Here is your September Chamber Connection Newsletter!

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Eggs and Issues Event Connects the Community to Address Concerns

Advocacy on behalf of our local businesses, their employees, and the greater community is a role we take seriously at the Chamber. With healthcare conglomerates like Bright Health and Friday pulling out of Colorado, many are left wondering how this will impact healthcare in our community.

We wanted to provide members an opportunity to bring their thoughts and questions to a team of healthcare leaders to foster collaboration and communication between community stakeholders as we navigate these sensitive topics. Our Eggs and Issues on September 7th, is the perfect event to do this, and will focus on the state of healthcare and how it impacts businesses, employees, and their families in Southwest Colorado.

Our panel consists of healthcare leaders with experience and depth of knowledge on the impact healthcare access has on our community. They are ready to share their perspectives with our audience, and we encourage you to come with your thoughts and questions to engage with them in productive discourse.

Our list of panelists includes:

Sarada Leavenworth, Chief Administrative Officer of Axis Health

Greg Phillips, La Plata Healthcare Improvement Coalition

Doug McCarthy, Healthcare Advocate with Local First Foundation (in partnership with

Peak Alliance)

Ken Bates, The Leavitt Insurance Group

Brandon Mencini, CEO of Mercy Hospital

The facilitated discussion will focus on our community's needs and the essential role each organization plays. Mercy will provide an update on the latest changes, current staffing, and where some shortages exist. La Plata Healthcare Improvement Coalition will share more about its mission, what they have learned thus far, and who is participating.

Event attendees can also expect to hear more about everything from general practitioners and specialists in our area to health insurance options like Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plans (ICHRA). They will learn about the pros and cons, how these plans work, employer contributions, and which insurance companies participate.

The Eggs and Issues healthcare forum will occur on September 7th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the DoubleTree Hotel. This event is open to Chamber members and non-members. You may register for the program, or any other Chamber event, on our website, www.durangobusiness.org.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our September Eggs and Issues. Save the date for October 12th when we will host our next Eggs and Issues at the same time and location to discuss Proposition HH. This event will provide more information on the impacts of this proposition so you are informed when you submit your ballot.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at the Durango Chamber of Commerce, we are here for you.

Eggs & Issues Healthcare Forum: Challenges & Opportunities & How it Impacts Businesses, Employees & the Community

Sept. 7 | 8am to 10am

Gain valuable perspectives from seasoned healthcare professionals and insurance experts. Learn about the current state of the industry and understand trends that are impacting the La Plata County area.

Reserve Your Seat

Member Appreciation Party Celebrating Unity & the Business Community!

Thurs, Sept. 21 | 5-7pm

Join us and enjoy an evening of festivities, laughter and camaraderie. It’s your dedication, collaboration and support that have fueled our growth & success.

We’ll have delicious food & beverages from Steamworks Brewing and Star Liquors, plus a chance to win exciting prizes in a lucky drawing!

FREE to all members and please RSVP! We look forward to celebrating with you!

Sept. 27th Lunch & Learn Workshop: Creating Video in the Modern World

In today’s digital landscape, videos have become the ultimate tool for capturing attention and conveying messages effectively. Join our immersive Video Marketing Workshop to unlock the secrets of creating compelling video content that resonates with your audience. Sponsored by TBK Bank Register Now!

Coffee Connections:

Maximizing Leadership Potential with Mindfulness

Join speaker, FLC Professor Amoneeta Beckstein for this special leadership session. FREE to all members.

Sept. 12 8am-9am

More Details here

Shred Day Sept. 13, 2023

In partnership with Three Springs, Alpine Bank, and Phoenix Recycling. Suggested donations benefit San Juan Mountains Association. Learn more here

Workshop to Help Entrepreneurs Start & Grow their Business!

The Chamber joined the Small Business Development Center for their "Starting Your Business Workshop" & spoke about chamber benefits.

Business Connection

Fort Lewis College

By Sara Lynn Valentine

Recognized as a Top Institution for Experiential Learning & Quality Liberal Arts Programs!

