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Your Monthly Chamber Connection
November 2025
| | Thank you to our partners: | |
Future-Proofing Through Tech:
Why We’re Investing Now
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
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If you want your business to thrive tomorrow, you’ve got to make calculated bets today. That’s the reality we all face in an evolving digital landscape. Sustainable growth takes vision and execution. And right now, the smartest way to build for the future is by investing in technology that sets you up for long-term success.
Of course, that kind of investment doesn’t come cheap, and all your bets won’t be winners. These investments demand time, energy, dollars—and courage.
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The upfront lift is real, but so is the payoff. Whether it's app development, a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, a website overhaul, or integrating automation and AI tools into your daily workflow, the upfront lift can feel heavy. But the payoff is real, and it helps future-proof your business model.
At the Chamber, we’re dedicating resources toward our future. We just rolled out a brand-new website and a completely revamped CRM. You’ll find us at the same address—www.durangobusiness.org—but the experience will be fundamentally different.
Why the overhaul? Because the old CRM was clunky and outdated. The new system is more than just a visual upgrade. It will help us:
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Streamline business-to-business referrals so members can connect faster
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Simplify billing and payments to reduce admin time
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Push event notifications in real-time so you never miss an opportunity
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Demonstrate the value of membership through measurable engagement
In short, it’s an investment in how we serve our business community, and how we stay relevant.
For local businesses, the message is similar: don’t wait for the right time, make the sacrifice today, so you’re ready for what tomorrow brings. If an app could create revenue or improve customer engagement, explore it. If your CRM is clunky, upgrade it. If your website feels like it’s stuck in 2012, modernize it. If AI can free up your team for higher-value work, start learning how to use it. Even something as simple as understanding social media algorithms can change the trajectory of your brand awareness.
Technology upgrades can be time-consuming and expensive, but the cost of standing still while competitors move forward is far higher.
The real value of these investments is often delayed—but that’s exactly the point. Growing a sustainable business means playing the long game. In a world obsessed with instant results, leaders need to model what it means to embrace delayed gratification. The tech you build today might not pay off tomorrow, but it will compound over time, streamlining operations, improving customer experience, and moving you ahead of your competitors.
Technology isn’t a trend. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it only works if you take the time to learn how to use it. That takes curiosity, courage, and a willingness to operate at 80–90% readiness rather than waiting for perfection.
So, here’s your nudge: explore what’s out there. Audit your systems. Ask your team what slows them down. Try something new. Even a small change can put you on the front edge of the adoption curve.
The future won’t wait for you to find capacity or perfect timing; progress starts when you do.
| We’re upgrading how we serve you — a new site and smarter systems launch today. See what’s coming at durangobusiness.org | |
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 will soon receive 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
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Spend A Moment with Desert Sun Coffee Roasters | |
Lunch and Learn: Marketing Toolkit for Business Owners with Jessika Buell of Marketing Concepts Squared
Learn how to strengthen your social media presence with practical strategies and best practices.
November 19, 12-1pm
TBK Bank, 259 W 9th St
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Business After Hours at Sky Ute Casino & Resort
In partnership with the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce
Join fellow business owners and professionals from Bayfield, Ignacio, and Durango for an evening of connection!!
November 20, 5-7pm
Sky Ute Casino & Resort, 14324 Hwy. 172 N
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Mornings at El Moro: Networking & Learning Series
December features Shane Seibel, executive director of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund.
Connect with peers, showcase your best elevator pitch, and participate in a 25-minute learning session.
December 2, 7:45-9am
El Moro Tavern (945 Main Ave.)
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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.
*DATE CHANGED*
Now December 4, 11:30am-1pm
Center for Innovation, Main Mall 2nd Floor
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Change Is Certain — Staying Informed Matters
Kim Oyler, COO- Durango Chamber of Commerce
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As the saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” That’s true for our Chamber as we evolve through our own change management, and it’s true for the broader business landscape shaping our community every day.
Colorado’s economy continues to shift, and understanding where we stand is key to staying competitive. The Colorado Chamber’s Business Scorecard offers a data-driven snapshot of our state’s performance in areas such as workforce, regulation, cost of living, and overall business climate.
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While Colorado ranks 16th for Best State for Business, we face real challenges in housing affordability (47th) and cost of living (46th), factors that affect every employer and employee in our region. The report also highlights that Colorado is the 6th most regulated state in the nation, underscoring the need to closely monitor legislation that could impact business operations and growth.
With the legislative session beginning in January, these insights help guide advocacy efforts that protect and strengthen Colorado’s business climate.
By staying informed and engaged, we can adapt to change, and play an active role in shaping it for the better.
