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Your Monthly Chamber Connection
September 2025
| | Thank you to our partners: | |
Recognition That Builds Community
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
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One of the most impactful tools we have as a Chamber isn’t policy or programming; it’s the power of recognition.
For years, Durango Rocks has been our signature celebration of the businesses, leaders, and quiet champions who make our community what it is. It’s always been more than a night of pomp and circumstance - it’s about honoring the leadership, generosity, and values that define us. In 2026, we will be expanding the spotlight beyond Durango.
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With the launch of Southwest Colorado Rocks, we’re extending recognition across La Plata County by including Bayfield and Ignacio leaders and businesses. This evolution reflects something deeper than geography. It’s an acknowledgment that leadership, innovation, and community impact aren’t confined to city limits.
Recognition, at its best, elevates the voices of those who go above and beyond, and provides inspiration for the rest of us. It spotlights those who are leading with purpose, creating value beyond the bottom line, and living out the principles of conscious capitalism. These are the businesses and individuals building win-win scenarios, where success lifts employees, customers, and communities alike.
When we recognize a business for its excellence, we’re not just saying “you did a great job.” We’re saying, “the way you lead matters, and we can all learn from it.” That kind of validation builds credibility, boosts morale, and opens new doors for growth and connection. Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio Chambers will be honoring a Business of the Year for each community.
Our community service awards also play a powerful role. They shine a light on the people and organizations quietly investing in the greater good. Those who mentor youth, launch local initiatives, and step up when no one’s watching. They remind us what we value most: generosity, resilience, and shared responsibility. We have awards for Outstanding Non-Profit, Volunteer, and Public Service Impact, and Leadership La Plata Alumni.
And individual leadership awards? Those celebrate more than just accomplishments, they celebrate impact. They recognize leaders who model integrity, amplify others, and create lasting change. Honoring them not only fuels their momentum but also challenges all of us to lead with intention. These honors include Citizen of the Year Award, Morley Ballantine Women's Leadership Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year.
We’re also making sure recognition equals visibility. These stories, including finalists for nonprofit and business awards, are shared with a crowd of more than 350 community residents and leaders. That spotlight builds their brand, raises awareness of their mission, and rewards their community contributions in tangible ways.
So, whether you’ve attended in the past or are considering it for the first time, let’s celebrate what makes the Southwest unique – people who prioritize people over profit, community over competition, and collaboration over ego.
I personally invite you to be part of this expanded celebration, the inaugural Southwest Colorado Rocks on February 19, 2026 at the Community Concert Hall.
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Visit durangobusiness.org to nominate a business or individual today!
Nominations close October 31.
| | Congratulations to the 2024 Durango Rocks Award Recipients! | | |
Outstanding Contribution
to the Community
Jack Llewellyn
Empowerment Legacy Award
Phil Bryson
Citizen of the Year
Jack Turner
Public Service Impact Award
Ellen Babers
Morley Ballantine Women’s
Leadership Award
Meredith Mapel
Non-Profit of the Year
Stillwater Music
Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year
Nora Stafford
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Barbara Conrad Leadership Award
for LLP Alumni
Tiffany Lee
Spirit of Durango
Tailwind Nutrition
Diplomat of the Year
Sandy Lane
Young Professional of the Year
Ryan Simonovich
Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year
Priscila Newbold
Small Business of the Year
Star Liquors
Business of the Year
Bank of Colorado
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Forums for Progress: Legislative Insight
Advocate. Engage. Impact.
Join Sen. Cleave Simpson and Rep. Katie Stewart for a conversation on the outcomes of the special legislative session and what to expect in 2026. From workforce policies to budget priorities, this forum offers access to lawmakers shaping our future & your bottom line.
September 3, 8:30-10am
Durango Public Library
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Member Appreciation Party
It’s our biggest networking night of the year, dedicated to celebrating YOU—our members!
Join us for an evening of connections and fun with Durango professionals, plus great prizes from Star Liquors and the Durango Chamber!
