Your Monthly Chamber Connection

June 2025

Thank you to our partners:

The Power of Connection and a Good Referral

by Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

Small businesses don’t just operate in our community; they are our community. They employ our neighbors, support our schools, and reinvest locally. But we can’t keep expecting them to succeed in isolation. If we want a resilient local economy, we need to commit to supporting the businesses that are supporting us.

A strong business ecosystem depends on connection, trust, and mutual support. When businesses know and trust each other, they become more than service providers; they become partners in growth. That’s why referrals, and the relationships that drive them, remain one of the most powerful tools a business can have. This kind of ecosystem reduces risk, increases opportunity, and creates a sense of shared responsibility that benefits everyone involved.

Word-of-mouth still outperforms most marketing strategies because people trust people they know. According to industry data, over 90% of consumers trust referrals from friends and family more than any form of advertising. When someone says, “Call Café Amor, their catering is top notch,” that carries far more weight than a Google review. A good referral is not just a lead; it is a personal endorsement that sets the tone for loyalty and results in better connections.

And when those referrals are rooted in local relationships, the impact multiplies. Choosing local means keeping dollars in our economy, reinforcing local jobs, and investing in a network that can adapt, grow, and endure. The strength of our economy isn’t built on a handful of high performers; it’s built on how consistently we show up for each other.

Referrals should be intentional. Before you hire or contract with a company, ask yourself: Are they local? Are they invested here? Do they contribute to the same ecosystem I rely on? One simple step: check the Chamber directory at durangobusiness.org. It is more than a list; it is a signal that a company is committed to being part of something bigger than itself.

When businesses support each other, there’s a ripple effect. Thriving businesses sponsor youth sports, fund nonprofit programs, volunteer in schools, and fuel community services. Those contributions don’t come from chance; they come from success. And that success often starts with one good referral.

So how do you build your referral network? Start with connection. Don’t wait until you need something. Attend community gatherings. Introduce yourself. Learn what others do well and look for ways to support them. Promote others when it makes sense and build your reputation as a trusted resource.

The Chamber exists to help make that happen. Whether it’s joining a Leads Group, attending Business After Hours, showing up for Mornings at El Moro, or simply checking the directory; those connections can lead to real opportunity. But like your gym membership, it only works if you SHOW UP and ENGAGE.

Durango needs more than a handful of standout businesses; we need a connected business network. That’s how we build resilience and something sustainable. That’s how we strengthen our business ecosystem.

Interested in learning more about how you can get connected and involved? Reach out to our team by emailing chamber@durangobusiness.org or calling 970-247-0312 ext 2

Upcoming Chamber Events

Forums for Progress: Local Leaders in Energy

Panelists: Chris Hansen (LPEA), George Sharp (Merrion Oil & Gas), Briston Jones (Atmos Energy), Jeff Robbins (CO Energy & Carbon Management Commission), and Zach Walker (Primergy Solar)

June 5 at 8:30 am

Sky Ute Casino & Resort

With the June location being on the Mesa, we invite business owners and professionals to join us from Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, and more! Let's strengthen the regional business community.

Tuesday, June 17 from 5-7pm

Lucky Elk Ranch

532 CR 512

Ignacio, CO 81137

Lunch & Learn: Lead with Impact – Navigating Differences Through Strengths and Values

Presented by Sandy A Lane Consulting

June 25 from 12-1pm

TBK Bank Community Room

Your Voice Matters!

Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

Advocacy is essential to building a healthy business environment, and the Durango Chamber continues to play a key role in connecting local businesses with decision-makers. Through ongoing engagement, we’re working to ensure that policies and projects support a thriving, resilient local economy. The U.S. Chamber is gathering insights from businesses impacted by tariffs to illustrate what’s at stake. Add your voice to help influence future trade decisions.

Share Your Story Here

Business Connection with Colorado Closets Plus

By Sara Lynn Valentine

When Willow Bradner and her husband and business partner, Aaron Fanning, moved from Salida to Durango in October 2024, they didn’t just change their address - - they doubled down on their dream of owning and operating a business rooted in craftsmanship, community, and Colorado values.

