September 2011 Newsletter
As the dust slowly settles from the fantastically busy summer we've experienced, I wanted to take a moment to collectively thank the folks of Salida for being such gracious hosts. This summer Salida was filled with visitors from all corners of the world. We saw bustling sidewalks, busy shops and restaurants and people everywhere enjoying our little town. Thanks to everyone for proving to our guests that we really are the Heart of the Rockies.
Special thanks go out to all the event organizers, sponsors, volunteers and behind the scene people who work so hard to put on great events for us and our guests. It would be impossible to name everyone individually, but I must take a minute to showcase a few. As always, please forgive me if I fail to mention your event or name. Thank you letters are always fraught with the danger of omitting someone.
Each Memorial Day, Elaine Allemang and her crew bring us the Fallen Bikers Memorial Rally. This event brings bikers from around the Country to our area for the kick off to summer. Thanks to the Rotary Club for hosting Bluegrass on the Arkansas that same weekend to bring even more excitement to town. FIBArk this year was one of the best ever thanks to all the efforts of the Board. This years FIBArk Board was…. President: Samantha Lane, Vice President: Chuck Deveney, Secretary: Kate Yost, Treasurer: Shannon Sheris, and members, Cassandra Peterson, Donna Rhoads, Jay Nelson, Kevin Hoffman, Laurie Newman, Michael Yerman, and Phil Gamache.
To truly appreciate the long hours and hard work it takes to put on a multi-day community event, consider seeking a seat on the Board. It will benefit both you and Salida.
Immediately on the heels of FIBArk came ArtWalk….three days of fun and fine art. This annual event draws guests from Colorado and neighboring States to the galleries and shops of Salida to experience the many forms of art. This years Board and volunteers were: Gloria Countyman, Susan Bethany, Jerry Scavezze, Toni Tischer, Paulette Brodeur, Suzanne (at Bungled Jungle), Brice Turnbull, Geraldine Alexander, Linda Frances, William Boddy, Donna Waglefile, Jennifer Dempsey, Sue Mills, April Prout,
Steph Brady, Judy Hoch, Sydney Wilson, Gladys Hodges, Emily and Nicholas Wilson,
Patti Vincent, Harper Powell, Kate Thompson and Stephen Smalzel & his Jug Band. Thanks everyone for all your efforts to showcase Salida as such a vibrant art community.
The next week we celebrated our Nation's Birthday in grand style thanks to Vickie Sue Vigil and members of the Salida Business Alliance. Salida enjoyed a day of activities, a parade, and a terrific fireworks display expertly presented by the men and women of our own Salida Fire Department. This event has become more popular each year due to the tireless efforts of folks like Mike Rosso, Danny Sack and Kathleen Nelson. Additional kudos go out to The Mountain Mail, Salida Public Works, Salida Recreation Department and of course the Salida Police Department for all the
Only a few days after Independence Day the Salida Chamber Board of Directors in partnership with the Colorado Brewer's Guild brought us the 15th Edition of the Colorado Brewer's Rendezvous. This one-day event hosted 2600 guests from every State and nine foreign countries. Much gratitude and appreciation goes out to President: Lisa Rankin,Vice-President: Martha Dyer, Secretary: Brooke Johnson, Treasurer: Brenda Wallis and members Dustin Hughes, Terry Deveney, Walt Harder, Maureen Schultz, Sandy Rhoades, Scott Pfeffer. It may be a one day happening, but it takes months to make sure it works as smoothly as it does.
Days later, the men and women of the Chaffee County Fair Board hosted one of the best events in our region. This years Board consisted of Harold DeWalt, Chair, Danny Wood, Vice Chair, Karen Peeples, Secretary, Rachael Walke, Treasurer, Dave Potts, Fair Planning Chair and members, Norman Denoyer, Ada Turley, Jim LaRue, Barbara Wind, Nancy Roberts, Tate Scanga, Pat Alderton, Wyatt Engleman, Nancy Pallaoro, Leslie Harrison, Dennis Fischer, Sandy Rose, Frank Holman and Alice Hill. In addition, the Chaffee County Extension Office provides tremendous support and assistance to make the Fair better than most. Thanks to Kurt Jones, Extension Director, Karin Niedfeldt, Extension Agent, and Anita Miller, Administrator. Jim Mick, Fairground Manager and Harriet Kerndt, Assistant Manager must be recognized for their hard work and consistent professionalism over the past many years. The amount of work that goes into the Fair each year boggles the mind. Thanks you guys, you make our lives richer with your vision and willingness to give back.
Our most recent event, the Salida Stage Start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge thrilled all who were lucky enough to witness the spectacle. This inaugural event proved to be bigger and brighter than promised and our Local Organizing Committee is prepared to throw Salida's name into the hat for next years edition. To say the event was a success is indeed an understatement. This year's committee members where: Angela Damman, April Prout-Ralph, Chuck Rose, Andy Riemenscheider, Keith Darner, Vickie Sue Vigil, Greg Ralph, Lisa Malde, Freddie Maxwell Brett Haydin, Kat Jackson, Shawn Gillis, Michael Varnum, Theresa Casey, Dana Porter, and Robin Nejame. The next time you see one or any of these folks, please take a moment to thank them for all the tremendous efforts to bring such a great event to our home town.
Again, my apologies to those who I failed to mention. We are so fortunate to have such a full calendar of events for locals and guests alike. I can't wait to see what next summer will bring.
Gratefully,
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
Chamber Thanks Open Sponsors
Once again the weather cooperated to help make the second edition of the Chamber Open a complete success. Thanks to all the teams that participated, winners and players alike. As always, Dow and Scott at the Golf Course were the best hosts we could hope for. As usual, the Chamber Directors rolled up their sleeves and made it all look so easy. Kudos to The Ripped Van Winkles, a rockin’ band from BV that kept the place jumpin’. Door prizes were generously donated by Moonlight Pizza, Hampton Inn, Sherwin-Williams, Bensons and TLC Pet Supplies.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to our tournament sponsors. Without them, we would not be able to hold this fun event. They are…..Big O Tires, First Colorado Land Office, Fleming & Associates, Xcel Energy, Schultz & Associates, Monarch Mountain, Hylton Lumber, KalamataPit Catering, Scanga Meat, Canyon Marine Whitewater, Monarch Spur RV Campground, Wes Hill & Associates, Alpine Towing & Recovery, Valvoline Quick Lube & Tires, ReMax Mountain River, Collegiate Peaks Bank, KW Construction & Restoration, Pinon Development Corp., Anderson & Hughes, P.C.
Again, thanks to everyone for making our second Chamber Open such a great success.
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
Salida Chamber
Business After Hours for September - Wednesday - 14th
Join us for BAH at Hampton Inn & Suites - 785 E. Highway 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.
July Business of the Month - Burmac Enterprises
Joanne and Doyle Burgett of Burmac Enterprises accepted the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce August Business of the Month award Friday at the grocery store east of Salida.
Doyle Burgett said Burmac's wholesale grocery started more than 35 years ago with a General Mills feed division contract. In their early years of business, he said it seemed as if all they sold was dog food.
"We've had customers who have shopped with us since day-one. When a long-time customer passes away it's like losing a member of the family," Joanne said.
The grocery has expanded since the early years and Doyle and Joan have remained active within the community.
They have been continuous chamber members more than 20 years and last received the business of the month honor in November 2005.
Doyle is a member of Salida Elks Lodge and Joanne is a member of the X-Epsilon Delta Sorority in Salida that recently provided food for the Tenderfoot Climb to Conquer Cancer.
Burmac's donates to school programs such as Spartan Athletic Booster Club throughout the year and donates food to the Lighthouse.
Joanne said the grocery is a drop station for donations toward Dick Bower's charity program that helps an orphanage in Old Mexico.
"During the past 20-plus years, Joan and Doyle have supported the Chamber and Salida by creating a successful business and giving back where it was needed.
"Countless programs and causes have been helped because of their generosity. In a town of big-hearted people, Joanne and Doyle set the bar even higher," chamber director John Engelbrecht said during the ceremony.
The 2011 Jewel Ball

