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October 15, 2014 - In This Issue:
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"Downtown Basalt is gaining some vitality this
fall, even if some storefronts remain vacant."
~ From the cover page of the Aspen Times, 10/9/14 ~
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 NEWS FROM THE CABOOSE
The "Creative Spaces - Revitalizing a Town With Art" program leapt to life on Friday with a happy crowd, warm cider and delicious Pot Pie from Heather's. People wandered between the three newly-filled storefronts at the east end of Midland Avenue enjoying the lovely, eclectic art and the sensation of restored vitality.
As Scott Condon reported in the Aspen Times last week: "Downtown Basalt is gaining some vitality this Fall, even if some storefronts remain vacant." We all know that one day in the not too distant future, there'll not be an empty storefront in downtown Basalt. In the meantime, we can enjoy the wonderful businesses, restaurants, galleries and shops that make our town's historic center so special -- and fill the empty spaces with art, decor and exhibits. Please read below to learn more about the volunteers, artists, owners and realtors who pitched in to get this program moving, and how you can get involved..
Welcome to Basalt: Element by Westin & Rocky Mountain Institute!
It's been an exciting week in Basalt already. Yesterday, Basalt's first new hotel in many a year - Element by Westin - broke ground in an early morning ceremony at the Willits Town Center. The LEED certified "sustainable" hotel will offer an important addition to Basalt tourism, tax revenues, jobs and quality development. Today at 4:30, Rocky Mountain Institute's long-anticipated Innovation Center will put its shovel into the well-turned soil on Two Rivers Road. The ground-breaking will be followed by a full panel discussion at the Basalt library on the advanced technological and environmental innovations we'll soon see.
Last Thursday I went to an open house at Waterlaw, the law firm of Patrick, Miller, Kropf & Noto. Well-known and respected around the state and country, Waterlaw is a leading water rights law firm with offices in Basalt, Aspen, Denver, Phoenix and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The firm is located below Midland Avenue in a "green design" building on the banks of the Frying Pan River. Above the law offices is River CoWorks, a "communal" work environment in which businesses can rent space on a short- or long-term basis and enjoy special networking, entrepreneurship and business incubation opportunities. While not unknown around the country, the co-work concept is unique to Basalt. If you're a work-at-home business owner feeling a bit isolated, you might enjoy learning more about the affordable and convenient options at River CoWorks.
On Thursday, that's tomorrow, the Chamber's Business Fun After Hours will be held at the Sopris Medical Practice and Locke Family Medicine. Dr. Bruce Bowen, Dr. Karen Locke & Dr. Kelly Locke are putting together a wonderful event, complete with healthy treats from Eurasia and the Aspen Valley Hospital, plus door prizes and special skin care bonuses. Get all the details below and please RSVP to let us know you'll be there.
New Directors on Board
Everyone knows that the Basalt Chamber of Commerce operates out of an old Colorado Southern Caboose, right? With that and the railroad history of Basalt, new people coming on board takes on a richer context. I'm pleased to announce the appointment of several new members of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:
- Jeffrey C. Campbell - Director of Finance for Destination Resorts in Snowmass Village and owner of Roaring Fork Hospitality Ltd in Basalt
- Catherine E. Markle, RLA - Landscape Architect and President of Alpine Design & Planning, Inc.
- Charles P. Spickert - President of Touchstone Business Advisors in Basalt
For the next three weeks, I'll profile each of our directors beginning today with Charlie Spickert. We're delighted to have such experienced and enthusiastic professionals joining the Chamber team. It's been a while since I gave a nudge to you, our fine members, to think about participating in the Chamber's important community efforts. With our talented new board members and exciting initiatives underway, this is an ideal time to consider how you might like to get involved. Whether it's the Creative Spaces project, the school-to-business initiative, economic development, marketing or special events, there's plenty to do, and it all makes an tremendous contribution to the economic health, business vitality and well-being of our overall community. Take a look below and you'll find a link to our volunteer sign-up sheet.
Warmest regards,
Robin
Robin Waters
President/CEO for your Chamber of Commerce
Check the calendar below for this month's exciting business and networking events in Basalt.