They purchased Closets Plus, a long-standing local custom closet and storage systems company, from Heather and Danny Klone. “The Klone's had been extremely supportive and generous to the Durango community,” says Willow. “They brought us up to speed, introduced us to the local market, and emphasized what mattered most to us —serving people, not just spaces.”

Aaron was already well established in the closet industry, with over fifteen years of experience and a successful closet install business spanning five states, and serving commercial clients like the Container Store. But the opportunity to focus on quality over quantity—and to live and serve in a small community—made the opportunity in Durango too appealing to pass up.

“Everything we do at Colorado Closets Plus supports the local economy,” Willow explains. “Our systems are locally designed, locally manufactured in Bodo, and locally installed. That means jobs for our neighbors, collaboration with amazing local vendors like Live Oak Contracting, Durango Marble, 2180 Lighting, and the Design Gallery —and its quality, high-touch service for our clients.”

The “Plus” in the name of Willow’s and Aaron’s new business is no accident. “We’re not just about closets,” Willow says. “We do pantries, garages, laundry rooms, playrooms, built-in entertainment centers, wall beds—you name it. If it involves storage, we make it stylish and functional.”

A common misconception is that Colorado Closets Plus is part of a franchise. “We are not a franchise,” Willow says. “We are 100% local. And that means something to us, and to the people we serve.”

From remodels in Durango’s charming, storage-challenged older homes to full-scale new builds in Pagosa Springs and Telluride, their work is all about turning tight spaces into smart spaces. “We often partner with Live Oak Contracting to demo old closets and build beautiful armoire-style systems that maximize every inch.”

Outside the shop, you’ll find Willow and Aaron cheering on their teenage daughter, a student athlete at Escalante Middle School. They’re also deeply involved with the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “We didn’t just join the Chamber,” Willow says. “We went all in. It’s been one of the most impactful partnerships we’ve made since moving here.”

Colorado Closets Plus is located at 190 Turner Drive, Units B & H, in Bodo Park. The team services Durango, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, and surrounding communities.

For consultations, collaborations, or to simply say hello, you can reach Willow directly at willow@coloradoclosetsplus.com or call 970-259-1845

YPODs in Action: May Recap

The YPODs spent May working together to create connections, lasting friendships, and a thriving community.

On May 17th, 18 people joined the YPODs at Memorial Park for an Animas River Clean Up Day. The groups collected more than 90 pounds of trash, leaving the River Trail noticeably cleaner and better than before.

The following week, the Young Professionals gathered at Santa Rita for the monthly social hour. YPODs connected over professional goals; played volleyball, spikeball, and basketball; and got to pet some pups.

Interested in upcoming philanthropic, social and educational events?

See upcoming YPOD events here!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YPODs

Congratulations to Cafe Amor on the Grand Opening of their new Axis Health location!

Congratulations to Sunward Credit Union on the Grand Opening of their Durango location!

June 5, 5:15pm

Kurtz Fargo Grand Opening

View Details

June 26, 5:15pm

Hotworx Grand Opening

View Details

Click Here to Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting!

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

County Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton

What do you do for a living?

I am a La Plata County Commissioner serving in my second term.

What LLP Class were you in?

I graduated from Leadership La Plata in 2001.

What do you love about LLP?

I love the program because people from all parts of the county join together to learn but more importantly, develop deep and lasting relationships. We take those connections to our leadership positions and into our lives.

The fact LLP has been around all these years is quite an accomplishment and speaks to the volunteer and collaborative spirit. The leadership training as well as topical elements (i.e., culture, economy, education), are crucial for truly understanding this amazing place we call home.

What is a less-known fact about you?

I grew up on a ranch and have ridden an actual bucking bull a few times. I have never broken a bone -- knock on wood.

Learn more about Leadership La Plata at LeadershipLaPlata.org.

Leadership La Plata is presented by:

Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)

When Strengths Become a Liability

by Beth Porter

A key component of managing people is understanding how individuals communicate and contribute to the team’s efforts. While we each are a mix of 4 different social styles, one is usually dominant. When a team is comprised of individuals with different social styles and they learn to value the strengths inherent in each style, the quality of work improves due to more effective communication, conflict resolution and stronger relationships.

