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November 26, 2014 - In This Issue:
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 NEWS FROM THE CABOOSE
"OUR TOWN PLANNING" SURVEY RESULTS
In a Town of barely 4,000 residents and proportionately fewer households, 481 people took the time to complete and return a survey seeking to learn what types of uses residents want to see in key commercial areas of Basalt's historic downtown.
A majority of Basalt residents support some level of development on the former Pan and Fork Mobile Home Park site, and even more in the town's interior at the site of the former Clark's market. Respondents showed a preference for a grocery store, additional restaurants, some type of a hotel, and more shops in the areas considered. Strong support continues for keeping parts or all of the Roaring Fork riverside property as a park. At present, a park is planned for at least half of 5.5 acres owned by the Town closest to the Roaring Fork River. The privately-owned portion closest to Two Rivers Roads is being eyed for possible development or park expansion. Final tabulated data is available here and a public meeting to discuss the results is in the works.
As most of you know, the Our Town Planning visioning process, the work of the Downtown Area Advisory Committee, and the Town's stepped-up engagement of residents and advisors in strategizing an optimal future for the downtown area has been accelerated by the ongoing impacts of the sharp 2008 economic downturn and stalled recovery due in part to nearby commercial development at Willits Town Center.
The overall commercial outlook of the Town of Basalt is positive, and despite its expected but unintentional consequences, the vitality lent by the Willits development has contributed substantially to this outlook. Prospects for a restored downtown also are more than promising. With the Rocky Mountain Center Innovation center now under construction, newcomers setting up shop on "main street," and reports of business picking up, there's a lively new optimism in the air. Last month, the nonprofit Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation, owners of the 2.6 private commercial acres at the Pan and Fork site, announced a new partnership with Lowe Enterprises to consider options for the site development. Lowe's president James DeFrancia has described a vision of a boutique hotel, residential condominiums and permanent residences, a concept consistent with the belief that more residential density and visitor options are needed to vitalize the downtown core.
NEW MIDVALLEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT RAISES QUESTIONS
In the midst of this multi-layered effort to respond to and accommodate the impacts of uneven commercial development in Basalt, a proposal for developing more than a half-million additional square feet of residential and commercial space in the midvalley has resurfaced. Across Highway 82 from Whole Foods market at the Tree Farm property owned by Ace Lane, Wood Ventures LLC is seeking approval from Eagle County for up to 400 new residences totalling 450,916 square feet and 134,558 square feet of commercial space, more than doubling the development footprint slated for the Willits Town Center.
The Chamber applauds the Woody Ventures stated commitment to high efficiency construction, renewable energy concepts and transit orientation, but shares Town Manager Mike Scanlon's concern about the impacts of additional high-density development, particularly on current downtown revitalization efforts.
This is an issue that will be forefront in the discussions of the Chamber's new economic development partnership committee, along with incentives for investment in the downtown core. The EDP committee is currently looking to Eagle County for financial support to develop a strategic plan and promotional materials. In considering Woody Ventures new development proposal, we hope the County and developer will carefully evaluate the overall commercial balance in Basalt, and consider substantive ideas to support not only the economic health of our downtown community but also the Willits Town Center now only mid-way into its full concept completion.
CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS OF THE SEASON
Lions Park in downtown Basalt teamed with people Friday night for the lighting of the holiday tree. Santa was there and so was Mrs. Claus. The Lions Club gents served cookies and hot chili. There were carolers, hot cocoa and marshmallows over the bonfire. If you missed it, don't worry, the tree will shine brightly through the season, and there are more events ahead.
Read below about this weekend's activities, and much, much more:
Then later this week visit the Basalt CO Community Page for lots of photos of these and other events, and post your own photos, news and event announcements.
Warm regards, Robin
Robin Waters
President/CEO for your Chamber of Commerce
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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION 
Basalt Chamber of Commerce memberships begin as low as $250 per year with many valuable benefits. For more information and a membership application, visit the Chamber website. Applications can be found under the "Chamber" tab. Or call us at (970) 927-4031.
We appreciate and count on your support for all that we do.