Tenderfoot Mountain Duathlon and Triathlon and Kids' Triathlon
Saturday, Sept. 3 (Adults)
Sunday, Sept. 4 (Kids)
We have a new website! Please visit www.salidatriathlon.com for more information on the adult and the kids' races!
Register Today!
Stop by the Aquatic Center or download a registration form at www.salidatriathlon.com. On-line registration is available at www.runningguru.com. Adults - registration closes at 8pm on 9/1. Register before 8/21 to save money! Walk-in/mail-in registration closes on 9/3 for the kids' race and at 8pm on 9/1 for on-line kids' registrations. There is no race day registration for any of the races.
Volunteers Needed!
These races would not be possible without the help of our volunteers! We need over 50 volunteers on Saturday and over 30 volunteers on Sunday. Only have a few hours available? We can still use your help! Volunteering is a lot of fun and a great way to promote physical fitness and healthy values in our community. Contact Kristy at 719-539-6738 or salidaraces@gmail.com for more information or to sign-up.
More information...
Not ready to complete the entire course on your own? Compete as a triathlon team or try the duathlon! All entry fees include a t-shirt, lunch and goody bag. All competitors are welcome to use the pool FREE Friday night, Sept. 2 for lap swim and will also receive a half-off coupon to the pool to be used at a later date. This is a great smaller, friendly, local race with a challenging and scenic course.
Kids' Race
For kids ages 5-14. This race is open to kids of all ability levels and is only $20, so come on out and give the sport of triathlon a try! Registration fee includes a t-shirt, light snacks, a participant ribbon and FREE entry into the pool for the remainder of the day.
New in 2011: We will wait 20 minutes after the last competitor in each age group finishes his/her swim before beginning the next age group. This is to eliminate the confusion of past years caused by too many participants out on the course at one time and to allow participants time to warm up. Older competitors will begin first.
New Chamber Member - Art and Aperitif
Michelle Rollins and Erin Tweed of Art and Aperitif, 300 F St., recently joined Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce.
It offers classes for people seeking a creative outlet. Each class costs $35. At the end of the class each participant will go home with a piece of their own art.
To register for a class, visit their website and select a painting from their calendar. All materials for the evening selected will be provided, except the participant beverage of choice for the participant. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase.
More information is at www.art-and-aperitif.com, e-mail info@art-and-aperitif.com, or call 539-2792.
Upper Arkansas Area Development Corporation

