Durango Chamber of Commerce
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Why Join
    • Scholarships
    • Testimonials
    • Member Directory
  • Programs/Workshops
    • Chamber Communications
    • Business Advocacy & Policy Guidelines >
      • Government Affairs Reports
    • Leadership La Plata >
      • Pay LLP Alumni Dues
      • LLP Blog
      • About LLP
      • LLP Barbara Conrad Award
      • Alumni Directory LLP
    • Chamber Diplomats
    • Young Professionals of Durango
    • Leads Group
    • DURANGO ROCKS AWARDS Ceremony
  • Calendar
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Business Resources
    • About Durango
    • Chamber Facilities
  • Members Login
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Why Join
    • Scholarships
    • Testimonials
    • Member Directory
  • Programs/Workshops
    • Chamber Communications
    • Business Advocacy & Policy Guidelines >
      • Government Affairs Reports
    • Leadership La Plata >
      • Pay LLP Alumni Dues
      • LLP Blog
      • About LLP
      • LLP Barbara Conrad Award
      • Alumni Directory LLP
    • Chamber Diplomats
    • Young Professionals of Durango
    • Leads Group
    • DURANGO ROCKS AWARDS Ceremony
  • Calendar
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Business Resources
    • About Durango
    • Chamber Facilities
  • Members Login

The Power of Connection and a Good Referral

6/10/2025

0 Comments

 
by Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce
Picture
Small businesses don’t just operate in our community; they are our community. They employ our neighbors, support our schools, and reinvest locally. But we can’t keep expecting them to succeed in isolation. If we want a resilient local economy, we need to commit to supporting the businesses that are supporting us. ​

A strong business ecosystem depends on connection, trust, and mutual support. When businesses know and trust each other, they become more than service providers; they become partners in growth. That’s why referrals, and the relationships that drive them, remain one of the most powerful tools a business can have. This kind of ecosystem reduces risk, increases opportunity, and creates a sense of shared responsibility that benefits everyone involved. 

Word-of-mouth still outperforms most marketing strategies because people trust people they know. According to industry data, over 90% of consumers trust referrals from friends and family more than any form of advertising. When someone says, “Call Café Amor, their catering is top notch,” that carries far more weight than a Google review. A good referral is not just a lead; it is a personal endorsement that sets the tone for loyalty and results in better connections. 

And when those referrals are rooted in local relationships, the impact multiplies. Choosing local means keeping dollars in our economy, reinforcing local jobs, and investing in a network that can adapt, grow, and endure. The strength of our economy isn’t built on a handful of high performers; it’s built on how consistently we show up for each other. 

Referrals should be intentional. Before you hire or contract with a company, ask yourself: Are they local? Are they invested here? Do they contribute to the same ecosystem I rely on? One simple step: check the Chamber directory at durangobusiness.org. It is more than a list; it is a signal that a company is committed to being part of something bigger than itself.

When businesses support each other, there’s a ripple effect. Thriving businesses sponsor youth sports, fund nonprofit programs, volunteer in schools, and fuel community services. Those contributions don’t come from chance; they come from success. And that success often starts with one good referral. 

So how do you build your referral network? Start with connection. Don’t wait until you need something. Attend community gatherings. Introduce yourself. Learn what others do well and look for ways to support them. Promote others when it makes sense and build your reputation as a trusted resource. 

The Chamber exists to help make that happen. Whether it’s joining a Leads Group, attending Business After Hours, showing up for Mornings at El Moro, or simply checking the directory; those connections can lead to real opportunity. But like your gym membership, it only works if you SHOW UP and ENGAGE. 

Durango needs more than a handful of standout businesses; we need a connected business network. That’s how we build resilience and something sustainable. That’s how we strengthen our business ecosystem. 

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    The Durango Chamber of Commerce

    The Durango Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that promotes and supports the local business community through communication, advocacy, education, leadership and financial viability.

    Archives

    June 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    October 2022

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Join Our Mailing List
© COPYRIGHT Durango Chamber of Commerce 
2301 Main Ave. | P.O. Box 2587 | Durango. CO 81302
Toll-Free: 888-414-0835 | Phone: 970-247-0312 
Home | Contact Us | Join the Chamber | Site Map