As the new CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible community of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Durango has a dynamic business environment, and I’m eager to support our members in embracing new opportunities and helping them meet their business goals. 

One area that has a lot of potential to benefit businesses is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The buzz around AI is more than just hype—it's an opportunity for organizations to become more efficient and competitive. While AI can seem like a tool for big corporations, it’s increasingly accessible to businesses of all sizes. AI offers practical ways to create efficiencies, improve customer service, and streamline operations, freeing up time and resources.

Durango’s businesses and non-profits should explore how AI can enhance their operations, whether it's improving customer service through chatbots, boosting marketing strategies, or streamlining logistics. There are plenty of opportunities to tap into AI’s potential to help solve everyday challenges. With AI, routine tasks like scheduling, inventory management, and data analysis can be automated. This means business owners and organizational leaders can shift their focus to growth and innovation instead of getting bogged down in repetitive tasks.

Another game-changing aspect of AI is how it supports the early stages of drafting emails, reports, or any business communication. These tools can help brainstorm ideas, suggest tweaks, and even create first drafts, making it easier for organizational leaders to produce high-quality content while really cutting down on the time needed for creation.

Fort Lewis College and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance are hosting the Four Corners AI Conference on December 6th which will feature a comprehensive overview of how AI can be utilized, enhance industry operations, improve decision making, and drive innovation. Find more information by visiting the Chamber’s Events Calendar at DurangoBusiness.org.

AI isn’t slowing down; it’s moving forward with the promise of even bigger and better advancements. Now’s the time for Durango’s business community to embrace this technology, and not get left behind. Thanks to Fort Lewis College for leading the AI conversation in our community.

Coming up on Aug 14, is a one-day conference led by esteemed employment law attorney Michael Santo and his team of lawyers. This event is an invaluable opportunity for small business owners and managers to gain critical insights into current employment laws, compliance strategies and solutions to common HR challenges. 
For small businesses, especially with limited resources, navigating the complexities of employment law can be daunting and time consuming.  Keeping up-to-date with continuously changing regulations is essential to ensuring a fair and compliant workplace environment and avoiding costly legal disputes. 

We invite you to attend this conference at the Fort Lewis College Student Union Ballroom. Michael and his team will cover a range of topics, including recent changes in employment legislation and compliance strategies. They will share their extensive experience and expertise, providing clear, actionable advice to help you stay ahead of the curve. 

This event also offers an opportunity to network with fellow small business owners and industry professionals. Sharing experiences and solutions with peers can provide new perspectives and innovative ideas for managing your business more effectively. 

Thank you to the Law Firm of Bechtel & Santo, the Leavitt Group, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for sponsoring the conference. This event is just one example of how the Durango Chamber provides resources to support the area’s business community and why I love working here.  

To register for this conference or for more information about the Chamber, our activities and events, visit DurangoBusiness.org.

by Jack Llewellyn, CEO of Durango Chamber of Commerce

This is one of the most emotional and difficult articles that I have written as I step down as the Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO.  After a little over 17 incredible years of service, this decision was not made lightly. But after a lot of reflection, sleepless nights, and consideration, I feel it is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities and for the Chamber to begin a new chapter under new leadership.

First, I want to thank the amazing staff at the Chamber and those who have worked here in the past. Thank you to our current staff, Kim Oyler, Jennifer Dickens, and Madison Anderson-Oles your continued commitment to our members and the community will thrive. I know your knowledge and enthusiasm will continue to support economic growth and innovation for the interest of our members and the extended business community. I know you will provide all the necessary resources, connections, and advocacy to foster a thriving business environment. Thank you to the past and especially the current board of directors. You have helped guide the Chamber through good and difficult times. Thank you to all the members, your support has allowed the Chamber to provide programs, events, and so much more as we strive to grow our businesses and economy.

Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed the resilience, ingenuity and passion that helped to define the Durango Chamber. From the 2008 economic downturn to the 416 Fire, to the Gold King Mine spill, and of course the pandemic, it has been an honor to work with such amazing and talented individuals.