Fort Lewis College’s unique history includes its evolution from a U.S. government military fort in Hesperus to a federal Indian boarding school, to an agricultural and mechanical trade high school. Then in the 1930s, it became a two-year college, welcoming both native and non-native students.

Because the land Fort Lewis occupied in Hesperus was the ancestral territory of the Ute people, as well as ceremonially significant to additional tribal groups, a government mandate guaranteed that Native American students could attend Fort Lewis College free of tuition in perpetuity.

In 1956, Fort Lewis moved from Hesperus to its Durango ‘campus in the sky’ location and became a four-year college. Fort Lewis is now one of two colleges in the U.S. that offers a Native American Tuition Waiver. FLC awards more degrees to Native American students than any other four-year, baccalaureate-granting institution in the nation—about 26% of all degrees awarded.

“Today’s Fort Lewis is an incubator of ideas and opportunities that emerged through a series of changes uniquely tied to this region and its people,” says Lauren Cope, head of media relations at Fort Lewis. “We offer an unmatched educational experience with students from all 50 states and some of the most diverse classrooms in the nation. 185 tribal nations are represented, and students of color represent nearly 60%. And almost 50% of our student body are the first in their families to go to college. All this diversity positively affects students.”

FLC’s educational approaches are based on applied experiential learning, which is also described as hands-on learning. Students are in smaller classrooms so there are many opportunities for one-on-one experiences with the faculty through discussion-based learning, project-based learning, and in-the-field learning.

“Students can gain experience in the field through apprenticeships and internships in Durango’s workplaces,” Lauren says. “Our students are learning everywhere in the region, not just in the classroom.”

Fort Lewis emphasizes faculty involvement with students. Small class sizes offer more cultural exchanges and personal interactions. “We want to build a sense of belonging for every student,” Lauren says, “through community involvement as well as the school.”

The School of Business Administration has strong relationships with local alumni business leaders, who are willing to return to campus frequently as collaborators and colleagues and share insights into what’s going on in the business world, and where and how students might put their degrees to work. The faculty also is generous with their time and their knowledge and tap into far-reaching relationships across the country.

“The faculty at Fort Lewis is special,” Lauren says. “Close to 100% of tenure-track faculty have doctorate degrees. All of our faculty have been through their own extensive academic journeys and are passionate about our students’ undergrad experiences. Many of our programs are enriching in ways more typical of graduate level experiences.”

Lauren shares two exciting projects Fort Lewis is embarking upon: language revitalization and reconciliation. “Academic success, purpose, hope, identity - language contributes to all these things. We’ve heard from our students and faculty that language is fundamental to identity. When a language is lost, a point of view is lost. We have a couple of programs for language revitalization where we’re bringing in faculty and native speakers to teach students about native languages.”

‘Reconciliation’ is the term that captures the recognition and acknowledgement of the traumatic effects of federal boarding schools like Fort Lewis was from 1891 to 1910. Lauren continued, “we are being intentional about reconciling our history.”

Learn more about Fort Lewis College 970-247-6073 fortlewis.ed u

Award Nominations are Now Open!

Do you know a business or nonprofit that embodies innovation, dedication and excellence? It’s time to shine a spotlight on how they contribute to the community and give them the recognition they deserve!

Can you name an individual who inspires, empowers and leads by example? Let’s honor their remarkable contributions and celebrate their outstanding leadership!

Now is the time to nominate businesses, nonprofits, and leaders so we can recognize their tireless dedication and exceptional guidance during the prestigious annual Chamber Awards.

Making a nomination is EASY! Simply go to this webpage and complete the brief form highlighting what makes them stand out. Spread the word and encourage colleagues, friends & acquaintances to nominate individuals and businesses as well.

JOIN US in CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE!!!

Your nomination could be the catalyst that propels a deserving leader to even greater heights. Mark your calendar to celebrate these businesses and individuals during the Durango Rocks Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024!

Nominate here

Leadership La Plata (LLP)

The mission of LLP is to develop informed leaders who are committed to broadening knowledge of La Plata County, developing leadership skills and utilizing them for the benefit of our diverse community.

