As host of the monthly What’s Up Salida coffee in Salida, the chamber of commerce had its own share of news on March 21. Despite it being Spring Break, another full house gathered to network and share their news, events, and other information.
Salida Chamber resumes use of Heart of the Rockies Chamber Chamber of Commerce name
Reflecting their broader geographic location, the chamber has re-adopted their formal name: Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber will also be working more on Shop Local campaigns,” added Chamber President Kirk Bremer.
Local government news
Chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) P.T. Wood responded to a recent contentious decision denying a potential “Concert in the Meadows in Buena Vista. While he made the motion, “[Wood] does not hate music.” Public and business support for the economic benefits of the event were outweighed by an apparent unwillingness on the part of the Sheriff’s Department to work with promoters to augment law enforcement staff and reduce the workload of back to back events.
Wood acknowledged the recent 12-acre fire at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds which “had an amazing response and was put out in under an hour.”
Salida Treasurer Ben Gilling reported a 9.9 percent overall increase in sales taxes for January when compared to January, 2023. He then introduced Wayles Martin, whom the City Council has appointed to fill the vacancy in Ward 3 left by Harald Kasper. “I’m honored to be in this position… my focus will be communications, transparency, and working to not catch the public off guard,” said Martin.
Gina Lucrezi, Buena Vista’s, Mayor Pro Tem will be hosting a meet and greet at Woods Distillery on April 24 as a candidate for the BoCC. She cited affordable housing as a key issue in her campaign.
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) programs
Rob Simpson, Associate Dean of Academics and Student Affairs thanked Monarch Mountain for their assistance with CMC’s Ski Area Operations Program. Led by long-time Monarch employee, Kathryn Wadsworth has been teaching the class of high school students who are getting exposure to a different topic related to the ski industry each week.
CMC is also addressing the problem of access to childcare, due to not having enough teachers in the field. CMC is working to bring a program specific to Early Childhood Education, which, through grant money, will offer students three semesters completely free of charge.
Finally, Simpson, speaking for Salida Community Development Director Bill Almquist relayed that the City of Salida has recently received a $2 million grant in support of the South Ark neighborhood project.
And finally, musical notes
Linda Taylor spoke of her experience directing the women’s singing group, The Noteables for the past 17 years. The Noteables upcoming show will be on May 4, 5, and 6, with the theme being “Make Space for Life to Live”.
Taylor defined that as keeping one’s heart open for connection, in a world often filled with fear. Instead of trying to control one’s day, she suggested why not let life come to you? Embracing the unknown, taking risks, and getting out of your comfort zone were the tips given by Taylor – sound advice for both personal growth as well as good business strategy.
Editors note: Ark Valley Voice wishes to acknowledge Savanna Moorefield, Communications Manager for the Chamber of Commerce whose detailed meeting notes allowed the AVV copy editor to attend an out of state family reunion.
please change your decision on the music!