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The Power of Conscious Capitalism: Leading with Purpose

by Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

Businesses are often judged by a single metric, profitability. While financial success is essential, many leaders recognize that true success extends beyond short-term gains. Conscious capitalism provides a more sustainable approach, fostering long-term success by creating value for businesses, employees, customers, and the communities they serve.

John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, helped shape this philosophy in Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business. He challenges businesses to look beyond financial statements and focuses on ethical, purpose-driven leadership; one that benefits all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the environment, without compromising financial success.

At the core of conscious capitalism is the pursuit of win-win solutions, where success is measured in the strength of relationships across the entire business ecosystem. A thriving business depends on every connection, from suppliers and distributors to employees and customers. A truly sustainable business recognizes that respect, fairness, and integrity must extend to every stakeholder.

For conscious capitalism to work, leadership matters. Conscious leaders practice servant leadership, putting employees, customers, and the community at the center of decision-making. When leaders embrace a conscious culture, they build teams based on trust and collaboration. Conscious culture within an organization fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging. Employees become more engaged, customers become more loyal, and businesses become more resilient.

Durango’s business community is uniquely positioned to embrace these principles. As a mountain town with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, we understand the balance between growth and sustainability. When businesses invest in the well-being of their employees, customers, and the community, they not only build goodwill, but they also build long-term success.

Examples of conscious capitalism are abundant in our community, where businesses prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Desert Sun Coffee exemplifies this commitment by ethically sourcing its beans, ensuring fair wages and empowering the coffee-growing communities they work with. Star Liquor, in collaboration with the Durango Police Department, took a proactive stance on community well-being by discontinuing the sale of mini liquor bottles, reducing litter, public intoxication, and drunk driving. Alpine Bank integrates community-giving into everyday banking, donating a dime to local nonprofits every time a customer uses their Loyalty Debit Card.

The Durango Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering a business culture where profitability and purpose go hand in hand. By highlighting businesses that lead with integrity, sharing best practices, and encouraging thoughtful leadership, we hope to inspire more organizations to embrace conscious capitalism, cultivating a thriving business community.

Durango Rocks! Elevate Business! Celebrate Community!

Get your tickets now for the annual Chamber Durango Rocks Awards Celebration at the Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Catch up with colleagues during the reception and then learn about organizations, businesses and community leaders making a positive impact during the awards program. Come celebrate our remarkable community members!

Purchase Tickets Here

In-House Videography for Your Business

Feb. 26 with Nick Kogos of Visit Durango

Are you part of a small team looking to dive into videography to showcase your products, services, or brand? Discover the art of bootstrapped video production with guidance from a local creative expert. Learn about essential gear, software, efficient workflows, and more to bring your ideas to life! Join us Feb. 26 from 12 to 1pm at TBK Bank.

Make your reservation here!

Mornings at El Moro - Monthly Networking & Learning Series with the Durango Chamber

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for an engaging program from 7:45am 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 morning mingle.

Enjoy complimentary coffee by 81301 and a delicious $12 El Moro breakfast burrito – the perfect start to your day! Check out DurangoBusiness.org for details & to order your breakfast burrito.

Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, Mar. 4th Randy Black with Durango Fire Protection District

Tuesday, Apr. 1st

Tuesday, May 6th

Tuesday, June 3rd

Your Voice in Policy: How the Chamber

Advocates for Your Business

by Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

Navigating state and local policies can be challenging for business owners. The Chamber monitors policy discussions at both levels to ensure the business community is represented and protected.

At the state level, we collaborate with other chambers through a business advocacy group to review legislation, and advocate for policies that support economic growth. Locally, our Legislative Action Coalition policy monitor, Joan Fauteaux, provides monthly reports on key issues impacting our city and county.

The Chamber's Forums for Progress (formerly Eggs & Issues) offer insights into key community issues. Don't miss the upcoming March 5th Forum with Durango City Council Candidates plus discussions on the sales tax reauthorization measure which are on the ballot for the April 1st election.

Stay informed, get involved, and let the Chamber be your advocate. Your voice matters in shaping policies that affect your business.

The Legislative Action Coalition's monthly report is posted online. Find the latest report here.