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"CREATIVE SPACES"
~ Revitalizing a Town with Art ~
The opening of the "Creative Spaces" project Friday night on Midland Avenue in Basalt brought smiles to residents, nearby businesses, participating artists and members of the Basalt Town Council and staff. For some who'd looked long and wistfully at the empty spaces along our beloved downtown street, seeing sculpture, brightly-colored paintings, exquisitely-crafted furniture, neon lights and glass art glowing from the newly-washed windows was a moving moment.
We'd like to thank all those who were involved in the remarkably fast, smooth and collaborative effort. In less than three weeks three empty spaces were transformed, artists have a new opportunity to show their works, locals and visitors can enjoy the displays, and property owners and their agents can more proudly present their spaces for sale or rent.
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ARTISTS
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ORGANIZERS & HELPERS
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OWNERS & REALTORS
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Dave Durrance-Paintings
Meg McNulty-Neon Light Sculpture
Shannon Muse-Glass Art &
Sculpture
Michael Raaum-Paintings
Rick Stevens-Reproduction
Plains Indian Weaponry
Dave Struempler-Furniture &
Marquetry Art
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Basalt Chamber of Commerce
Lynne Mace -Toklat Gallery
Karyn Andrade
Town of Basalt
Heather's
Barry Stevenson-Outside
Adventure Media
John Swanson-Basalt Realty/
Photographer
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Mike & Sabine Waters
Julian Hardaker
The Best Way Home
Craig Rathbun & Missy Hagen
The Fleisher Company
Laura Gee
Sotheby's International
Alpine Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
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This initiative was launched by the Basalt Chamber and Toklat Gallery and is a collaboration between artists, galleries, property owners, and the business community. The project is evolutionary and open to new ideas and new participants. Currently the "Creative Spaces" planning group includes Lynne Mace, Karyn Andrade, Steve Chase and Chamber director Robin Waters.
If you're an owner of unoccupied commercial space or wish to support this program, please contact Karyn Andrade. We also welcome volunteers who enjoy organizing and filling space creatively to help us spread art around the town. |
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
UPCOMING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
& LOCAL EVENTS
Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center ~
Groundbreaking & Panel Discussion - TODAY
October 15, Wednesday.
Groundbreaking at 4:30 on Two Rivers Road.
Panel discussion at 5:30-7 at the Basalt Library
Business "Fun" After Hours ** - TOMORROW
October 16, Thursday at 5:30-7pm
Sopris Medical Practice & Locke Family Medicine
Fine Food, Wine, Door Prizes & Great Company
Take a look here and RSVP today by email or phone to (970) 927-4031.
Town of Basalt - Update on the Basalt Avenue Underpass
October 22, Wednesday, 4-7pm
The Town is moving forward efficiently with the design, engineering and financing of the Basalt Avenue Underpass. An open house and presentation on the project will be held next Wednesday at the Basalt Regional Library. This will be of special interest to residents, property owners and businesses in Southside and the Basalt Business Center but all are invited to attend. More information will be provided in next week's newsletter.
Lunch & Learn - "Lung Health Awareness: How High Altitudes Affect
Your Lungs & What You Can Do to Make Them Happy!"
October 29, Wednesday 11:30-1pm
Dr. Akrum Al-Zubaidi "Dr. Aki" from the Lung Center at Valley View Hospital will discuss new technology and services available at VVH including the lung cancer screening and pulmonary rehab programs. Learn more about lung cancer awareness, how high altitudes affect lung health and what you can do to make your lungs happy.
Eagle County Building next to the El Jebel Theater - $15 for members, $25 for non-members
Space is limited. To reserve ahead with pre-payment, call (970) 927-4031
For information call (970) 927-4031 or email
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BUSINESS "FUN" AFTER HOURS
Food, Wine, Door Prizes & Fine Company
Tomorrow! Thursday October 16, 5:30-7pm
Sopris Medical Practice & Locke Family Medicine welcome Chamber members and guests to the October 16 Business "Fun" After Hours
Catered by Eurasia Restaurant and Aspen Valley Hospital, and featuring door prizes, raffle items and the best of company, this will be an event not to be missed. Plus you'll have an opportunity to meet a wonderful group of medical professionals - Doctors Bruce Bowen, Karen Locke and Kelly Locke - who cover a range of services including family medicine, acupuncture, aesthetics and certified weight-loss medical care.
