For the better part of December, there was a huge void in our garage. This vacant space is typically occupied by bins of lights, decorations and a large collection of nutcrackers that we have accumulated over the years. At the conclusion of the holiday season, the bins are refilled, and the contents sit idle and unattended to for the next 11 months. While this off-season neglect may be acceptable for holiday nick knacks, it cannot be the case for our local businesses.
Throughout the 2018 holiday season, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association (GSCRA) promoted a “Shop Glenwood” campaign, which we plan to continue throughout the next year. We don’t want the important message of supporting local businesses to get packed away with the holiday decorations. This notion holds a special place for the GSCRA as 2019 marks our 100th anniversary. While this is certainly a momentous milestone for our organization, it is truly a celebration of the entire community.
When businesses thrive, the community thrives, so the decision to shop, dine, play and do business locally will essentially become the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Every dollar spent locally will turn over up to seven times in the local economy. Not only does shopping locally support business owners and allow them to create jobs in our local community, but it also means more money is returned to the community through sales tax, which pays for essential services. Plus local businesses make our community unique and special.
Can you imagine Glenwood Springs without the famous Glenwood Hot Springs or the charming downtown shops and restaurants? What about the realtor who helped you find your dream home, the insurance agent who helped you navigate a fender bender or the friendly clerk at the grocery store? These people and places are a large part of what makes our community special and unique. This is true today and has been for the past century.
As we turn the page to a new calendar year, let’s make 2019 a celebration of what makes our community beautiful, diverse and unique. As we embark on not just another year, but another century, I’d like to thank our wonderful local businesses, community members and visitors for their investment in our community. After all, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association exists because of businesses, and the businesses exist because of the support of community members and visitors.
We’ll officially kick off the year on Feb. 22 at the GSCRA’s annual meeting, which will coincide with a state of the community and economic forecast event at Morgridge Commons. The 122nd annual Strawberry Days Festival takes place June 21-23 at Sayre (Strawberry) Park. Our Annual Gala and Awards event takes place on Nov. 2 at what will be the newly renovated Hotel Colorado ballrooms. Throughout the year, we’ll have a variety of networking events and educational opportunities as well. More details on these and our other events and programs can be found on our website, glenwoodchamber.com.
Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do and for giving the GSCRA the opportunity to have a part in making Glenwood Springs the best place to live work and play.
Angie Anderson is president & CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.