Business Connection

La Plata Electric Association

with Chris Hansen, CEO

By Sara Lynn Valentine

“LPEA is headed in a new, exciting and innovative direction,” says Chris Hansen, LPEA’s new CEO. “I was very excited to become part of LPEA. I’ve been working in the energy sector my entire career, and earned both a masters and doctorate in this field."

Chris has had a long private sector career, doing electricity system planning worldwide, in Dubai, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as all over the United States. His responsibilities were very similar then to what they are now at LPEA. Chris left the private sector in 2016 to serve in Colorado State House and in the Colorado State Senate from 2020 until 2024. “I was a member of the Joint Budget Committee and chaired the Property Tax Commission. We had a huge focus on energy and environment.”

Chris moved to Durango to become LPEA’s new CEO soon after the LPEA Board made the decision to withdraw from its very restrictive contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a wholesale power supply cooperative that required LPEA to buy most or all of its power from them.

“Our top priority is to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to southwest Colorado. We will still have a partial supply relationship with Tri-State, but we now have more autonomy and can utilize lower cost options for our members," says Chris. "We can invest in ourselves by producing electricity locally, instead of buying it from a large corporation."

LPEA is looking into pursuing a number of options, including solar, wind, hydro, and gas turbines. Chris continued, "We’re interested in things like buying wind power from our nearby neighbors and integrating solar into agriculture operations - that could work really well in our part of the state, in addition to partnering with the Southern Ute Tribe."

"We have a very talented team in place to make this transition and to deliver on our promise of reliable, affordable and clean electricity,' says Chris. LPEA received some grants from the state and are working with cooperatives in other Colorado communities that also want to reduce emissions and lower costs.

"We haven’t increased our rates in many years, but we’ll need to do a rate increase next year. It’s never an easy decision, and we want folks to understand why it’s necessary," Chris says. "Like the rest of the economy, LPEA’s costs have risen. Inflation is up 23% since 2020 and our rates have only increased 7.7%.”

LPEA supplies electricity to La Plata, Archuleta, and segments of Mineral, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. LPEA supports a variety of worthy local causes and is an active member of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “We share a similar mission,” Chris says, “to support economic activity in the community.” Chris and his wife have been married for 23 years and have two teenage sons.

You can learn more at LPEA.coop.

Featured Chamber Young Professional of Durango:

Kendall Kimbrough

What type of work & volunteering do you do? I just started at Harmony Real Estate part-time, supporting office administration and operations. I volunteer at the La Plata County Humane Society helping out the dogs in the shelter and want to continue to expand how I can help!

Why did you want to be a YPOD board member? To get more connected in my community, both personally and professionally.

What do you love about the YPOD program? I found myself stuck in my career with no path for growth. The YPODs are a way to continue to develop my corporate and professional skill set outside of what my previous job could offer me. I also want to make deep roots in Durango and love the connections I'm able to build.

How do you spend your free time? Being as active and outdoors as possible, and getting into crafts when being outside or active isn't possible. I love working out, biking, snowboarding, hiking, camping, being on the river, and am getting my Yoga Teacher Training certificate this spring. I also love learning how to paint, crotchet, make candles, ceramics, anything!

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

Chamber Diplomat Spotlight:

Geoff Overington

What’s a typical day like for you in your business? Switch-tasking between being the employing broker/manager of over 90 real estate licenses and working with my (family) team to serve sellers and buyers & help them achieve their real estate goals.

What motivated you to join the Chamber Diplomat program?

The Chamber Diplomats met in our office for several years before the new Chamber building was constructed. I loved the energy of the group and also the value that the Diplomats bring to the Chamber and its members. Helping businesses, especially new ones, to connect to other businesses and locate resources they need, is very fulfilling.

If you could describe Durango in three words, what would they be?

Outdoor. Recreation. Paradise.

What’s a skill, hobby, or passion you have outside of work? I love exploring and enjoying our beautiful state. We hike, ski, snowshoe, and 4-wheel and love that you can explore year-round, with just changing up the “how” part of it.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Stand up, spread your arms, and do a 360. Understand that this is truly what you control in the world – your thoughts, actions, and reactions. You can have influence over other things, but this is the extent of what you have total control over.