September 3, 8:30-10am
Durango Public Library
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Lunch & Learn -- Strategic Leadership: Turning Vision into Results
Spend less time putting out fires and more time moving forward—learn practical strategies to focus on impact, align your team, and reach goals with confidence. This 90-minute session is packed with takeaways!
September 24, 12-1:30pm
TBK bank (259 W 9 St)
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Leading with Purpose:
Get to Know the CEO
Evan Schertz is the owner of Maria's Bookshop in Downtown Durango. After a brief stint in engineering, Evan purchased the family business in 2019 to pursue his passion for community building through bookselling.
October 1, 8-9am
Center for Innovation (835 Main Ave Suite 225)
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Mornings at El Moro
October's featured speaker is Shane Seibel, Executive Director of Southern Ute Growth Fund. Shane will discuss current programs and talk about what’s ahead.
Enjoy complimentary coffee and start your day off right with a delicious breakfast burrito - only $12
October 7, 7:45-9am
El Moro Tavern (945 Main Ave.)
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Spend A Moment with Star Liquors | |
Star Liquors received the 2024 Small Business
of the Year Award.
| Know someone who deserves recognition? | | |
Advocating for Small Business,
Building Community Pride!
Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce
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Advocating for small business is about more than supporting the economy! It sustains local entities that create jobs, sparks innovation, and gives Southwest Colorado its unique character. When we engage through policy advocacy or community celebrations, we help opportunity grow and pride take root.
Advocacy ensures the business voice is heard on issues from taxes and regulations to infrastructure. Good policy creates an environment where small businesses thrive, and involvement helps shape a stronger future for all.
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That same spirit shines in the Southwest Colorado Rocks Awards, where we celebrate the people and organizations making a difference.
The Chamber connects policymakers and the business community, opening doors for dialogue that drives progress. By participating whether in advocacy, events, or celebrations, you strengthen the collective voice of our region.
Join us & be part of the impact -- at the next Forums for Progress with our local legislators, Mornings at El Moro with policy officials, and Southwest Colorado Rocks!
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Business Connection:
Durango Coca-Cola & Meredith Mapel, 2024 Morley Ballantine Women's Leadership Award Recipient
By Sara Lynn Valentine
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Durango Coca-Cola is a long-standing, family-owned, local business,” says Meredith Mapel, president & CEO of Durango Coca-Cola. “The franchise was established in 1915, and my family has operated it for the past eighty years."
Durango Coca-Cola brings variety to every taste, distributing 60 brands with 300 flavors and more than 600 products—ranging from sparkling sodas and energy drinks to enhanced waters, teas, sports beverages, and even ready-to-drink dairy.
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As part of the third generation, Meredith works alongside her father, the Chairman of the Board, and her brother, the Director of Property and Development.
“What’s good for our community is good for our business,” Meredith says. “This has been a constant throughout our history. We serve a territory that encompasses southwest Colorado and most of the western slope of New Mexico. We support many community activities in Durango and throughout our entire territory. Our employees are encouraged to be active in the community.”
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Beneficiaries of Durango Coca-Cola include educational programs and scholarships, community and youth programs like the Boys and Girls Club and 4-H, and healthy lifestyle activities, like the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic.
Durango Coca-Cola provides 125 jobs in the local economies of their service areas, with a wide range of career opportunities - from sales and delivery, to purchasing and accounting, equipment service, warehouse, finance and logistics. Headquarters are in Durango, with additional physical facilities in Farmington and Gallup, New Mexico. “I appreciate being part of the Durango Chamber network and the connections it brings,” Meredith says.
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Durango Coca-Cola has been recognized locally as ‘Business of the Year’ and recognized nationally by the Coca-Cola North America franchise system. Meredith is the first female president of the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association in North America. She was also the first woman to serve as president of the Mainstream Bottlers, whose members own small, privately held franchises in the U.S.
Meredith sits on the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees (an appointed position), the regional Board of Colorado Beverage Association, and various other boards and committees in the North American Coca-Cola system.