Interested in participating in LLP? Learn more about LLP plus how to become involved in LLP committees. DurangoBusiness.org/LLP

Young Professionals of Durango (YPOD)

Connect! Empower! Engage! The YPODs provide educational, social and philanthropic activities that include community and civic involvement. Join the YPODs and connect with peers and business leaders while engaging in professional development.

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here .

Featured Chamber Diplomat: Per Larson

What is Your Business? I'm the Chief Delight Officer for Movement Rx (MRx). MRx helps organizations create a competitive advantage through employee well-being.

How long have you been a DIP? 1 year

Why did you become a DIP? They're rowdy - in the best of ways - and the perfect crew to hype and support the local business community.

Fun fact about you: Out of college, I signed with the Dolphins for millions. The Dolphins are a football team in Italy, and they paid me in lire.

Tell us about your family & pets: My lovely wife, Theresa, is also my business partner. Together we have 2 young boys, who are currently interviewing pets to join our household.

Learn more about getting involved with the Diplomat Program here .

Top 5 Things to Consider When Answering Customer Reviews Online (While Keeping Your Sanity Intact!)

by Sean Moriarty, Creative Director at Animas Marketing

Hello, dear reader! Today we're diving into the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat world of... customer reviews. Yes, you read that right. We're about to embark on a roller-coaster ride of emojis, all caps, and customers who just can't seem to find that pesky "on" button. Strap in, because here are the top 5 things to consider when responding to those delightful nuggets of feedback online.

1. The Emoji Code Breaker 🧐

Ever received a review that's just a series of seemingly unrelated emojis? "Great service 🍕🦄🚀🎩💩." It's not a secret code, or is it? Before answering, make sure you decode the message. Possible Translation: "The pizza was out of this world, the delivery was magical like a unicorn, it was so fast like a rocket, but why was there a hat in my order? And the last emoji? Well, you can guess!"

Response: "Hey there! Thrilled to hear you enjoyed our cosmic pizza experience. Sorry about the hat – it was a failed attempt at a new pizza topping. And for that last emoji... Point taken. We're on it! 🚫🎩💩"

Upcoming Programs & Events!

Find more information here.

Thurs. Sept. 7 8-10am

Healthcare Forum Eggs & Issues: Learn about changes in the industry & how small business is impacted

Tues. Sept. 12 8am

Coffee Connections: Maximizing Leadership Potential

Tues. Sept. 12 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting at Three Rivers Title Company

Wed. Sept 13 9am-1pm

Shred Day at Three Springs

Thurs. Sept. 14 5:15pm Ribbon Cutting at DWolf Designs

Thurs. Sept. 21 5-7pm Member Appreciation Party at the Chamber

Wed. Sept. 27 12-1pm

Video Marketing with Ascent Digital Lunch & Learn Workshop

Tues. Oct. 3 Coffee Connections with 9-R School District Superintendent

Thurs. Oct. 12 8-10am

Proposition HH: a ballot initiative that changes property taxes & what that means for the future of Colorado

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.

Sept 10 11am Wine & Wellness at Sutcliffe Tasting Room in Downtown Durango

Sept 11 5:30pm Harvest Dinner at Sutcliffe Vineyards

Sept 16 10am-5pm Durango Autumn Arts Festival

Sept 16 10am – 4pm Buffalo Soldiers Return to Animas City hosted by Animas Museum

Sept 17 10am-5pm Durango Autumn Arts Festival

Sept 17 9am – 6pm Buffalo Soldiers on the Rails hosted by Animas Museum

Sept. 20 Economic Development Alliance Summit

Sept. 23 7:30pm Get the Led Out at the FLC Community Concert Hall

Do you want your program or event listed? It’s free through your member online portal. Questions, ask Hannah@durangobusiness.org or call (970) 247-0312 ext 2

Thank you to Rhonda Muckerman with Durango Jin Shin Jyutsu for being the

August Coffee Connection Speaker!

Rhonda shared valuable techniques using the non-invasive ancient healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu to relieve stress & anxiety. Learn more about author, Rhonda Muckerman and her Jin Shin Jyutsu practice. Learn more here.

Ashley Blackmore, with the Blackmore Group offered helpful information on brand strategies to take your business to the next level, as part of the Lunch & Learn Workshop series.