Your Monthly Chamber Connection

October 2025

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Why Shared Leadership Builds Strong Teams

By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

When people think about leadership, they might picture one person that is the face of the organization: often the President, CEO or Executive Director. But the truth is, the best results don’t come from one leader, they come from a team that leads together.

Shared leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy. It’s about tapping into the strengths around you and creating the kind of culture where leadership is a team sport. When leadership is shared, people don’t just wait to be told what to do; they step up, own their role, and make things happen.

Shared leadership starts with distributed authority. Not every decision needs to come from the top. In fact, most good decisions don’t, and the best decisions often come from the people closest to the work. Whether it’s a team member leading a new program, a board member driving a strategic shift, or a partner stepping up to collaborate on a solution, we make better progress when people are trusted to lead initiatives that are aligned with their strengths.

Shared leadership also builds adaptability. When authority is dispersed, people are more likely to take the time they need, whether it’s a sick day, vacation, or extended leave, because they trust the team has them covered. And when others step up to fill gaps, they grow in the process.

The key is alignment. Different challenges call for different skill sets. Shared leadership means intentionally connecting people with work that fits them best. When that happens, performance improves, and so does job satisfaction.

It also shifts the tone of the workplace. Done right, shared leadership builds trust. When you know your team values your strengths and has your back, you're more likely to take risks, speak up, and go above and beyond.

This model isn't just good for today; it’s a foundation for long-term success. Shared leadership develops future leaders, reduces bottlenecks, and strengthens succession planning. If team members are used to making decisions, championing initiatives and (most importantly) failing, they are more likely to see themselves within the future of the organization and grow alongside it.

When more people are empowered to lead, the organization moves faster, stays flexible, and attracts top talent. It boosts ownership, which brings energy and creativity. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or building community partnerships, shared leadership is a long-term strategy for getting better results and retaining better people. And when that ownership is backed by clear expectations and trust, you get stronger outcomes, and a stronger culture.

And when it’s working, you feel it. People show up differently. They bring ideas. They lean in. They lead.

That’s the kind of team I want to be part of.

This is what leadership can look like in Durango. Learn more about the

business community by visiting durangobusiness.org

Spend A Moment with TBK Bank

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Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado!

Nominations Close 10/31!

Upcoming Chamber Events

HR Professionals Happy Hour & Trivia Night!

Join HR peers for a social at HomeSlice in Three Springs! It’s HR Trivia Night, and YOU can help shape the fun by submitting your favorite questions, topics, or fun facts. Come ready to laugh and connect!

October 9, 5-7pm

Homeslice Three Springs, 125 Mercado St

Business After Hours at Maria's Bookshop!

Featuring the Maria's Literary Foundation

Make new connections, celebrate with fellow professionals, and enjoy a fun-filled evening complete with fantastic door prizes from Star Liquors, Maria’s Bookshop, and the Durango Chamber.

October 16, 5-7pm

Maria's Bookshop, 960 Main Ave.

Lunch & Learn: AI for Marketing

This 90-minute session is designed for professionals who already have some experience with AI and are ready to go deeper.

We’ll explore ways to move past the basics and uncover new opportunities to apply AI more effectively in your marketing efforts.

September 24, 12-1:30pm

TBK bank (259 W 9 St)

Mornings at El Moro

Join us for the Chamber's morning networking & learning series sponsored by the City of Durango!

Connect with peers, showcase your best elevator pitch, and participate in a 25-minute learning session.

Order a breakfast burrito for only $12

November 4, 7:45-9am

El Moro Tavern (945 Main Ave.)

Save Your Seat!

All Upcoming Events

Your Voice, Our Power: The Chamber’s Role in Advocacy

Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce

Did you know chambers of commerce have been advocating for businesses for over 400 years? The first began in 1599 in Marseille, France, when merchants united to protect their interests, a spirit that continues today and remains vital for Durango.

At the recent Colorado Chamber Alliance Annual Conference, we were reminded that advocacy remains one of the most important roles our organization can play.

The Durango Chamber is proud to work with the Chamber Alliance and others at the state and federal levels to make sure local business interests are represented in meaningful conversations and decisions.

Here at home, we’re putting advocacy into action by surveying members on two upcoming ballot proposals that affect our community:

A county sales tax increase to provide funding for core services like transportation infrastructure, law enforcement, wildfire preparedness, and other county programs.
A Durango Fire Protection District mill levy increase to support construction of a new Three Springs fire station, aimed at addressing response times and future growth in the area.

