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Chamber Communiqué
January/February 2017

“We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.”  ~Hillary DePiano

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                                            Note from the Executive Director                           

Greetings,
 

This year’s Annual Chamber Membership Gala is entitled “Prosperity Through Change”.  We embrace that concept here at the Chamber and encourage businesses to do the same.  “If you’re not making waves, you’re not swimming”.  Here are a few changes happening at the Chamber this next year.

            First off, we are reorganizing our offices.  Angela Wirth, our Membership and Communications coordinator will now be our Communications and Events coordinator.  Angela is a rock star with social media, design and communications.  If you don’t read the weekly Chamber Updates – you really are missing some key information.  Browse the weekly reminders for only a minute and you’ll be surprised how much information you can glean.  Our Updates exceed the national “open rate” average for this type of email communication.  What does that tell you!  The information is important and people find it useful.  Add yourself to that list of readers.  Angela has assisted at all the Chamber events for years, so her attention to detail and design capabilities can only help our events.  Look for emails coming from her in the next couple of months.

            Taking over Angela’s position as Membership Coordinator is Amanda Powers who has been our Administrative Assistant.  Amanda has been the “back end” of membership coordination, and now she will also be “the face”.  Amanda will take over the monthly Maximizing Your Membership classes and will work with old and new members on how they can best utilize their benefits.  Amanda will also continue to be the administrative coordinator for CDC initiatives and membership.

            Speaking of benefits, the Chamber will be focusing heavily on membership use of benefits.  It is shocking to see and hear how few businesses really know what they get with their membership.  We are here to help promote your businesses and give you VALUE.  We will be amping up our job site listings on the website so that your business can list job openings and the public can look for open positions.  Next to the classifieds – what better place to list a job opening!  If you want more exposure through sponsorships or online presence, we will have a package for you.  We will be taking this 1st quarter to work with some focus groups in helping us hone our new benefit package.  We want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money. 

            We expect 2017 to be a very busy year for Pagosa.  We are working on growing our events and through these events help the general economy of Pagosa Springs and your businesses.  Please bear with us as there may be a few hiccups during the transition process; however, know we will pay attention to your requests, input and concerns and will work with our members.  Thank you to all the loyal Chamber members and new additions.  We want to make this one of THE BEST Chambers in the state!  

 

Sincerely,


Mary Jo Coulehan
Executive Director

Year in Review
It's been an incredible 2016, full of events, networking gatherings, business seminars/presentations, and economic growth. The Pagosa Springs Chamber is proud of our community, and we sincerely appreciate the support from all of our members over the past year. Enjoy our video,  2016 Year in Review  .

Updates & Reminders
  • There will be a Maximizing your Membership class on Monday, January 23rd, from 12-1:15, and the Maximizing class for February is on Monday the 27th.
  • There will not be a Business after Hours in January due to the Pagosa Chamber Annual Gala.  The February B.A.H. will be hosted by Jem Jewelers on the 22nd.
  • The Pagosa Springs Chamber will be hosting the Pagosa Chamber Annual Gala on Saturday, January 21st. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber or online at pagosachamber.com
  • The Pagosa Chamber Winterfest event will be on February 4th and 5th. Sponsorships for this event are available. Contact the Chamber for more information.

    See below for more information or contact the Chamber  at 970-264-2360.
Upcoming Chamber Events
The Pagosa Springs Chamber's 41st Annual Gala is quickly approaching on Saturday, January 21st at 6:00pm, and it is sure to be a great way to start the year! Held at the Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse, the evening will be complemented by wonderful music and delectable food. Find out who your newest Chamber Board members will be, as well as the winners of the Community Recognition awards.

