Your Monthly Chamber Connection

December 2025

Thank you to our partners:

Season of Gratitude: Investing in What Makes Us Unique

By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

As we transition from fall to winter and the holidays are upon us, it’s the perfect moment to reflect. Not just on our own good fortune, but on our community systems that makes this a great place to work and live.

Durango thrives when we choose to invest locally. Collectively, we choose to support our local businesses and the nonprofit organizations who serve our region. From art and science to recreation and youth development, our nonprofit sector is vast and deep. These nonprofit organizations represent the values of our community.

Durango’s business vitality can’t be measured by traditional economic metrics alone. Our quality of life lies in what we choose to prioritize. We enjoy access to an inspiring science museum, a vibrant art center, youth programs, music and theater schools, and bike and ski programs that keep kids active and safe. These aren’t just amenities, they’re assets. They directly impact a business’ ability to attract and retain talent. They are a valuable piece of our economic ecosystem, made possible by deliberate support and a shared belief: when everyone gives a little, our community gains a lot.

You can see this mindset in action every day: in the volunteers coaching youth sports, the donors stocking food banks, the mentors guiding Fort Lewis College students, and the stewards maintaining our trails. It takes vision and generosity to build a community that reflects shared values, and ongoing effort to sustain it.

I’m proud to be a member of this community. A community that is known for showing up to support the folks that need us most. A recent example of that is highlighted in the work of the Good Food Collective, supporting local food banks when SNAP benefits were delayed due to the government shutdown. That kind of responsive, community-rooted leadership is what defines us.

During the holidays, it’s important to remember that these essential services don’t run on goodwill alone. They rely on community support to stay strong. Whether it’s funding for students struggling to stay in school, resources for families relying on food banks, or donations to protect our outdoors, every contribution counts.

The Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado connects individuals, families, and businesses with causes that matter across our region. This year, I invite you to visit swcogives.org and find a nonprofit that reflects your values. Discover the organizations that keep our trails open, our arts accessible, and our neighbors supported. Give what you can. Share their mission. Invite a friend to join you. Because giving back isn’t just charity, it’s a vote for the kind of community we want to live in.

Let’s end the year in gratitude and start the next in generosity. Every gift, whether with time, talent, or treasure, helps preserve the character that makes our community special. By choosing generosity, we’re not just supporting nonprofits; we’re shaping our future.

Join us in supporting community partners and visit swcogives.org to find an organization to support today.

Spend A Moment with the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County

Our New Chamber Website Is Live!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Durango Chamber website, designed to make your membership experience faster and easier.

Members should have received an email from the Chamber with instructions to create your new login and access your updated member profile. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to:

Register for events even more easily
Update your business information anytime
Explore our redesigned Member Directory

Explore Our New Website!

Upcoming Chamber Events

Forums for Progress: Understanding Colorado’s Political Landscape

After a presentation of the latest findings, attendees can participate in an open Q&A session and small-group discussions to explore how this information can inform advocacy and policymaking.

December 3, 8:30-10am

Durango Public Library, 1900 E 3rd Ave.

HR Workshop Employee Handbook Update

Keep your business protected and your policies up-to-date! Participate in an HR workshop led by Michael Santo, employment lawyer with deep expertise in compliance.

December 4, 11:30am-1pm

Center for Innovation, Main Mall 2nd Floor

Leading with Purpose: Get to Know the CEO of Durango Outdoor Exchange

Hear from Jen LaCroix, the owner of Durango Outdoor Exchange, a used gear consignment shop that has been serving the community for over 10 years.

December 10, 8-9am

Center for Innovation, Main Mall 2nd Floor

Business After Hours at Sunward Credit Union

Featuring Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado

Join fellow business owners and professionals for an evening of connection and fun!

December 18, 5-7pm

Sunward Credit Union, 22 Town Plaza

All Upcoming Events

From Denver to Durango: Why What Happens at the State Capitol Matters

Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce

Sometimes local rules are homegrown. Other times, they trace back to decisions made at the State Capitol. Policies may start in Denver, but end up shaping what happens here at home.

During the 2024 and 2025 sessions, Colorado lawmakers passed measures that now require local action. Senate Bill 24-005 and House Bill 25-1113 prohibit non-functional turf, most artificial turf, and invasive plants in specified new developments, with local enforcement beginning January 1, 2026.

That’s why Durango is updating its land use code and why La Plata County is considering similar amendments. These rules will shape everything, from commercial landscaping budgets to what future residential areas can look like.

The legislature created a statewide Wildfire Resiliency Code Board and directed communities in the wildland-urban interface to adopt and enforce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. Durango will begin enforcing the Wildfire Resiliency Code April 1, 2026, and the County is evaluating similar wildfire–urban interface standards.

The legislature is back in session in 2026, and this is when new ideas start moving. Staying involved can be simple: watch for updates from local organizations that track what’s happening, weigh in if something could impact our area (for better or worse), and share your personal examples so lawmakers understand how proposals play out in Southwest Colorado. For updates and key issues to watch, see the Legislative Action Coalition Monthly Report.

Read the Legislative Action Coalition Report

Business Connection

Kihle Roofing: Building Trust,

One Roof at a Time

By Sara Lynn Valentine

When Clay Winter and his family moved to Durango a year and a half ago, they brought more than experience – they brought a commitment to integrity and craftsmanship. Clay opened the Durango office of Kihle Roofing, expanding the company’s trusted reputation from its home base in Wichita, Kansas to the heart of Southwest Colorado.

Kihle Roofing provides residential and commercial roofing services, including repairs, replacements and new construction.

“We are honest and forthright with our customers, offering high-quality services and materials at competitive prices,” says Clay. “We don’t recommend roof replacement unless it’s needed, and we never push unnecessary services or products. We treat our customers well and communicate clearly; that’s something we take pride in.”

