Holiday Help
by Catherine Ross

“And so this is Christmas”….. Of course that is just the words in the song. We all know this is the Holiday Season that includes Hanukkah and New Years as well as Kwanzaa. Most importantly for a community that depends heavily on ski visits, it is our chance to “make it” financially for the year. The late start for snowfall and uncertain economic times have created a tenuous situation for most business owners. It appears now more than ever we need to spend our dollars locally.

You can get pretty much any gift imaginable here in Grand County. Electronics, new flat screen TVs and fancy cell phones are all available through businesses in Fraser. Why not purchase a warm down coat or new snow riding equipment right here in downtown Winter Park. Great logo wear is available at Winter Park Resort.

If retail is not your thing make this the year of the gift certificate. They are easy to wrap and always a welcome gift for the recipient. Who wouldn’t be happy with a special dinner at one of our great local restaurants or a massage/spa treatment?

Feeling a little too commercial and materialistic? Make a contribution to a local non-profit in the name of your loved one. Wrap up a card that explains the organization and how the donation will be used and give it as a gift. I know from personal experience that it really warms the heart to receive such a gift. It is fabulous way to remind each other about the true meaning of the season.

No matter what your giving habits are try to make it a new habit to spend your dollars locally and help each out by supporting your fellow chamber member.
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Engels Receive First "Pioneer Award"

Joyce and George Engel have never thought of themselves as pioneers. But those who know them understand why they were honored with the inaugural Pioneer Award by the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Click Here for article. Courtesy of Stephanie Miller at Sky~Hi Daily News.

Karen Vance Named "Citizen of the Year"

In the eyes of an artist, even the red, beetle-killed trees are beautiful to paint.  And that is why Karen Vance has been painting scenes of Grand County for so many years. She sees beyond the raw, untouched beauty of a gnarled tree or a snowy meadow, and brings out what truly matters:  Her home. Her community. Her love for Grand County.  Click Here for article.  Courtesy of Stephanie Miller at Sky~Hi Daily News.

Also, Elk Horn Art Gallery is pleased to bring you a book signing with ‘Karen Vance’ as part of WPFV's Holiday Mixer. Join us for a little holiday cheer, complimentary appetizer's and beverages. See mixer section of newsletter for details.

News from the Front Line by Tamara Davis
Christmas Tree Permits SOLD HERE!

How about that snowfall?  Yes, we are selling Christmas Tree Permits again this year so stop by 9am-5pm everyday to pick one up.  We also have great maps and good places to go.  The Middle Park Land Trust brought us great 2008 desk calendars to sell at the Visitor Center and they are going fast. 

We are gearing up for the winter season with all brochures and fun events.  The visitor center staff will be doing member tours once again since we have such a new staff so give us a call with a good time to visit your business.  This is a great time to come in to the visitor center to meet the new staff and bring in your new winter brochures!

Thanks goes out to Mark Bujanovich of Brown & Bigelow for bringing us new 2008 calendars and the yummy goodies!

We have sent over 1800 brochures this month to inquiries around the world.  The "What’s Going On" is still being done each week so please email us when you have an event that needs to go on there. 

Also, don't forget to turn in your Holiday Tree Contest forms. Click Here to get another. 

Drive by the Chamber starting the weekend of December 7 and enjoy the beautiful lights courtesy of Christmas Decor.  Would you like your business to light up this season?  If so contact Matt Johnston at 970.879.7236 or go to www.steamboatservices.com.
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Health Savings Account Roll Out
at Millennium Bank

As of November 15, Millennium Bank is offering a Health Savings Account (HSA).  These accounts allow people who have a high deductible insurance plan, or no insurance coverage, to set aside money in a tax advantage, interest bearing account.  

The HSA accounts are controlled by the account holder.  Each account comes with checks and a debit card.  The account holder can use the funds for any qualified medical expense. This includes most medical care and services, and dental and vision care, and also includes over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin. You never pay taxes on these funds and you can roll unused funds over from year to year.  This is an improvement over some flex accounts that require you to use the funds or lose them at the end of each year.

The 2007 contribution limits for the accounts are $2,850 if you have individual coverage and $5,650 if you have family coverage.  To qualify for the account, your deductible must be at least $1,100 for individual coverage and $2,200 for family coverage.

Now would be a perfect time to open an account and start saving.  You can make 2007’s maximum contribution before the end of the year and another in January 2008.

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Life Coaching:  Alternative Activity For Our Guests

We all know that our visitors do not live on snow sports alone!  Now you can suggest SELF DISCOVERY as yet another great Winter Park/Fraser Valley vacation adventure!

Our guests can experience a supportive life coaching session including individual, couples, or group exploration and development.  Visitors can be energized by a life coaching vacation package with CommuniAction, by Marianne Klancke, certified professional coach.

Guests may choose a PRINT Personality Assessment including an online survey and 90 minute coaching session to discover their greatest insight and best-self choices or an hourly life coaching session of full and purposeful attention towards their goals, actions, and actualizations.  Call 970-726-5971.
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A Holiday Open House & Shopping Event
Wednesday, December 12, 6:30 - 9pm.