New Chamber Member - Central Colorado Ear, Nose and Throat
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Central Colorado Ear, Nose and Throat to its membership.
Board certified in otorhinolaryngology and oro-facial plastic surgery, Harry H. Payton, D.O. and his wife Debbie, a registered nurse and certified otorhinolaryngology technician, opened their office in February.
Before arriving in Salida, Payton practiced in Portland, Maine, for 25 years.
Their office is at 920 Rush Drive, on the campus of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical HRRMC.
They offer general ear, nose and throat services such as complete office evaluations, including endoscopy and microscopic examinations of the ear.
In addition, basic ear, nose and throat surgery, from ear tubes to head and neck procedures such as parotidectomies and thyroid surgery which will be performed at the medical center.
Dr. Payton no longer performs aesthetic procedures such as face lifts and rhinoplasties, but, his practice includes removal of skin cancers that require reconstruction of areas of the face such as nose, ears, lips and eyelids.
In addition, Debbie Payton is available to perform audiometric evaluations. Inquire about appointments at 539-9300.
Branching Out - Fire Ready Newsletter
Fire Ready Trail Building
A trail adds value to your property--and your life.
Many landowners have a desire to have a trail built on their property. Fire Ready has the knowledge, manpower and tools to build a sustainable hiking trail, ski trail or ATV trail on your land. Our crew can build the necessary water bars, retaining walls, erosion controls and landscaped walkways.
Trail building is best done after a forest has been thinned out, or along with a forest restoration project. A trail is a good firebreak, and can be maintained simply by using the trail. A trail is a great way to explore your forests, connect with the outdoors and stay physically active.
Find out more about Fire Ready.
New Chamber Member - Smoke-N-Dawgs
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce Vaqueros welcomed Don and Sheree Potts of Smoke-N-Dawgs to membership recently at 645 E. U.S. 50 next door to American Hunting and Fishing Supply.
Don, a well known cook in the area, opened his own place offering a selection of his favorites. The result is Smoke-N-Dawgs designed as a fun and delicious hot dog stand.
Don and Sheree prepare everything fresh each morning including brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis style ribs, green and red chili, and more.
They use a smoker for barbecue and a grill for burgers. Smoke-N-Dawgs has a yard with a beautiful garden, horseshoe pit and sand box for youths.
Specialty foods are available for purchase. For convenience they sell firewood for people camping. Parking is easy for big rigs.
Smoke-N-Dogs is mobile and available for fund-raising events and parties.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday weather permitting. For information call 539-4138.
New Chamber Member - Advo Payment Systems
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Larry Blevins of Advo Payment Systems to membership.
Advo Payment Systems is a merchant services company specializing in credit card processing. What's different about AdvoPay is the way it bills merchants for processing.
Advo Payment Systems has a variety of programs to suit each business.
It offers a merchant assurance policy that will pay as much as $250 if after a merchant is processing with AdvoPay, another processing company can process with lower rates.
Business owners who think they are paying too much for processing or who have questions may call Blevins for a no-cost comparison.
Contact Blevins at (719) 331-8616 or toll free, (888) 570.2386 ext. 750 or lblevins@advopayment.com or www.advopayment.com.
Attending the welcoming of Jim and Gretchen Preston of Impresco LLC to Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce are from left front. Judee Nuechter, Martha Dyer, Gretchen Preston, Jim Preston, Terry Deveney, Lisa Rankin and Donna Coupland. Back: Art Gentile, Dustin Hughes, Sam Johnson, Sandy Rhoades, Ken Leisher and Pete Rans.
CWI - Kitchen Showroom