When my chamber colleagues ask, “How does Durango do it, you have so much happening in your town?” The answer is simple, it’s the people. Durango is fortunate to have incredibly dedicated individuals who are deeply passionate about a variety of causes. This passion drives them to find solutions and make things happen.  Add in our numerous amenities – businesses, outdoor activities, mountains, the Animas River, Fort Lewis College, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, art galleries, and our downtown – the list goes on.  When all these elements come together, we truly have a unique and exceptional community.

This is why I am staying in Durango; I’ll be the GM for Hutton Broadcasting serving the Four Corners. Please know that my commitment to our community remains unwavering, and I look forward to finding new ways to contribute to our shared success in the future.
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I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your friendship, support, passion, and dedication over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO and I will cherish the memories and relationships I’ve made during my time at the Chamber. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming chamber events wearing a different hat.

By Jack Llewellyn, CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce

With spring break behind us, I am reminded summertime is when school is out, high school and college students are looking to gain experience. Coincidently, when I ask local businesses what are the challenges faced in today’s environment, one of the top three answers relate to finding skilled employees. As businesses navigate the shifting market landscape, the demand for a diverse, trained, and talented workforce grows. Recognizing this, numerous avenues exist that may contribute to the solution. These range from shadowing initiatives and internships to mentoring programs, enabling businesses/organizations to provide valuable practical experience to the next generation of workers.

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative recently launched a key initiative to help connect businesses and organizations who are interested in work-based learning opportunities for students in our region. Career Launch Southwest is a virtual tool that connects industry with our region’s high school students to promote workforce development. Any business or organization that wants to participate is eligible to take part in the program. Once you create an account, you can host a job shadow, be a guest speaker, participate in a career fair, or employ a student intern at a variety of commitment levels. Each of these options matches your availability with their interests.

Job shadowing provides an avenue for businesses to engage with young talent at an early stage. Shadowing is a firsthand glimpse into the daily business operations. These programs allow the student to observe and “test drive” the career, typically for one day. This type of experience gives the student an idea of what the profession entails, ultimately deciding if they would like to explore the career further.

Internships are more involved and can be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, or for credit. Interns typically are interested in a particular field, eager to gain real world experience. Interns bring a new perspective and can complete specific tasks quickly due to minimal daily interruptions. Internships are a cornerstone in the bridge between academic and real-world application. As an intern supervisor you will provide practical insights into your industry while the intern develops essential skills, builds networks, and grows their resume.  If it’s a good match, you possibly have a future employee.

Mentoring is a crucial part of nurturing talent. Mentoring can take place on the job or as a guest speaker. Mentoring can occur with an individual or a group of students. Offering your experiences and knowledge might be the key to piquing a young person’s interest in your profession. As a mentor, you can foster a culture of continuous learning, not only for the mentee but also for yourself.

Programs like shadowing, internships and mentoring play a crucial role in shaping the future of our workforce.  By investing in these initiatives, you not only expand the talent pool but also foster long-term advantages in recruitment, retention, innovation, and community engagement. Join us in being part of the solution and invest in our workforce pipeline.

Key resources:   Career Launch Southwest: swCoEdCollaborative.org 
​FLC Handshake: FortLewis.joinhandshake.com

by Jack Llewellyn, CEO
Behind every thriving community is a camaraderie of businesses, nonprofits and individuals who are dedicated to making a difference and paying it forward. And Durango is fortunate to have so many incredible community contributors, but so often, these entities fly under the radar and are selflessly doing what is best for others without recognition.

The Durango Chamber is proud to host the Durango Rocks Annual Awards event, honoring and celebrating local businesses and community leaders by presenting 12 prestigious awards. Last Thursday night was filled with excitement as we acknowledged the outstanding achievements of our exceptional nominees who are local businesses, community leaders and nonprofit organizations that are making a difference and positively contributing to our economy.  Reviewing the list of recipients, you’ll undoubtably think of something they have done for our community.