Beyond roofing, Kihle also offers general construction services, including metal siding, decks, doors and windows, and even interior remodeling projects – serving communities throughout LaPlata and Archuleta counties, including Durango, Bayfield, Mancos, Cortez, Pagosa and Silverton.

“Our crews live locally, and whenever possible, we buy our materials here in Southwest Colorado.” Clay adds. Outside of work, Clay and his wife Ashley enjoy hiking and fishing with their three young children, ages four, two, and eight months. “They are loving Durango,” he says.

Since joining the Durango Chamber of Commerce several months ago, Clay has quickly seen the value of community connection and business opportunities. “I wish I had joined sooner,” he admits. “In Wichita, the Chamber wasn’t very active, so I didn’t realize how great it is in Durango. I try to attend as many Chamber events as I can. It’s been good getting to know people, and we’re excited to get involved in some of the incredible philanthropic opportunities in Durango.”

Learn more about Kihle Roofing at kihleroofing.com or call 970-422-7272.

Young Professionals of Durango

Thank you for a wonderful year! Make sure to stay connected and join us for a wonderful 2026.

The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by:

Featured Diplomat :

Heather Nicole Fowler

What’s a typical day like for you in your business or profession?

At Mary Jane’s People, my focus is to make work better for everyone. Each day brings something new — building people-focused systems, counseling, teaching, serving, and connecting others. When we make people the highest priority, work gets better for everyone.

What motivated you to join the Chamber Diplomat program?

I joined the Diplomats as a newcomer to Durango to build new relationships and serve my new community!

What’s a skill, hobby, or passion you have outside of work?

My free clothes closet and career help, Mary Jane’s Closet for folks moving on to something better!

What’s something unique about you that people might not know?

I was a performer for the first 24 years of my life!

Interested in becoming a Diplomat and getting involved with the local business community? Learn more here.

December 3, 5:15pm

Ace Auto Fix Grand Opening!

View Details

December 5, 4:15pm

April's Garden New Ownership Celebration

View Details

Click Here to Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting!

Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)

Build your Resilience to Navigate

Turbulent Times

by Beth Porter, Senior Marketing Consultant at Four Corners Broadcasting & LLP Class of 15-16

I admire leaders who act as anchors in turbulent times, providing stability and direction when external conditions are uncertain. That skill is known as resilience! Luckily, resilience is a learned capability that can be intentionally developed and strengthened over time. How do you develop it?

First you must focus on the basics. Your health and well-being are foundational to resilience.

This includes sleep, hydration, exercise, and healthy mechanisms for stress relief. Setting boundaries is also a core necessity. Say “no” when necessary to protect your energy and create clear work/life boundaries. Your beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions shape how you approach challenges. The cornerstone of resilience is to develop a growth mindset.

Here are a few ways to build resilience in your life:

Reframe failures: See these not as personal shortcomings, but as learning opportunities and adventures. Celebrate the effort and process (strategies and hard work) in addition to the final result.

Challenge Your Inner Critic: Cultivate a hopeful, yet realistic, outlook rather than dwelling on negative self-talk. Harness the Power of "Yet"—add it to a self-limiting belief (e.g., "I can't master AI yet") to reframe it as a temporary state that can be overcome with time and effort.

Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that you are human; mistakes are part of life. Treat yourself with kindness and patience, reducing the fear of failure and making it easier to try again.

Focus on What You Can Control or Influence: Don't expend energy worrying about external factors beyond your control.

Practice Gratitude: Make a habit of acknowledging and appreciating positive experiences and small accomplishments every day.

Actively Seek and Use Feedback: View constructive criticism as a valuable tool for self-improvement, not a personal attack. Proactively ask for specific feedback and use it to refine your approach for next time.

Be Willing to Be Uncomfortable and Take Risks: Stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth. Start with small challenges to build confidence in your ability to adapt and learn.

Cultivate a Sense of Purpose: Connecting your goals to a larger "why" can fuel your motivation and help you persist through challenging times.

Learn From Other's Examples: Study success stories to see how others overcame setbacks. It is inspirational to realize success is often due more to perseverance than innate genius.

Incorporating even a few of these can help you become that strong, resilient leader you can be.

Want to keep growing? Leadership La Plata is committed to supporting your leadership journey through education and seminars. If you're an LLP alum, make sure we have your updated contact info.

Leadership La Plata is presented by:

Leadership La Plata Alumni

Showcase Your Leadership!

Leadership La Plata alumni are shaping La Plata County every day.

Let us feature you in an upcoming Newsletter.

Fill Out the Form Today!

Stay Connected and Informed.

Calling all Leadership La Plata alumni!

Stay engaged with our new Alumni Leadership Program, exciting social events, and more.

Update Your Contact Info!

Thank you to this month's class sponsor!

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

December 4- How to Build a Great Brand (And Actually Protect It) with Psyche Digital

Through December 7- Festival of Trees & Wreaths

December 13- Holiday Market by the Durango Farmers Market

January 6- 34th Annual Southwest Economic Outlook

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

Be YOUR Best Self – Virtual Assistance for Small Businesses

Chelsea Meece

Phone: (303) 909-6340

chelseameece.com/va-services

Firestone of Durango

Chris Cotton

2515 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: 970-259-2932

firestoneofdurango.com

Rainbow Spirit Medicine

Kimberle Doak

Phone: (575) 654-4163

www.rainbowspiritmedicine.com

The Medcom Group, ltd

Linnea Barnett

Phone: (877) 301-4276

medcomgroup.com

Working While Female

Michelle Flemmings, MD

Phone: (970) 398-6308

workingwhilefemale.com

Not a member yet? Join today!

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

Member Directory