Independence Reunion Cabin at Snow Mountain Ranch

Great Clothes! Great Prices! As Seen At Our Fall Fashion Show! Grab & Go! Clearance Prices! Great for Holiday Gifts! All Inventory MUST GO!

Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages Provided!  Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, December 7 to 887-3064.

All Proceeds Benefit:
Advocacy for Children’s Health & Education Services (A.C.H.E.S.) Program.  Providing Services to Underserved Children in Grand County
Admission: Donation of $5.00 Suggested

2007 Bling Bling Bling!


Once again, the Annual Dinner was a huge success!  Thank you to our sponsors, Devil's Thumb Ranch and to everyone who came and enjoyed themselves at the event.  Click Here for a larger view of the annual dinner pictures.

Presented by:
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
&
Mountain Parks Electric

Wine Sponsor:

Millennium Bank 

Supporting Sponsors:

DAPCPA Pope & Associates, LLC
&
Comcast

Dessert Sponsor:

The Roofing Company

Band Sponsor:

Frank Expressions

Flowers:

The Plant Orphanage

Cocktail Sponsors:

Grand Sports
Winter Park Resort
Terra Firma Custom Homes
Fraser Valley Recreation District

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New Member Spotlight:  Room Service Pedicures

Room Service Pedicures is a service that will come to you so that you may be able to enjoy the luxuries of life like….pedicures and manicures without having to worry about a thing! We offer numerous treatments including: the Skier’s/Snowboarder’s Foot Relief Pedicure, the Snowbunny’s Foot Treat, Snowbunny’s Hand Treat, Sensational Sensations Aromatic Hand and Feet Treatments, and the Colorado Dry Hands and Feet Quenching Treatments.  Other salon related services may be available upon request.  Call 970.509.4188 to book an appointment or inquire about services.

Starr Smith, the owner and operator of Room Service Pedicures, is a Colorado native.  She has been in the field of cosmetology for three years and is an OPI Nail Expert.  She loves the outdoors.  Some of her hobbies include snowboarding, snowshoeing, dancing, acting, singing, writing, painting, hiking, camping, making music, and making pottery.  Starr is in the process of acquiring a degree in the performing arts field and has begun this in the autumn of 2007 at the Community College of Denver.
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New Snowmobile Outfitter:  Five Star Power Rentals

Five Star Power Rentals, is Grand County’s newest snowmobile rental company. Located in Granby, the heart of Grand County, you can pick up your sleds and ride where the fun is. Grand Lake, the snowmobile capital is only 15 minutes away, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails and open meadows of deep snow to play in. On the other end of the county, Winter Park offers breathtaking views from Corona Pass. Both ends of the county offer amazing days in a winter playground filled with snow.

Five Star Power Rentals will be renting high performance snowmobiles and 2 or 4 place trailers. Only thing you will need is a vehicle that can tow, as well as a sense of adventure.  We will rent daily as well as weekly rentals.   We can't wait for you to experience the pleasurable enjoyment that snowmobiling offers. Call 887-9337 or www.powerworldsports.com for your reservations and rates.
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Member Limelight:
Winter Park Winery
Winter Tasting & Art Opening
Friday, December 7

On Friday, December 7, local artist Greg McFadden and the Winter Park Winery are teaming up for a Art Opening and Wine Tasting. Enjoy two-for-one glasses of the wineries featured wines and view McFadden’ s new art pieces " A Compilation of Waters."

The winery will be featuring their 2006 White Zinfandel, 2006 Merlot, 2005 Cabernet, 2005 Red Zinfandel, 2005 Grateful Red, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2005 Chardonnay.  The art opening and tasting begins at 3pm – 8pm. Complimentary appetizers will also be served. Bring you, your friends and family for an evening of art, wine and food.
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Member Announcement: Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Anonymous Gift Funds Land Purchase
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre has acquired three prime lots in Grand Lake and is nearing completion of a feasibility study to determine area support for building a new theatre.  Sold-out performances at the 192 seats Grand Lake Community House have become the norm for the last three seasons, an estimated 68 potential theatre-goers per performance being turned away.

“This anonymous $720,000 gift is perceived as a real vote of confidence for RMRT,” said JoAnn Roberts who serves as a trustee on the theatre board.  “Our staff and board are taking very meticulous steps toward our dream of a new 300 seat venue.”   

“RMRT’s cultural and economic impact on Grand County is real and measurable and go hand in hand,” said Chad Scott, the theatre’s managing director.  “Both the board of trustees and the artistic and administrative staff are committed to making this dream come true and invite the input and support of all Grand County residents and businesses.” 

Contact RMRT at 970-627-3421 or at www.rockymountainrep.com.

Sales Council Update:
By Heather Lopez, Sales Director

The Sales Council has been busy working hard for you. We completed our 2008 Sales Plan and have presented it to the community.

CLICK HERE for 2007 Sales Council Year In Review and the 2008 Sales Plan.

In order to complete our goals and fund summer chamber events and concerts it is crucial that we continue to receive support from our Community Sales Plan contributors and gain the support of additional community businesses. The Sales Council’s mission and purpose is to increase sales and revenues for Winter Park & Fraser Valley businesses through coordinated sales efforts and support of other sales entities. This will be accomplished by continuing to build the Community Sales Program funded by a voluntary 1% surcharge.

