"Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty."
Doris Day
NEWS and UPDATES
November 1, 2022
In spite of economic worries, shoppers are in the mood for 2022 gift giving
The 2022 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey offers valuable insights into consumer moods and intentions this holiday shopping season. While 37-percent of American families say they are in a worse financial position than this time last year, 74-percent say they plan to spend more on holiday gifts. Those with lower incomes plan to spend more, while higher income individuals are pulling back, slightly.

It seems Americans want to celebrate and share this holiday season, even if that means tightening the belt on non-essentials to do it. Among Deloitte's key findings:

  • The average shopper plans to buy 9 gifts this year.
  • 38% of shoppers plan to shop earlier this year with 23% of budgets already spent in October.
  • The average consumer intends to spend around $1,455 on gifts in 2022, about the same as 2021.
  • Among all categories of intended gifts, 7% more in the survey indicated they will give "gift cards," probably acknowledging that many on their lists need help buying essential items.
  • 63% expect to buy most of their gifts online, while 35% say they'll buy in-store this season. That's up from 28% who purchased in store during the pandemic.
  • 77% of retail executives say they expect a single-digit increase in sales over 2021.
  • More shoppers than ever – 34% – say they will use social media in their holiday purchasing – checking out product reviews, looking at merchant social media for ideas, watching a video about a product, or to purchase the product.

Check out the full report HERE.


2023 board slate announced
The Chamber's Nominating Committee is happy to announce its slate of candidates for election to three-year board terms, starting January 2023. Members will approve the slate at the upcoming Economic Update Breakfast on November 18.

Jeff Sams of JTS Realty and Jacki Hayden of WealthWave have been slated to return for second terms on the board. Joining as new board members will be Dr. Tiffany Mahaso of Rocky Vista Health Center (left) and Nacole Turner of the Stacey James Institute (right).

Mahaso holds a dual MBA/MD and is the Director of Practice Management at RVHC. She grew up in Parker, and returned to the Town to raise her family. She oversees more than 70 medical providers at RVHC and serves on the board of the Colorado Medical Group Management Association. She and her family are world travelers, taking at least one international trip every year. RVHC is a Champion Member of the Chamber.

Turner has been the School Director at SJI since 2021, handling day-to-day operations. She has extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industries and worked for many years for the Denver Broncos Football Club. She earned her degree at Metro State College of Denver in Journalism and Speech Communications. The SJI is also a Champion Member of the Chamber.

"Both of these women will bring outstanding energy and leadership skills to the board," said Tina Sorensen of TRu Solutions, current board secretary and chair of the Nominating Committee. "Both are passionate about Parker, the chamber, and the opportunity to serve the community."

Thank you to this year's Nominating Committee: Sorensen, Sara Crowe of Parker Arts, Chris Sandoval of West Main Taproom, Sandra Liberati of Artisan Pizza, and Mike German of Handyman Connection.
The November Rocket Poll is LIVE – 3 quick questions to help the Chamber better serve our community and our members. This month, we're asking about employee perks, whether you hire younger workers, and giving you an opportunity to shout-out your favorite local Parker area business!

Congratulations to Rocket Poll respondent Jeff Copeland of City Bark for winning October's prize.

Respond by 11/12/22 to be eligible to win this month's incentive – a $25 gift card to Los Dos Portrillos.
Upcoming Events
Three important Town of Parker business updates

Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposals from Confluence Companies for Downtown Parker development. Plans for mixed-use buildings with restaurants, commercial space, and housing will have their initial unveiling at this meeting. This is the one you've been waiting for. Parker residents and businesses are invited to make public comment. The meeting will also be live streamed HERE.

On October 17, Town Council eliminated an existing $20 annual fee for Parker business licenses. All entities that engage in business within the Town are required to have a license from the Sales Tax Division. This fee waiver is in place going forward, for both new businesses and renewals. Don't have a license? It's a great time to get legit! Learn more HERE.

Road construction will begin in the second half of 2023 on the long-planned extension of Dransfeldt Road, connecting S. Twenty Mile Rd. to Motsenbocker, just north of Salisbury Park. The project will continue through 2024. You can learn more HERE.
Doing business with Lockheed Martin

Have you ever considered expanding your business to include work in the aerospace and defense industry? The Northwest Douglas County Chamber is hosting an information session on Thursday, November 17, from 1:30 - 4:00pm, at Lockheed Martin's facility in Highlands Ranch. If you would like to attend, please email Amy Sherman for more information. Due to federal security regulations, only U.S. citizens are eligible to attend and participate in this event.
Black+Haus hosting benefit for Parker Senior Center

Raise a glass to support the Parker Senior Center. Come to Black+Haus on Sunday, November 6 at 4:00pm, and enjoy sips, bites, a silent auction, and a balloon pop. Proceeds directly benefit the PSC. Buy your tickets in advance HERE.
Could you use an $8,000 grant for marketing research?

The state's Small Business Accelerated Growth program provides technical assistance and grants to help small businesses expand their markets. The program provides online learning modules along with personalized expert consultation, plus grants of up to $8,000. You take part in the training program in January and February, and then if qualifications are met, grants are distributed in March. You get the market research help you need, and money to put it in action! The application window should open this week and is very short, so act quickly. These grants are competitive – 50 applications statewide will be chosen. Find more information on this exciting program HERE.
New ownership!
Congratulations to Kyle and Melissa Ramstetter, the new owners at Parker's Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 11120 S. Twenty Mile Road. Chamber members, staff, and Town officials joined the Ramstetters and their amazing team to celebrate their investment in Parker's business community. In a stress-filled world, their full-body massage will relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and temper migraines. They offer several choices including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and more! Be sure to ask about their Signature Hot Stone Massage, designed to melt away the stress of deadlines and hectic schedules. 


PARKER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
19751 E. Mainstreet, #R-16
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 841-4268

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