipient as they accept their award.

Durango Rocks is more than just a ceremony, it is a celebration of the human spirit and as we like to say, “it’s for the community, by the community, and about the community.” It is a demonstration of what we can accomplish when we work together. As we applaud the achievements of our fellow community leaders, we will continue to work towards a common goal of having a strong, vibrant, and sustainable business environment.

The evening begins with a reception from 5p-6p in the Community Concert Hall where you’ll see old friends and make new ones while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The awards themselves will start at 6pm and wrap up around 8pm.

Tickets are available at durangobusiness.org and early bird pricing is open through February 15th. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating our outstanding community leaders.

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 report here

Durango Descends on Denver for Day at the Capitol, Feb. 22-23!

Join us for the Chamber Day at the Capitol on Feb. 22-23 in Denver, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with policymakers and champion issues that matter most to the La Plata County business community. Mark your calendar and register for details.

Mornings at El Moro: Monthly Networking & Learning Series

Tuesday, Mar. 5 from 7:45-9am

March Topic: Career Launch Southwest - Learn about the virtual tool that connects industry with our region's students through the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative. Enjoy complimentary coffee by 81301 and a delicious El Moro breakfast burrito (only $12)!

This event is FREE for all Chamber members, but reservations are requested. Pre-order breakfast burritos only $12 online. 945 Main Avenue

Coffee at Carvers… Tuesday Talk…. Coffee Connections…. Now Introducing… Mornings at El Moro!

Join us on the first Tuesday of each month, starting March 5, for an engaging Chamber networking and educational program from 7:45am to 9am at El Moro Spirits & Tavern, 945 Main Avenue. Connect with community peers, participate in a 25-minute learning session presented by a different community leader, organization, or business each month. 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! Check out DurangoBusiness.org for details.

CHFA: Empowering Colorado Communities through Affordable Housing Solutions and Community Partnerships!

By Sara Lynn Valentine

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, better known as CHFA, was created as a nonprofit in 1973 by the Colorado General Assembly to address the shortage of affordable housing in Colorado. As a quasi-governmental agency, CHFA's mission is to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development.

CHFA has invested more than $32 billion since its inception, with the greatest investment in homeownership. In 2023 alone, CHFA invested more than $2 billion in mortgage loans ($237 million on the western slope) and $73 million in down payment assistance statewide.

“We just launched an interactive resource called the Homebuyer's Roadmap,” says Chris Lopez, CHFA's Community Relationship Manager for Southwest Colorado. “It helps homebuyers gain a deeper understanding of the homebuying process." CHFA also partners with local organizations such as the HomesFund to offer homebuyer education classes.

Residences at Durango groundbreaking ceremony – October 27

Another CHFA focus is supporting affordable rental housing as the administrator of state and federal Housing Tax Credits for the State of Colorado. A local example is the Residences at Durango development, formerly the Best Western Hotel on US-160, which was awarded federal 4-percent Housing Tax Credits in 2022.

“CHFA offers business financing,” Chris says. “Some of our loan and credit enhancement programs include programs for manufacturers and rural businesses, as well as nonprofits."

CHFA received an allocation of New Markets Tax Credits of $65 million in 2023, one of the largest in the country. They recently worked with the Access Health System to allocate $11.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits to support the acquisition and renovation of the Mercury building by the Durango Mall. CHFA has also helped with financing the local food market with support for both the Farmers Fresh store in Ignacio, and the Meadows Market at Edgemont. Local partners in la Plata County include Region 9 Economic Development and First Southwest Community Bank.

Lumien Apartments, a Durango affordable housing development supported with Housing Tax Credits. Photo by Scott Dressel Martin

CHFA's final area of focus is community partnership, though which it invested more than $700,000 in 2023 in sponsorships, donations, and grants across 45 organizations serving La Plata County. CHFA has also increased its engagement with local tribes, including the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. CHFA is proud to be a member of the Durango Chamber of Commerce at the partnership level and sponsor their annual Durango Rocks Awards Celebration. Chris can be reached at (970) 812-1142 or cslopez@cfhainfo.com. Learn more at www.chfainfo.com

Congratulations to Durango School District 9-R on the opening of their Impact Center. The innovative use of space is impressive; and we are confident the programs at the Center will have a lasting impact on generations of students to come.

Chamber Diplomat Spotlight!

Ben Frihauf

What’s Your Business? Ben Frihauf Farmers Insurance

How long have you been a Diplomat? 8 years

How long have you lived in Durango? Since 1988, I'm an FLC Alum

Tell us about your family: wife Cara for 31 years (para-sub with Durango School District, FLC Alum), (2) daughters Madison, 28, married to Matt Hert, is a Dental Hygienist and owner of Whisk It Bakes & Cakes; Hope, 25, FLC Alum currently working toward her DC at Sherman College of Chiropractic; Ella, 18 at Durango High School, plays tennis for DHS. All born and raised in DGO. Grandchildren: Oliver and Mable. Plus a 4-year-old mini Aussie, Gus.

