As the interim CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, I’m thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Durango Rocks Awards Celebration will be Thursday, Feb. 20,2025. This annual event, a cornerstone of our community for more than 40 years, honors the remarkable achievements of businesses, organizations and individuals who significantly impact our area.

Since the early 1980s, when Citizens of the Year, Jean Reed, Cy Scarborough, and Bob Beers were recognized, the Durango Chamber has celebrated those who positively influence our community through leadership, entrepreneurship and service. This tradition has grown to include multiple award categories, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of the Durango area.

This year, we will honor finalists and recipients in various categories, including Business and Small Business of the Year, Ed Morlan Entrepreneur of the Year, and Spirit of Durango. These awards acknowledge not only business excellence but also the spirit and dedication that propel our community forward. 

Durango is fortunate to have dedicated leaders and nonprofits making significant contributions. We honor these individuals with prestigious accolades such as Citizen of the Year, Morley Ballantine Women’s Leadership Award, Bill Mashaw Volunteer Award, and Young Professionals of Durango, and Diplomat of the Year. Our vibrant nonprofit sector shines through the Nonprofit of the Year award, first given in 2006 to United Way.

Durango Rocks Awards stand out due to the rigorous selection process. Approximately 20 community members from diverse backgrounds serve on the selection committee, evaluating nominees based on their contributions and merits. This ensures the awards are not a popularity contest. The Chamber and the selection committee genuinely value the impact of businesses and individuals on our community, and this event reflects that commitment.

Receiving a Durango Rocks award extends beyond the accolades. It can enhance a business’s reputation, boost brand awareness and credibility, and increase employee morale and job satisfaction. The visibility gained from being a finalist or winner can also distinguish businesses in their fields. 

We invite you as a business owner, employee, or community member to nominate those who have made a difference in our community. Nominations are now open, and we encourage you to recognize distinguished leaders, organizations and businesses. Leaders are eligible if they have not already received an award in a particular category. Businesses and nonprofits must be Chamber members and are eligible if they have not received that award within the last 10 years. 

Nominating is easy! Submit your nomination online here and share who you believe is exceptional in the Durango area! Stay tuned for information on how your company can be part of this celebration through sponsorship opportunities. 

And be sure to mark your calendar for Feb. 20, 2025 when we’ll celebrate why Durango truly Rocks!

For more information about the Chamber, our activities and events, visit DurangoBusiness.org.

Join Us for Business After Hours at Manna Soup Kitchen!

Join us Aug. 15 when Manna Soup Kitchen will host a memorable Business After Hours bash with food trucks, live music and more great door prizes! Pre-register online for just $15 or $20 at the door.

Aug. 28 Workshop: Connecting Accountability to Leadership

Elevate your leadership game on Aug. 28 by joining Suzanne Phare of Real Ideal Coaching for this engaging workshop! Dive into the art of fostering accountability within your team and learn how to lead with confidence and integrity. Suzzane will guide you through effective practices that transform leaders into accountability champions. Sponsored by TBK Bank.

Mornings at El Moro! 

Networking & Learning Series!

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for an engaging networking and educational program from 7:45am to 9am at El Moro Spirits & Tavern. Connect with community peers, participate in a 25-minute learning session presented by a community leader, organization, or business. Showcase your best elevator pitch in this morning mingle.  



Don’t miss the complimentary coffee by 81301 and the chance to savor a delicious El Moro breakfast burrito – the perfect start to your day! Brought to you by the Durango Chamber of Commerce and El Moro Spirits & Tavern, . Check out DurangoBusiness.org for details & to order your breakfast burrito.

Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, Sept 10th - Durango's Wild West History by Horsefly History Tours

Tuesday, Oct. 1st

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

Join us for Central Bank’s Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings & Help Celebrate Durango’s Vibrant Business Community!

All are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration on Aug. 28 from 4:30 to 7pm as they unveil Central Bank’s exciting new brand! Meet the entire Central Bank team and enjoy some refreshments. Join the Chamber Diplomats and celebrate with a ribbon cutting at 5:15pm. Located at 1211 Main Avenue. Learn more at CentralBank.net

Innovative Leadership Propels Durango School District 9-R to New Heights!

