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November 26, 2014 - In This Issue:
 
With appreciation from the Basalt Chamber of Commerce   
CabooseNEWS FROM THE CABOOSE 
 
I'm writing from Sarasota, FL where the fine white sand beaches are celebrated (almost!) as widely as the white winter slopes of Colorado. In the short time that I've been away, much has happened in Basalt. A heavy snowstorm, reports of new business activity downtown, visions of a boutique hotel and residential complex, and town-wide holiday preparations.

What strikes me as especially promising to the lively conversation surrounding Basalt's future economic vitality and livability is Lowe Enterprises' recent presentations to the Downtown Area Advisory Committee (DAAC) about development options for 2.6 acres near the intersection of Two Rivers Road and Midland Avenue. It was only a few weeks ago that Mike McVoy, president of Roaring Fork Community Development Corp (CDC), a nonprofit organization that owns the site, announced that CDC had entered into a quasi-development agreement with Lowe Enterprises. Lowe's president James DeFrancia told us then that the company had no plans for commercial or retail development.

True to this presentation, Mr. DeFrancia followed up shortly after with a concept that could include a 60-room boutique hotel, 12 hotel residential condominiums and 46 to 54 permanent residences. The development enclave, which seems well-scaled and suited to our historic downtown, figures in underground parking as well as thoughtful walkways and access to the proposed mixed-use town park.

Looking at the big picture, it seems the timing could not be more fortuitous. As the 10-person DAAC delves into its complex evaluation of the best and most balanced use for the larger site formerly filled by the Pan & Fork trailer park, Mr. DeFrancia steps in to present a crucial vision for the private adjacent parcel and one that addresses the oft-mentioned need for more in-town residential and vacation units. It's no coincidence that the Rocky Mountain Institute's Innovation Center broke ground just a month ago, and that the vision there is one of an international draw to address issues of global concern.

The symmetry and fine balance of development between the new Willits Town Center and historic downtown Basalt continues to impress me. There has been a stumble and a lag in our downtown area, but that is in the nature of economics and commerce. What is more telling is how a community addresses this phenomenon, and Basalt and its citizen groups are diligently and thoughtfully laying the foundations for a bright future. It's hard to imagine more promising ingredients and indicators than what we're seeing now at the center of Town. I'm interested to hear your thoughts. Write to director@basaltchamber.com or post on our new Basalt CO Community Facebook page. 
 
New business activity on "main street"  
 
As though shovels in the ground and plans on paper weren't enough, there's renewed activity downtown. A few weeks ago, I described an exciting development, two new businesses along Midland Avenue: Faboo and the
Dusty Locker, one a chic new clothing store and the other a creative consignment store catering to "kids secondhand" athletic gear. I've just learned that the owners of BLT (next to Jimbo's liquor and Cassie's) will be expanding to include a small market and carniceria. Further up Midland Avenue a successful valley business is exploring a second location. We'll have an update for you soon. 

As we prepare for these special holidays, there's much to appreciate. A beautiful town. Vibrant community. Friends and family, near and far. Thank you for being part of our business community and for supporting the Chamber in all that we do. 
 
Here are a few special events coming up. You can read more about them below:
  • Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29.
  • The Holiday Tree Lighting schedule
  • The Return of the Basalt/El Jebel Winter Market
  • New businesses, Basalt in the News, 2015 Business After Hours, and more.
Enjoy!
Robin
Robin Waters
President/CEO for your Chamber of Commerce

Check the calendar below for this month's business and networking events in Basalt and be sure to get your applications in before the December 15 deadline to host a 2015 Business After Hours.
Basalt now has its own Facebook community page!
and post all your news, views, special events, sales and business announcements. 
~ A Community Page of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce
MARK YOUR CALENDARSMarkCalendar
DECEMBER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS
    & THE BEST OF BASALT

THANKSGIVING    
    Thursday, November 27 ~ All Day!
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
    Join us as we light up the town!
    There'll be caroling, hot cider, chili, cookies, Santa & Mrs. Claus & ornament decorating 
December 5, 4-6pm - Lion's Park next to the Town Hall in Historic Downtown
December 12, 4-6pm - Triangle Park in Willits Town Center  

GRAND OPENING! "Dusty Locker - Kids Secondhand"
December 5 in Historic Downtown after the Holiday Tree Lighting 
    231 Midland Avenue
 
BASALT - EL JEBEL WINTER MARKET IS BACK!
Every Saturday Dec 6 - March 14
    Eagle Crest Nursery in El Jebel 
 
DECEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 
Thursday December 18
    Alpine Bank Willits
    711 East Valley Road
    Visit Santa and all the great folks at Alpine Bank!