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A COMMUNITY PAGE FOR ALL YOUR NEWS
At last, an easy way to share your business news, views and announcements. JOIN the BASALT CO COMMUNITY PAGE ON FACEBOOK... then add or invite your Facebook "friends" and your friends' friends , and soon we'll all have a great audience for sharing information. As a member you can also create your own events listings and invite the group. (Note: Currently Facebook only enables people to join groups as individuals, not from a "like" page. You can still easily post and create events for your business.)
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
DECEMBER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS
December 12, 4-6pm - Triangle Park in Willits Town Center
Santa, carols, treats, bonfires, carriage rides, cookie decorating contest... and more! More information posted below.
BASALT ARTWALK IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Friday, December 12, 5-7 pm
With openings & receptions at the Ann Korologos Gallery, Toklat Gallery, Wyly Annex and the "Creative Spaces" storefronts. Shops will be open late and restaurants for your after-hours dining. See below for photos and information.
BASALT - EL JEBEL WINTER MARKET
Beginning this Saturday Dec 6 through March 14
Eagle Crest Nursery in El Jebel
DECEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Thursday December 18
Alpine Bank Willits
711 East Valley Road
To view a more complete calendar of Basalt events, visit the Chamber
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Dave Durrance "Orbits" at
Creative Spaces I
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Amy Laugesen
"Weathered Toy" at
Ann Korologos Gallery
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Paula Fischer
"Naif" Paintings at
Toklat Gallery
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Shannon Muse
& Meg McNulty at
Creative Spaces II
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Holiday Art Walk in Historic Downtown Basalt
Friday, December 12 5-7pm
Take a stroll around Historic Downtown Basalt this Friday
and enjoy winter art exhibitions, special holiday sales and fine dining.
There will be openings and receptions at the following locations:
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Ann Korologos Gallery
211 Midland Avenue
"The Gift of Winter" ~ Holiday Exhibition
Artist's reception from 5 to 7
Featuring new works in a range of fine art - bronze, oils, watercolors and photography.
Pictured: Marie Figge Wise "Winter Comes to the Roaring Fork"
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Toklat Gallery
Riverside Plaza (Two Rivers Road & Midland Avenue)
Josefine Gordh's Swedish textile art (pictured to the right)
Paula Fischer "Naif" painter from Argentina
Plus one-of-a-kind Colorado Crystals, dinosaur bone earrings & pendants, and leather beaded bracelets.
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Wyly Annex
174 Midland Avenue
Bayard Hollins Solo Exhibition
Artist's reception from 5 to 7
Featuring the internationally-exhibited and collected works of Basalt resident Bayard Hollins
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"Creative Spaces Project" of the Basalt Chamber of Commerce
I. 227 Midland Avenue #14A
Dave Durrance paintings
Dave Struempler marquetry and artistic furniture
Rick Stevens reproduction plains indian art
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II. 227 Midland Avenue 16A
Shannon Muse glass art & sculpture
Meg McNulty neon art | 
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V. RFTA Park N Ride (corner of Hwy 82 & Basalt Avenue)
The Chambers Creatives Spaces Project moves outdoors for the season. Designed, installed & donated by Mountain Greenery working with Chamber volunteers Lynne Mace and Karen Andrade, with support from the Town of Basalt and Roaring Fork Transit Authority
(Photo by John Swanson, Basalt Realty)
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THE LIGHTS OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
Just five feet outside the front door of the Caboose is a glorious sight to delight all through the winter season, thousands of points of colored light wrapped around one of the biggest, most beautiful in-town evergreens in the valley.
Like magic, every year about this time Basalt suddenly glitters with sparkling rainbow colors, rich green decor and whimsical design. I invite you to join me in recognizing the hard and dedicated work of the Town of Basalt and others for bringing us this joyous ambiance. Working again with Holiday Magic by Artful Gardens, the Town installed Christmas lights on trees in the Basalt Avenue roundabout and a lighted wreath on the Basalt monument sign to welcome holiday visitors. The Midland Avenue and Emma Bridges have been decorated with garlands and Christmas lights.