Dr. Karen Cheser, Ed.D, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R

By Sara Lynn Valentine

Dr. Karen Cheser recently completed her third year as Superintendent of School District 9-R. Her Master’s degree in business, her Doctorate in education, and her extensive professional experience in both the business and academic worlds have uniquely informed Dr. Cheser’s views on the role of education. 

“We have made huge changes in District 9-R over the last three years,” Dr. Cheser says. “In this short time, we have significantly increased our scores in reading and math. U.S. News and World Reports recently ranked Durango High School in the top 10% in the country! We’re working on STEM, have introduced lots of fresh curricula, and have new gifted and talented programs.”

Under Dr. Cheser’s leadership, 9-R has developed a shared vision, with input from teachers, staff, students, and community and school board members. Six specific competencies were identified as critical to students’ success and the power skills employers are looking for. These include: empathetic collaborating, creative problem-solving, agile thinking, confident communication, resilient risk-taking, and courageous leading. Dr. Cheser wants every student to achieve what she refers to as ‘Ikigai’ -- a Japanese philosophical term that encourages people to determine what's important to them, in order to live life with purpose and joy. 

“We want our students to have the skills and knowledge to find that perfect career doing what they’re good at and that the world needs, and that will pay a living wage,” Dr. Cheser says. “We want them to have a solid plan for after high school - whether two-year or four-year college, workforce, military, etc.…”

9-R’s new IMPACT Career Innovation Center, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) innovation building, is a giant step forward in preparing DHS graduates for the future. Here, students can connect and cooperate with other students in a business like setting, with input from local industry and community leaders. 

Dedicated spaces allow students to develop skills in real life demonstration areas for 14 different career pathways. The fashion design classroom, for instance, looks like a professional runway project. Engineering students are using 3-D printers to create robot parts to build robots. Some graphic design students produce publicity posters and brochures for local businesses, while others create labels and advertising art for IMPACT’s culinary students, who are creating real world, marketable products like Demon Hot Sauce. Students also have opportunities to participate in shadowing, internships and mentoring programs offered by local businesses. Read more about the IMPACT Innovation Center online.

“At a time when many people feel that public schools are failing,“ Dr. Cheser says, “we are seeing tremendous success.”

As president of the Durango Chamber Board of Directors, Dr. Cheser is also actively involved with the Chamber’s workforce development projects, connecting community leaders with the workforce pipeline platform. She also chairs the Southwest Education Collaborative and serves on the board of the ‘Hive,’ a nonprofit organization serving youth.

Learn more here or contact Dr. Cheser at kcheser@durangoschools.org.

Eggs & Issues: Candidates' Forums!

Join us during these Forums and learn more about local candidates before you hit the ballot box!

Sept. 10 County Commissioner District 3 Race

Commissioner Matt Salka – Paul Black

Sept. 26 State House District 59

Ignacio Mayor Clark Craig

9-R School District Board Member Katie Stewart

Navigating Local & State Policy Initiatives

As part of the Durango Chamber’s commitment to effective advocacy, the Legislative Action Coalition monthly report is posted online so our members and community can stay abreast of the latest developments related to public policy on the state and local levels. Read the reports here!

Featured Chamber Young Professional

of Durango:

Brooke Kniffin

Where do you work & what do you do? I’m a Realtor at Legacy Properties West Sotheby’s 

Why did you want to be a YPOD member? I wanted to become a YPOD member to engage in the community more and connect with the young professionals of Durango. I love to hear and learn about what others are doing in the community as we are the next generation.

What do you love about the YPOD program? I love the YPOD program because it gives me a way to connect with new members of our community. I grew up in Durango, so it’s amazing to meet others who made the choice to relocate as well as reconnecting with those who I grew up with.

How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time hanging with friends doing a variety of outdoor activities. I’m also an assistant swim coach for the Durango High School women’s swim team and love coaching and giving back to the sport that gave me so much.

Want to join the YPODs? Find out more here.

Young Professionals Share Entrepreneurs Stories at Speaker Series

The July installment of the YPOD Speaker Series, "How I Made It In Durango", brought young professionals together to hear from local success story, Kira Gullion. Brought to you by Lola’s Place, the series features business owners, entrepreneurs, and significant figures who built their careers and businesses in Durango. Kira shared her story from FLC Graduate, to owning and operating the Bayfield Thrift Store “Bee Thrifty,” to her newfound and hard-earned success with Durango’s Lizard Head Trading Company.