She received the Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award in 2025, which honors women supporting other professional women, fostering leadership, and demonstrating excellence in business and community involvement.
| | | | | Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado! | |
Meet the 2024 Young Professional of the Year:
Ryan Simonovich
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The YPOD of the Year Award recognized Ryan Simonovich, whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the Young Professionals of Durango and inspired his peers. Ryan has demonstrated vision, energy, and a commitment to fostering opportunities for connection and growth among Durango’s rising professionals. His ability to bring people together has made a lasting impact on both YPODs and the broader community.
Ryan has served on the YPODs board since
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2023, and is the current president. A graduate of Fort Lewis College, he has long worked to bridge connections between students, alumni, and the professional community. His career path has included roles in journalism, public relations, and media, with bylines in The Colorado Sun, 5280 Magazine, The Durango Herald, Escape Collective, and Cycling Weekly. In 2024, he launched Ryan MTB Media, producing original reporting and podcasts focused on off-road cycling. In 2025, Ryan returned to his alma mater as Alumni Engagement Manager at Fort Lewis College, where he works to keep alumni connected and involved in the life of the college.
Through his leadership, creativity, and commitment to service, Ryan Simonovich represents the future of YPODs and the next generation of community leaders in Durango.
| | The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by: | | |
Meet the 2024 Diplomat of the Year:
Sandy Lane
| | | | The Diplomat of the Year Award honored Sandy Lane, whose energy, leadership, and commitment have elevated the Chamber Diplomat program and strengthened connections across Durango’s business community. Since arriving in Durango in 2020, Sandy quickly immersed herself in the program, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Diplomat board while helping recruit new members, refine systems, and energize Chamber events with her trademark positivity. | | |
Beyond her Chamber involvement, Sandy is a nationally recognized human strategist, speaker, CliftonStrengths + Values coach, and writer. Through her consulting practice, Sandy A Lane Consulting, she guides individuals and organizations through meaningful transitions, helping them align strengths, values, and purpose. A former CFO and Certified Strengths Coach, she now leads workshops, keynote sessions, and her Perfecting Your Pivot Academy to help leaders and teams thrive. She also played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural Durango Women’s Leadership Conference, a signature program that continues to grow. In addition, Sandy serves on the board of Good Business Colorado and recently completed a term on the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
With curiosity, commitment, and heart at the center of all she does, Sandy Lane embodies the spirit of a Chamber Diplomat—making Durango a stronger, more connected community for all.
| | Interested in becoming a Diplomat and getting involved with the local business community? Learn more here. | | | |
Congratulations to Graze Colorado on the Grand Opening of their Downtown Location! | | | | Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado! | |
Meet the 2024 Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award Recipient:
Tiffany Lee
| | | | The Barbara Conrad Leadership La Plata Award celebrated Tiffany Lee, a leader whose career has been defined by nearly three decades of commitment to elections, transparency, and community engagement. Since first being elected La Plata County Clerk-Recorder in 2010, Tiffany has continued to set a high standard of excellence in public service, now serving her fourth term with the same passion and determination that have marked her entire career. | | | As a 2018 Leadership La Plata graduate, Tiffany continues to play an active role in LLP, educating class members on government practices and election law, greatly enhancing the program’s community education efforts. A sixth-generation Coloradan, business owner, and active community member, Tiffany exemplifies the leadership values of Barbara Conrad, making a lasting impact on La Plata County. | | | |
Leadership La Plata is presented by: | | | |
Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)
Developing a Culture of Collaboration
by Beth Porter, Senior Marketing Consultant at Four Corners Broadcasting & LLP Class of 15-16
| | | | Collaboration is more than a buzzword—it’s essential. Effective teams reduce handoffs, solve problems faster, and build trust while drawing on diverse perspectives to spark creativity. But collaboration requires structure and intentional effort. Below are three practical steps to strengthen teamwork and create a culture of collaboration. | | | |
1) Build predictable communication rhythms
Communication is the foundation of collaboration. Without clear rhythms, misunderstandings and duplicated efforts are inevitable. A simple system can keep projects moving forward without overwhelming the team with meetings:
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Weekly 30-minute sync – A short team meeting to address blockers—anything preventing progress, like missing information, waiting on approval, or a technical issue—and make quick, collective decisions.