Supporting Entrepreneurs in Growing Your Business!
Join us for the newest businesswomen's networking group!
Monday, September 12 at the Salida Café Community Room
Insider Tips on How to Get the Most Out of your Business Facebook Fan Page
Salida Café Agenda:
6:00 - Wine and light dinner and bring your laptop!
6:15 - Introduce yourself and your business - and your social media successes
7:00 - Leanne Pressly of Renaissance Marketing
7:30 - One on one questions and solutions
Don't miss this fun evening of networking, collaborating, healthy food and wine…
PLEASE RSVP TO SANDY AT KVRH RADIO 221-1765 SO WE CAN PLAN THE FOOD.

2nd Monday of the Month
October 10th– Shavano Mountain Interiors & Design on North F Street owned by Laura Franklin and Tamera Herl, owner of Inner Wisdom Coaching - Outsmarting the Grinch – How to Stay in Balance During the Holidays
November 14th - Judy Shuford – Headwaters Real Estate and Marilyn Laverty Director of the Small Business Development Center – How to Work the Room – How to Remember Names – How to Enter and Exit Conversations with Grace and Ease
2012 Visitor's Guide

Jugalicious

Optimum Business

New Chamber Member - Impresco LLC
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce welcomed Jim and Gretchen Preston of Impresco LLC, in Salida to membership recently.
Impresco is a janitorial and sanitation supplies distributing company selling supplies directly to businesses and end-users.
Delivery and training for the products is included in the service. Impresco services many communities including Buena Vista, Leadville, Fairplay, Alamosa, Monte Vista and, Cañon City.
Jim, a Salida native, has extensive training and experience in the industry. The position Jim previously held was team leader for the largest Jan/San distributor in Western Colorado.
His four years with that company were spent managing 12 sales representatives in eight markets throughout Western Colorado.
The combined Industry background, timing, demand, and local relationships are influences upon development of the company.
Contact Jim or Gretchen at (970) 201-3973 or (719) 207-4862 or prestonjp@hotmail.com.
Angel of Shavano Recycling

TLC Pet Supplies & Services
TLC Pet Supplies & Services just received a new shipment! We now sell bird seed and treats for parrots, cockatiel, and parakeets! We have Hill's Science Diet, Natural Balance, Greenies, Nutro, Dogswell, Blue Buffalo, Bravo, Iams, Pure Eukanuba, Wellness, Holistic Select, Halo, Instinct, Nature's Variety, and Earthborn. We also have Evo, Zukes, Taste of the Wild, Canine Caviar, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Canidae, Innova, California Natural, and Felidae and much more!
On Friday September 16th, bring your pet in and get a free pet photo!
Look who recently visited us!
We are located at 8100 W HWY 50 in Salida. 719-539-7777. www.tlcpetsupplyservices.com. We are open from 7am-7pm 7 days a week. We have easy access parking in front of the store and a HUGE selection of mesh harnesses, Step In Harnesses, leashes, collars, head collars, treats for dogs and cats, flea control, dog and cat beds, cat litter and pans, Furminator, and toys!
LiveWell Chaffee County
LiveWell Chaffee County presents its next Free Worksite Wellness Lunch & Learn.
Is it time your business improve its bottom line by improving your employee's health?
Wednesday, September 21
11:30-1pm
2nd Floor Antero Conference Room
HRRMC
This will be the 3rd of 4 Lunch & Learns. This lunch and learn will include a panel discussion of local businesses who have existing worksite wellness programs.
Please RSVP to Jon Fritz at livewellstrategycoordinator@gmail.com
Rachael A. Walke CPA., P.C.