Join the YPOD’s for the next installment of “How I Made It In Durango” on August 23 at 8am.

Young Professionals Talk Business & Books



The Young Professionals of Durango brought books and business together at 11th Street Station for their July Happy Hour. In the third installment of their summer networking series, the book swap and social hour yielded new connections and literary discourse.

For the final installment of the Summer Networking Series, join the YPOD’s at Union Social house for Backyard Games and business connections! For more information, visit our calendar.

Leadership La Plata Alumni Feature:

Darren Wayman

What do you do for a living? I am the Risk Manager for La Plata County.

What LLP Class were you in? 2017/2018.

What do you love about LLP? The leadership development – I entered my class expecting to grow as a professional. I ultimately grew just as much as an individual, applying the leadership lessons in all areas of life.

How does the Chamber help your business/what do you enjoy about the Chamber? When my wife and I returned home to southwest Colorado in 2014, we did so to be closer to family. I did not have a job offer; we moved on faith that things would fall into place. While networking, I kept hearing the same thing: “Start with the Durango Chamber.” So I did. Jack was the first person who truly got me connected with the business community, and the rest is history. Ten years later, when someone new to the local workforce asks me for advice, I tell them: Start with the Durango Chamber.



Share a less-known fact about you. I am publishing my first children’s book in 2024. Also, I used to be a heavy metal DJ (pierced tongue and all).

Learn more about Leadership La Plata at DurangoBusiness.org/llp.

Chamber Diplomat Spotlight:

Randy Burton

What’s Your Business? Real Estate. I work with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties. We have a fantastic Main Avenue location, across from the Main Mall.

 How long have you been a Diplomat? I am brand new and loving it!

How long have you lived in Durango? 28 years.

Tell us about your family: I have a 17 year old son. No pets at the moment, but I may be in the market for a dog.

What is your favorite part of being a Diplomat? Meeting a lot of new people! I love the new friendships I have already made.

Fun Fact About You? My background is Broadcasting. If you have lived here awhile chances are you have heard me.

Want to Join this Fun and Professional Group? Find out more here.

Upcoming Chamber Programs & Events!

For more information & to register: DurangoBusiness.org

Aug. 14 8am Annual Employment Law Update with Atty. Michael Santo

Aug. 15 4-6pm Business After Hours at Manna Soup Kitchen (with Food Trucks & Live Music)

Aug. 28 noon-1pm Lunch & Learn with Suzy Phare: Connecting Accountability to Leadership

Aug. 28 4:30-6:30pm Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Central Bank

Sept. 6 at 8:30am Get to Know the CEO with Jeff Vierling of Tailwind Nutrition

Sept. 10 7:45-9am Mornings at El Moro Networking & Learning Series

Sept. 12 5-7pm Business After Hours & Member Appreciation Party at the Chamber

Sept. 18 Shred Day with Alpine Bank, Phoenix Recycling, the Durango Chamber & Three Springs

Sept. 25 noon-1pm Lunch & Learn with FLC Professor, Dr. Tomasz Miaskiewicz: Utilizing & Developing AI Assistants

More details at Durangobusiness.org

What’s Happening with our Chamber Members!

Find more information here.



Every Wednesday American Legion

Trujillo Sheets Post Wednesday Luncheons

Every Saturday Durango Farmers Market 8am to noon

Aug. 14 5-7:30pm The San Juanderers live music at the Carver

Family Plaza at the Powerhouse

Aug. 18 3-6pm 30th Anniversary Celebration for Habitat La Plata at Serious Texas BBQ South

Aug. 21 FLC Soccer Exhibition vs. Trinidad State (women’s 4:30pm) (men’s 7pm)

Aug. 24 FLC Men’s Soccer Exhibition vs Eastern AZ

Aug. 25 FLC Soccer Exhibition (women’s 1:30pm) (men’s 11am)

Aug. 31 2pm FLC Football vs William Jewell

Aug. 31 FLC Soccer Exhibition (women’s

5pm) (men’s 7pm)

Sept 6-8 – Parade of Homes

Want your event listed? It’s free! 

Log in to your portal or call us at

(970) 247-0312 ext 2

A Huge Shoutout to Shaw Solar for Hosting a Stellar July Business After Hours.