Be sure to enter your name for some great door prizes - including sample skin care products - and come ready to tell us something special about your business. This is an especially great time for new members to introduce themselves, and long-standard members to remind us of all you do in Basalt. Be sure to bring a dollar or two for the jar to reserve your 30 seconds.
Please RSVP today to receive your pre-printed name tag and be entered to win the Business Spotlight for October!
Business After Hours is a member benefit and is FREE for members of the Basalt Chamber. First-time guests may attend for free and returning guests pitch in $20. Introduce a new member and get a bonus ad in the newsletter and our huge appreciation!
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BASALT'S NEWEST HOTEL IS FORMALLY UNDERWAY
The 113-room trailblazing Element by Westin officially broke ground this week on a cool Tuesday morning in the Willits Town Center in Basalt. A joint venture between Silverwest Hotel Partners, a Denver-based hotel investment company, and Mariner Real Estate Management, a Kansas-based real estate private equity firm, the hotel will offer "sustainable" lodging with stylish, light-filled rooms, a cutting edge fitness center, pool and outdoor hot tub and a large meeting room with state-of-the art technology.
Element is a leader in the eco-space, and is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high performance buildings.
"This whole project and Whole Foods under Mariner has gone at light-speed record to get approved. I think it's really apparent that the community approves and welcomes the hotel," said Jacque Whitsitt, mayor of Basalt, who was one of several speakers which also included Ed Mace, a partner in Silverwest, and Tim Belinski of IND Ventures, the face of Willits and part of the development team for the new hotel.
Just five minutes from Basalt's historic downtown, the hotel could attract 45,000 guests annually and bring more than $100,000 dollars in tax revenue to local governments, as well as myriad jobs to residents. Scheduled to open in late 2015, the project is part of the 15-acre Willits Town Center which includes Whole Foods, restaurants, retail shops, office space, and residential lofts. Coming up in the space across from the hotel is a three-story structure with retail space and affordable housing units, says David Warner of Lipkin Warner Design and Planning, a Basalt architectural firm and part of the Willits design team.
The Chamber welcomes the new hotel and wishes the development team a positive year ahead.
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE INNOVATION CENTER
A new "beyond" state-of-the-art office center breaks ground TODAY Oct. 15 in Basalt
Groundbreaking at 4:30pm ~ Panel discussion at the Basalt Library 5:30-7
- 15,610 square feet of creativity, leadership and beauty along the banks of the Roaring Fork River
- Integrative, restorative and replicable, a demonstration to all of how deep green buildings can be designed.
- With a target Energy Star score of 100 (the highest possible score!), the Innovation Center will be among the highest performing buildings in the world.
- With a construction timeline of just over a year, RMI aims to occupy the building by the end of 2015.
Let's welcome our Valley's own Rocky Mountain Institute to Basalt on October 15
Join us for the Groundbreaking at 4:30pm then head over to the Basalt Library to
Learn all about this cutting-edge building and its environmental and technological innovations.
Cara Carmichael, architect, engineer and Valley native, and Craig Shiller, both members of RMI's building team which works closely with the project architects, engineers and general contractor, will lead the discussion. You'll have an opportunity to learn about the feature's of RMI's new site near Old Pond Park on Two Rivers Road, the building's floor plan and facade, its projected energy performance, such energy features as glazing, shading, solar electric, envelope, orientation, and the new "Hyper Chair." Water and community aspects of the building will also be covered.
The discussion will be moderated by RMI's Communities Team representative Michael Kinsley.
There will be plenty of time for questions followed by a reception.
Read more about this innovative new building here.
