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The Durango Chamber of Commerce: a Catalyst

for Local Business Growth and Advocacy!

By Kim Oyler, Interim CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce

Our team at the Chamber continually talks about how fortunate we are to have so many valuable organizations and businesses working together to support our community. Today, I wanted to highlight how much the team at the Durango Chamber of Commerce works to enhance our business community.

The mission of the Durango Chamber of Commerce is to be an advocate and resource for local business, fostering economic growth, community development and empowering local businesses. To do this, the Chamber provides an array of resources and tools designed to aid business development, from innovative marketing strategies to essential HR workshops. Each month, our Lunch & Learn sessions dive into diverse topics, and in the coming months, our sessions will focus on enhancing customer service, crafting engaging videos, mastering social media, leveraging AI, and utilizing Canva. These workshops are designed to equip our members with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the marketplace.

For small businesses that can’t always keep up with the ever-changing landscape of human resources, the Chamber helps to bridge the gap. Working in collaboration with the Durango Area Association of HR Managers, the Chamber is hosting invaluable workshops designed to keep small businesses updated. This August, employment law specialist Michael Santo will lead a session on the latest labor law updates, ensuring our local businesses remain compliant and competitive.

The Chamber’s mission extends beyond mere support; it is deeply committed to fostering a business-friendly environment through robust advocacy efforts. We champion the interests of local businesses at the local, state and national levels, advocating for policies that support economic growth while opposing legislation that could harm the business climate. This advocacy is crucial, as it ensures that the voices of local businesses are heard and considered throughout the public policy process.

To keep our community informed about legislative and policy developments and their implications for local businesses, the Durango Chamber is hosting an “Eggs and Issues Legislative Wrap-Up” event on Thursday, June 27, and we invite you to attend. This event is a prime opportunity for business owners and community members to stay current on issues at the state level. Attendees will hear directly from the Colorado Competitive Council (C3), a staunch pro-business advocate. This organization collaborates with businesses, chambers and economic development corporations throughout Colorado, leveraging a team of experts with in-depth knowledge of critical business issues and influence at the State Capitol.

During the June 27th event, C3 executive director Rachel Beck and lobbyist Travis Berry will share their insights and advocacy efforts from the recent legislative session. They will provide updates on which bills passed, which failed, and which may resurface next session, specifically focusing on issues impacting business and southwest Colorado. This session is essential for anyone wanting to understand the legislative landscape and its potential impact on their business.

Altogether, the Chamber’s initiatives foster a thriving business climate, which enhances quality of life, and ensures a thriving community. We proudly serve as a big voice for small business, acting as a catalyst, connector, convener, and champion for our members and the broader community. For more information about the Chamber, our activities and events, visit DurangoBusiness.org.

Dear Chamber Members,

I wanted to provide a brief update on the Durango Chamber CEO search. We received many qualified applications, and the Chamber Board CEO Selection Committee is starting the initial interview process. We hope to have someone in place around the end of the summer/early fall, depending on scheduling. We will keep you posted as we move through this process.

Best regards,

Kim Oyler

Interim CEO

Thank you for hosting the June 20 for Business After Hours!!

Richard Ballantine, John Blais & their team welcomed more than 80 individuals at the June Business After Hours, hosted at the Durango Herald offices. Door prizes generously supplied by The Herald, Four Leaves Winery, and Star Liquors.

Be sure to join us for the July 18 Business After Hours at Shaw Solar from 4pm to 6pm - special summer hours. Register online & save!

Join us for Ways to Create the Infinite Welcome: Customer Service & Your Culture!

Attend the next Lunch & Learn when Elizabeth Calagias of Fort Lewis College explores innovative approaches for empowering your team to craft memorable experiences that embody an “Infinite Welcome.” Wed., June 26 noon to 1pm, sponsored & hosted by TBK Bank Register now!

Mornings at El Moro!

Networking & Learning Series!

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for an engaging networking and educational program from 7:45am 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.

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, August 6th - Update on Durango Mesa Park!

Tuesday, Sept 10th

Tuesday, Oct. 1st

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

Bank of The San Juans

Mike Smedley, Vice President/High Performance Growth

By Sara Lynn Valentine

“Bank of the San Juans is a hometown success story,” Mike Smedley says. “It was started in Durango by community investors in the late 1990s, and over the past couple of decades has grown into sixteen branches in fourteen communities, now employing around two hundred across the state. Our success is a great testament to how we do things. At the end of the day, all banks deal with money. The key to the success of Bank of the San Juans is that we are community minded. We stick to our core values. These values are honesty, integrity, service, teamwork, respect for the individual, and giving back to the local community. They are posted all over the place in our banks,” Mike says. “They are always in front of our employees.”

