Your Monthly Chamber Connection

February 2026

Thank you to our partners:

The Power of Community Collaboration

By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

As we prepare for Southwest Colorado Rocks on February 19th, we celebrate far more than individual achievements. This night honors the spirit of partnership that powers La Plata County, from Durango to Bayfield to Ignacio. This event is all about shared success. Every award, every story, and every round of applause is a reminder that when one of us thrives, we all benefit.

It’s easy to get buried in the day-to-day grind of running a business or leading an organization. However, the most enduring success stories don’t happen in isolation.

They come from a community that chooses cooperation over competition, building relationships that create long-term value for everyone involved.

When your neighbor’s business succeeds, it creates a ripple effect: they hire more local staff, purchase more local supplies, and re-invest in our shared infrastructure.

We reject the scarcity mindset that says, “If they win, I lose.” Instead, we embrace the abundance of partnerships. When we invest in one another, we build economic resilience. We create an ecosystem of local support that allows us to solve bigger problems locally, take smarter risks, and recover faster from setbacks.

Sunward Bank and CommonSpirit Health are a great example. Their recent investments in Chamber scholarships for local startups and nonprofits are more than just generous, they’re transformative. By paying it forward, they’re investing in the future of other businesses, recognizing that strong economies begin with strong foundations. Their support helps new organizations launch with greater stability, visibility, and community connection. These early boosts not only build brand recognition but also significantly improve the odds of long-term success.

This spirit of collaboration isn’t limited to financial investment; it’s woven into the culture of many industries in the region. The partnership among our local brewers is another example of this collective mindset. Whether it’s a joint brew between Ska and Steamworks or the variety of local taps carried across restaurants in town, craft beer in Southwest Colorado is a team effort. Events like our annual Brewfest aren’t about one brewery standing out, it’s a celebration of the entire craft beer community. By promoting each other’s releases and co-creating limited-edition beers like the Snowdown Prohibition Lager, our brewers have turned a small mountain region into a premier craft beer destination.

If you want to grow your own business, one of the smartest moves you can make is to support someone else’s. Refer them. Partner with them. Learn their story, so you can send opportunity their way.

As we come together to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals, remember that their success reflects the community that stood behind them. The honors we celebrate are not just individual accomplishments; they are reflections of the networks, mentors, referrals and encouragement that made those achievements possible.

Southwest Colorado Rocks is more than an awards ceremony, it’s a celebration of what happens when we lead with abundance, not scarcity.

Join us on February 19^th for Southwest Colorado Rocks and see what happens when we put our community first.

Join us on February 19^th for Southwest Colorado Rocks and see what happens when we put our community first. Get your tickets today.

Southwest Colorado Rocks

Join Us For An Evening of Celebration!

Honor the finalists and recipients for these awards:

Business of The Year
Small Business of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year

Spirit of Bayfield
Spirit of Durango
Spirit of Ignacio

Plus these awards honoring incredible individuals:

Citizen of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Thank You Sponsors!

Get Your Tickets Today!

Upcoming Chamber Events

February 25, 12-1pm

TBK Bank, 259 W 9 St

Lunch & Learn: From Targeting to Storytelling: Advertising After Andromeda

Join Ben Sorensen of Ascent Digital as he explains what Andromeda what drives performance. Leave with a framework for building social ads that capture attention, create demand, and convert in today’s algorithm-driven environment.

February 19, 5-8pm

Community Concert Hall

Southwest Colorado Rocks: Annual Awards Ceremony

We’re honoring outstanding businesses and leaders across La Plata County, including Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio.

Celebrate the impact, leadership, and generosity that make our region strong.

Reception at 5pm, awards to follow at 6pm.

Get Your Tickets!

March 3, 7:45 am

El Moro, 945 Main Ave

Mornings at El Moro: Networking and Learning Series

This relaxed coffee event brings together area professionals to connect and learn about a featured community partner, organization, or industry.

Enjoy complimentary coffee by 81301. Breakfast burritos are available for $12 with pre-order.

RSVP & Get A Burrito!

March 5, 8am-7pm

Colorado State Capitol

Southwest Colorado Day at the Capitol

Join business leaders from across Southwest Colorado for a day focused on learning, connection, and representing our region.

Southwest Colorado Day at the Capitol brings together employers, community leaders, and partners to engage directly with policymakers and better understand how state-level decisions impact our local community.

Free- Please RSVP

All Upcoming Events

Elevating Southwest Colorado’s Voice at the Capitol on March 5!

Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce

New this year, the Durango Chamber is partnering with the Pagosa Springs Chamber and business leaders from across the region to attend the Southwest Colorado Day at the Capitol on March 5 in Denver.

This effort brings our region together to ensure legislators understand how proposed legislation impacts Southwest Colorado businesses and communities.

Too often, state policy is shaped by the experiences of Colorado’s more populated areas, particularly the Denver metro area and the Front Range. While those perspectives matter, they don’t always reflect the realities of rural regions. Southwest Colorado faces unique challenges related to workforce availability, housing, transportation, natural resources, and long-term economic sustainability. Policies that work in urban centers can have unintended consequences in rural communities.

By showing up with a unified regional presence, we can clearly communicate these differences and advocate for policies that reflect the full diversity of Colorado’s economy. A coordinated voice at the Capitol helps lawmakers better understand the real-world impacts of legislation beyond metropolitan areas.

The Southwest Colorado Day at the Capitol offers a valuable opportunity to engage directly with legislators, share local perspectives, and build lasting relationships.

Join us on March 5 in Denver and help elevate Southwest Colorado’s voice under the Gold Dome.

RSVP Here!

Business Connection

Jaynes Corporation: Building More Than Structures

By Sara Lynn Valentine

Jaynes Corporation has been building in the Four Corners region for decades, with a history rooted in craftsmanship, growth, and community commitment.

Founded in Albuquerque in 1946 as a concrete company, Jaynes expanded into general contracting in 1967 and has continued to grow ever since. The company opened a Farmington office in 1976 and began work in Colorado in the early 1980s, including the remodel of The Red Snapper and Jarvis Suites in downtown Durango in 1982. Jaynes formally incorporated in Colorado in 1996.

While general contracting now represents the majority of the company’s work, concrete and other self-performed services remain central to Jaynes’ “builder soul.” The company self-performs work such as rough carpentry, cabinetry, and occasionally framing, drywall, and paint, while partnering with subcontractors for approximately 80% of each project.

One of the qualities that sets Jaynes apart is its structure as a 100% employee-owned company. This ownership model creates a strong sense of responsibility and autonomy within project teams.

“Because we’re personally invested, we’re driven to do what’s right for our company,” said Neil Dolder, Director of Operations, Four Corners Division.

Project managers are empowered to lead their projects, with superintendents supporting execution and outcomes. That sense of ownership drives a shared commitment to quality, accountability, and success.

“We treat our project managers as if they were the CEOs of each project they manage and the Superintendents are like the COO’s,” said Dolder. “With that ‘ownership’ approach comes a great desire on the part of each project manager and superintendent to be successful.”

Jaynes has completed numerous education-focused projects across the region, including Animas High School, the Mancos K–12 Campus, River House Children’s Center, Liberty School, the Impact Center at Durango High School, Sitter Hall at Fort Lewis College, and multiple athletic facilities. The company is currently renovating and expanding the Dolores School District campus.

Beyond construction, Jaynes emphasizes giving back through what they call a “Project Impact Plan,” encouraging teams to identify ways each project can positively impact the community. This often includes inviting students, faculty, and school board members to tour active job sites, helping young people understand how buildings are planned and constructed. Jaynes team members have also led hands-on educational activities, such as teaching students how to calculate the amount of concrete needed for a project.

Although Jaynes began in New Mexico, the company maintains a strong local presence in Durango. Many employee-owners live in the community, have children in local schools, and are involved in youth sports and nonprofit organizations.

Team members actively support KSUT, the Durango Education Foundation, the Economic Alliance, Leadership La Plata, and other nonprofits. Engagement with the Durango Chamber of Commerce has been an important part of that involvement. Jaynes Corporation continues to build not just structures, but lasting relationships within the communities it serves.

To learn more, visit Jaynescorp.com/durango-construction or

contact them at 970-247-1831.

Durango Diplomats

Congratulations to Ace AutoFix on their Grand Opening!

Click Here to Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting!

Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)

Leading the Future: Small Business Influence and Advocacy in 2026

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

Reflection is more than just a "soft" skill; it is a strategic engine for growth for any size business. In our high-speed world, the biggest risk isn’t making a mistake—it’s repeating one because you didn’t pause to see it coming.

Reflective leadership is the intentional habit of creating space to think, learn from experiences, and advance ideas. This "reality check" ensures your daily grind still aligns with your original vision.

