October 2011 Newsletter

Garner Free Press with a Press Release

Submitting press releases is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote your business or non profit organization. Many entrepreneurs and organization leaders ignore this type of promotion because they don't know how to write a press release. Take advantage of this great free opportunity to let people know about your business. Here are some great tips for writing a press release.

1. Your press release should sound like news, not an advertisement.
2. You should only send your press release to the media related to the topic of your press release.
3. Keep your press release one page in length.
4. Your header, contact information, and release date should be at the top of your press release.
5. Use short sentences and double space in between sentences.
6. Make sure your header and first few sentences capture the reader's attention.
7. You should tell a story and briefly mention your business, product, or service in the body of the press release.
8. Proof read your press release many times. Be sure to look for spelling and grammatical errors.
Many times, business people simply do not recognize or understand what is newsworthy. Use your imagination. There are many appropriate topics for business people to consider…..
1. New products or services you're offering on your web site.
2. The results of a survey or poll you've completed.
3. A virtual trade show or seminar you're hosting.
4. A free chat room class you're teaching.
5. The opening of one of your new web sites.
6. An award your business or web site has won.
7. A free e-mail or physical newsletter you're publishing.
8. New products or services you're giving away.
9. An business association or club you're starting.
10. A famous person that's endorsing your business.
11. A major joint venture you're doing with another business.
12. A new book or e-book you wrote.
13. An expert or celebrity who's speaking in your chat room or at your store.
14. A fund raising event.
15. A new contest or sweepstakes you're having.

Begin today to develop ideas about topics you can submit to the media to help promote your business. Get the attention you deserve by keeping the public informed and up to date on your efforts.
Have a great October,

John Engelbrecht
Salida Chamber

Chamber Seeks Directors

The Salida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is seeking nominations for Board members to be elected in December. The three year term will begin in January of 2012. Please give serious consideration to this great opportunity to serve your community. We are confident you would enjoy the experience and the Board would be strengthened by you involvement.

Please feel free to contact one of the committee members directly with specific questions concerning Board member duties. All applications for the Board positions must be submitted to the Chamber by November 1, 2011.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. We are excited to hear from you and hope you can become a part of our team. For complete details, please call one of our Board Nominating Committee members: Lisa Rankin 221-1493, Martha Dyer 221-2007 or Maureen Schultz 239-0868.

Halloween Safety Tips

When it appears that you have killed the monster, NEVER check to see if it's really dead.

Do not search the basement, especially if the power has gone out.

If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. However, it will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared. This also applies to kids who speak with somebody else's voice.

When you have the benefit of numbers, NEVER pair off and go it alone.

As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.

Never stand in, on, or above a grave, tomb, or crypt. This would apply to any other house of the dead as well.

If you're searching for something which caused a loud noise and find out that it's just the cat, GET OUT!

If appliances start operating by themselves, do not check for short circuits; just get out!

Do not take ANYTHING from the dead.

If you find a town which looks deserted, there's probably a good reason for it. Don't stop and look around.

If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you.

If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, kill them immediately.

If your car runs out of gas at night on a lonely road, do not go to the nearby deserted looking house to phone for help. If you think that it is strange because you thought you had 3/4 of a tank, shoot yourself instead. You are going to die anyway, and most likely be eaten.

Business After Hours

Business After Hours for October - Wednesday - 12th

Join us for BAH at High Country Bank - 7360 W Hwy 50

Network, Socialize and have a bite to eat ~

5-7 pm., $7 food & drinks. Hope to see you there!

Salida Chamber Health Plan: Affordable coverage for local businesses

The Salida Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce an affordable health benefit option to its Chamber members and their employees whose businesses are located in Chaffee, Saguache or Fremont Counties.  Your Chamber membership is the key in providing your employees with access to affordable health care at a cost your employees and your business can afford.

Through collaboration with Colorado Choice Health Plans, a non-profit carrier, the Salida Chamber of Commerce brings you a product to meet your health care needs and provide local business owners and their employees’ access to choices in quality health coverage at an affordable price.  Clearly demonstrating the Chamber’s commitment to it’s members.

Salida Chamber Health Plan Highlights - Benefit features include:

• Exclusive rates with customized plan options
• 4 different plan designs to mix and match
• Separate dependent coverage option
• Different levels of deductibles available
• More lenient participation and contribution level requirements
• Access to a broad network of providers throughout Chaffee County and across the Front Range

Who Can Enroll In The Salida Chamber Health Plan

The Chamber Health Plan is available to Salida Chamber members that have a business located in Chaffee, Fremont or Saguache Counties.  Though geared to small businesses to offer solutions to the problem of escalating health care costs without having to sacrifice employee benefits, any size employer located in these counties that is a member of the Chamber can choose to enroll in the Chamber Health Plan.