High Country Bank Celebrates 125 Years
High Country Bank Celebrates 125 Years of Financial Service to the Upper Arkansas Valley.
In November, 1886, members of the Board of Directors of the then Chaffee County Bank, formed a "Building Society" and chartered one of the oldest, continuously operated financial institutions in the State of Colorado.
Under the leadership of W. W.Roller and J.P. Randol, the group organized and chartered the Salida Building and Loan Association, currently known as High Country Bank.
In the early years, members would purchase shares (deposits) and loans were awarded through an auction process with the funds going to the "borrowers" with the highest interest rate bid.
This local bank has experienced and survived three major financial crises in the history of the United States.
The first being the great Depression of the late 1920's and early 1930's. Out of that era, the government created the FDIC and FSLIC Insurance funds to protect depositors' savings. The Federal Home Loan Bank system was also formed to assist savings and loan associations. Salida Building and Loan joined the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) on May 3, 1937, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System in October, 1936.
The second financial crisis was the Savings and Loan Crisis and bailout of the early 1980's. Through these tough years, when many savings and loans failed, Salida Building and Loan operated successfully with its conservative style serving the community well. Again, the government stepped in and created new regulations known as the Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA). The FSLIC failed and was merged with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). A foreclosure crisis swept across the country and the government assisted in the disposition of foreclosed properties with the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Salida Building and Loan not only survived, they thrived. The Bank successfully made the transition to the twenty-first century, getting through Y2K.
Recently, the Financial Crisis of 2008, again required government intervention in the form of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) bailout, and a plethora of new regulations with the Dodd-Frank Act. It should be noted that High Country Bank did not require or accept TARP funds.
Today, High Country Bank is financially strong and continues to be the primary residential mortgage lender and an independent community bank serving the area with branches located in Salida, Buena Vista, and Canon City, Colorado.
Over the years, High Country Bank has been served by many dedicated leaders and employees. Many of the leaders served the institution well for many years. Some of the leaders included the likes of J.B. Randol, W. W. Roller, W. S. "Scottie" Buchanan,
C.H. Kelleher, Theodore Jacobs, Walter Blakey, Robert Kurtz, Steve Frazee, Alice Chinn, Bert Mitchell, Charles Brown, and Herb Glesener. Current Board Members include Larry Smith, Tim Glenn, Rich Young, Phil Harsh, and Pete Cordova.
High Country Bank is proud of its dedicated staff and their dedicated service of many years. Currently, of the sixty-five employees, two have been employed over thirty years, two have been employed for over twenty years, one over fifteen years, thirteen over ten years and twenty-one over five years. A successful local business dedicated to our employees and the communities we serve.
High Country Bank has been a major supporter of the Communities they serve over the years. The Bank donates over $60,000 in an average year to local clubs and organizations such as, Boys and Girls Club, Salida Hospital District, Salida School District, Grainery Ministries, Farm to Table, Caring and Sharing, Habitat for Humanity, Neighbor to Neighbor, Chaffee County Search and Rescue, Salida Chamber of Commerce, Salida Steamplant, City of Salida, numerous scholarships for high school students and many more. Not only does the Bank and our employees donate funds, but our employees participate in many community events and volunteer their time in support of these events.
High Country Bank is proud to offer an assortment of checking, savings, and certificate of deposit products. Additionally, the Bank provides mortgage, commercial, and consumer financing to persons and businesses throughout the area. Our website, www.highcountrybank.net is a safe, convenient and fast way to obtain information on your account, take care of your banking needs electronically, and apply for a loan on line. We also now offer mobile banking and much, much more!!
In celebration of the Bank's 125th Anniversary, we are having drawings, loan and deposit specials, prizes, and contests that will culminate with a community Bar-B-Que on Friday, September 23rd at our branch offices in Buena Vista, Canon City, and Downtown Salida.
During the month of September, we will also be displaying historic memorabilia of the long life of Salida Building and Loan Association/High Country Bank, including original minutes, financial statements, and other items from the local banking history of Salida.
All the dedicated staff, management, and Board of Directors invite the community to celebrate the Bank's life serving the upper Arkansas Valley.
Larry Smith
President & CEO
La Casa Del Rey

Middleton Photography - Fall Is For Family

Special Disney Institute Program

Our Sponsors light up Tenderfoot Mountain throughout the entire year!
August 1- August 30, 2011 SalidaChamber.org website statistics
Total Unique Visitors - 7,946
Total Pageviews - 24,671
Average Pages viewed per Visit - 3.10
Average Time per Visit - 2:27
Top Traffic Sources
Google.com - 67.20
Direct (bookmarks, typed address) - 7.24
Bing.com - 5.27
Salida.com - 3.66
Yahoo.com - 3.32
Visitors from:
Colorado - 4,425
Texas - 1,034
Kansas - 313
New Mexico - 267
California - 416
Thank you to our renewing members!
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All Season Snowmobile & ATV Rental |
Rocky Mountain Eye Center, P.C. |
Past Chamber Newsletters
- 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
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