Purchase your tickets at the Chamber or click below!
Come have a "CHILL of a good time at Winterfest 2017, coming up February 4th-5th. The event-packed weekend will have something for everyone, including the always anticipated balloon rally, the ever popular Penguin Plunge, the Anything Goes downhill sled race, fat bike races, and more! This is a weekend that can cure the "cabin fever" in all of us! For more information, go to the Events and Festivals   page on our website at pagosachamber.com.
November Business after Hours~Pagosa Golf Club
A chilly night outside, but warm laughs and smiles inside at the November BAH.
Board Members Jeannie and Mike helping tend the bar...with a smile!
December Business after Hours~Springs Resort & Spa
Always an elegant setting for the December BAH!
A few lucky people walked away with great prizes.
Member News
Mike Heraty’s Year End Real Estate Report

Condo prices led the Archuleta County real estate market during 2016.

Condo and townhome sales showed real strength, with volume was up over 25% from 2015, and the total number of units sold up nearly 16%. What is more impressive is the increase in the average selling price per square foot, $138 versus $114, an increase of 21% for the year. In 2012, the average selling price per square foot for condos and townhomes was $91 indicating an increase of 53% or an average of 13% per year. This category of our real estate market has out-performed the single family detached sales by quite a margin. Will this continue to be the case going forward? Possibly.

Looking at the broadest measurement, the overall market was ahead of 2015. Total real estate sales recorded through our local MLS system showed an increase year over year of 8.2% in the number of properties sold. The Total Dollar Volume of $148,515,994 was up just over 6% above 2015.

Read More>
Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center Packages

February in the high desert of northern New Mexico offers a quiet beauty. Clear skies bring brisk nights, afternoon sun warms the days and creates shadow plays amidst the red rocks. Frosted mesas and mountain tops turn into wonderlands. We invite you to join us in the stillness of winter. Let the landscape and our transformational retreats inspire you.

Valentine’s Weekend Under the Stars at Ghost Ranch — February 10-12, 2017

Celebrate Valentine’s Day a few days early with someone you love. Our Valentine’s Weekend Under The Stars Weekend Package offers space to rest and explore together. The $450 package rate (for 2 people) includes 2 nights lodging with Private Bath (upper mesa in Coyote or Tumbleweed) or a room with a Private Bath on the historic lower level of the Ranch, 5 meals and Saturday evening Robert Mirabal Concert tickets.


South 8th Street Temporary Closure Starts Tomorrow

Due to the continuous winter weather and current road conditions the portion of South 8th Street that is currently under construction (San Juan Alley to Piedra Street) will be temporarily closed starting tomorrow, Friday January 13, 2016.

This section will be closed until more favorable weather occurs to allow maintenance to take place.

The Town of Pagosa Springs advises the public to follow detours and or utilize alternate routes. Alternate routes from Highway 160 to the south of Town include South 10th, South 6th Street and Hot Springs Boulevard to Apache Street.
The Town will notify the public when the section re-opens after maintenance occurs through e-notices and website notifications. If you aren’t already signed up for e-notices, please visit the Town website to sign up.

Please also keep an eye on the website news section for further information.

Thank you for your patience during this project and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Scott Lewandowski at 264-4151 extension 235.

Town Staff

One-man Streisand comedy to hit PSCA stage Jan. 13

Thingamajig Theatre Company is ringing in the new year with one of Broadway’s most recent beloved comedy hits, “Buyer and Cellar.”

The show is a crowd-pleaser and it doesn’t take long to figure out why: most audiences are reacting to its charming narrative surface. But there’s more going on than that.

In this one-person, 95-minute, intermission-less piece, Andrew Start plays Alex More, a hopeful young actor who’s left New York for Los Angeles, where he hopes to establish a career as a performer.

After getting fired from a menial job at Disney, More secures another position as the keeper of the strange underground stores that Barbara Streisand actually built in her home: a doll shop, movie theater, costume shop and more. One day, the lady herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs?


7th Annual ‘Pagosa Paw’ Sled Dog Races ~ Sat/Sun Feb 18/19 @ 8:30 AM

Come join the Pagosa Nordic Club, Snow Country Snowmobile Tours and the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Race Series for the 7th Annual Pagosa Paw. This winter dog sports event includes spectacular dog sled racing as well as Nordic skiing.