First a review of a few of the attributes of each of the four social styles:

Driver:

Focused on results, action and achieving goals
Direct, assertive and confident communication style

Analytical:

Focused on accuracy, facts and details
Systematic, organized and logical communication style

Expressive:

Focused on relationships, fun and enthusiasm
Outgoing, enthusiastic and persuasive communication style

Amiable:

Focused on harmony, cooperation and building relationships
Empathetic, supportive and good at resolving conflicts

It’s easy to see why a team with these elements is, indeed, a dream team! But what happens when you add stress to the mix? Strengths can quickly turn into liabilities under pressure.

Drivers can start asserting their will, becoming domineering. They become hyper-focused on goals to the point of ruthlessness. Self-confidence morphs into arrogance and impatience, even leading to attacks on other team members.

Analytical people can become rigid, unable to even entertain change, obsessed with details, leading to analysis-paralysis. Caution turns to suspicion, and they withdraw.

Expressive personalities can be so focused on persuading others to their point of view that they become abrasive, even attacking or throwing a temper tantrum. They can become so overly sociable that their behavior becomes intrusive.

Amiable personalities under stress can be so helpful it is smothering, being trusting leaves them gullible and working to include everyone can slow everything down.

How can you defuse the situation and bring the team back together? While that is a huge topic beyond the scope of this article, awareness of personal styles and those of the team, valuing the inherent strengths and understanding how stress can manifest unwanted behavior is an important start.

If you are looking for an immersive experience in leadership development or to develop leadership skills for a team member, consider the Leadership La Plata program. Check out www.durangobusiness.org/llp for more information

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

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

Every Wednesday American Legion Trujillo-Sheets Post 28 Luncheons

Every Thursday Free Yoga at April's Garden (supporting local nonprofits!)

June 4 True Western Roundup Summer Season Begins (Rodeo Every Wednesday)

June 6 Continuum: Contemporary Native Perspectives through Glass at Blue Rain Gallery

June 8 11th Annual Durango Cowboy Gathering Barn Dance, Picnic and Silent Auction

June 17 The Community Foundation presents: Building a Thriving Board-Staff Relationship

June 18 Colorado Nonprofit Association presents: Nonprofit Board Leadership Bootcamp

June 27 Southwest Safehouse 40th Anniversary Celebration

Want your event listed? It’s free! Log into you member portal.

Altiverr

Matthew Zienert

Durango, CO

Phone: (970) 382 1113

www.altiverr.com

Boutique Mountain Stays

Liz Huxley

Phone: (970) 335 8076

www.boutiquemountainstays.com

Dolores Sheets MSA MST Accounting &Tax

Dolores Sheets

E Main Street

Cortez, CO 81321

Phone: (970) 516 1016

www.sheetstaxes.com

Kurtz Fargo LLP

Matt Huntley

1140 Main Ave, Suite A

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (720) 310 2078

https://kurtzfargo.com

Les Schwab Tire Center

Nathan Cain

480 S Comino Del Rio

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 247 8473

lesschwab.com

Lucky Elk Ranch

Chance Carpenter

532 CR 512

Ignacio, CO 81137

www.luckyelkranch.com

Primergy Solar

Zachary Walker

Phone: (510) 910 9087

www.primergysolar.com

Sabrina Ehrenreich Agency, Inc.

555 S Camino Del Rio Ste A3A

Durango, Colorado 81303

Phone: (970) 259 1202

https://agents.farmers.com/co/durango/sabrina-ehrenreich/

Steel Mountain Roofing & Construction

Joe Gallagher

2683 County Road 220

Durango, CO 81303

Phone: (970) 769 7663

www.steelmountainroofing.com

Spectrum Business

Melissa Moore

1145 S Camino Del Rio Suite 120 A

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970)844 0888

https://www.spectrum.com/business

Thank you to all our renewed members! Consider checking our member directory to ensure you are shopping local and supporting other chamber businesmembers!

Member Directory