These issues affect all of us: business owners, employees, and residents alike. They shape the cost of doing business and even how quickly emergency services can respond.

That’s why advocacy matters. By gathering input and amplifying member voices, the Chamber keeps small business concerns front and center. When we speak together, we create a stronger, more resilient community.

Read the Legislative Action Coalition Report

Share Your Feedback on 2025

Local Ballot Initiatives

The Durango Chamber of Commerce is gathering member feedback on two important local ballot initiatives this fall:

La Plata County sales tax increase of 1% to fund essential services such as roads, law enforcement, wildfire response, and community programs. More information here.
A mill levy increase for the Durango Fire Protection District to build a new fire station, hire additional staff, and enhance emergency response. More information here.

Survey Closes October 9

Business Connection

Garrhs Heating and Air Conditioning: An American Dream Company

By Sara Lynn Valentine

For 40 years, Garrhs Heating and Air Conditioning has been a name synonymous with comfort, craftsmanship, and community in Southwest Colorado. What began as a small, family-owned business has grown into one of the region’s most trusted providers of residential and commercial HVAC services, thanks to a team that takes pride in doing things the right way.

When longtime owners Mark and Travis Oliger began planning their retirement, their top priority wasn’t just finding a buyer, it was protecting the people and the reputation that make Garrhs what it is today. After exploring several options, they found a partner whose values matched their own: American Dream Home Services (ADHS), a company dedicated to helping strong local businesses transition to employee ownership.

That partnership became official in June 2025, marking a new chapter for Garrhs. Now, every technician, installer, and team member will have an ownership stake in the company’s success.

“Under ADHS, Garrhs’ reputation for quality, trustworthiness and craftmanship will continue - only now, employees will directly share in the value they create for customers every day.” says ADHS CEO Will Petter.

Employee-owned companies consistently outperform traditional businesses. That success stems from the result of a deeper connection between employees and the work they do. “Employee-owners are not working just for a paycheck. When people partly own what they’re building, they show up differently,” notes Will. “They bring more pride, more purpose, and more accountability. The outcome is better for everyone.”

Before founding ADHS, Will spent 15 years working in banking, private equity, and advising business owners on mergers and acquisitions. During that time, he worked with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company and saw firsthand how employee ownership can change lives. Now, Will and his wife, Laura, are raising three young children. That family perspective shapes his commitment to building companies where employees can provide stability and opportunity for their own families, too.

ADHS is actively expanding its family of employee-owned companies across Colorado and beyond. Garrhs’ employees will not only be owners of Garrhs, but also owners of ADHS itself, giving them a stake in future acquisitions and growth.

Looking ahead, Garrhs will continue to operate under its trusted name and leadership team, while also joining a growing family of employee-owned home services businesses.

Learn more at garrhs.com or call 970-259-5579

Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado!

Nominate Today!

Young Professionals of Durango

September Recap

September was all about connection and community for the Young Professionals of Durango!

At our Monthly Happy Hour at 11th Street Station, about 15 YPODs gathered for an easygoing evening of networking, good food, and lively conversation. From new faces to familiar friends, it was a great reminder that professional growth doesn’t always happen in boardrooms—it often starts over good food and local brews.

Later in the month, a crew of 12 YPODs rolled up their sleeves for a River Cleanup along the South Animas behind the BMX Park. Together, they collected more than six bags of trash—plus a few unexpected finds like a doormat, mini trampoline, fire extinguisher, and some rogue insulation. The effort left the area cleaner, the team proud, and the river just a little brighter for everyone who enjoys it.

Intersted in learning more about the young Professionals? Visit the website

The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by:

Featured Diplomat :

Ryan Champion

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

Every day is different. I might be meeting new people at a networking event, helping clients find just the right loan, or celebrating a loan closing. I love the variety and the chance to help people reach big milestones.

What motivated you to join the Chamber Diplomat program?

It’s a great way to connect with my community, build relationships, and give back in a meaningful way.

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

Road cycling. I love training for the Iron horse, and being able to admire some of the beautiful scenery we have here.

What’s the best advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you?

“If you are depending on the government for your success, you have already lost.” I don’t remember who said it, but it’s true. The government might help or hinder, and you can’t control that. What you can control is your effort, your mindset, and surrounding yourself with great people who want to see you succeed.