How Do I Find Out More
To find out more about the Salida Chamber Health Plan, call us at the Chamber at 539-2068.

October Business of the Month - Amicas

Amicas Pizza and Microbrewery was honored Sept. 2 as the September Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month.

Vaqueros joined owner Kathie Younghans and her staff for an awards ceremony at the restaurant in downtown Salida.
Specializing in wood-fired pizza and custom micro-brewed beers, the restaurant carries a name associated with Salida since Younghans took over in 2002.

The location was started in 1995 as Il Vicino, but the restaurant has featured wood-fired pizza since it began.

Younghans said Amicas is a great establishment and credited good service from a "fantastic" staff for keeping it that way.

She said at any given time the restaurant has about 30 part and full-time employees.

"They're so good I've been spending most of my time in Austin, (Texas). I'm just here now to check in and see how things are going," Younghans said.

Head brewer Mike LaCroix said things are going especially well regarding brewing. The restaurant won three gold medals at the Colorado State Fair.

Among the award winning brews are Amicas India Pale Ale, Amber Ale and Nigel's Rather Large Ale.

LaCroix said the restaurant has also been offering customized brewer's dinners to showcase locally produced food to accompany brews on tap.

"Since the day they opened in the early '90's, Amicas has set the bar for greatness in the arena of giving back to Salida," chamber director John Engelbrecht said. He referring to numerous local organizations and events they sponsor and support.

He continued, "Kathie and the entire crew have made it a priority to support activities and charities throughout Salida.

"Long overdue, this award reflects years of gratitude and appreciation for their commitment to make Salida the best place on earth."

New Chamber Member - Matchless Photography Colorado

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Vaqueros recently welcomed business partners Sarrahfiena Swett and Rachel Topping of Matchless Photography Colorado to membership.

Swett and Topping have years of combined personal and professional photography. Topping's grandmother, a former National Geographic Magazine photographer and photo journalist for the New York Times, helped nurture her photography skills.

In 2005 Topping and her grandparents attended the International Press Institute Convention in Nairobi, Africa where she learned portraits are best taken outdoors.

Swett said great portraits need "happiness and fresh air." Photographing rafters on the Arkansas River she captured exhilaration, strength, fun and togetherness.

Together they created Matchless Photography Colorado and agree their backdrop of choice is the favorite fishing hole, campsite, garden or landscape of the subject.

The studio is open 7 days a week. Offerings include preschool, student, family and pet portraits. Other subjects are weddings, inanimate objects, events and scenic or still photography for home or business.

For information, call Swett at 221-8694 or Topping at, 221-5051 or visit Matchlessphotoco@yahoo.com.

Welcoming Matchless Photography Colorado to chamber membership are, from left front, Judee Nuechter, Martha Dyer, Rachael Topping, Sarrahfiena Swett, Sandy Swett, Guy Tower, Rusty McCurdy and Karin Naccarato. Back: Dave Chelf, Lisa Rankin, Charley Alexander, Maureen Schultz, Sam Johnson, Pete Rans, Sandy Rhoades, and Terry Deveney.

Upper Arkansas Area Development Corporation

New Chamber Member - La Casa Del Rey

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed owners Nancy and Ernie Atencio of La Casa Del Rey to membership.
Long time restaurateurs, the Atencios are no strangers to community involvement.
They said they are committed to serving guests the best food possible using the freshest ingredients at affordable prices.
The Atencio family is from the San Luis Valley and their recipes come from Grandma Garcia whose claim to fame is the "best green chili in the world." La Casa Del Rey was established in 1986 in Commerce City starting with 6 tables.
It has since grown to seat 130. They said they are happy they have the opportunity to grow here in Salida.
The Atencios said their daughter Shelley and her husband, Bill, manage the Salida location and boast they are "very proud of them."
More information on the family and business is at www.lacasadelrey.net. The phone is 539-7300.
La Casa Del Rey is at 248 E. U.S. 50. The restaurant is open at 7 a.m. daily, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers weekly specials and the family boasts it's the home of mild, medium, hot and extra hot chili.

The Buy Local Fundraiser

Sponsored by the Longfellow Parents Association (LPA) is in its 3rd year and organizers are seeking businesses to participate. During the first part of November, Longfellow students will sell pre-paid gift cards to friends and family. 20% of the total sales will be donated back from the businesses to the LPA. LPA funds provide school supplies and books for students in need and gives grants to teachers to purchase items they need for their classrooms.