Congratulations to:

• Citizen of the Year, Dr. Joe Murphy
• Spirit of Durango, Happy Pappy’s Pizza n Wings
• Diplomat of the Year, Nora Stafford
• Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Marc and Jane Katz
• Non-Profit of the Year, Economic Development Alliance
• Bill Mashaw Volunteer of the Year, Fred Riedinger
• Morely Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award, LaTitia Taylor
• Young Professional of the Year, Rebekah Click
• Leadership La Plata Barbara Conrad Award, Natambu Obleton
• Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Elizabeth Philbrick
• Small Business of the Year Award, Desert Sun Coffee Roasters
• Business of the Year Award, Durango Nursery

As you can see, each recipient exemplifies integrity, accountability, and resourcefulness. The diverse perspectives and experiences provide our community with an opportunity to thrive and succeed.
As we continue to change and evolve, the Durango Rocks program is a time to celebrate. It serves as a reminder we can reach new goals and accomplish our dreams. And as part of that success, contribute making a difference. Find your passion and remember to give back and mentor others so they too can follow their passion.

​I also want to thank the Durango Chamber staff, without them, none of this could happen. Kim Oyler produced and directed the evening. Jennifer Dickens’ creativity welcomed the attendees with a year in review presentation and she designed the night’s program. And our newest team member, Madison Anderson-Oles handled social media, video assets and so many behind the scenes details. Thank you all for your dedication not only to the Chamber and Durango Rocks, but to our 700 members helping their businesses thrive.

Durango Rocks is more than an awards program, it’s a chance to embrace the human spirit and the opportunities that arise as we collaborate to help one another, putting our differences aside.

​Throughout the year as you experience exceptional service or know someone who goes above and beyond, I invite you to nominate them. Simply go to https://www.durangobusiness.org/ and nominate. Let’s continue celebrating those that make Durango Rock.

As we begin a New Year, it is a good time to not only reflect on successes of 2023 but set strategic goals, dust off business plans, and update as needed. As small business owners, we are presented with unique challenges and opportunities. To navigate the ever-changing landscape here are some items to consider.

1. Check in with your core advisors. If you don’t already have a relationship with a group of advisors, establish them in 2024. Its good to have relationships before you need them. These include: a banker, an accountant, an attorney, insurance provider, a marketing specialist, IT specialist, just to name a few. Also your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Business Improvement District (BID), Region 9, and the Economic Alliance can be great resources, and we all provide services within our “swim lanes.”
2. Building customer relationships. Having strong customer relationships is key to a successful small business. Examine your customers’ lifetime commitment to doing business with you. Know their likes and dislikes, offer loyalty programs, personalize communications, ask for their feedback. A repeat customer can be a wonderful ambassador to help promote your business.
3. Employee development. Prioritize employee training and development in 2024. The Durango   Chamber offers a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the year. From Lunch and Learns, Human Resource courses, Coffee Connections, Eggs and Issues forums, to our Leadership La Plata program, all are designed for professional enhancement and growth.  Ask your employees about their personal goals and help achieve them. A satisfied and engaged workforce contributes to increased productivity and business success.
4. Local community engagement. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and consumers gravitate towards those that actively give back and support others. Strong ties to various non-profits not only can enhance a business’s reputation but also provides a positive work environment.
5. Increasing digital presence. Review your website with a fresh set of eyes. Optimize your website for mobile users, leverage social media platforms, maximize e-commerce opportunities. Having an online presence not only increases your local visibility, it expands your customer base to a broader audience.
6.  Diversity and Inclusion. Building a diverse and inclusive workplace will foster creativity, increase productivity, attract a variety of talent, and promote equal opportunities. Having a varied workforce can include employees of different ages, gender, diversified backgrounds, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and disabilities are just some examples of how to diversify your workforce. Involving everyone and engaging input can spark new ideas and programs often leading to increased business.
7. Developing an exit strategy. At some point in the maturing process of owning a business you might want to sell, retire, change direction, or close the business altogether. Whatever the situation entails, having an exit strategy before you need it can relieve much of the anxiety, emotional stress and offer clarity. Knowing what you ultimately want out of your business before a “must do” situation occurs can be a lifesaver. Having an exit strategy can give you peace of mind when a transitional opportunity presents itself.

Embrace the New Year, consider some of these goals and continue to be involved. The Durango Chamber is here as a resource, a promoter, an advocate and partner to help grow your business. Our staff is here for you, our business is to help grow your business.