Shaw Solar threw an epic evening with scrumptious bites and delightful sips. Congratulations to the winners of the fabulous door prizes! Many thanks to Shaw Solar for being a gracious host and to Star Liquors for their support!

Creating Engaging Videos with Blue Lily Productions!

Thank you to Joseph Kuzma with Blue Lily Productions for presenting helpful tips and tricks on creating videos that evoke emotion and create a connection with viewers. Participants walked away with tangible ways to help their make their marketing efforts more effective. Many thanks to TBK Bank for hosting us and your partnership! Check out Blue Lily Productions’ YouTube channel for some of their projects.

LLP Monthly Focus:

Power Skills: Taking Your Team from Proficient to Spectacular!

By Beth Porter, Four Corners Broadcasting

There’s a new term in the C-suite (or in the one-man shop!): Power Skills. Previously referred to as “soft skills,” Power Skills encompass emotional intelligence and people management skills versus “hard skills,” like technical prowess or scientific knowledge. Many of them are the skills your parents and teachers tried to drill into you:

• Adaptability and resilience
• Consistency
• Courtesy
• Emotional intelligence
• Problem-solving
• Positive attitude
• Responsibility
• Teamwork
• Time management



On a great day, it’s easy to embody all of these characteristics. As a leader, you must learn how to embrace them in times of crisis or frustration. While there’s an old dogma that the boss can throw a temper tantrum or read someone the riot act, that doesn’t work in today’s environment. And while power skills are essential for building and maintaining an excellent workforce, they are also crucial to engaging with other stakeholders, including customers, vendors, investors and the general public.



It’s easy to dismiss these skills as personality traits…you’re born with them or you’re not. However, power skills can be developed. These skills help leaders develop the highest potential in their workforce by exercising empathy and empowerment, fostering curiosity, learning how to delegate and how to build a solid team.

Beth Porter is the Senior Marketing Consultant with Four Corners Broadcasting and an alumni of Leadership La Plata Class of 2015-2016.

Congratulations to Kelly Miranda Photography on the Grand Opening of her New Studio!

The grand opening celebration of Kelly Miranda Photography’s new studio was enjoyed by friends, family and Chamber Diplomats. Kelly has been capturing beautiful family and wedding moments since 2010. She specializes in maternity, newborns, and family photography. Her passion for preserving life’s precious stories shines through in her stunning print artwork and albums. Congratulations to Kelly on her beautiful new studio in Bodo Park!

Find out more:  Kelly Miranda Photography



Groundbreaking Ceremony with Mesa Verde Estates Senior Living!

The Chamber Diplomats joined Mesa Verde Estates for their groundbreaking ceremony. The 124-unit senior living center is located in Three Springs, southwest of Mercy/Common Spirit. This senior community will have assisted living units and memory care units, with amenities such as an exercise room, library and game room, theater, wellness programs, chef-prepared meals, and more.

Learn more here: MesaVerdeSeniorLiving.com



Our Own Lives

Page Coleman

831 E 31st St

Durango, CO   81301

(970) 335‑3447

website

Mountain to Desert Mortgage

Andy Roach

700 Main Ave #K

Durango.Co 81301

(970) 799-7550

website

ZenBusiness

Ross Buhrdorf

5511 Parkcrest Drive

Suite 103

Austin, TX 78731

(844) 493-6249

Business, Financial & Tax Counselors                              

Amber Blake Consulting

Amber Blake

2301 Forest Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 799‑2074

website

BHF Construction

Chris Taylor

179 Ridge Crest Dr

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 501‑5225

website

Cat Care Durango

Shiann Swapp

72 Suttle Street,   Unit J

Durango, CO 81303

(970) 946‑0768

website

Aramark/ Mesa Verde Co.

CENTURY 21 Elite Realty

Comfort Keepers

CRC Janitorial Services, Inc.

Durango Electrical Service, Inc.

Peak Exploration & Production, LLC

Seasons Rotisserie-Grill

Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

Sunnyside Meats, Inc.

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Affordable Framing Plus

Animas Museum / La Plata County Historical Society

Durango Financial Planning

Housing Solutions for the SW

Juice Plus & Tower Garden with Louetta

The Juniper School

Pace Property Inspections, LLC

Parker's Animal Rescue

Professional Women's Network of Durango

Snowdown of Durango, Inc.

