In October, I attended the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce annual conference in Glenwood Springs. Coming away from this experience, I reflected on what the Durango Chamber of Commerce does and the various roles we play in the community. 

Some of the most important aspects for our members are access to public officials, advocacy for businesses, owners, and employees, as well as a voice at the table regarding state and local issues that impact them. To achieve this, we have the means to involve stakeholders in productive discussions between owners/employees and elected officials/policy decision-makers.  

As a business and community organization, we work hard to form these relationships with our local officials so our members have access to them. These relationships create open communication and give business owners and workers a real voice.

Recently, our YPODs (Young Professionals of Durango) partnered with the City of Durango and met with various departments to learn more about governmental processes and procedures.

Every quarter, we host an Eggs & Issues Forum to address current issues and challenges and bring together decision- and policy-makers.  Recent topics included: healthcare, workforce housing, and city council candidates.

Our most recent Eggs and Issues put this into action, and we were grateful to have insight from Senator Cleave Simpson, La Plata County Assessor Carrie Woodson, and Guinn Unger as they presented how Proposition HH would impact our county. Providing this opportunity to Chamber and community members was a way to foster open communication with leaders on each side of the issue, and participants were able to ask questions, coming away with more clarity and confidence on where they stand prior to the election.

After much consideration, the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board voted to oppose Proposition HH ballot initiative. While the Chamber and our Board support education funding, and reasonable property taxes, our primary concerns were the uncertainty surrounding funding for our special districts (including our Fire Dept.), our county programs, and our local schools. On November 7th, Proposition HH was soundly defeated by 60% of Colorado voters.

I invite you to learn more about our State Legislative process by attending our Chamber Day at the State Capitol on February 8th, 2024. We are planning to meet with State elected officials, view the legislative process in action, and tour our capitol. Registration information will follow soon.



Lastly, we appreciate the support of city, county, and state officials in making these opportunities possible. We are also grateful for our Chamber members and community members who participate in these informative events. We couldn’t do it without you!

Welcome New Chamber Team Member –

Madison Anderson-Oles

The Durango Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the addition of team member, Madison Anderson-Oles, who is the new Member Relations Coordinator. She is focusing on member management, customer service, and the development of sustainable growth strategies for the Chamber.

Madison’s previous professional experience included planning and executing conferences, educational workshops, and events, as well as playing a crucial role in fostering connections within the University of Denver community.

Madison and her husband Oaken are natives of Durango and recently returned from Denver. Outside of the professional sphere, Madison finds joy in spending quality time with her family, broadening her culinary skills, immersing herself in literature, and exploring scenic trails with her beloved border collie, Bagel.



Please join us in welcoming Madison to Durango’s business community!

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!



Join us for the Chamber Day at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 8 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 stay tuned for details.

Coffee Connections with American Legion

Trujillo-Sheets Post 28

Join the Chamber and the American Legion for this Coffee Connections Learning Series on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 8am to 9am. Learn about the impact the Durango American Legion Post 28 has had on the local community, spanning generations of service and camaraderie, dating back to its charter in 1919. Free to all members. Learn more and RSVP here.

Business Connection

Durango Area Association of Realtors (DAAR)

Amanda Erickson, Executive Officer

By Sara Lynn Valentine

Amanda Erickson has lived in Durango since she was five years old. She literally grew up on the slopes of Purgatory, where her parents managed a condominium complex. Amanda’s professional background before working for DAAR was in customer service and hospitality. “I knew nothing about real estate when I got involved with DAAR 18 years ago,” Amanda says. “From 2005 to 2007, I was DAAR’s MLS coordinator. I’ve been DAAR’s Executive Officer since 2007.” 

DAAR, which serves all of La Plata and San Juan counties, is the local chapter of the Colorado Association of Realtors, which is a state chapter of the National Association of Realtors. It’s a three-tiered structure, and DAAR members are members of all three. 



Members are realtors and other professionals with real estate interests or affiliated businesses - mortgage brokers and title companies, for instance, or businesses that provide a variety of services for the real estate industry, down to home staging and closing gifts. 