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Business Connection
Durango’s SEH Office Grows with a Mission to Build Better Communities
By Sara Lynn Valentine
| | | | SEH is an employee-owned engineering, architectural, environmental science, surveying, and planning company with 37 offices across the country, including Durango. Their mission reflects a company-wide commitment to designing safer and more sustainable infrastructure for diverse projects. | | | |
“‘Building a better world for all of us’ is our stated core purpose,” says Steve Winters, Vice President of Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) Western Region. “We want to help communities and our clients spend their money wisely. We add value to our industrial, commercial, and private projects—as well as quality of life for the people living and working in our project locations.”
Founded in 1927 in St. Paul, Minnesota, SEH began as a family engineering firm focused on public and commercial infrastructure projects. In 1994, it underwent a game-changing transformation, becoming a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
| | | In 2019, SEH merged with the successful Durango firm Russell Planning and Engineering. After the merger, the Durango office briefly operated as SEH/RPE before transitioning to the simpler SEH. Steve started as a design engineer with Russell in 2003 and advanced to project engineer, project manager, and engineering manager—leading a team of engineers with RPE. | | | | |
When Steve began, the Durango office had eight employees; today, there are 25 serving southwest Colorado. Before the merger, SEH focused heavily on government projects, while Russell specialized in private-sector clients. The merger broadened SEH’s reach into land development, entitlement, civil engineering, architecture, surveying, and construction management in the Four Corners area.
Their public and private clients include the City of Durango, Bayfield, La Plata County, Three Springs, Edgemont, Trimble Crossing, Purgatory Resort, the Durango Renewal Project (winner of a Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence), Fort Lewis College, and Westside/Triangle Mobile Home Park (which uses the land trust model for attainable housing).
| | | | | Beyond project work, SEH is deeply engaged in the local community. The Durango office supports philanthropic organizations such as the Dave Spencer Ski Race, Adaptive Sports, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Engineers Without Borders, Durango Food Bank, and St. Jude’s Research Hospital. | | | |
Steve is a 2021 graduate of Leadership La Plata and an active member of both the American Council of Engineering Companies and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He and his wife, Laura, recently celebrated their one-year anniversary with their labradoodle, Scuba. Steve enjoys mountain biking, river rafting, skiing, and boating- basically any outdoor sport.
“The Chamber has been great for us,” Steve adds. “Kim and Jeff have helped us make great connections in the community.”
| | | Interested in learning more? Visit SEHinc.com or call 970-385-4546. SEH’s Durango office is located at 934 Main Avenue, Unit C. | |
Young Professionals of Durango
October Recap
| | October was a full month for the Young Professionals of Durango, bringing together service, learning, and plenty of fun! | | | | |
We kicked things off with the Animas River Trail Cleanup, continuing our effort to keep the Animas sparkling.
YPOD volunteers hauled away bags of litter—including a few odd treasures—and left the stretch behind the BMX Park looking better than ever.
| | The month’s highlight was our Annual Falliday Party at Black Heron Lounge, where more than 30 YPODs showed up in their best “Durango Formal” attire for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, music, and networking. The costume contest brought big laughs and even bigger creativity, while the DJ kept the dance floor moving late into the night. |
| We wrapped up the month with Community Leadership 101, a hands-on workshop led by Jenn Bartlett. Attendees explored how to connect personal values to meaningful community impact, while learning about a few local organizations that rely on volunteers; Big Brothers, Big Sisters, La Plata County Humane Society, The Hive, the Boy's & Girls Club, Manna Durango, Parker's Animal Rescue, and Maria's Literary Foundation. | | |
Featured Young Professional:
Madison Drake
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Where do you work & what do you do?
I own and operate Legacy Resolutions with my husband, Preston Drake.
What do you love about the YPOD program?
As someone newer to town, I love connecting with fellow young professionals and learning more about opportunities in Durango!
How do you recharge after a busy week?
Being outside and enjoying all the fun activities Durango has to offer!
| | The Young Professionals of Durango are sponsored by: | | |
Featured Diplomat :
Carmen Drulis
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What’s a typical day like for you in your business or profession?
My typical day at work is typically not typical at all! In the world of food and beverage there are many variables that determine the happenings of the day.
A common question I get from folks is "What do you have going on at work today?". My answer? "I have no idea but I will let you know after!"
What motivated you to join the Chamber Diplomat program?
I was motivated to join the Diplomats well, cuz all the cool kids are doing it, I get to hang out with my friends, meet new folks and learn about businesses in town that are new or I have not been to yet.
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If you could describe Durango in three words, what would they be?
Community, beautiful, historic
What’s the best advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you?