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 WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER Charles Spickert, Touchstone Business Advisors
When Charlie Spickert first contacted us a couple of months ago, we couldn't have been more delighted. With his strong background in start-up, management and the purchase/sale of businesses ranging in size from Main Street to $20 million, we felt he would lend strong support to our economic development efforts, and to our small business members with whom he especially enjoys working.
"I've always been involved in my community and professional industry," he wrote, "and enthusiastically support the mission of growing the Basalt area as a destination for businesses, locals and visitors."
Charlie is the Founder and Managing Broker of Touchstone Business Advisors, a full-service business brokerage and commercial real estate company. Prior to forming Touchstone, Charlie founded, grew to 55 employees, and eventually sold a medical education company. He has held corporate CEO, COO, Marketing and Product Management positions in the education, healthcare, internet/e-commerce, manufacturing, publishing and real estate sectors, and has served as a director of public, non-profit and private companies.
In addition to recently being appointed to the Roaring Fork Valley Regional Planning Commission, Charlie is a board member and past-president of the Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries. He is a Colorado native with generations of family who settled in Delores, Cedaredge, Idaho Springs and Denver. Moving to Basalt in 2012 to a river property near Willits with his wife Diane, son Andrew, and Australian Shepherds, Tiva and Kona, Charlie enjoys working on his property, chasing bears out of the orchard, fishing, hiking, skiing and visiting his other son Cameron in New York City. Welcome Charlie!
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 Volunteer to Support Your Business Community Choose an activity you'll enjoy! Decide how much time you have to give.. We need help in the caboose in a variety of ways: phone outreach, list development (cross-checking and updating lists), mailings and general in-office support. We'd also love to have a weekend tourism outreach coordinator and ambassador. Do you know someone who'd like to join a happy team, hang out in a historic Colorado Southern caboose and meet great people. If so, invite them to fill out this form and send it by fax to 927-2833, by email to [email protected] or by hand to the Caboose.
We're also launching several working groups and are looking for experienced, committed participants to help enhance business vitality and quality of life in our community. Opportunities are available in the following areas: - Membership Outreach & Training
- Economic Enhancement
- Downtown Revitalization
- Events Planning
- Marketing
- Scenic ByWays Presentation & Planning
- Chamber Membership & Program Development
- Ambassadors
- And more...
We invite you to join us. Make new contacts, network with other professionals and business owners, develop your leadership skills, and have a great time. For more information on volunteer opportunities, click here then send in the attached volunteer form or call us at (970) 927-4031. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR ONLY $20!
Exclusive Member Only Advertising Opportunity
We can help you get the word out about your specials, sales and up-to-the-minute news for only $20! This is an affordable avenue to reach your fellow business associates as well as community members. We have over 1000 contacts and a high open rate on our campaigns. All you need to do is send us up to 200 words with your message as well as a picture. We can also insert a link to any type of pdf - flyers, invitations, articles and more - so send us as much as you'd like Information must be received by Friday noon to be included in the Tuesday newsletter.
Have an extra special fundraiser, sale or event and want your item highlighted in an specially-scheduled email? We can send out an email campaign on your behalf for $100 (that's less than 10 cents per contact!). We do need 48 hours notice and cannot send one out on a day we already have a campaign scheduled, so get your request in early.
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 The FISHING REPORT
The Roaring Fork Valley is a perfect place to spend time on the water in the fall. Blue winged olives are hatching on the Fryingpan, and the streamer fishing is a 10 out of 10 on the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers! The Crystal River fishes beautifully this time of year as well. Be sure to check out the gorgeous scenery up near Redstone and Marble, and bring along that fishing rod with a few Stimulators and Prince Nymphs. Above Aspen on the Roaring Fork is still fishing very well with various nymphs and streamers.
USGS Real Time Flow Chart for the Frying Pan River USGS Real Time Flow chart for the Fork at Basalt (Emma)
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This Month In Basalt
To view the calendar click HERE
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Basalt Area Chamber of Commerce
The Red Caboose in Lions Park
POB 514
Basalt, CO 81621
970.927.4031
Our Mission: To advocate for, promote, and serve our members.
Our Vision: To grow Basalt as a destination for businesses, locals, and visitors.
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