Want to Join this Fun and Professional Group? Find out more here.

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Kip Koso

What do you do for a living?

A lot of volunteering for Local First, Big Brothers Big Sisters and several other non-profit events. I retired from the working world in September of 2024.

What LLP Class were you in? My nametag says 2002-2003, but surely I wasn’t old enough to participate way back then…

What do you love about LLP? The program allows participants to understand the complexity of the County, the effort that gets put into making so much of it work on a day-to-day basis and the ways that education, government, diversity and a host of other areas interact in all our lives.

What do you enjoy about the Chamber? They are a catalyst for small business impact. The Chamber’s ongoing work in supporting small businesses speaks to my passion. This community is defined by the small businesses that drive the local economy AND support non-profits that work to improve lives in our community.

Share a less-known fact about you. I had a buddy in the Navy give me a spot on a Tiger Cruise (look it up) aboard the USS Ronald Regan Aircraft Carrier. Once in a lifetime trip!

Learn more about Leadership La Plata at DurangoBusiness.org/llp.

All Are Welcome Program: Elevating Inclusivity in Hospitality

By Weylin Ryan, Visit Durango

At Visit Durango, we’re proud to announce the launch of the All Are Welcome

training program, tailored for our community and hospitality professionals. This 30-minute online training is designed to help local businesses provide exceptional, inclusive service while deepening their understanding of our area’s unique history.

Why Join the Program?

Improve Customer Experience: Equip your team with practical tools to welcome and serve all visitors, making your business a destination of choice.
Streamlined Learning: Each module—Culture & History, Gender & Identity, and Accessibility—is concise and impactful, ensuring maximum engagement in a short time.
To Support all Learners: Available in English and Spanish, the training includes features like alt text, audio descriptions, captions, and a full transcript to support learners of all abilities.

Built by Experts with a Local Focus

To ensure the program is relevant to La Plata County today we partnered with organizations like VisitAble and Suazo Equity Consulting. Modules are informed by the History and Heritage Training Framework and our professional partnerships and tailored to the hospitality sector.

By joining this program, you’re investing in your team and contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming La Plata County. Let’s set a new standard for hospitality together!

For details and enrollment, contact Kat Brail at kat@durango.org.

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo-Sheets

Post 28 Luncheons

Feb. 13 5:30 pm FLC Basketball vs. Colorado Mesa

Feb. 15 12pm FLC Softball vs. MSU Denver

Feb. 15 1pm FLC Basketball vs. Western Colorado

Feb. 16 9am Veterans Benefit Breakfast

Feb. 16 11am FLC Softball vs. MSU Denver

Feb. 20 5:30 pm FLC Basketball vs. CSU Pueblo

Feb. 21 4:00 pm Grand Opening of The Reading Room

Feb. 22 8:30 am Homebuyer Education Class

Feb. 22 1pm FLC Basketball vs. Colorado Christian

Feb. 27 1pm Durango Women's Leadership Conference

Feb. 28 5:30 pm FLC Softball vs. Colorado Christian

Feb. 28 6pm Power to Act's Dignity First Dinner

Want your event listed? It’s free! Log in to your portal or call us at (970) 247-0312 ext 2

An EPIC evening at the FUN-Official Kickoff of Snowdown

& the Chamber Business After Hours!

We rolled the dice, leveled up the fun, and made all the right moves for an unforgettable night of networking, laughter, next-level costumes, and fantastic door prizes. A huge shoutout to everyone who showed up, showed off their best game-night looks, and made this kickoff one for the books!

Of course, none of this would have been possible without our incredible partners Radio 101 & Four Corners Broadcasting, the DoubleTree Hotel, Star Liquors, and A&L Coors. Your support makes these amazing events happen, and we can’t thank you enough!

LLP Monthly Focus:

Breaking It Down: CIA Leads to Better Decisions

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

Ever have one of those situations that are so overwhelming that you are brought to a standstill? When you’re in a leadership position, this is not a good look!

One of the more popular models of managing complex situations is the CIA model: Control, Influence, Accept. The CIA approach takes challenges and breaks them down into more manageable components…with a slight twist.

