The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Colorado’s Business Climate
By Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Colorado’s business climate in 2026 is a tale of three realities. The Good: Colorado’s greatest asset is its people. An innovative workforce and entrepreneurial culture continue to fuel opportunity throughout the state. The Bad: Businesses are facing increasing challenges. Housing affordability, workforce shortages, rising…
Read MoreLeadership Means Wearing Every Hat
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog One of the things I appreciate most about leading the Durango Chamber, and my previous role at Fort Lewis College, is the variety. On any given day, I may be discussing culture, strategy, marketing, community partnerships, or the future direction of the organization. Which…
Read MoreThe Power of Win/Win Partnerships
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog One of the principles we emphasize in our Leading with Purpose speaker series is creating Win/Win relationships. The strongest partnerships aren’t transactional; they are relational and transformational. When two organizations come together with a shared purpose, they create far more value than either could…
Read MoreAdvocacy Update: Swipe Fee Relief for Small Businesses Awaits Governor’s Signature
By Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Colorado businesses should be closely watching Senate Bill 26-134, the Swipe Fee Relief Act, as it awaits Governor Jared Polis’ decision before the June 11 deadline. The bill would prohibit large credit card companies from charging swipe fees on the sales tax portion of…
Read MorePreparing for a Busy Summer Season
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog In advance of Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial kick off of summer, the Durango Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Business Improvement District to help clean and prepare downtown and North Main. It felt a lot like preparing your home before guests arrive.…
Read MoreBe Part of the Voice of Southwest Colorado
By Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Advocacy is about more than staying informed. It’s about building relationships and showing up when it matters. At the Durango Chamber, we work year-round to maintain strong, productive relationships with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels, regardless of party. That’s how…
Read MoreDifferent Missions, Same Leadership
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Leading a nonprofit and running a for-profit business are two different jobs; one is centered on mission, the other on margins. The context is different, but many principles remain aligned. The most effective leaders in both spaces operate with similar mindsets. They build strong cultures, stay…
Read MoreTurn Insight into Action
By Kim Oyler, COO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Effective advocacy takes more than staying informed. It requires timely action. Policy decisions at the local, state, and federal levels move quickly, and the window to make your voice heard can be short. That’s why we’re launching the Advocacy Action Network. It’s a simple…
Read MoreA Voice for Southwest Colorado at the Capitol
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog Last month, community leaders from across our region traveled to Denver for Southwest Colorado Days at the Capitol, an annual opportunity to connect directly with state leaders and advocate for the priorities that matter most to our communities. This year, 17 community leaders participated,…
Read MoreWhy Business Advocacy Matters in Southwest Colorado
By Jeff Dupont, CEO, Durango Chamber of Commerce Back to Blog If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that business owners must be resilient. We’ve navigated inflation, workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, rising insurance costs, and shifting consumer behavior. Just as conditions begin to stabilize, new economic headwinds emerge. Business owners need the…
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