In 2008, Bank of the San Juans was invited to join Glacier Bank. In practical terms, this means Bank of the San Juans would continue to operate fairly independently as a community bank, giving customers the personalized and friendly service they’ve come to expect, but with the added availability of major bank services that only larger banks typically have. “We can do incredibly complicated lending deals and very large transactions,” Mike says, “while maintaining autonomy to make local lending decisions. At Bank of the San Juans, the person you talk to about your loan is the person making the decision. This cuts through bureaucracy and red tape. We greet you with a smile, we offer free checking, we don’t charge monthly service fees, and we pick up the phone. When you call the bank, you’re actually calling a person inside the bank. That may seem pretty simple, but how many times nowadays is that not the case?”

San Juan Bank’s core value of giving back to the community is evident in its commitment to help people in need, by making loans to low and moderate income individuals. It’s also seen in BSJ’s significant fundraising efforts for many Durango organizations and events, such as United Way of Southwest Colorado, Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado, La Plata Homes Fund, Fort Lewis College, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Animas City Night Bazaar, Animas River Days, Durango Devo, Durango Winter Sports, Durango Youth Hockey, Durango Swim Club, and Durango Adaptive Golf. Bank of the San Juans is involved in similar ways in the other thirteen communities it serves across Colorado. BSJ staff provided more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service last year statewide.

“We encourage our employees to volunteer,” Mike says. “We celebrate our community involvement every month with a newsletter with pictures of our employees out helping in many different ways.” Bank of the San Juans also works behind the scenes, in less visible ways. “We support a program that makes sure that local kids get a backpack full of books at the end of the school year,” Mike says, “We do things like that quietly. We make money the old fashioned way, by helping people achieve their dreams. It’s pretty simple. We exist to help people. With that in mind, we call ourselves ‘one big happy little bank’.

Learn more at www.banksanjuans.com. You may call (970) 426-7128,

or email Mike at msmedley@banksanjuans.com.

Eggs & Issues: Legislative Wrap-Up & What's on the Horizon for Business?

Back by popular demand! Rachel Beck & Travis Berry will offer their insights on the 2024 State Legislative Session, focusing on legislation that impacts business - what bills passed, failed & may be back for the 2025 session!

Thursday, June 27, 2024 8am - 10am at the DoubleTree Hotel

Save Your Seat!

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!

Groovy Girls Gone Golfing 2024

Thank you to our sponsors:

Alpine Bank, Leavitt Group, Animas Surgical, and Durango Motor Company!

1st Place Winners

Costume Contest

2nd Place Winners

Costume Contest

3rd Place Winners

Costume Contest

More photos here!

Thanks to everyone that showed up for Clean Day 2024!

The Durango Chamber & the Durango Business Improvement District partnered again this year to clean up downtown in time for Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to the City of Durango, Durango Joe’s, Create Art & Tea and Keller Williams for supporting this effort.

Featured Chamber Young Professional

of Durango:

Georgiana Hallock

Where do you work & what do you do? I work for Ballantine Communications as the Marketing & Events Manager.

Why did you want to be a YPOD member? Joining YPOD is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself, to give back to the community, and to evolve as a young professional in Durango.

What do you love about the YPOD program? What I enjoy most is the opportunity to engage with my peers on a professional level, sharing experiences, insights, and ideas. These interactions have not only broadened my perspective but have also helped me grow both personally and professionally. Plus, it's genuinely fun getting to know everyone better, building friendships, and creating lasting memories.

How do you spend your free time? In my free time you can find me teaching spin classes, mountain biking or climbing at the local climbing gym. During the winter, skiing is my go-to activity. I also love good food and spending time with friends!

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

Young Professionals Help HIVE with Move

The Young Professionals of Durango gathered to help the HIVE with deconstruction and clean up of their downtown location. Volunteers hauled scrap material from the back parking lot, further deconstructed the skate ramps, and took out a faux ceiling in the art room. YPODs were glad to work with Alex Vick, HIVE creative director, and other volunteers to successfully complete a tough job and help out a community hub during their transition.

For more volunteer opportunities with the Young Professionals, keep an eye on our calendar.

Durango Young Professionals Build Connections at Monthly Happy Hour

This past month, the Young Professionals of Durango met at Ska Brewery to network and connect with their peers. In addition to building business connections, the YPODs discussed local events, volunteer opportunities, and shared laughs over drinks and food. YPOD Happy Hours are free for members and non-members to attend and offer a welcoming and casual environment to meet with local professionals.