“Above and beyond supporting our members, DAAR advocates for home ownership and private property rights,” Amanda says. “We have a government affairs director who does a lot of behind-the-scenes work to monitor all local government affairs that impact our members. We partner with the Durango Chamber of Commerce and the Energy Council so we will be prepared if we see something coming down the pike that will affect real estate development and property rights. We have a great relationship with the Chamber. We wouldn’t have the ability to advocate the way we do without their partnership.”

DAAR hosts quarterly membership meetings with guest speakers who provide community updates on everything from septic requirements to title transfers, to city council proposals, to modifications in the land use code and changes in any rules relating to the real estate industry or property ownership. 

“We get experts to speak at meetings and give our members the opportunity to ask questions,” Amanda says. “We are always promoting realtor awareness because realtors are the first touch point for people coming here from out of town. We’ve had fire prevention presentations, for example, and taken members on fire mitigation tours. We also promote realtor volunteering in our communities. We do a golf tournament fundraiser each year and give community grants and scholarships for graduating seniors.”

DAAR also provides education opportunities since realtors are required to stay current with ever evolving real estate industry requirements in order to maintain their licenses.

“The point I want to drill home,” Amanda says, “is that DAAR does a lot more than just serve realtors. We are very interested in the community as a whole and want to serve its best interests. People sometimes don’t realize how much realtors offer. They do a great job in our community. We provide resources and tools that help them do even better, so they can make the home buying or selling process easy.”

Learn more at durangorealtor.com or by calling (970) 247-9604. You may reach Amanda at amanda@durangorealtor.com

Meet a member of the YPODs: Shannon Mahanay

Why did you want to be a YPOD member? To meet people my age, make friends, network, and be a part of this FUN and AMAZING community!

How do you like to spend your time? I love thrifting (Durango has amazing thrift/consignment stores!), cooking, baking, pickleball, tennis, socializing with friends, and now I want to explore the beautiful outdoors in the four corners!

How has being a YPOD has positively affected you? Being a YPOD member has opened opportunities of meeting people from all walks of life and all over the USA that live right here in Durango, CO. Also, learning about local businesses at Business After Hours, and tours of local businesses is a great and easy way to get involved with your local community, and meet people of all ages! 

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

Featured Chamber Diplomat: Kaettie Wenger



What is Your Business?   Geiger is a full-service provider of branded merchandise. Any time a business wants to put their logo/branding on a product, they do that by working with me.

How long have you been a Diplomat? I’m not sure, eight or nine years?

How long have you lived in Durango?  12 years

Tell us about your family (including pets): Bob is my wonderful adventure partner. Much of my family also lives in Durango. I have a niece and nephew here and a nephew in Salt Lake, and I love being their Tía.

What is your favorite part of being a DIP? Learning about and supporting our local businesses as an extension of the Chamber. I’m lucky to have built incredible friendships within this group of people!



Fun fact about you: I’m fluent in Spanish; love the Latino culture, food, and tradition.

Learn more about getting involved with the Diplomat Program here.

Upcoming Chamber Programs & Events!

Find more information here.

Nov. 16 Business After Hours – Durango Harley Davidson

Nov. 24 Shop Local for Black Friday!

Nov. 25 Shop Local for Small Business Saturday!

Dec. 5 Coffee Connections at the American Legion

Dec. 6 Leads Group - Business Connections

Dec. 12 Leads Group - Business Builders

Dec. 14 Holiday Business After Hours at TBK Bank

Feb. 8 Durango Chamber Day at the Capitol

Feb. 29 Durango Rocks Awards Celebration

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Nov. 17 Friday Fur-iendly Speed Dating at Parkers Animal Rescue

Nov. 17- Dec. 31 Polar Express Train

Nov. 18 Harvest Market at TBK Bank

Nov. 18 Artisans Holiday Gift Show & Sale at the Strater Hotel

Nov. 18 Portraits with Santa Ken with Alison Ragsdale Photography

Nov. 23 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Community Bruch at Manna Soup Kitchen

Nov. 24 Singing with Santa & Lighting of the Tree at Buckley Park with BID

Nov. 25-26 EsoTerra Holiday Market

Nov. 30 Trivia Night at the Powerhouse

Dec. 1 Noel Night



Want your event listed? It’s free! Call us at (970) 247-0312 ext 2

October Coffee Connections with Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of 9-R School District

Thank you, Dr. Cheser, and your team for sharing information on 9-R schools, the Impact Career Innovation Center, Career & Technical Education and how to support career paths of students. The event included a tour of the new Impact Center which offers exciting opportunities for students.

