Access, Advocacy & a Voice at the Table

Why being a Chamber member is beneficial!
by Jack Llewellyn, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce

In October, I attended the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce annual conference in Glenwood Springs. Coming away from this experience, I reflected on what the Durango Chamber of Commerce does and the various roles we play in the community. 
Some of the most important aspects for our members are access to public officials, advocacy for businesses, owners, and employees, as well as a voice at the table regarding state and local issues that impact them. To achieve this, we have the means to involve stakeholders in productive discussions between owners/employees and elected officials/policy decision-makers.  
As a business and community organization, we work hard to form these relationships with our local officials so our members have access to them. These relationships create open communication and give business owners and workers a real voice. 
Recently, our YPODs (Young Professionals of Durango) partnered with the City of Durango and met with various departments to learn more about governmental processes and procedures.
Every quarter, we host an Eggs & Issues Forum to address current issues and challenges and bring together decision- and policy-makers.  Recent topics included: healthcare, workforce housing, and city council candidates.
Our most recent Eggs and Issues put this into action, and we were grateful to have insight from Senator Cleave Simpson, La Plata County Assessor Carrie Woodson, and Guinn Unger as they presented how Proposition HH would impact our county. Providing this opportunity to Chamber and community members was a way to foster open communication with leaders on each side of the issue, and participants were able to ask questions, coming away with more clarity and confidence on where they stand prior to the election.
After much consideration, the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board voted to oppose Proposition HH ballot initiative. While the Chamber and our Board support education funding, and reasonable property taxes, our primary concerns were the uncertainty surrounding funding for our special districts (including our Fire Dept.), our county programs, and our local schools. On November 7th, Proposition HH was soundly defeated by 60% of Colorado voters.
I invite you to learn more about our State Legislative process by attending our Chamber Day at the State Capitol on February 8th, 2024. We are planning to meet with State elected officials, view the legislative process in action, and tour our capitol. Registration information will follow soon.
Lastly, we appreciate the support of city, county, and state officials in making these opportunities possible. We are also grateful for our Chamber members and community members who participate in these informative events. We couldn’t do it without you!

---