Young Professionals Take Peek into the Past with Business Tour

The Young Professionals of Durango had a great time touring the historic Strater Hotel this week. They learned about the hidden and impressive history of the Strater, its beautiful rooms, and it's fun restaurants like the Diamond Belle Saloon. Stay tuned for more business tours with the YPODs by checking our calendar for upcoming events.

Thanks to the Gable House for Hosting the

May Business After Hours.

The Chamber teamed up with the charming Gable House Bed & Breakfast to host an unforgettable evening of delectable bites, and delicious libations. Congratulations to the winners of the fabulous door prizes from the Gable House, Star Liquors &

Music in the Mountains! A ribbon cutting was also held in celebration of their green business certification. Visit their website here.

Upcoming Chamber Programs & Events!

For more information & to register: DurangoBusiness.org

Jun. 26 noon-1pm Lunch & Learn on Customer Service at TBK Bank

Jun. 26 5:45 pm Common Spirit/Mercy Hospital Ribbon Cutting for new Cath Lab

Jun. 27 8am Eggs & Issues - Legislative Wrap Up with Colorado Competitive Council at the DoubleTree Hotel

Jun. 28 8am YPOD How I Made it in Durango at Lola’s

July 18 4-6pm Business After Hours at Shaw Solar

July 24 noon-1pm Lunch & Learn: Creating Engaging Videos

July 25 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting with Kelly Miranda Photography

Aug. 6 7:45-9am Mornings @ El Moro with an Update on Durango Mesa Park

Aug. 14 Unlock Legal Insights: Annual Employment Law Update with Atty. Michael Santo

More details at Durangobusiness.org

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

May- September Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo Sheets Post Wednesday Luncheons

Every Friday Fresh Beer Fridays with Ska Brewing

Every Saturday Durango Farmers Market

June 26 Lavalanche live music benefiting Boys & Girls Club at Powerhouse

June 26 True Western Roundup at the LPC Fairground

July 3-6 Fourth of July Celebrations – food, music, races, rodeos, fireworks & dancing

July 14-15 Mini Cooper Rally at Fort Lewis College

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'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 4CORE, go here.

May Lunch & Learn: Actionable Tips on Improving your SEO performance!

Thanks to Kelsey Parks with Psyche Digital Marketing for presenting ways to maximize your online presence by conquering Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Kelsey shared key elements, including keywords, content, and technical aspects of SEO. Learn more about Psyche Digital: Psychedigital.com

Maximizing Your Credit Score - Mornings at El Moro

Thank you to Ryan Champion with GM Mortgage for sharing valuable information on mastering your credit score to earn you better rates. It’s helpful to know all the factors that contribute to your credit score so you can improve it and save money!

Congratulations Leadership La Plata Class of 2023/2024!

Congratulations to the 2023/2024 Leadership La Plata Class! After their 9-month journey that included a monthly leadership component and community topics such as diversity, education, health & human services, public safety, government and more, they are on to their next phase, which is developing content for the 2024//2025 class.

Calling all Alumni! We want your class pictures for the website! Please email Jennifer@durangobusiness.org with your group picture to be featured on our site!

LLP Monthly Focus:

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Harness the Power of Data and Technology

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

We are in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution, fueled by data and emerging technologies. Like previous industrial revolutions, the cost of goods are falling with a concurrent increase in quality. Ease of transactions are evident in activities like organizing transportation, making a restaurant reservation, buying pretty much anything, online bill-pay, listening to music, reading books or watching your favorite show or sporting event on your laptop or phone.

And of course, as with any change in business, leaders have to be on top of these new trends to understand how to leverage them for success and guard against becoming outdated and irrelevant in the eyes of their customers and other stakeholders.

For the past few months, these articles have been inspired by a Forbes article outlining leadership trends for 2024. One of the trends we’ve already explored is adaptive leadership, meaning the ability to lead in unpredictable and ever-changing environments. The data and technology landscape is certainly one that needs constant observation and the ability to adopt those technologies that will serve the best interests of the business.

While your business may not be data or technology driven in terms of products or services, all businesses are impacted by an increasing dependence on cyber security. Furthermore, good data can be invaluable for critical decision-making. Businesses with manufacturing capabilities need to be aware of existing and emerging automation technologies to stay current in the marketplace.

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

Horsefly History & Ghost Walking Tours - Announcing New Tour this Summer!