Eggs & Issues Forum on Ballot Initiative Proposition HH

Sen. Cleave Simpson, La Plata County Assessor Carrie Woodson, and Guinn Unger provided insight to a room full of voters at the DoubleTree on Proposition HH. They gave information on potential impacts to the county, local school district, and special districts, providing both pros and cons of the initiative. Ultimately, Proposition HH was defeated by 60% of Colorado voters in the Nov. 7th election. Thanks to the Bank of Colorado and the Durango Area Association of Realtors for their sponsorship.

Unlocking the Power of Canva – October’s Lunch & Learn

Many thanks to Jessika Buell and Mikayla Rivas with Marketing Concepts Squared for providing helpful tips through an interactive presentation on utilizing Canva to create graphics for business.  

Sponsored by TBK Bank

Get to Know the CEO Jessica Matlock with LPEA

Earlier this month, Jessica Matlock shared her journey of becoming CEO of La Plata Electric Association, the first female CEO in the co-op’s 80-year history! She also provided great insight on LPEA and its needs for the future. Thanks for your time and sharing your story, Jessica.

Watch for more Get to Know the CEO sessions in 2024.

HR Workshop: Ask an Employment Lawyer

Employment law expert, Michael Santo with Bechtel & Santo joined the Chamber & Durango Area Human Resources Managers organization and provided valuable information on the ever-evolving employment law landscape. More HR workshops coming in 2024! Sponsored by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Bridging Education & Community!  

The Chamber & 9-R School District recently hosted a special event featuring Colorado Department of Education Commissioner Susana Cordova and State Board of Education Member Stephen Varela.



The meet & greet provided an invaluable opportunity for the local community to connect with the Commissioner and State Education Board member representative of the 3rd Congressional district while they were touring schools in the area. It allowed local voices to be heard and for state education leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Durango area.

LLP Monthly Focus:

The Distinction Between Being a Boss and Being a Leader

By Stacy Reuille-Dupont, StudioB

In the world of business and management, the terms "leader" and "boss" are often used interchangeably. A closer look reveals a stark difference between the two roles. It's crucial to understand that being a leader is distinct from being a boss. Let’s delve into what sets great leaders apart from those who merely hold a position of authority.

At first glance, a boss is someone who holds a position of authority and is tasked with giving orders and directives. They are often associated with a top-down management style where

decisions flow from the top and must be followed without question. While being a boss certainly implies having control, it does not necessarily translate into effective leadership.

Conversely, being a leader extends far beyond authority and hierarchy. A leader is someone who can influence and impact others positively. Leaders have the ability to motivate, inspire, and empower their team members to get things done. They possess the capacity to create an environment that encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and establishes a sense of community among a group of individuals who might otherwise not naturally form such a bond.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

Congratulations to R1 Colorado Realty on your New Location in Three Springs. All the best to you!

Celebrating the Recent Grand Opening of Psycle Durango’s New Location! Wishing you great success!

Welcome to Durango, Charvera Boutique!

Stop by to see the latest fashion for women and men at the new boutique at 1480 E. 2nd Ave or online here.

Comfort Keepers Celebrated their New Ownership with a recent Ribbon Cutting! Wishing you the Best!

Congratulations to Mountain Dough Bakery & Cafe on your grand opening!

If you're looking for something to curb your sweet tooth, head to Mountain Dough Bakery & Cafe for delicious selection of cookies, cupcakes, cakes and coffee!

New Members

True Western Roundup

Pam Petrie

PO Box 2082

Durango, CO 81302

website

SanaVita Health & Wellness

Dixie Thinnes

1539 Florida, Suite 112

Durango, CO 81301

website

Charvera

Chantal Rivera

1480 E 2nd Avenue Suite 6

Durango, CO 81301

website

Clothing/Accessories Stores

LifeTyme Financial of Colorado

Tawnie Sheets

1401 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301

Clearnetworx

Stephen Cadwallader

301 N Cascade Ave

Montrose, CO 81401

website

Internet Services

Watch the latest Member Moment Video featuring TBK Bank. Find past Member Moment Videos here.