Sound Bookkeeping

United Country Blue Sky Homes and Land

Jack Turner

Vectra Bank

Pepsi Beverages Company

Southwest Eye Consultants

How to Find a Happy Medium between Spending and Saving

La Plata County Extension: Tip of the Month

by Nicole Clark, RDN, M.Ed.

A penny saved is a penny earned, true. But watching your savings grow at a snail's pace hardly feels like progress. 

Plus, how does one get ahead when it takes weeks of picking up pennies (and naturally, only those that are heads up), just to spend it all, and more, on a specialty coffee drink?

The obvious answer is, “don't buy the specialty coffee.” If we spend less, we can save more. It’s an easy choice for those who are just as happy with a drip coffee made at home. Not as easy for others.

Values guide many of our decisions, including financial. To start your savings plan, first consider and prioritize what matters to you.

Having a hard time making this decision? Consider unsubscribing from emails that fill your inbox with promotional offerings. It can be especially hard to save money and reduce nonessential spending when we are under the influence of marketing.  

Of course there will be items you want. Put these on your wish list so you can save with purpose. It’s a lot easier to save money when you have a good reason for doing so.  

Perhaps you find yourself tempted by purchases that provide instant gratification? Try writing your top wish list item on a piece of tape, and stick that note on your credit/debit card. It’s a timely reminder of what you really want, precisely when you’re feeling vulnerable.

Finally, give yourself some time to contemplate before making the choice to purchase something. A 24-hour buffer zone can give your brain the opportunity it needs to consider all impacts of the purchase. This is a critical counterbalance to your desire for instant gratification.

La Plata County Extension health programming: nicole.clark@co.plata.co.us or (970) 382-6461.

Rising Workloads and New Jobs Drive Positive Hiring Outlook, Budget Constraints Pose Challenges

32% of Companies Hold Headcount Steady

Latest Results from The Harris Poll

Hiring outlooks and expectations of workforce increases remain high, largely driven by expansions in work with many citing increased workloads and newly created positions. However, budgetary constraints may be stalling some companies’ growth. 

This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Most U.S. hiring managers have a positive outlook for their company’s hiring opportunities for the remainder of the year (81%), and report feelings of optimism (48%), hopefulness (41%) and confidence (41%).

Several industries continued to see employment trending upwards, including health care, social assistance, leisure and hospitality, professional, scientific, technical services, retail and government.

This is expected to continue for the remainder of the year, with 3 in 5 U.S. hiring managers (60%) saying their company plans to increase the number of employees in the second half of 2024 — though few plan to make significant increases in the number of employees (15%).

New business/opportunities may be driving company efforts for workforce increases, as many attribute these plans to the need to manage increased volumes of work (50%) and fill newly created positions (44%), on par with past waves.

Read More Here

The Durango, Co Express office is located at 321 So Camino Del Rio and serves the Four Corners Area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit www.ExpressPros.com/durangoco or call (970) 403-8780.

Check out the Chamber’s Podcast for the Durango Business Community!

The Durango Chamber of Commerce's Podcast, Down to Business, features business and community leaders, uncovers the latest happenings, and explores our vibrant mountain town life. From entrepreneurs to upcoming events, we've got you covered. The Down to Business podcast is available on Spotify or you can follow this link.

For the latest podcast, go here.

2024 DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Staff

Kim Oyler, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer Dickens, Communications Coordinator

Madison Anderson-Oles, Member Relations Coordinator

2301 Main Avenue | Durango, CO 81301

970.247.0312 ext. 2

www.durangobusiness.org

chamber@durangobusiness.org

Chamber Board Members

Dr. Karen Cheser, 9-R School District

Melisa Jackson Palmer, Bank of Colorado

Vaughn Morris, Boys and Girls Club

Charles Spence, Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel

Mike Vermette, Star Liquors

Nick Johnson, Exit Realty Home & Ranch

Sarah Boyette, Durango Motor Company

Sandy Lane, Diplomat Representative

Sandy A. Lane Consulting

Neil Dolder, Leadership La Plata Representative

Jaynes Construction

Joseph Kuzma, YPOD Representative

Boys & Girls Club

 Dave Woodruff, City Council, City of Durango Representative

2301 Main Avenue | 970.247.2301 | DurangoBusiness.org