Businesses must be locally owned and operated to participate. The gift cards are offered in one denomination only (typically $5-$25) and the amount is determined by the LPA and the business. To apply for consideration, please send a letter of interest via email by October 14 to lpabuylocal@gmail.com. For questions, please contact Alison Ramsey or Kim Bouldin via email.

Longfellow students and staff benefit, local businesses benefit, everybody wins!

Supporting Entrepreneurs in Growing Your Business!

$10 for Chamber Members
$15 for Non-Members

Join us for the newest businesswomen's networking group!

Monday, October 10th at Shavano Mountain Interiors & Design
Lara Franklin 117 North F Street 539-1170

Outsmarting the Grinch – How to Stay in Balance During the Holidays this Year!

Shavano Mountain Interiors & Design Agenda:
6:00 Wine and light dinner
6:15 Introduce yourself and your business
6:30 Lara's Story
6:50 Tamera Hurl owner of Inner Wisdom Coaching on Balance

PLEASE RSVP TO SANDY AT KVRH RADIO 221-1765 SO WE CAN PLAN THE FOOD. Need a scholarship to attend? Just ask Sandy.

November 14th - Judy Shuford – Headwaters Real Estate and Marilyn Laverty - Small Business Development Center – How to Work the Room – How to Remember Names – How to Enter and Exit Conversations with Grace and Ease

December – no meeting during the holidays – there are plenty of other events and parties to participate in!

Watch for our exciting surprise in January! Getting Your Voice to your Future Customers

CWI - Kitchen Showroom

Salida Elks Lodge Charity Ball

Angel of Shavano Hospice

New Chamber Member - Tony's Restaurant

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Vaqueros and board members welcomed owner Tony Perez of Tony's Restaurant in Poncha Springs to membership Sept 16.

Describing Tony's is best put by simply saying, "it's Mexican food at its finest."

Specializing in enchiladas and chili rellenos, Tony will impress you with his entire menu of handmade Mexican favorites.
People wanting authentic flavors of Mexico, won't be disappointed, but if someone in your party wants American cuisine, it's all there.

Tony's Restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday thru Sunday for breakfast and lunch at 11346 W. U.S. 50 in Poncha Springs or call 539-5301.

He said it's "where the locals dine and the tourists return."

Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce members recently welcomed Tony's Restaurant to membership. Present are, from left front, Raedell Trueblood, Karin Naccarato, Tony Perez, Lisa Rankin, Judee Nuechter, Terry Deveney, Dave Chelf and Donna Coupland. Back: Sandy Rhoades, Jason Gobin, Charley Alexander, Maureen Schultz, Dave Potts, Sam Johnson, Pete Rans and Art Gentile.

Middleton Photography - Professional Senior Portraits

TLC Pet Supplies & Services 1st Annual HAUNTED HOUNDS

It is going to be a HUGE Halloween Bash on October 31st from 4-7pm! Bring your pets and children for a costume contest. Prizes are given for Best Costume, Scariest Costume, and Most Unique Costume. The contest will start at 5:00pm. We are passing out goody bags until they last for kids and pets! Walk up and down the aisles to have a ghoulish, haunted time. Bring the kids and pets in for a Trick Or Treat!

Halloween costumes have arrived for pets! New Shipment of RAW frozen or refrigerated food for cats and dogs! New Shipment for Bird food and treats for Parrots, Cockatiels, and Parakeets!

We pamper your pets as if they were ours! Make your appointment for grooming, pet wash, and doggie daycare. We can customize a package for you! Let us know what we can do for you!

Look who recently visited us! (Please enclose the picture) Guess what Chamber Member's Dog this is. The correct guess will win a free pet wash. We will wash one pet of your choice. Please email us your guess at karen@tlcpetsupplyservices.com and add a phone number so we can call or email you when you win. Good luck! Owner is not eligible. : )

8100 W HWY 50 Salida. 719-539-7777. we are open 7am to 7 pm 7 days a week! www.tlcpetsupplyservices.com

Chaffee Connect

Inner Wisdom Coaching

Jugalicious

Attention Business Owners!

If you want to:

• Make more money
• Gain more customers
• Increase your business's online presence
• Secure your business's future

Call your local media consultant today for a free consultation.
Reed Peuser
(719) 221-9406

william.peuser@yellowbook.com

We are no longer just the Yellowbook. We offer Website Development, SEO/SEM campaigns, Yellowbook.com advertisement, Yellowbook, and Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns.

Visit our website for more information http://www.yellowbook360.com/

Moving Sale - Help us lighten our load!

Last day this Thursday! 11 am – 5 pm Wed & Thursday

All FALL is 1/3 OFF already discounted prices AND every 4th item FREE!

Vintage Vault items just $9 for separates & $14 for dresses & 2 pc sets!