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Daily standups – For tightly connected work, a brief 10–15 minute check-in to share progress and surface issues early.
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Asynchronous channel – A shared document, project board, or chat thread where updates can be posted and referenced later. A simple template—what I did, what I’ll do, blocker—keeps communication concise and searchable.
These rhythms reduce confusion, surface dependencies sooner, and free time for focused work.
2) Clarify shared goals and roles
Everyone needs to know what they’re working toward and how they fit in. Start by defining a few measurable, collective goals. Break these into two or three key objectives and assign ownership based on strengths. Clarify decision boundaries: what individuals can decide on their own and what requires group input. Explicit goals and roles decrease duplication, speed execution, and raise motivation as team members see how their contributions support the bigger mission.
3) Cultivate recognition and support
Collaboration thrives when people feel valued. Recognition can take different forms depending on social styles:
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Drivers value efficiency, so highlight results.
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Expressives appreciate public praise and enthusiasm.
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Analyticals prefer specific, detailed feedback.
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Amiables respond well to personal, sincere appreciation.
Balancing these approaches ensures every team member feels seen. Create a supportive environment where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities. Leaders should model vulnerability by sharing their own challenges and lessons. Pair this culture with practical tools: one project board, clear naming conventions, versioned documents, and a single source of truth. Train on a few core tools to avoid confusion and keep knowledge centralized.
Small steps
Collaboration doesn’t emerge overnight. Start small: set one shared goal, establish a communication rhythm, and run one blameless retrospective this month. Track progress with simple metrics like time to resolve blockers and the number of handoffs between teammates. Over time, these practices build trust, reduce friction, and make teamwork smoother, faster, and more rewarding.
| | | 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. | | | |
Every Wednesday- American Legion Trujillo-Sheets Post 28 Luncheons
Every Wednesday in September- HR Power Hour with SW Community Foundation
Every Wednesday- True Western Roundup Rodeo
Every Saturday- Sip & Song at EsoTerra Arboretum
September 6 The 16th Annual Tour de Farms with Manna Durango
September 10 SW Colorado Gives: Covering Your Bases Webinar
September 19 Artist Reception: Two Sides to Terbush at Blue Rain Gallery
September 19 Volunteer Training for Alternative Horizons
| | Let's Celebrate Southwest Colorado! | | |
Durango Protective Services
Tim & Debbie Smith
Phone: (970) 946-2762
Website
Wells Fargo Advisors – Jack Elton
200 W College Drive
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (415) 312-0200
Website
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Epiphany Dermatology
Taylor Butler
65 Mercardo Street Suite 205
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 315-1743
Website
| | Thank you to all our renewed members! Consider checking our member directory to ensure you are shopping local and supporting other chamber businesses! | | | Mark Your Calendar for the Awards Ceremony on February 19, 2026 |
| DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | | |
Staff
Jeff Dupont, Chief Executive Officer
Kim Oyler, Chief Operations Officer
Madison Anderson-Oles, Member Relations Coordinator
Anaya Lucero, Administrator
location: 2301 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301
mailing: PO Box 2587 Durango, CO 81302
970.247.0312 ext. 2
www.durangobusiness.org
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Chamber Board Members
Vaughn Morris, President; Boys and Girls Club
Josh Neff, Vice President; CommonSpirit/Mercy Hospital
Mike Vermette, Treasurer; Star Liquors
Dr. Karen Cheser, Immediate Past President; 9-R School District
Melisa Jackson Palmer, Secretary; Bank of Colorado
Brian Lundstrom, Sky Ute Casino & Resort
Nick Johnson, Exit Realty Home & Ranch
Sarah Brandt, Durango Motor Company
Tom Loch, Diplomat Representative
Land Title Guarantee Company
Jenn Bartlett, Leadership La Plata Representative
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ryan Simonovich, YPOD Representative, Fort Lewis College
Dave Woodruff, City Councilman, City of Durango Representative
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