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Shop Local, Support Non-Profits, and Embrace Abundance

by Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded of the strength and uniqueness of our community. The Giving Season is a chance to reflect on the abundance around us, not just in material goods, but in the opportunities we have to make a meaningful difference. By supporting local businesses and non-profits, we can directly contribute to the well-being of Durango. This is a time to celebrate what makes our community special and to take action that benefits our neighbors and local organizations.

One of the simplest, yet most impactful ways, to give back is by shopping locally. Every dollar spent at a local business helps sustain the unique character of Durango. These businesses are more than just storefronts, they’re essential contributors to our local economy. They create jobs, support local events, give back to local organizations, and help define the identity of our community. This season, rather than turning to online stores for holiday shopping, take a moment to explore the shops, restaurants, and markets that make our community special. When you spend locally, your money goes further – circulating and re-circulating throughout the community and strengthens our economy.

In addition to supporting businesses, the Giving Season is also an opportunity to help the many non-profits that work tirelessly to address critical needs in our area. Durango is fortunate to have a variety of organizations that provide food security, shelter, education, environmental stewardship, youth development, and so much more. These non-profits are vital to the well-being of our community, and they rely on individual contributions to keep their doors open.

During the Giving Season, let’s focus on the practical ways we can support our community’s well-being. By shopping locally and contributing to our non-profits, we make a direct impact on the businesses and organizations that enrich Durango. This holiday season, take the time to explore local shops for your gifts and consider donating to a non-profit that resonates with you. Together, we can ensure that our community thrives not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Let’s make this season about tangible support for our neighbors and the places we love.

Durango Rocks! Elevate Business! Celebrate Community!

Get your tickets now for the annual Chamber Durango Rocks Awards Celebration at the FLC 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 event. Come celebrate our wonderful community members!

Purchase Tickets Here

Mornings at El Moro! Monthly Networking & Learning Series presented by the City of Durango

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, Jan. 7th

Guest Speaker: La Plata County Public Health

Tuesday, Feb. 4th

Tuesday, Mar. 4th

Tuesday, Apr. 1st

Tuesday, May 6th

Business Connection

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

By Sara Lynn Valentine

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company, now an international franchise, was

started in 1981, because Frank Crail wanted to live and raise his family in the small and charming town of Durango. But how to make a living? Crail began surveying local merchants and residents to see what kind of business they thought Durango needed. It came down to either a carwash or a confectionary shop. Crail chose the confectionary shop suggestion and opened Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s doors for business in its original (and current) location right on Main Avenue, close to the train station. Frank worked with experts in the industry to create original formulas for top quality chocolates that would work well in Durango’s high altitude environment. At that time, long before RMCF’s 53,000 square foot factory was built, all products were crafted right in the store.

“We went public in 1985,” says CFO Carrie Cass. “We own the Durango store and a second retail location in Corpus Christi, Texas. We also have 147 franchised RMCF stores and are co-branded with roughly 110 Cold Stone Creamery stores. We are publicly traded on the NASDAQ

Exchange. We recently announced three new store locations and will be

announcing more in the near future."

All the RMCF retail stores sell handcrafted candy and box chocolates that are made in the RMCF factory in Durango. RMCF employs close to 175, of which roughly 150 are area residents, making a significant impact on the local economy. Frank Crail is still a stockholder, but stepped back from management some years ago. RMCF’s current CEO is Jeffrey Geygan. “This is a great company to work for,” says Carrie. “My experience here has been wonderful. I’m very much looking forward to working hard and helping the company achieve its goals.”

Both locals and tourists love to visit the Durango shop on Main Avenue. In addition to the 300 or so chocolate and other confections sold there, the fudge and caramel and candy apples are made on site, in full view of customers, using a traditional copper kettle over a gas fired stove and cooled on marble slabs. Customers are often treated to samples.

“We care about Durango and want to give back to this community,” Carrie says. “We choose to be involved with fundraising and sponsorships. We’ve been working with Fort Lewis to support the school of business and the

athletics department. And we make a concerted effort to buy local

whenever we can. We’ve been members of the Chamber for many years. It’s been good for us and helps us stay in touch with the community.” Learn more at www.RMCF.com

Featured Chamber Young Professional

of Durango: In-coming President Ryan Simonovich

Where do you work & what do you do? I am a freelance journalist and content creator covering mountain biking and other outdoor activities for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. I also run my own podcast and newsletter called Ryan MTB.

Why did you want to be the 2025 YPOD President? I began attending YPOD events a few years ago which helped me get more connected with the Durango community post-college. I joined as a board member two years ago and enjoyed helping run and improve the organization, which is what I hope to continue doing as president.

What growth do you want to see in the next year for the YPOD program? I'd love to continue growing our event attendance, membership, and sponsorship numbers. Beyond that, I hope to grow YPOD into an organization that is widely recognized as a resource for the Durango community. I want our events to be known as fun and resourceful and to reach young people and welcome them as YPODs even if they don't have 'white collar' jobs.

