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.

by Jack Llewellyn, CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce

In September, we hosted a Coffee Connections event with Fort Lewis College professor Amoneeta Beckstein. The presentation and discussion focused on maximizing leadership potential through mindfulness, and I was struck by the thoughtful discourse it inspired among our Chamber members.
​

​When Professor Beckstein asked the group what characteristics made a good leader, the group instantly started to chime in with words like kindness, compassion, and ownership. These characteristics require a great deal of mindfulness and composure to apply them consistently, and they are precisely the characteristics many of our local leaders and business owners possess.

Kindness and compassion towards the community at large make the individuals and organizations in Durango so special. Durango Rocks is one way The Chamber recognizes our community’s leaders for their tireless efforts. Look at any of our past recipients, and you will see dedicated individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their colleagues and community by demonstrating all the qualities of a mindful, compassionate leader.

Durango Rocks honors several businesses and community members annually for their outstanding qualities as visionaries. Our members and the public nominate honorees for each category and the awards committee votes to select the final recipient based on merit, not popularity.

The Business of the Year Award recognizes dynamic companies that share a commitment to excellence, business growth, and the community. These companies demonstrate achievement in service as well as innovation in management. Past recipients include Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center, Kroegers Ace Hardware, 1st Southwest Bank, Peak Food and Beverage, and Durango Dermatology.

Small Business of the Year honors companies that have been in business for at least three years with fewer than 15 full-time employees. These businesses demonstrate innovation, perseverance, and outstanding accomplishments in management. They do all of this while creating and growing a successful business. Past recipients include Adela Flora, Southwest Eye Consultants, Honeyville and Honey House Distillery, Durango Harley Davidson, and Pet Haus.

Entrepreneur of the Year is an award given to an individual who creates a new business and is seen as a source of new ideas, goods, or services. They take on the risks of building a startup and demonstrate strong vision, leadership, and ingenuity. Past recipients include Ben Sorensen with Ascent Digital Media, Carol Clark with Union Social House, Erin Neer with MuniRevs, Jeff and Jennifer Vierling with Tailwind Nutrition.

Citizen of the Year recognizes those who have made a noteworthy contribution to our community that is above and beyond their profession or regular responsibilities. These individuals exemplify putting the community first and making Durango a better place to live and work. Past recipients include Gaige Sippy, Karen Zink, Bob Wolf, Ellen Roberts, and Joanne Spina.

Non-Profit of the Year recognizes outstanding achievement in the non-profit sector. These organizations meet an unfilled need for the betterment of the area and serve with distinction. Past recipients include Region 9 Economic Development, Trails 2000, and the Community Foundation.

Volunteer of the Year goes to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and leadership, which is above and beyond their profession and everyday responsibilities. Past recipients include Vaughn Morris, Dave Woodruff, Lisa Barrett, and Jeff Givens.

If you have an individual, business, or non-profit you want to nominate for a Durango Rocks award, the deadline is Tuesday, October 31st, at 5 p.m. You can submit your nominations under the Awards Nominations tab.

In our more than 100 years as a membership based business organization in Durango, we have learned to evolve and update our services to address the ever-changing issues that arise. Whether you are a member of the Chamber or not, we are advocating for the best interest of our local businesses and are continuously developing innovative ways to bring our community together.
 
So, what exactly happens behind the curtain? It all boils down to active involvement, visibility, and advocacy, we are a catalyst, connector, convener and champion for our members and the community.
 
As a 501c6, we act as a prominent voice for small companies and advocate at the local, state, and federal levels providing input on the policies and issues that directly impact Durango’s businesses. Our advocacy work for our 700+ members provides them a voice when they don’t have the time to monitor and attend the meetings and legislative sessions. When additional data and input is needed, survey results are reported to elected officials.  
 
Furthermore, the Durango Chamber is the parent organization for Leadership La Plata. The next cohort will represent 35 years and close to 600 graduates. In addition, we also have up to 40 Diplomats supporting the Chamber, who help promote our mission and members with ribbon cuttings, attend programs, and enhance community involvement. Our YPOD’s (Young Professionals of Durango) connect, empower and engage with other professionals between the ages of 21-39 by providing educational, social, and philanthropic activities. 
 