What is your favorite part of being a Diplomat: Getting out and meeting the core of Durango, the business owners and managers. These are the people who make this community hum.

Fun Fact About You: Was a funeral director at Hood Mortuary for 5 years in my 20s.

Learn more about getting involved with the Diplomat Program here .

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Stacy Reuille-Dupont

What do you do for a living? I am a clinical and somatic psychologist serial entrepreneur. My latest endeavor is Studio B an integrative psychology clinic where we use movement and nutrition alongside psychological science. Studio B was born out of my 1st career as an exercise scientist health club owner and my second as a psychologist.

What LLP Class were you in? 2015-2016 -The Most EXCEPTIONAL class ever

What do you love about LLP? I love the connection to my community. I love the people, places, and knowledge LLP exposes me to every time I engage with the organization. It feels good to be part of something so positive, making Durango better.

How does the Chamber help your business? The Chamber has been a huge help to my business. From the very beginning, the Chamber has been a strong advocate for what we do. The exposure to people who are active in the community is invaluable.

Fun Fact about You I used to be a show water-skier in college. One of my signature acts was skiing around the boat.

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

Meet Young Professionals of Durango Board Member: Lizzie Heine

Where do you work? Sky Ute Casino Resort

What do you do there? Catering Sales Manager

Why did you want to be a YPOD member? I joined YPODs to meet other people my age in a professional setting.

How do you spend your time/hobbies? I love to snowboard, I also love country 2-step.

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

Upcoming Chamber Programs & Events!

For more information & to register: DurangoBusiness.org

Feb. 22 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting with April’s Garden on Main Avenue

Feb. 22 – 23 Chamber Day at the Capitol

Feb. 26 5:30pm Home Buyer’s Workshop with YPODs

Feb. 28 noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: AI Charm School- Prompts that Lead to Action

Feb. 29 at 5pm Durango Rocks Awards Event (tickets on sale NOW)

Mar. 5 from 7:45-9am Mornings at El Moro - Monthly Networking & Learning Series. March Topic: CareerLaunchSW.org

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Feb. 7 America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th Anniversaries Planning Committee Meeting

Feb. 9 BID Coffee & Conversation Meeting

Feb. 10 Habitat Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball & Silent Auction

Feb. 10 Stillwater Music Latin Dance Night

Feb. 13 Economic Development Alliance Meeting

Feb. 14 American Legion Trujillo Sheets Post Wednesday Luncheons

Feb. 16 Pine Needle Langlauf Nordic Ski Race

Feb. 23-25 Dave Spencer Classic with the Adaptive Sports Association

Feb. 24 Biker Breakfast at Durango Harley-Davidson

Want your event listed? It’s free!

(970) 247-0312 ext 2

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

The Durango Chamber of Commerce has a Podcast, Down to Business! The podcast 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.

Thank You to Sandy A. Lane Consulting for Presenting How to Achieve Your 2024 Goals by Leading with Value

Sandy provided fantastic input on developing your value proposition and determining your “why” to successfully reach your goals for a more purposeful life. Thank you to Sandy for starting the new year off for all of us with helpful tips during our monthly Coffee Connections (now called Mornings at El Moro)! To learn more about Sandy Lane, visit her website: SandyALane.com

Coffee Connections:

Home Insurance - Why

It’s So Difficult!

Thanks to Ben Frihauf of Farmers Insurance and The Wells Group for an interactive session on home insurance and the challenges we face in the La Plata County area. Ben provided great insight on what is happening in the insurance industry and what we can expect as homeowners & homebuyers. Ben can be reached at (970) 247-1292.

LLP Monthly Focus:

Leading the Charge in a Remote Office Environment

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

Along with most everyone else, I started working remotely in 2020. As an introvert, it suited me. In the years since, I’ve adopted a bit of a hybrid work environment. Granted, my office is only 8 minutes away, so I guess you could say it’s more work-from-home than remote.

In casual conversation with others, many of us are appreciating the work-life balance that this method of officing fosters. Leaders are embracing remote or hybrid work environments and the healthy work-life balance it can promote. However, leaders face new challenges managing these new types of teams.

COMMUNICATION AND TEAM BUILDING

Team building is a huge hurdle. Luckily, technology and structure help with communication and creating new ways to build and track team work product. While face-to-face is best in any circumstance, and is the first to suffer in a remote environment, there are solutions.