How do you spend your free time? My biggest passion is mountain biking and cycling but I also ski and hike. I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and enjoying Durango's restaurants and breweries.

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

YPODs Gather at Black Heron Lounge

In November, the Young Professionals gathered at the new downtown establishment, Black Heron Lounge. The YPODs networked, enjoyed the swanky atmosphere of the lounge. Young Professionals' Happy Hours are a great way to meet others and make lasting connections.

For more YPOD events, check out our calendar here.

Chamber Diplomat Spotlight:

Carmen Drulis

What’s Your Business? I am the GM at El Moro Spirits & Tavern downtown!

How long have you been a Diplomat? I have been a diplomat off and on for about 10 years as work allowed.

How long have you lived in Durango? I was actually born in Durango but spent a few years in Albuquerque for middle and high school and graduated from UNM before heading back to my hometown.

Tell us about your family. I do not have any kids of my own, but I do have 4 fur babies. Three Maine Coons....Leila, Von (yes, after Von Miller) and Shelby. And one VERY spicy long haired chihuahua Sue who you will find by my side more often than not. I would definitely prefer to stay in on a Friday with the fur babies than anything else.

What is your favorite part of being a Diplomat? I love being a Diplomat for many reasons, but connecting and meeting new people takes the pie.

Fun Fact About You. I am a die-hard Broncos fan, but also love the Cardinals, I would rather cook you dinner than go out to dinner. Traveling in the upcoming year will be a main focus for me.... where a passport is needed and to a state I have never been to. Cheers!!!

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

Diplomat Holiday Party at the Black Heron Lounge

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Steve Winters

What do you do for a living? I’ve been a Civil Engineer in Durango for the last 21 years. I was also recently named the West Region Leader for SEH, which is based out of St. Paul, Minnesota and has offices in 14 states, including Colorado.

What LLP Class were you in? 2020-2020 – The Covid Class

What do you love about LLP? I’ve met a number of fellow LLP-ers in a multitude of public/private sectors who are doing great things for the community. The amount of talent that has been part of the organization in the past and present is really impressive.

How does the Chamber help your business/what do you enjoy about the Chamber? The Chamber is always there to assist when you need it. The connections that are built within the community because of the Chamber are terrific.

Share a less-known fact about you. I grew up on a farm in Iowa with dairy cattle and pigs. Pigs were not my favorite animal, and probably why I’m now an engineer.

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

Navigating Local & State Policy Initiatives

As part of the Durango Chamber’s commitment to effective advocacy, the Legislative Action Coalition's 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 current report here!

November’s Lunch & Learn featured tips on Creating Engaging Instagram Reels with Faith Vanbrunschot at Fort Lewis College.

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo Sheets Post Luncheons

Jan. 9 8:30am 33rd Annual Southwest Economic Outlook at Fort Lewis College, sponsored by the Bank of Colorado

Jan 15 10am Event Planning Conference with the City of Durango & La Plata County

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

Hutton Broadcasting Hosted a Great

Business After Hours in November!

America’s 250th & Colorado’s 150th Commemoration In 2026 - LAUNCH PARTY!

In 2026, the Southwestern Colorado region is excited to commemorate two significant anniversaries: America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th. Our commemoration focuses on four pillars that highlight the region’s unique heritage, natural beauty, and deep-rooted sense of community.

To learn more about these activities and events, plus how to get involved, visit Colorado150Southwest.org.

LLP Monthly Focus:

Ways to Support Workplace Productivity while Embracing the Holiday Spirit

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

It’s that time again, when holiday chaos reigns! We add holiday parties, crazy shopping sprees, travel and more…all in basically one month’s time! And that’s on top of our regular workloads that still need to get done, and get done well. How do you corral your team to maintain productivity without resorting to Ebenezer Scrooge tactics? Create a thoughtfully crafted agenda of highly organized priority setting and work-life balance tools. Here are some favorites from the Forbes Human Resources Council.

Set Boundaries

Let your team know that your policy is to respect personal time, theirs and yours, and let your family know that you have work obligations that you need to honor. Be sure you and your team fully disconnect during downtime and that there is time for rest and recharging as well. Everyone will enjoy their time more, improve well-being and boost productivity.

Monthly Sponsor:

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

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations with the

Chamber Diplomats!

Celebrating the Grand Opening of the

Black Heron Lounge!

The Black Heron Lounge, located at 736 Main Avenue (next to Grassburger), offers craft cocktails and entertainment in the heart of downtown Durango. Hours are Tues-Thurs. 5pm-11pm and Fri-Sat 5pm-2am For more information visit BlackHeronLounge.com

Congratulations to

Express Employment Professionals!

Express Employment Professionals celebrated their new location at 1911 Main Avenue, Suite 282 in Durango. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/us-Colorado-Durango