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.

More Choice. Greater Equity. Improved Value!
By Jack Llewellyn, CEO Durango Chamber

As Maurice Levy once said, “We have to keep transforming ourselves to stay relevant for the future.”
After careful thought and evaluation, the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff have determined it’s time to change and update the way our members invest.  Similar to many other chambers, the Durango Chamber is moving to a tiered-dues structure, which offers benefits according to the investment level a member selects. This new system will simplify our membership categories, with a focus on value and the opportunity to choose what’s best for your business.  It also continues to align with our mission of supporting a strong and vibrant economy and providing opportunities for our members to build and grow successful businesses.

Previously, the Chamber’s membership system was a hybrid structure with the lower levels based on the number of employees the business had in their organization, called a “fair share” structure.  The new system will feature just 7 tiers with different benefits attached to each one, offering a choice with a return on investment while supporting the Chamber’s mission.

We understand that our members value a variety of benefits for different reasons.  Some members seek a voice for the business community through advocacy.  Others desire more opportunities to network, advertise, educate or train. The various tiered membership levels are designed to offer you choices while accomplishing your needs.

The Chamber is maintaining its core benefits.  Referrals to members, cost-effective advertising, sponsorship opportunities to increase brand awareness, announcements of milestones and new businesses, access to Chamber programs, events and services, and ways to build connections. Our signature programs will also continue: Leadership La Plata (LLP), Diplomats (DIPS), Young Professionals of Durango (YPODs) and Look Local First.

The new tiered structure will begin in the next few months.  Your membership anniversary month will be honored along with your rolling 12-month period, which means your billing period will not change.  In addition, we’re offering options to pay with a credit card or check, as well as your choice of installments, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually.
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Bottom line, this new approach eliminates the “one-size-fits-all” strategy and gives you, as a member, more choice with improved value. You may view the preliminary details on our website, here.  
If you have any questions about this change in structure, your benefits, or any other Chamber business questions, please don’t hesitate contacting me at 970-247-0312.​