Races start at 8:30 am both days and include a 6-dog/6 mile sled race, 4-dog/4 mile sled race, 2-dog/6 mile skijor race (Dog pulls you on skis), 1-dog/4 mile skijor race.  There will also be sportsman class races: 4 mile sled; 4 mile skijor, 1 mile sled, 1 mile skijor.

Read More>


United Way News

United Way of Southwest Colorado is now accepting applications for nonprofit partners to be funded in 2017-2018.

To review requirements and download the application, please visit unitedway-swco.org. United Way of Southwest Colorado serves the counties of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan. Application deadline is Jan. 27.

United Way Ski Day

Wolf Creek United Way Ski Day — Jan. 18 — a very special day at Wolf Creek Ski Area. You can ski, save and help Archuleta County residents all at one time.

Ribbon Cuttings for November/December
Feature Heading
The PLPOA trail completion on Vista Blvd. was a great sight to see! A much needed trail for the many people who walk or bike in that area.

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Renewing Members November/December
Adobe Abodes
Alley House Grille
Anytime Tree Service
Archuleta School Dist. 50 Joint
Blue Mountain Accounting
CDC Janitorial
Chimney Rock Interp. Assoc.
CrossRoad Christian Fellowship
Good Earth Meds
Goodman's Department Store
Higher Grounds Coffee
Hillside Inn
Homespun Comforts
Humane Society of Pagosa Springs
La Plata Electric
League of Women Voters
Liberty Theatre
Memory Lane

Pagosa Brewing & Grill
Pagosa Verde, LLC
Raymond Rent-A-Nerd Inc.
Lee Riley-I Sell Pagosa Pagosa, LLC
S an Juan Headwaters Forest Health         Partners
San Juan Outdoor Club
Sherwin Williams Company
Ski and Bow Rack
Summit Ski & Sports
Sunset Ranch Cabins
Toner Mountain Copiers
United Way of Southwest Colorado
Waste Management
Wayne's Wild West Guns, LLC
Wells Fargo Bank
WW Ranch
Wyndham Pagosa


New Members November/December
 
JEM Jewelers, Inc. 
E-Mail: mjem515@aol.com
Phone: (970) 731-3399 
135 Country Center Drive
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Marianne Kavli 

Jem Jewlers is a full service jewelry store. I am a certified jeweler and most jobs are done on the premises. We carry a full inventory of fine jewelry in gold, silver, platinum and various other contemporary metals, as well as a colorful array of diamond and gemstone selections, modification, repair and custom work is our specialty! We also carry fine accessories such as purses and handbags, wallets and cashmere scarves. We also
carry jewelry cleaning essentials and special occasion gifts.
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Mind of Megan
E-Mail: amindofmegan@yahoo.com
Web Address: http://www.mindofmegan.com    
Phone: 970-749-9734
Pagosa Springs, CO  81147
Megan Macht 

Mind of Megan Personal Organizer Service offers home organization services to meet your needs. Services include removing clutter, creating home organization systems, home asset inventory, document scanning, document shredding, unpacking from a move, holiday decorating, declutter for real estate sale, real estate sale staging, organize children's areas, and helping you to learn how to continue to be organized. Do you have a special project you need help with? Just ask! Choose hourly assistance or packages to make the most of your valuable time. Visit www.mindofmegan.com for more information on how personal organization assistance can help you reduce stress and enjoy your surroundings more.
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Pagosa Hardwood Floors 
E-Mail: pagosahardwoodfloors@gmail.com
Web Address: http://www.pagosahardwoodfloors.com
Phone: 970-507-0828 
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Scott Frost

Professional installation, repair & refinishing of all types of wood floors. Friendly, experienced and clean with over 30 years of experience. All types of finish are available Swedish, low odor, conversion varnish and polyurethane. We offer free estimates and the best prices available.
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River Pointe Coffee House 
E-Mail: riverpointecoffeehouse@gmail.com
Web Address: http://www.riverpointecoffeehouse.com
Phone: 970-264-3216 
445 San Juan St.
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Keturah Ford 