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

October 15, at 5:15pm

Cork an Larder Grand Opening!

View Details

Click Here to Schedule Your Ribbon Cutting!

Featured Leadership al Plata Alumni:

Stacy Reuille-Dupont

What LLP Class were you in?

2015-2016 - the most exceptional class ever

What do you love about LLP?

LLP was an amazing opportunity to become more integrated and connected into our community. I loved getting to know my classmates and more about our community.

What do you do for a living?

I own Studio B, an integrative psychology clinic in Durango with an office in Cortez and online.

Share a lesser-known fact about you:

I flipped a coun to determine which state I would move to for college!

Nominate a Leadership La Plata Alumni for the 2025 Awards at durangobusiness.org

Leadership La Plata is presented by:

Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)

Making the Most of Networking Events

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

Networking events are not just about your job; they are about building a strong professional network. The value lies in fostering authentic connections, which are the foundation of trust and goodwill that can lead to genuine opportunities down the line.

Before you walk in, take a moment to set clear intentions.

If you have access to the guest list or speaker lineup, identify a few people you’d like to meet and consider topics you can naturally bring up. Most importantly, prepare to listen as much as you speak — a little forethought makes conversations flow more easily and helps you leave a lasting, genuine impression.

Engage and Adapt Your Style

At the event, focus on active listening and curiosity. Shift your focus from talking about yourself to learning about others. Don't be afraid to gracefully exit a conversation when it's time to move on with a phrase like, "It was a pleasure speaking with you. I'm going to circulate a bit more and will connect with you soon!"

Be aware of your natural social style and adapt it to your advantage:

Expressives: Harness your high energy by being a "matchmaker" to connect people. Be mindful of your energy and adjust it for more reserved people. Focus on the big picture, discussing ambitious ideas rather than getting caught up in small details.

Drivers: Balance your assertiveness by providing options, not commands. Set a time limit for each interaction to prevent impatience. Refine your talking points to focus on results and what you offer. Show competence through actions by following through on promises.

Analyticals: Leverage your detail-oriented nature. Prepare an exit strategy to ease anxiety. Don't hide behind a group; proactively seek out people. Communicate value, not just facts, by explaining how your expertise solves problems. Take notes on business cards after conversations to remember details.

Amiables: Use your natural empathy. Bring a "wingman" to reduce anxiety. Focus on one-on-one conversations as you thrive in them. Introduce others to each other to add value to your network. Consider creating your own networking opportunities, such as a coffee chat or lunch, where you shine.

Follow-up After the Event

Networking doesn't end at the event. Send a timely and personalized follow-up message within 24 to 48 hours to each person you connected with. Nurture these connections by staying in touch, offering value, and simply checking in.

With some preparation, strategic mingling, and purposeful follow-up, networking events can help you build a strong professional network that will pay off in the long run.

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.

Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado!

Nominate a Business or Individual Today!

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members?

Find more events on our calendar.

Every Wednesday- American Legion Trujillo-Sheets Post 28 Luncheons

Every Saturday- Sip & Song at EsoTerra Arboretum

October 7 – HR Power Hour with SW Community Foundation

October 9 – Manna’s: Our Streets, Our Stories 2025

October 10 – SW Colorado Gives: Social Media Workshop with SW Community Foundation

October 10 – STEAM Fest: The Science of Magic at The Powerhouse

October 14 – HR Power Hour with SW Community Foundation

October 17–19 – Durango Open Studio Tour

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

Aligned Durango Massage and Coaching

Daniel Mueller

Phone: (206) 940-3661

alignedfully.com

Fresh Ideas Food

Mike Brown

1000 Rim Dr

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (845) 702-7787

Fresh off the Press

Taylor Sennett

128 W. 14th Street, Unit A3

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (970) 247-3658

durangoprinter.com

Legacy Resolutions

Madison Drake

835 E 2nd Ave, #428

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (281) 736-4920

Lighthouse Construction

Pato Robles

121 W Grand Ave

Mancos, CO 81328

Phone: (970) 749-7267

www.lighthousebuild.com

REI Co-op

Meghan Wyrwich

40 Turner Dr.

Durango, CO 81303

Phone: (970) 844-8900

www.rei.com

Thrive Artisan Boutique

Rachel Hartgen

809 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301

Phone: (720) 805-9550

www.thriveartisanboutique.com

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