Chamber members hold summer forecast event

On Thursday evening last week, the I Bar Ranch was a hive of activity, as Chamber members, businesses and non-profits alike, set up tables to network and showcase their projects and distribute specialty fliers. The event, organized annually by the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce, invited vendors, residents and visitors from both ends of the valley to gather, connect and share plans for a strong summer in an informal setting. It was a great opportunity to meet business owners and expose oneself to many of the outreach and other non-profit participants who contribute to making this a lively, caring and supportive community.

It could be said that summer season is the most inviting part of the Gunnison year, with fishing, kayaking, camping, boating, climbing and a host of outdoor activities ranging from horseback riding to summer camps at Western Colorado University (WCU) available. After the recent non-traditional winter weather, the business community is looking forward to a vibrant summer packed with visitors and many took the opportunity to highlight their offerings and services in anticipation of a productive summer. The presence of organizations like Thousand Trails, Mountain Time RV Park & Cabins, Harmels on the Taylor, 3R Cross Adventures, Wilderness Pursuits at WCU, Wheelies and Waves, Three Rivers Resort to name a few, ensured that outdoor adventures and activities were prominently featured.

“This year there were a record number of participants creating and tabling events. Thirty-two tables were set up,” said Leora Wallace, executive director of the Chamber. “The opportunity to meet and mingle, talk and interact with other organizations is highly prized and often leads to identifying opportunities for collaborations.”

An example of an upcoming collaboration is the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation which is planning a Chamber business after hours on June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. to be sponsored by Bluebird Bottleshop at the historic Castle. The venue is open to visitors by appointment only and the corporation facilitates tours and events supported by donations.

Many of our favorite local non-profits were also strongly represented: Project Hope, Gunnison Country Food Pantry, Living Journeys, The Resiliency Project, Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League, Gunnison Tough, Gunnison Arts Center. The list goes on.

“Our local non-profits are highly attuned to the value of networking with community members and also with each other,” Wallace continued. “In many ways, those are some of our most active members. They drive people to action, they benefit the local economy by providing jobs and hosting events, and they enhance our overall quality of life.”

The City of Gunnison itself was also strongly represented by the presence of the fire chief, the police chief and deputy, and Amanda Wilson, the city manager, as well as parks and recreation, the Library District and Mountain Roots Food Project. The US Forest Service also had a table. Both ends of the Valley were represented. Heather Leonard from the Chamber of Commerce in Crested Butte was present. CB Center for the Arts, KBUT, Crested Butte Mountain Resort all participated, to name but a few.

Business entities prominently featured were a mix of old faithful’s and newcomers to the scene. Among them were H & H Towing, Crux Pilates, ICElab, JJ's Jeeps LLC, Janniebird Farm, Vintage secondhand market Arrowhead Mountain Lodge and Adventures and Hyperwipe.

The evening was clearly a big hit, with food available from CC’s Burger, I Bar providing a cash bar and live music by Evelyn Roper. Thanks go to Bryan Wickenhauser for generously allowing this event to be hosted at the I Bar.