River Pointe Coffee House welcomes everyone to come enjoy what we call Pagosa Coffee Culture. Our small team of Baristas serve handcrafted coffee and chai, breakfast and light lunches. Our coffee is locally roasted by All Good Things Coffee Roaster & Co from Florence, CO. It is organic and responsibly sourced. Our roaster also makes small-batch Organic Chai and all of our Organic, 3 Ingredient Simple Syrup Flavors. River Pointe Coffee House's recent updates and renovations have made us a modern and cozy local favorite. We feature local art, artisan merchandise and host local live music and entertainment a few times a month. We also have a book exchange in the Mountain Lounge wing of our shop. We are passionate about coffee and growing our Pagosa Coffee Culture within our community and the network of the many people from around the world who travel through and stop in. 
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Cabe's Collision & Customs LLC 
E-Mail: cabescollision@yahoo.com
Phone: 970-731-4600 
77 Majestic Dr.
P.O. Box 837
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Cabe Tully 
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CDC Corner

As a new year begins, the CDC would like to report out on some accomplishments from 2016.  We fielded 40 business inquiries.  Of those inquiries 14 were phone calls and 26 were in-person visits.  The CDC has great relationships with other agencies that can assist businesses with loans, building and realty questions, business formation, licensing and many other aspects of opening or expanding a business, and many of these calls were referred to our partners such as Region 9 and the SBDC.  Of these inquiries 14 were existing Pagosa businesses looking for expansion or new ownership opportunities to take place in 2016 or 2017.  Three inquiries from outside of Pagosa were interested in opening in the next year.  It is exciting to see small business in Pagosa Springs looking to expand and people interested in investing in our community.

The CDC also produced 2 economic forums including community demographics and real estate forecast and multiple Broadband focus groups.  The organization took the lead in working with the Southwest Council of Governments (SWCOG) in looking for ways to provide more reliable and faster broadband services in our area.  They will continue this effort in 2017.  In addition, the CDC applied for and received an Office of Economic Development  (OEDIT) assistance grant to work on Tiny Homes interest and initiatives.  This process brought together 20 key stakeholders in the community in the hopes of looking at this initiative, zoning regulations and proper planning for individual homes or a community project.  This assistance grant came by way of the CDC also sitting on the Housing Workgroup and looking for ways to explore and try and solve some of the housing issues in Archuleta County. 

The CDC was successful in acquiring funds to start a revolving micro-loan program.  In conjunction with Region 9 and 1st Southwest Bank, we were able to extend funds to open two new businesses in Pagosa Springs.  A third loan was approved and funds will be extended at the beginning of 2017. 

The CDC will continue their administrative relationship with the Chamber in 2017.  This important liaison gives business inquiries a point of contact, it gives our economic development partners a point of contact, and it frees the volunteer board up to focus on moving initiatives forward.  The CDC website has also been upgraded.  There are important notices posted on the website, and CDC members now also get a direct link to their websites through their logo.  Chamber members receive a $50 discount on their CDC membership and contributions over $200 are eligible to receive a Colorado Enterprise Zone Tax Credit.  CDC meetings occur every other month beginning in January and are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Bordé Rio.  The public is welcome to attend.  For more information about becoming a CDC member, checkout the website at www.pagosaspringscdc.org or contact Mary Jo Coulehan at the Chamber at 264-2360.  

To view the latest meetings, events, and other news occurring with the PS CDC, visit their website at   pagosaspringscdc.org or like them on Facebook  .

 
We appreciate the support and commitment of our members, and we look forward to what lies ahead   for 2017!

Sincerely, 

The Chamber Staff

105 Hot Springs Blvd.
PO Box 787
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

        BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President:         Jeannie Sinkey
V. President:     Jack Searle
Treasurer:         Mike Beckel
Secretary:         Jessica Bilazzo
Directors:          Nicki Alley
                           John Janowski
                           Jimmy Muñozcano
                           Chris Smith
                           Jon Johnson
(970) 264-2360
Fax (970) 264-4625
www.pagosachamber.com

                            STAFF
Executive Director:            Mary Jo Coulehan
Membership Coordinator:  Amanda Powers
Events/Communications Coordinator: Angela Wirth