Renewed Members

4 Corners Children's Clinic

A.D. Design, LLC

Animas Signature Signs

Animas Wine & Spirits

BPX Durango, Inc

Credit Union of Colorado

Dalton Ranch & Golf Club

Durango Antique Market

Durango Joe's Coffee House

The Durango Wordsmith

Edward Jones Investments

Four Corners Materials

Four Corners OB/GYN

Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center

Holiday Inn & Suites - Durango

Holt Sheet Metal, Inc.

Honeyville/Culhane, Inc.

Horse Empower, LLC

Intelligent Investment Management, LLP

KOBF T.V.

Mile High Plumbing, Inc.

Mobile Storage Solutions, LLC

PJ's Gourmet Market

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Southwest Colorado Education

Collaborative

Southwest Midwives

StoneAge, Inc.

Ted's Rental & Sales, Inc.

Ted's Rental & Sales, Inc.

The Durango Team

United Way of SW Colorado

You’re invited to help reduce loneliness in

older adults, here’s how

La Plata County Extension: Health Tip of the Month

by Nicole Clark, RDN, M.Ed.

Here we are again, it’s November and the holidays are just weeks away. It’s easy to get caught up in planning how this time will be spent, and with whom. Let me clarify, it’s easy to get caught up in planning activities with others if you’re fortunate enough to still have special people around.

The older we get, the more likely we are to experience the loss of loved ones. Rather than being a time of joy, the holidays can accentuate loneliness. Loss can affect anyone in the community, and one day it could affect you.

Aging not only makes us more vulnerable to experiencing the loss of a loved one, but accompanying changes in mobility and health can make it more difficult to seek out social interaction.

Amidst the multitude of holiday plans you create, might there be an opportunity to invite one more person to join? 

By creating a space for elders to feel included, you allow for connection.  And with connection, we feel less lonely.

Read more

Employers’Preferred Hiring Demographics May Face Pressure Against DEI Compliance

Latest Results from The Harris Poll

While U.S. companies welcome a variety of applicants, priority is placed on some groups, with some hiring managers feeling pressure to meet diversity, equity and inclusion(DEI)requirements.

This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

Hiring managers say they place a great deal/some priority on those under 30 (70%) and those who identify as female (66%), followed by military veterans (59%) and people with disabilities (53%); though few place “a great deal” of priority on hiring these groups.

Around half place priority on hiring those 50 years old or older (51%)—however, more than 3 in 5 hiring managers (68%) and job seekers (63%) feel workers over the age of 65 will always have a place in the workforce.

Learn more here

The Durango, CO Express office is located at 321 So Camino Del Rio and serves the Four Corners Area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit www.Expresspros.com/Durangoco or call (970) 403-8780.

NEW! Value-Based Memberships

The Durango Chamber is now offering value-based memberships with the ability to choose what works best for your business. The previous structure was a “fair share” model, based on the number of employees with 15 total membership levels. The Chamber has been working on this change for several years, and hasn’t altered its structure in 10+ years, nor has it changed pricing in 5 years. The current 15 levels are being simplified to 7 and all members are being offered a choice of what’s best for them. Learn more here

2023 DURANGO CHAMBER STAFF

Staff

Jack Llewellyn, Chief Executive Officer

Kim Oyler, Chief Operations Officer

Jennifer Dickens, Communications Coordinator

Madison Anderson-Oles, Member Relations Coordinator

2301 Main Avenue | Durango, CO 81301

970.247.0312 

www.durangobusiness.org

chamber@durangobusiness.org

Chamber Board Members

Charles Spence, Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel

Dr. Karen Cheser, 9-R School District

Melisa Jackson Palmer, Bank of Colorado

Vaughn Morris, Boys and Girls Club

Michael Hennon, The Payroll Department

Brandon Mencini, CEO Mercy Hospital

Diana Murray, ASAP Accounting & Payroll

Rebekah Click, Durango Motor Company

Neil Dolder, Leadership La Plata Representative

Jaynes Construction

Joseph Kuzma, YPOD Representative

The Community Foundation

 Dave Woodruff, City of Durango Representative

Matthew Gomez, Diplomat Representative

The Payroll Department

2301 Main Avenue | 970.247.2301 | DurangoBusiness.org