Re-Opening in NEW bigger location in November! So we will be closed for a month and a half…..

Thank-you for your support in our 1st Young Colors retail store!

We look forward to serving you for many years to come here in Salida!

If you are out of town - Pam our "Personal Shopper" – can assist you with a purchase – pls call the store ph# 719-239-0874.

Optimum Business

Angel of Shavano Recycling

South Colorado Party Rental

South Colorado Party Rental would like to thank the staff of the Salida Chamber for helping us have a banner year.

South Colorado Party Rental is honored to serve south Colorado, especially Chaffee, Fremont, Saguache and Custer Counties. We are now booking for the 2012 wedding season. For brides and grooms who book before the first of the year, we are offering a 10% discount (some restrictions apply). For all your holiday party rental needs go to http://southcoloradoweddings.com/south-colorado-party-rental.php and, yes, we do set tents up in the colder months and have a full assortment of heaters to make your event comfortable.

To book your event go http://southcoloradoweddings.com/south-colorado-party-rental.php and email your wish list. Better yet, call Dave at (719) 242-7696.

Monarch News

Monarch Mountain Season Pass Now Good at 21 Different Resorts.

Telluride highlights list of new Pass Partners

Monarch, CO-- Monarch Mountain has added three more areas to its list of pass partners; Telluride and Ski Cooper in Colorado and Ski Apache in New Mexico. All three are now offering free skiing/riding to Monarch Mountain season pass holders. Monarch Mountain passes are accepted at nine Colorado areas, six New Mexico areas and areas in Utah, Wyoming, California, Michigan, Arizona and British Columbia, Canada.

Colorado areas include; Loveland, Durango, Powderhorn, Sunlight, Sol Vista, Silverton, Ski Cooper, Telluride and of course Monarch Mountain.

There are six ski areas in New Mexico that honor the Monarch Mountain season pass: Taos, Angel Fire, Red River, Pajarito, Sipapu and Ski Apache.

In Utah, Alta offers Monarch Mountain pass holders half-price tickets all season while Grand Targhee, Wyoming and Revelstoke, British Columbia offer free skiing/riding to Monarch Mountain season pass holders.

China Peak, California, Arizona Snowbowl and Indianhead Michigan round out Monarch Mountain's pass partner team for the 2011-12 season.

"We are very excited to have added Telluride as one of our pass partners for this season" said Rich Moorhead, Monarch CEO. "Telluride is a truly world class destination resort that our guests owe it to themselves to visit".

Revelstoke, British Columbia, returns this season with an offer that includes three days of free skiing/riding and half-price lodging at the Nelsen Lodge located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Monarch Mountain skiers/riders who used their pass benefits last winter in Revelstoke came home with excellent accounts of a great mountain complemented by a charming town.

21 different areas all for one low price make the Monarch Mountain season pass the best value in North America. Season passes are on sale for $339.00 (Adult price, other prices are available on the website) through November 6, 2011. Most of Monarch Mountain's pass partners offer three days of free lift tickets, but some offers vary. Details and pricing can be found at www.skimonarch.com or by calling a friendly local at 719.530.5105

Rachael A. Walke CPA., P.C.

LiveWell Chaffee County

Start your planning now; the Salida Recreation Health & Fitness Challenge will be looking for local worksites interested in becoming healthier.

Businesses can create a team, participate in nutrition & exercise classes, earn points and compete against other local businesses.

Any size business is welcome and there will be nine weekly education sessions led by local health professionals.

Look to the Fall/Winter Rec Guide for more information on registration.

Ready to start your own worksite wellness now? Contact Jon at LiveWell Chaffee County, a free resource to promote healthy eating and active living in the community. livewellstrategycoordinator@gmail.com.

Our Sponsors light up Tenderfoot Mountain throughout the entire year!

September 1- September 29, 2011 SalidaChamber.org website statistics

Total Unique Visitors -  4,675
Total Pageviews - 18,466
Average Pages viewed per Visit - 3.22
Average Time per Visit - 2:27

Top Traffic Sources
Google.com - 3,638

Direct (bookmarks, typed address) - 547
Bing.com - 218
Salida.com - 197

Yahoo.com - 193

Visitors from:
Colorado -2,897
Texas - 528

California - 282

Kansas - 145
New Mexico - 127

Thank you to our renewing members!

Past Chamber Newsletters

• September 2011 Salida Chamber Newsletter
• August 2011 Salida Chamber Newsletter
• July 2011 Salida Chamber Newsletter
• June 2011 Salida Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
• May 2011 Salida Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
• April 2011 Salida Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
• March 2011 Salida Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Browse our complete chamber membership

Join the Salida Chamber of Commerce