To view a more complete calendar of Basalt events, visit the Chamber website
Black Friday is the Busiest Day for Plumbers
And other fun facts we bet you didn't know about Thanksgiving
 
So if you find yourself looking for a plumber on Friday, the Basalt Chamber's business directory provides an easy reference source for plumbing and heating contractors and other local businesses. Check it out and support your hard-working local businesses.

"10 Fun Facts We Bet You Didn't Know About Thanksgiving" article
SmallBiz 
THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH, SHOP BASALT 
AND ENJOY  PRE-HOLIDAY DISCOUNTS 
IN CELEBRATION OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

This Saturday is a perfect time to start your holiday shopping in Basalt - with special discounts at shops and restaurants throughout - and enjoy the nature of friendship that abounds in our community. Shop Basalt and discover the array of eclectic shops, cozy nooks, fine art  and excellent restaurants.  
  • The Aspen Clinic - 50% off on Saturday!
  • Bangkok Happy Bowl El Jebel - Happy Hour All Night Long beginning at 4pm!
  • Basalt Bike & Ski - 20% off store-wide!
  • Basalt Emporium & Flying Circus - Complimentary chocolate truffle with purchase over $10!
  • Basalt Fitness - Half-off personal training. Call ahead for appointment. 927-0305
  • Basalt Pharmacy - 15% off Basalt Memorabilia, shirts & hats.
  • Basalt Printing - 10% off all ink/toner cartridges!
  • Burn Fitness Studio - Buy a monthly pass, get a 2nd at 1/2 price!
  • Design Finch - 10% off custom holiday cards. Order by Dec 1 Contact Shayla
  • DownValley Tavern - 1/2 off all bottles of wine all day and night!
  • Heathers Savory Pies & Tapas Bar - Spend $15 Saturday, Get 20% off Next Visit!
  • Heirlooms Resale - 10% off Storewide!
  • Midland Shoe - Draw In-store for Discounts!
  • Mountain Greenery - 10% off store-wide!
  • RJ Paddywack's - Buy 3 treats, get 1 free plus 10% off all pet food!
  • Sculco Creative - 20% off next Letter Press order (1 per customer) Contact Mark
  • Silver Queen Antiques - Decorate your tree with Colorado mineral crystals Under $25 (at Toklat Gallery)
  • Sopris Sun - Special rates for Small Business Saturday. Email Bob or call 927-2175.
  • Faboo - 10% off storewide (Welcome new business in downtown Basalt!!)
  • Toklat Gallery - Find the dot deals, from 25%-45% off!
  • Two Rivers Chiropractic - 10% off massage & chiropractic (family & pets) (970) 927-2225
  • Woo Du-An Shaman/Healer/Teacher - 25% off 1 hour consulting. Call (970) 927-0278
  • Woody Creek Distillers - 10% off all purchases
  • Working Solutions LLC - Free one-hour consultation about any employee-related issue or concern. Call Rebecca (970) 987-1764
  • Your Friends For Life - Wisconsin cheeses in Christmas shapes. A benefit to support cancer patients & their families!
Be sure to mention the Basalt Chamber Small Business Saturday promotion to receive your gift or discount! Valid only on Saturday, November 29.
 
 *KSNO Radio is offering a $500 advertising package to one participating business
There will be a drawing on November 29 and KSNO will announce the winner on air.
So stay tuned!
NewsBASALT IN THE NEWS
 
"Aspen-area real estate strong through 3Q" Aspen Times 11/25/14

"Roaring Fork CrossFit owner provides ultimate lesson in perseverance" Aspen Times 11/21/14

"Developer outlines concept for hotel, residences in downtown Basalt" Aspen Times 11/20/14
 
"Fishing in the winter is good" Aspen Times 11/19/14

Town Manager Mike Scanlon's Weekend Update
Find information on happenings around the Town including the housing needs survey, Downtown Area Advisory Committee, development projects, parks and trails activities, and more. 
 