This model asks you to look at a challenge and break it down three ways: components you can control, those you cannot control but can influence, and those that you need to just accept (or adapt). The CIA model is a way to help you focus energy on where it can make the most impact, and reduce the inherent stress in the situation.

Control: what decisions can I make directly that will move this process forward? These can be attitudes, actions or decisions.
Influence: these are areas where you have no direct control, but can influence various stakeholders who do have control through communication, collaboration, or persuasion, like the actions of others on a team.
Accept: these could be things like repercussions from past events, weather, regulations, etc.

Looking at problems (or opportunities) through this lens helps focus time, energy and resources where they will do the most good.

LLP February Sponsor:

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

Fine Wood Interiors

178 Bodo Drive, Suite A

Durango, CO 81303

(970) 375-0002

website

ELK Wealth Builders

410 Snowshoe Lane

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 501-5847

website

Sholler Edwards

1099 Main Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 375-7756

website

Southwest Ag. Inc.

39927 US Hwy 160

Bayfield, CO 81122

(970) 884-4101

website

Closets Plus

190 Turner Dr.

Durango, CO 81303

(970) 259-1845

website

Republic Services

2410 Blue Heron Rd.

Grand Junction, CO 81505-4908

(435) 773-4988

2180 Lighting and Design Studio

4Rivers Equipment

81301 Coffee House & Roasters

Adaptive Sports Association

Animas Brewing Company

Animas High School

Atmos Energy

Business Improvement District

CAL Steel & Sheet Metal

ChemDry of the Southwest

Coca Cola

Cole & Company, Inc.

Colorado Housing Finance Authority

Comfort Keepers

Credit Union of Colorado

Destination DRO Real Estate Group

Dietz Market, Inc.

DoubleTree by Hilton Durango

Duranglers, Inc.

Durango Area Assoc. of Realtors

Durango Arts Center

Durango Electrical Service, Inc.

Durango Food Bank

Durango Hot Springs, LLC

Durango Joe's Coffee House

Durango Premier Auto Care

Fairfield Inn and Suites

FCI Constructors, Inc.

First Tee Four Corners

Griego's N Main/Taco House

Hillcrest Golf Club

Himalayan Kitchen

HomesFund

Just Ask Christy - Artisanal Goods & Services

Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates, LLC

Know Your Dough, Inc.

Kohler McInnis

KREZ-TV

Kroegers Ace Hardware

Life in Flow Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Local News Network

Lola's Place

Manna Soup Kitchen

Maynes Bradford Shipps Sheftel

McDonald's

Mountain Hyperbarics

Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

O-Bar-O Cabins

Outdoorsy Bayfield

Pause, Fitness & Nutrition

Peak Physical Therapy of Durango, LLC

Pueblo Community College Southwest

San Juan Regional Medical Center

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Southwest Women's Health Associates

Southwestern Beverage Co.

Star Liquors

Stillwater Music

Studio B, LLC /Stacy Reuille-Dupont, LLC

Studio Quality

Sunglass Durango

SW Colorado Workforce Center

Town Plaza Shopping Center

Wells Group of Durango, Inc.

Wendy Most Insurance Agency

Women's Resource Center

Streamline Work with No-Meeting Days

Provided by Robert Whitson Owner of Express Employment Professionals of Durango, CO

Meetings are a necessary part of doing business, but scheduling too many can be unproductive and an inefficient use of valuable time. Studies show 11 million business meetings are held in the U.S. each day, and employees spend 37% of their time in meetings. However, a survey from Slack shows employees feel overburdened when they have more than two hours of meetings in a day.

No-Meeting Days May Be the Solution

No-meeting days can give your team ample time to focus and prioritize their most important work without distractions. Companies that implemented designated no-meeting days, quiet weeks and even a meeting-less month saw improved work-life balance, increased productivity and clearing of backlogged to-do lists.

Interruptions are unavoidable, and meetings are inherently disruptive. Research from the University of California Irvine shows 82% of interrupted work is continued on the same day, but it takes more than 23 minutes to return to a task.

Reducing meeting length and frequency, and implementing strategies for meeting-less times, can satisfy the need for fewer distractions and more focus time for employees. Changing meeting structure can also help boost engagement and productivity.