The Durango Chamber Diplomats celebrated Horsefly History & Ghost Tours' newest tour addition for this summer! The new tour is "BOOze & Bites" - History & Food Tour!

On this guided walking tour, you'll uncover Durango’s eerie past and explore haunted hotspots while savoring delicious food along Main Avenue, starting at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot.

For details visit HorseflyHistory.com

Congratulations to Holiday Inn & Suites & the Gray Copper Tavern on Your Remodel!

The Durango Chamber and its Diplomats celebrated the grand opening of the remodeled Holiday Inn & Suites and the Gray Copper Tavern. For additional information, visit their website.

Now Open at a New Location: Charvera on Main Avenue!

Congratulations to Charvera on their new location at College and Main Avenue. Learn more here.

Cajas, LLC.

Kameryn Dean

Phone: (970) 598 5150

website

Southwest Foot and Ankle, PC

Nicholas Hugentobler

270 E 8th Ave., Suite N 102

DURANGO, CO 81301

Wild New Way, Jungian Life & Relationship Coaching

Cindy Schmidt

2243 Main Ave Suite 3D

Durango, CO 81301

website

Evie Joy Photography

Evie Felts

8411 Road 41

Mancos, CO 81328

website

Durango Osteopathic Care, PC

Michelle Bassett

20 Delwood Place

Durango, CO 81301

website

11th Street Station

Advantage Physical Therapy &

Wellness P.C.

Alpenglow Properties, LLC

Alternative Horizons

Artesanos Design Collection

Aspen Design Studio

Bank of the San Juans

Ben Frihauf Farmers Insurance

C & J Gravel Products, Inc.

Carver Brewing Co.

Colorado Housing Finance Authority

CT Electric

Desert Sun Coffee Roasters

Down to Earth Gardening and

Landscaping, Inc.

Durango Choral Society

Durango Education Foundation

Durango Fire Protection District

Durango Kennel Club

Durango Property Management

Eolus Bar & Dining, LLC

Formrite Custom Counters, Inc.

Goodwill Colorado

Half Price Tees / Durango Embroidery

& Print

Highway 3 Roadhouse & Oyster Bar

Mail Room and Copy Center

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Trail Tours

Old Barrel Tea Co.

Oxford Financial Planners

Residence Inn by Marriott

Serious Texas BBQ

Tile & Light Art of Durango

TING

Title Durango, LLC

Veritas Fine Homes, Inc.

Visit Durango

Wells Group of Durango, Inc.

Westerly RV Park

Get Steps, Give Smiles

La Plata County Extension: Health Tip of the Month

by Nicole Clark, RDN, M.Ed.

Park further away, use the stairs instead of the elevator, and schedule a walking meeting. You’ve already heard these ideas for adding more steps to your day. But do they inspire you to take 10,000 steps a day, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control?

If 10,000 steps feels unachievable, you’ll be happy to know recent studies suggest 8,000 steps a day is still effective for reducing chronic disease risk. For people with physical disabilities, 150 minutes of feasible aerobic activity a week is recommended.

Chances are, you won’t find many (any?) opportunities to substitute stairs for elevators in this community. But, you can count on the seasonal influx of tourists to hedge you out of a close parking spot. So, you’ve got that going for you.

Regardless, I’d venture to say a little inspiration would make reaching your step/movement goal easier.

How would you feel about capitalizing on acts of kindness to fuel your intrinsic inspiration and encourage you to take more steps each day? As promised, get steps, give smiles. Here are a few creative ways to achieve both. Everyone wins!

Smile maker #1: Rather than looking for the nearest cart rack after loading items into your vehicle, walk the cart back into the store.
Smile maker #2: Offer to pick up the mail for an elderly neighbor, or walk/roll to the mailbox with them and engage in conversation
Smile maker #3: Bring trash and recycling bins from the curb up to the house of as many neighbors as you are able.
Smile maker #4: For those of you on acreage, offer to walk the fence line of a neighbor to help identify sections that need repair. And if you’re up for it, help with the repair.
Smile maker #5: Help your neighbor with fire mitigation practices on their property.
Smile maker #6: Walk or roll around your block daily/weekly to pick up litter.
Smile maker #7: Volunteer to help with fruit gleaning.

La Plata County Extension health programming: nicole.clark@co.plata.co.us or (970) 382-6461.

41% of American Job Seekers Can't Be Themselves at Work; 79% Fear Discussing Certain Topics

However, Employers Encourage Authenticity, Promoting Positive Mental Health