Your Monthly Chamber Connection

January 2026

Thank you to our partners:

Start the Year Embodied: Grounding Your Leadership Presence in 2026

By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

As we begin 2026, there’s one resolution that can elevate both your personal life, and your work life: become a more embodied leader. Embodied leadership shows up in how we listen, how we move through conflict, and how we hold space for others, even when things feel uncertain.

Embodied leaders prioritize personal wellness and lead from a regulated nervous system, which supports clarity, composure, and connection. They stay steady under pressure, respond rather than react, and bring a calm presence into the room.

That energy is contagious. It creates a ripple effect. When your presence is steady, it influences your team, your clients, and your family. In a world of constant demands, it’s easy to default to urgency. Leadership isn’t just about getting things done, it’s about how you show up while doing it. An embodied leader models resilience, cultivates psychological safety, and sets the emotional tone for the organization.

How do I become a more embodied leader?

Model Wellness – Prioritize rest, movement, and recovery. Do not glorify overwork. Encourage personal wellness and balance for the team.
Regulate Your Nervous System – Create an environment that contributes to calmness. Take breaks. Limit outside noise and ongoing distractions.

Many haven’t prioritized wellness because they are not convinced of the ROI. For me, it meant reorganizing my schedule around wellness instead of squeezing it in “if there’s time.” We were taught to equate self-care with indulgence or to "earn" our rest after our to-do list is completed. What if rest is a strategy on our to-do list? What if movement makes you sharper and more creative?

In 2026, my personal wellness will be treated like other Chamber initiatives, with clear, measurable KPIs:

Walk or bike for 30 minutes daily, preferably outside.
Exercise three to four times per week.
Meditate for five minutes daily.

Beyond movement and meditation, nervous system care should also be treated as a leadership strategy, not a personal indulgence. Your nervous system is the leadership engine driving your embodiment. When it’s calm and regulated, clarity follows. A balanced nervous system puts space between an incident and our response. It moves us from reacting emotionally to responding with intention.

When your system is regulated, you recover more quickly, approach uncertainty with openness instead of control, and give others your full attention. The practice of calming your nervous system starts with small, intentional changes: silencing non-essential notifications, reducing disruptive alarms, taking breaks, creating quieter workspaces. These aren't just productivity hacks; they are strategies to regulate your nervous system and preserve focus.

The path to embodied leadership looks different for everyone, but it always starts with intention. I’ll be the first to admit: I don’t have this all figured out. Embodied leadership isn’t a milestone I’ve reached, it’s a road I’m walking. Literally. And I often need to remind myself that progress beats perfection.

So, as we move into 2026, join me in making embodied leadership one of this year’s goals. Build out your personal wellness KPIs and make choices that calm your system and sharpen your presence. Start your year with small, impactful shifts that put you on the path toward a healthier you, then watch your progress ripple out to your family, your team, and your organization.

What are your personal wellness KPIs? We'd love to hear from you in the Info Hub- click here to share your goals and read others!

Southwest Colorado Rocks

Congratulations to the finalists!

Get Your Tickets Today!

Thank You, Sponsors!

Upcoming Chamber Events

January 22, 5-7pm

Doubletree Hotel, 501 Camino Del Rio

The FUN-Official Kickoff of Snowdown - Business After Hours

As we gear up for Snowdown 2026 and celebrate Colorado’s 150th year, we’re taking the party straight into the past, present, and everything in between.

Spin the dial. Pick your year. Step through the Snowdown Time Machine.

January 28, 12-1pm

Durango Chamber, 2301 Main Ave OR attend virtually!

Lunch & Learn: 10 Years (or less!) to Retirement

This collaboration of experts gives small business owners clear, practical steps to increase business value and prepare for a successful exit.

Whether your timeline is three years or ten, remember—exit planning is business planning NOW, and it’s never too early to begin.

February 3, 7:45 am

El Moro Spirits & Tavern, 945 Main Ave

Mornings at El Moro

Connect with peers, showcase your best elevator pitch, and participate in a 25-minute learning session presented by a different community leader, business, or organization each month.

Enjoy complimentary coffee by 81301 and start your day off right with a delicious El Moro breakfast burrito (pre-order required)

All Upcoming Events

Advocacy in Action: Join Us at the Colorado Capitol on March 4

Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce

The 75th Colorado General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, January 14, beginning a legislative session that will shape policies affecting businesses across the state. Several new Colorado laws took effect January 1, including measures related to consumer pricing, childcare fees, and health insurance, along with other changes that may impact employers, employees, and customers. Lawmakers are also expected to focus on the state budget, workforce challenges, and broader economic issues this year.

Through advocacy updates, learning opportunities, and relationships with policymakers at all levels, the Chamber connects policy discussions with what they mean for local businesses.

One of the best ways to get involved is the inaugural Southwest Colorado Day at the Capitol on March 4, 2026. This event will bring local business leaders to Denver to meet with legislators, share perspectives from our region, and learn more about how state decisions affect our communities and economy.

Advocacy participation is nonpartisan and open to members who want to engage at a level that feels right. We invite you to join the Durango Chamber at the Capitol on March 4 and help represent Southwest Colorado’s business voice. RSVP today

Read the Legislative Action Coalition Report

Business Connection

Four Corners Foot and Ankle

By Sara Lynn Valentine

“We’re here to take care of feet and ankles,” says Dr. Kayse L. Lake. “Our mission is to provide exceptional care while fostering trust, teamwork and compassion. With a family-oriented approach, we strive to improve the health of and enhance the quality of life for our patients.”