The connecting and convening side includes monthly offerings, Lunch and Learn Workshops feature local businesses that provide knowledge and resources on topics that range from marketing strategies, to branding to exceptional customer service and more. If you want to participate in a more relaxed networking environment, our Business After Hours is an excellent opportunity to interact with other local business leaders. Coffee Connections is the first Tuesday of the month.
 
Our quarterly Eggs and Issues allows professionals to come together with influential leaders and government representatives to hear about current issues impacting our community and spark honest discussions. New this year is our “Get to Know the CEO” Speaker Series, where CEO’s share inside knowledge from some of our community’s most accomplished leaders. Additionally, our Look Local First campaign is our ongoing effort to promote the importance of shopping and consuming local products and services to support a robust and diverse local economy.
 
Other opportunities include: Friday Business Facts E-blast, a monthly newsletter which both have 2,500 subscribers and an average 40-50% open rate. Data Axel data mining tool provides national information for businesses, and consumers. Our membership funds contribute invaluable marketing services like these, helping our members promote and grow their businesses.
 
Through a wide variety of opportunities, you can get involved and meet like-minded professionals and business owners who love Durango and the surrounding area. If you have questions about joining the Chamber, please give us a call 970-247-0312 or learn more about our unique offerings on our website.

Summer is in full swing here in Durango. And after the winter we just had, it’s safe to say we are all ready for warmer days. 
 
Here at the Chamber, we are excited about all the opportunities the season provides to gather as a community to participate in some good old fashion fun.  While we have been busy at the Chamber hosting programs and events, from Get To Know The CEO, to Eggs and Issues to this month’s Business After Hours at Sky Ute Casino, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some other ways The Chamber is working behind the scenes to support the businesses that call Durango “home.”
 
Our membership consists of 700 local businesses and organizations comprised of approximately 20,000 employees. Subsequently, our role as an advocate for these members, 80% of which employ fewer than ten people, is at the core of who we are as an organization. 
 
Representing our members and businesses that form the backbone of our community is a mission we don’t take lightly. This means it is essential to partner with other local organizations to ensure that Durango businesses receive fair representation at the city, county, and state level when impactful decisions are made.
 
Recognizing this need, the Durango Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Durango Area Association of Realtors (DAAR), La Plata Energy Council, and the Home Builders Association of SW Colorado, formed the Legislative Affairs Coalition (LAC). 
 
The LAC monitors city, county, and other governmental agencies, participating in various commissions and meetings. In April-May alone, the LAC attended 30 meetings. It monitored more than 35 pieces of legislation, from important housing and healthcare initiatives to ones addressing land use and labor/employment. After close review, each LAC organization determined whether to support, oppose, or monitor each piece of legislation in the best interest of the businesses we represent.
 
The LAC writes monthly summary reports, which the Durango Chamber of Commerce shares to keep our members in the loop. These reports can be found on our website, under the Program/Workshops tab, then select Government Affairs Reports.
 
This spring, we also wrote letters of support for businesses like Durango Motor Company, which recently applied for a Plaza Grant from the Colorado Energy Office to help support the necessary infrastructure and installation of a DC FastCharge (DCFC) station in Durango. In addition, we advocated postponing changes to the Lodgers’ Tax allocations and supported boundary adjustments for the Enterprise Zone program in the “Mid-Town area” of Durango.
 
We recently hosted a wrap up of the state legislative session during our quarterly Eggs and Issues with executive director of the Colorado Competitive Council, Rachel Beck, and Travis Berry, lobbyist with PoliticalWorks.   They gave a recap of the state legislative session and discussed pertinent issues with attendees. 
 
If you want more information on decisions impacting Durango businesses or to register to attend upcoming chamber programs, we encourage you to refer to our website at DurangoBusiness.org or call us at 970-247-0312, ext. 2.