Reflection helps reduce impulsive, "fire-fighting" responses, encourages you to process setbacks and pivot faster and bolsters culture by making your team feel safer when admitting mistakes and sharing innovative ideas.

Actionable Recommendations

Here are three quick ways to build a reflection habit into your busy schedule:

1. Schedule a "Weekly Meeting with Yourself"

Block just 10–15 minutes every Friday afternoon. Don't look at your to-do list. Look at your leadership. Ask yourself these questions:

What was my biggest "win" this week, and what made it happen?

Drivers: Reflection is NOT a waste of time. Remember to ask yourself “Did I steamroll anyone to get this result?
Analyticals: Beware analysis paralysis. Set a time limit on your reflection and move on to decisions rather than compiling more data

Where did I feel the most stressed, and what was the trigger?

What is one thing I’ll do differently starting Monday?

Amiables: Don’t avoid the hard truths or possible conflicts. Reflect on business metrics, not just happiness metrics.
Expressive: Your blind spot can be lack of follow through and ignoring negative details in favor of the next “big” idea. The “Stop-Start-Continue” model below can keep your thoughts actionable and grounded.

2. The "Start-Stop-Continue" Framework

Once a month, run this quick audit on your business operations to prevent "autopilot," forcing you to choose what to keep and what to ditch:

Start: What new habit or tool should we try?
Stop: What is draining our time without adding value?
Continue: What is working so well we should double down on it?

3. Implement "Micro-Debriefs" with Your Team

After a big project or even a tough sales call, hold a 5-minute huddle. Ask the team: "What’s one thing we learned here that we didn't know yesterday?" This normalizes reflection as a team skill rather than a solo chore.

Reflection turns hindsight into a superpower. By stepping back, you’re actually moving your business forward with much more clarity.

Would you or a valued team member benefit from leadership training? Find out more about the Leadership La Plata program.

Leadership La Plata is presented by:

Leadership La Plata Featured Class:

Class of 2011-2012

Class Participants in Alphabetical Order:

Amy Testa, Andy Snow, Bill Bishop, Charley Kier, Chris Nelson, Danielle Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Bussian, Greg Childress, Heather Hormell, Jill Carithers, Kim Oyler, Mark Thompson, Miriam Gillow-Wiles, Ryan Siggins, Scott Baker, Tracy Cornutt

Best class ever? If that’s your class, send us your group photo to be featured.

Email madison@durangobusiness.org

Interested in Leadership La Plata?

Attend a meet & greet to learn more and meet alumni!

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!

Young Professionals of Durango

The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by:

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

Every Tuesday- Trivia at 11th Street Station

February 6- Devotional Art Show at Blue Rain Gallery

February 8- Super Bowl Sunday with Dalton Ranch

February 8- First Tracks at Purgatory Ski Resort

February 10- Mob Wife Galentines Day 2 hosted by Adela Flora

February 18- 20th Annual Cutest Kids Contest hosted by Allison Ragsdale Photography

February 21- Alumni Ski Day with FLC Alumni Association

February 22- First Tracks at Purgatory Ski Resort

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

Arts Perspective Magazine

Denise Leslie

Bayfield, CO 81122

artsperspectivemag.com

Aspen Massage

Crisandrale Darby

Durango, CO 81303

Phone: 970-844-0205

Cedar Enterprises LLC & SW Hardscapes

Bryan Wendt

Durango, CO 81301

www.cedarfiremitigation.com

InMotion Wellness Studio

Lydia Raborg

321 S Camino Del Rio, Suite M

Durango, CO 81303

inmotionwellnessstudio.com

Melete Legal

Kenneth Shiau

Durango, CO 81302

meletelegal.xyz

Nini's Taqueria

Biwek Gurung

552 Main Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

ninistaqueria.com

Reliable Bookkeeping & Payroll LLC

Erinne Palmer

Ignacio, CO 81137

Phone: (970) 883-2505

www.reliablebandpllc.com

Rising Phoenix Enterprises L.L.C.

Brice Addleman

Durango, CO 81301

Website

Socially Awkward Marketing LLC

Sarah Shotts

Durango, CO 81301

sociallyawkwardmarketing.com

Tucker, Bechtold & DiPonio PC

Theresa DiPonio

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 385-2518

mydurangocpa.com

Wanderful Wheels

Colleen Obrien

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (720) 480-1081

wanderfulwheels.com

Webb's Market

Naomi Dobbs

Durango, CO 81301

webbsmarket.com

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