If we've missed anything or you have new news to report, please send it to us. If it's good news, and hasn't yet made the headlines, we'll see if we can get our local papers interested.
BAHBUSINESS AFTER HOURS
2015 Applications Deadline: December 15 

If you've been to a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, you'll know what a great opportunity it is to see old friends, make new business contacts, eat excellent snacks and often drink some very nice beer or wine. It's also an ideal relaxed occasion to talk about what's new at your store, business or consulting service.!

For business hosts this is an excellent opportunity to bring potential customers and referrers in your doors. The Basalt Chamber of Commmerce is reviewing applications for 2015 Business After Hours locations.

Would you like to host a Business After Hours? If so, please fill out this application and email it to us by December 15. A selection committee will choose the new locations and a schedule will be announced at 2014's final Business after hours on December 18 at Alpine Bank Willits.

Every year we have more businesses interested in hosting than months available, so make your application stand out. A few tips: Think of something different and entertaining. Consider partnering up with a collaborative or neighboring business. If you don't have a storefront, join up with a friend or colleague who does. Door prizes are always popular, even music.
2015 Applications are available 
Deadline for Submission: Monday, December 15, 2014
SPECIAL EVENTS & BUSINESS SPONSORS
Santa Claus is coming to town...
for Basalt's two annual HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS
Bring the whole family to celebrate and enjoy the bright lighting of the night, then stick around for some holiday shopping and fine dining in Historic Downtown Basalt and Willits Town Center

...and, hot cocoa, child & adult hot cider, chili, bonfires,
and ornament decorating!

LIVE MUSIC
from Cathy Markle Quartet, Dwight Ferrin and the Basalt High School choir.

TOYS FOR CHILDREN
To help the Shining Stars Toy Drive, we invite you to bring an unwrapped toy for a child with cancer or other life-threatening disease.

With Support from:
The Basalt Chamber of Commerce & Town of Basalt.
The Boy Scouts, Crown Mountain Park & Recreation District,
the Basalt Lions Club and the Wyly Arts Center.
THE BASALT-EL JEBEL WINTER MARKET IS BACK 
beginning Dec 6 - March 14 at Eagle Crest Nursery
GRAND OPENING ~ FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH  
The Dusty Locker - Kids Secondhand 

Come join us at the Dusty Locker after the holiday tree lighting for a gourmet hot chocolate bar and music by the fire pit!
 
Now accepting kids sporting equipment and recreational gear "with experience"
Currently open M-F 10am to 4pm*
231 Midland Avenue in Basalt
For more information, please call: (970) 279-5160

 

*Closed Thursday and Friday this week to observe Thanksgiving.
YOUR NEWS HERE FOR JUST $20!
Taste
You can reach a broad, targeted audience with your sales, specials and latest news. Send us either typed information and a photo, or your ad in .jpg format and we'll post it in our next newsletter. Plus, we can insert a link to your website, email address or any type of .pdf flyer, invitation or document. Contact us when you're ready for that extra boost.

Looking for even more direct exposure? Take advantage of our exclusive member e-blasts? The member rate is $100 (that's less than 10 cents per contact!). Just email us with with your ad details and we'll have it out within 48 business hours (just not on a day when another campaign is scheduled). As a bonus, with your e-blast, we'll include an ad in the newsletter for free.
The FISHING REPORT 
At this time of the season, bright, warm winter days can produce excellent midge hatches on the Fryingpan, and floating the Roaring Fork can be a memorable way to enjoy a day. With snow throughout the valley, the rivers take on a whole different appearance. With a few good layers and the right flies, you just might forget that the ski season is beginning and that you are just downvalley from the legendary ski town of Aspen.

For the rest of the story read "On the Fly" provided weekly by the Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt.
 
USGS Real Time Flow Chart for the Frying Pan River
USGS Real Time Flow chart for the Fork at Basalt (Emma)

This Month In Basalt

 

To view this month's and future calendars click HERE
Basalt Area Chamber of Commerce
The Red Caboose in Lions Park
PO Box 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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