"Eat dessert first"- My Grandpa
What’s a skill, hobby, or passion you have outside of work?
I love to head somewhere where my cell phone does not work, hike and fish and be in nature.
| | Interested in becoming a Diplomat and getting involved with the local business community? Learn more here. | | | |
Congratulations to Cork and Larder on their Grand Opening! | | |
Leadership Insights (powered by LLP)
Business Strategy for Uncertainty:
Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!
by Beth Porter, Senior Marketing Consultant at Four Corners Broadcasting & LLP Class of 15-16
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Forget the gloomy headlines and persistent "uncertainty." Conflicting economic signals, supply chain issues, and staffing headaches are real, but this climate is a golden opportunity for businesses that dare to plan big and execute smart.
Success hinges on focusing on four key areas: financial management, operational efficiency, customer strategies, and workforce management.
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Financial Management
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Prioritize and protect cash flow by regularly forecasting to prevent shortfalls.
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Build a cash reserve as a buffer and embrace flexible budgeting, using "what-if" scenarios to prepare for changing market conditions.
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Deepen banking relationships, proactively discussing credit access and funding options with financial partners.
Operational Efficiency
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Control costs and boost efficiency by thoroughly reviewing expenses and negotiating better supplier terms.
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Leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks like billing and inventory, saving labor costs, and utilize cloud computing to reduce hardware needs.
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Diversify supply chains using multiple vendors (including local ones) to reduce risk and optimize inventory.
Customer and Market Strategies
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Adjust pricing effectively: raise prices thoughtfully to offset inflation, but add value through bundling or loyalty programs to retain customers.
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Prioritize exceptional, personalized service to build strong relationships, which are crucial assets during challenging times.
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Market Smarter, Not Harder: Combine fast-moving digital with trusted traditional media for maximum impact, particularly by going super-local. Utilize local media channels to drive foot traffic and reach a broad, engaged audience.
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Differentiate your business by highlighting your unique story and values.
Workforce Management
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Compete for talent by offering more than just a paycheck; emphasize a positive work culture, flexible schedules, and growth opportunities.
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Consider alternative workforce solutions like hiring freelancers or contractors for specific tasks to manage costs effectively.
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Invest in training and development to improve retention and productivity, building a stronger team for the long haul.
History shows that businesses often emerge stronger by finding opportunities during challenging times. Let this be your time to shine and become the success story for the next time the market shifts.
| | | 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: | | |
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Introducing the Leadership La Plata
Class of 2026!
| We’re excited to announce this year’s class of 20 emerging leaders who kicked off their 9-month journey with an inspiring retreat at Vallecito and On the Edge Ranch in September! | Interested in participating in next years cohort? Learn more about the program and stay connected at durangobusiness.org/llp | | | | Leadership La Plata Alumni | | |
Leadership La Plata alumni are shaping La Plata County every day.
Let us feature you in an upcoming Newsletter.
| | Stay Connected and Informed | |
Calling all Leadership La Plata alumni!
Stay engaged with our new Alumni Leadership Program, exciting social events, and more.
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Every Saturday- Sip & Song at EsoTerra Arboretum
November 6- Best of Fest 2025 with Durango Independent Film Festival
November 7- Southwest Remix Art Exhibit Reception at Blue Rain Gallery
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Ace Autofix
Wilson Warmack
320 Wilson Gulch Dr
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 317-2009
www.aceautofix.com
Animas Drone Services
Burt Haworth
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 658-0084
animasdroneservices.com
Brim and Boot
Randy Hughes
1019 Main Street
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 508-0091
www.brimandboot.com
Dianne Craig Agency LLC
2007 B Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 247-0900
Website
Durango Oxygen Rental
Donna Michalski
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 501-5350
Durangooxygenrental.com
Gold Water Plumbing Cooling and Heating
Matt Hockman
Durango, CO 81303
Phone: (970) 335-8009
GoldWaterPlumbing.com
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JanisC Accounting Services
Janis Connell
829 Deer Valley Rd
Hesperus, CO 81326
Phone: (512) 350-8724
www.janisC-accounting-services.com
Shirt Off My Back
Whitney Hill
638 Main Ave
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 403-3756
Shirtoffmybackdurango.com
True Success For All
Maureen Fallon-Cyr
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 749-1691
www.truesuccessforall.com
Well on Wheels
Sean O'Brien
Durango, CO 81303
Phone: (970) 317-8788
wellonwheels.net
Woosa Properties
Jon Burden
6 Latigo Rd
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: (970) 431-0008
Woosaproperties.com
| | Thank you to all our renewed members! Consider checking our member directory to ensure you are shopping local and supporting other chamber businesses! | | |
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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