Four Corners Foot and Ankle has fully staffed offices in Durango, Farmington and Cortez, where patients can be seen for the full spectrum of foot and ankle pathology. Podiatrists are experts in the vascular, neurological, dermatological, and musculoskeletal systems of the foot and ankle. They provide conservative and non-invasive treatments for conditions like bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, diabetic ulcers, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and heel spurs. They are extensively trained in human biomechanics and proper foot balance and are experienced in fitting orthotics. As experienced surgeons, they treat foot and ankle trauma and fractures that require surgery.

As a Colorado native, Dr. Lake was excited to return to the state after graduating from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completing three years as a surgical resident at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio. Dr. Lake also received advanced training in deformity treatment, including clubfoot correction, at the Rubin Institute of Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore, Maryland.

“After residency, I got a job in Cortez for one year,” Dr. Lake says, “working part of that year on the Navajo Nation. Dr. Stillwell then asked me to come work for him in his practice in Durango. When he retired a year or so later, I purchased the Durango practice from him.”

Dr. Justin L. Curtis later joined the practice after earning an undergraduate degree in New York and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in Arizona. Similar to Dr. Lake, Dr. Curtis completed three years of residency at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio. Nurse Practitioner Ren Zillioux, CNP, completes the medical staff. Ren has extensive knowledge in diagnosing and treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions.

“We recently joined the Chamber,” Dr. Lake continues. “We’re excited to get involved and connect with other local business owners.”

When not working, Dr. Lake enjoys the outdoors with his wife Ashley and five children. Dr. Curtis enjoys spending time with his wife and kids while camping, skiing, mountain biking, and playing recreational basketball.

Four Corners Foot and Ankle is located at 1266 Escalante Drive, Ste 201 in Durango. Reach them by phone at 970-259-5303 or learn more at 4cornersfeet.com

Durango Diplomats

The Diplomats helped cut 18 ribbons and welcomed 122 New Chamber Members in 2025!

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

As we move into 2026, the definition of influence for small business leaders has shifted from market presence to structural leadership.

In an era of rapid economic shifts and heightened consumer scrutiny, influence is no longer a byproduct of success; it is a strategic asset built through measurable integrity, operational transparency, and proactive community advocacy.

In 2026, business leaders must move beyond "participation" to become an architect of industry standards.

The Era of "Lived Alignment"

Today’s consumer has become immune to traditional "purpose marketing." Influence now hinges on Lived Alignment: the verifiable proof that a company’s values are woven into its daily operations. Advocacy in this environment means moving beyond public statements and into radical transparency, providing clear evidence of ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and sustainable logistics. By treating social and environmental impact as core business metrics—rather than PR initiatives—small businesses can outmaneuver larger corporations to win the long-term trust of a discerning public.

Advocacy as Economic Resilience

Let them hear you: Engage with state legislators and local officials through regional political forums or Q&As to ensure the small business perspective is heard comprehensively across political affiliations.
Join Advocacy Collectives: Leverage "strength in numbers" by joining local Chambers of Commerce, industry-specific alliances, or national groups like the National Small Business Association (NSBA) to amplify your individual voice into collective momentum.
Utilize Modern Lobbying: Effective advocacy involves sharing data-driven, real-world stories of how proposed regulations impact community investment and job creation, turning personal business experiences into systemic change.

The most influential leaders frame their advocacy through the lens of "Business Opportunity"—demonstrating to policymakers how local investments in infrastructure or workforce development create a more resilient and competitive regional economy.

Human-Centric Stewardship and Skills-Based Growth

As the labor market grows more complex, the "human" element of leadership is the ultimate differentiator. Influential leaders are moving away from traditional degree requirements toward skills-based hiring. By advocating for what a candidate can do rather than where they were educated, small businesses can unlock untapped talent pools and drive more inclusive economic growth. This shift not only builds a more capable workforce but also establishes the business as a forward-thinking leader in modern talent management.

In 2026, your influence is defined by your ability to bridge the gap between operational excellence and human values. Those who lead with transparency, a commitment to local resilience, and a people-first mindset will define the new standard for business excellence.

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

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Thank you to this month's

class sponsor!

Young Professionals of Durango

The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by:

In 2025, the Young Professionals of Durango gathered more than 15 times to connect, network, and build meaningful relationships among over 50 members. YPODs also hosted three educational workshops and three philanthropic events, supporting professional growth while giving back to the broader community.

Join YPODs and be part of a connected, engaged network making a difference!

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

Every Tuesday- Trivia at 11th Street Station

January 10- Adoption Event with Parkers Animal Rescue

January 14- Hey Girl, Lets Talk Finances with Karina Guerrero of Foundational Wealth Partners

January 23-February 1- Snowdown: Uniquely Colorado: Then & WOW!

January 25- First Tracks at Purgatory Ski Resort

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

Shanta Village Partners

Wade Griffith

Phone: (970) 749-1198

shantavillagepartners.org

Snowstorm Interiors

Amy Favour

Phone: (970) 238-6542

snowstorminteriors.com

Trailhead Strategies Group

Erick Burgos

Phone: (801) 695-1338

www.trailheadstrategiesgroup.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