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 Sponsors:

Congratulations to Adela Flora on their beautiful new location at 3235 Main Avenue, Unit B. Adela Floral is your one-stop destination for stunning fresh flowers, fantastic gifts, captivating cards, and trendy clothing & accessories that will make your gift-giving experience truly special. For info, visit AdelaFlora.com

Destination DRO Real Estate Group

Heather Erb

1163 E 2nd Ave

Durango, CO 81301-5155

website

For Love & Babes

Beka Blythe

Web Address

website

First Tee Four Corners

Tina Pacheco-White

website

The HandyMatt

Matt Dent

Durango, CO 81301

website

Lizard Head Trading Company LLC

Kira Gullion

965 Main Ave

Durango, Colorado 81301

instagram

Momentum Tree Experts

Moses Cooper

42 Westridge Rd.

Durango, CO 81303

website

Sasquatch Sealcoating

Buck Taylor

731 Bellflower Rd

Bayfield, CO 81122

website

University of Colorado System

Christian Reece

Denver, Colorado 80203

website

Veterans Student Organization

Beau (Donald) Hilland

1000 Rim Drive

Durango, CO 81301

Watch the latest Member Moment Video featuring Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Find past Member Moment Videos here.

Advanced Concrete Solutions, Inc.

Albertsons, LLC

Alexandra Santos

Alpen Rose RV Park

Animas Brewing Company

Animas High School

Arete Mortgage

Art Supply House, Inc.

Ascent Digital

Atmos Energy

Ballantine Communications:The Durango Herald

Bank of Colorado

Barefoot

Best Western Rio Grande Inn

Brown's Shoe Fit Company

Business Improvement District

CAL Steel & Sheet Metal

City of Durango

Clyde Church

Coca Cola

Coldwell Banker

Colorado Trails Ranch

Colvig Silver Camps

Community Connections, Inc.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

Curry Advisors

David Steele

Dietz Market, Inc.

DoubleTree by Hilton Durango

Duranglers, Inc.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango Area Assoc. of Realtors

Durango Electrical Service, Inc.

Durango Independent Film Festival

Durango Joe's Coffee House

Durango Red Cliff Properties, LLC

Durango School District 9-R

Durango Trails

Durango Ultrasound

Escalante Village

Fairfield Inn and Suites

Farha Roofing, LLC

Farnsworth Group, Inc.

FCI Constructors, Inc.

George Johnson

Goff Engineering & Surveying, Inc.

Griego's N Main/Taco House

Hal Lott, Realtor

Hillcrest Golf Club

HomesFund

ImageNet Consulting

Johnny Castillo

Juice Plus Health and Wellness

Just Ask Christy - Artisanal Goods & Services

Karen J. Thompson

Know Your Dough, Inc.

KREZ-TV

La Plata Electric Association, Inc.

La Plata Republican Party

Liquor World

May Palace

Maynes Bradford Shipps Sheftel

McDonald's

Mile High Plumbing, Inc.

Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center

Mountain Bike Specialists

Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

Needle Mountain Chalet

Next Level

Ore House Restaurant

Pinnacle Building Performance

Preston Benson Videography

Region 9 Economic Development District of SWCO

Rimrock Outfitters

Roseberry's Plumbing & Heating

Sandy A Lane Consulting

Silver Creek Design

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Southwest Women's Health Associates

Southwestern Beverage Co.

Springhill Suites - Durango

Tarpley RV

Terryl Peterson CFO Services, LLC

The Juniper School

Town Plaza Shopping Center

Waste Management of Colorado

Wells Group of Durango, Inc.

Wendy Most Insurance Agency, Inc.

Women's Resource Center

First-line defense against joint pain

La Plata County Extension: Health Tip of the Month

by Nicole Clark, RDN, M.Ed.

If you’ve ever had joint pain, you know it’s a real pain in the….well, wherever it so happens to afflict you.

Knees, hips, shoulders, hands, you name it. If it bends, it’s susceptible to wear and tear. Basic activities of daily living require movement, so there’s no getting around this wear and tear. As you can imagine, osteoarthritis worsens with age.

Pain is caused by the deterioration of cartilage which acts like padding between moving bones. The deterioration can be expedited by injury and overuse (especially repetitive movements that may be part of your occupation), extra body weight, and genetics. Whatever the cause, without cartilage, you have bone-on-bone contact and that hurts!

There are four evidence-based interventions recommended as the first line of defense against osteoarthritis. 1) Self-management education, 2) physical activity, 3) achieve a healthy weight, and 4) prevent injuries.

For the biggest impact, think about physical activity. I’m not referring to high-impact physical activity, but rather physical activity resulting in a high impact. Not only does physical activity help with weight management, but it also helps build strength to prevent injuries. That’s the kind of impact you want.

The thought of moving a painful joint may make you cringe, understandably. Start slow and easy by doing whatever you can tolerate, for as long as you can tolerate it, even if it’s only a couple of minutes. Evidence suggests that light to moderate physical activity does reduce the pain of arthritis over time.