 In West Basalt, the Town partnered with INDVentures and Daly Property Services (of whom owner Will Vannice is a member of the Chamber's board) to decorate for the holidays in Willits Town Center's Triangle Park, the pocket park by Whole Foods, and the Willits Lane roundabout. Don't miss the special holiday tree lighting and events this Friday.  Across Highway 82 from the downtown roundabout, the Chamber's Creative Spaces Project committee has taken their town revitalization efforts outdoors for the holiday season. Committee members Lynne Mace (Toklat Gallery) and Karen Andrade teamed up with Kill Kops of Mountain Greenery to illuminate and dress the roadside corner of the Basalt Park-N-Ride. Mountain Greenery generously designed, donated and installed the trees, lights and holiday decor, while receiving enthusiastic support of the Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) and the Town of Basalt.
Keep an eye out for the beautiful menorah soon to be installed in Lions Park for the beginning of Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights.
When you find yourself glowing in the spirit of the season, just remember
there are little elves working through the night to make your season bright.
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You're Invited!
DECEMBER CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Next Thursday, December 18 5-7pm
Food * Beverages * Door Prizes * Santa Claus
WHEN: Thursday, December 18, 5-7pm
WHERE: Alpine Bank - Willits
711 East Valley Road
Hosted by:
Alpine Bank Willits
With:
Food by Smoke, Sure Thing Burger & El Korita ~ Wow!
Beverages by El Jebeverage
Door prizes include gift baskets and
a chance to win tickets to an AVS game!
Basalt Business After Hours is a Chamber of Commerce
business and community networking event.
Basalt Chamber Members and first-time visitors attend free of charge.
Please join us and get to know your Basalt business neighbors.
Non-member fee is $15.
Kids are welcome... Come visit Santa Claus!
RSVP by 5pm on December 17 with your name & business | 
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BASALT IN THE NEWS
Town Manager Mike Scanlon's Weekend Update (soon to be updated)
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.
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FINAL DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
TO HOST 2015 CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Next Monday, December 15 Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours events are excellent opportunities for local businesses to be center stage among your most important potential clients and referrers. It's also a great way to get to know your business neighbors, network and discover interesting collaborations.
If you'd like to be considered to host a 2015 Business After Hours, please fill out an application and email it to us by December 15. A selection committee will choose the locations and a schedule 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 similar or neighbor 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
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Plus ...... "Coffee Happy Hour" at Whole Foods 3-6pm
Free chili & hot beverages at the Lions Club Wagon
Mr. & Mrs Santa Klaus for all the kids.... big and little. For the Cookie Decorating Contest, please drop off a dozen cookies at Kitchen Collage by 4pm.... yummm!
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40% OFF ALL JEWELRY THROUGH DECEMBER 24
Open until 7pm this Friday, Dec 12 for the BASALT ARTWALK
(Look for the sign to One of a Kind Jewelry just beyond Creative Spaces II)
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HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Exquisite Jewelry for every occasion & every budget
Jewelry Repair - Ring Engraving - Watches & Watch Batteries - Jewelry Polishing
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MURRAY C. REYNOLDS, OWNER
231 Midland Avenue, #202
The Riverwalk Building (Street level around back facing the river)
For more information, please call: (970) 279-5104
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STEWART TITLE ANNOUNCES
NEW TEAM MEMBER STAN BROWN
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 | Click Dwight's photo
to hear a holiday song |
A holiday treat for you...
Click the photo for Dwight Ferren's lovely instrumental renditions of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," a "White Christmas" in the Colorado mountains... and more.
Dwight will be performing at Friday's Holiday Tree Lighting
and is available for holiday events and special occasions.
For more information, contact him here.
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YOUR NEWS HERE FOR ONLY $20!
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.
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The FISHING REPORT
It never fails. You get that fish of the season in your net and there isn't anyone within miles to help you take a photograph. Most fly fishers, when starting out, take a picture of virtually every fish they catch. Over the years, the novelty wears thin and we end up taking fewer and fewer. Certain catches deserve that great shot though.....
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) |
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This Month In Basalt
 | | For a full listing of Basalt activities click on the calendar |
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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.
Memberships as low as $250 per year. For more information and a membership application, click here.
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