Voluntary 1% Surcharge:

Line 16 on Business Owner’s Sales Tax Form allows for voluntary contribution of 0.9% of your revenue. These funds are used to continue the Community Sales Program. If you would like to participate, it is suggested that you charge your customers a 1% surcharge and remit .9%, since the 1% surcharge is subject to the same sales and lodging taxes as your other income.

The Town of Winter Park has agreed to collect this surcharge from businesses subject to Town Sales Tax and forward the funds received to the Community Sales Program account. The Community Sales Program was developed and is managed by the Sales Council, a committee of Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to enhance current marketing and sales efforts to increase visitors to retail, dining, activities and lodging.

Members of the Sales Council, along with 20 other businesses and Winter Park Resort, have committed to collect this surcharge from their guests. In order to accomplish our  goals and continue the summer chamber events, the participation of the rest of the community is needed. We thank you for your support in promoting our community.

Contact Heather Lopez at 726-4221 x 7 or email hlopez@playwinter.com for the Voluntary 1% Surcharge sign up sheet.

Benefits for the participating in the program:

• Exposure to new and undeveloped markets.
• First to receive the leads from tradeshows and conferences.
• Free enhanced exposure in collateral pieces created including the Group Tour Manual.
• First to be called for FAM opportunities
• Enhanced MTRiP research data and trend information.
• Increased business through targeted programs.
• Representation of your business in Sales Council Programs
• Opportunity to receive overruns of all direct mail pieces to use in promoting your business.

Click Here for more information on Lifestylz College Week, National Tour Assoication and this months MTRiP. 

Winter Events Are Here! by Gina Hallisey

We hope you have a wonderful winter season and we’d like to invite you and your family to join us for some winter festivities we’ve planned. 

December 31, 2007: 
Kick off the New Year a bit early – Fireworks in downtown Winter Park will start at 10pm.
 
January 26-27, 2008: Mary Jane’s Birthday Bash & Winterfest – Join the fun at Winter Park Resort during the day and Downtown Winter Park in the evening as we celebrate one of Winter Park’s most famous gals!  Check out the complete schedule of event activities on the special events calendar at www.playwinterpark.com 
 
Sponsorship Update:
You should have received your 2008 Special Events Sponsorship Packet in the mail within the last week or so.  We hope by packaging the sponsor opportunities in a full calendar year it will assist you in planning.  Sponsorships are filling up so don’t wait to commit!  Sponsorship of an event is a great way to gain exposure for your company.  We are open to customizing any sponsorship amount and we have payment options available.   Contact the Special Events Department at 970.726.4221 x 2 or ghallisey@playwinterpark.com for more info. 

Thanks for your support in 2007 and we look forward to working with you in 2008!

Gina Hallisey
Special Events Director
ghallisey@playwinterpark.com
 
Michael Stovall
Special Events Operations Manager
mstovall@playwinterpark.com

Events & Meetings in December

CLICK HERE for a the complete calendar and details of community events.  Is your event not listed on the web site and you would like it to be? If so, please email Tamara Davis at tdavis@playwinterpark.com with your event. 

04: Bella Vita Open House: 6:30 to 8:30pm

05: Fraser Town Board: 6:30pm

05:  Ribbon Cutting at Seven Sisters Clothing Store: 3-8pm

05: Grand County Library's Progessive Dinner: 5pm

06: Chamber Board & Committee(s) Party at Grand Theater Company: 6pm

07:  Greg McFadden Art Opening & Wine Tasting at Winter Park Winery: 3-8pm

08: GCBS Presents:  Albert Cummings at Smokin' Moe's 9pm

11: Rec. District Meeting: 5:30pm WP Town Hall

11:  Membership Meeting: 9am

12: Chamber Board Meeting: 9:15am
 

13:  Chamber Holiday Mixer at Elk Horn Art Gallery 5-7pm

15-16:  Music On The Mall at Cooper Creek Square: 1:30 -3pm

18: Winter Park Town Council Meeting: 8am

19:  Fraser Town Board: 6:30pm

21:  Piano Playing with Joan Shaw at Gasthaus Eichler: 6-9pm

31:  Jingle Rails at Winter Park Resort and Fireworks in downtown Winter Park

The Seven Sisters:  Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Located in the Alco Shopping Center in Fraser Next to Radio Shack
Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 3-8pm.

Come and check out Fraser's newest addition, The Seven Sisters.  A Unique clothing store with accessories and home decor from round the world.  Handmade and one of a kind items. 

Stop by for refreshments and to welcome the new business. Ribbon cutting around 4pm. 

For questions or more information, contact Cheryl Key at 726-9059.
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Holiday Mixer at Elk Horn Art Gallery
Thursday, Dec 13
5-7pm

With special guest - Karen Vance
 
“Landscapes of Colorado”, a new book by Ann Daley & Michael Paglia, features the artwork of Karen Vance both inside and as the cover art.  The book offers a unique survey of paintings, drawings, and photographs by fifty-two artists committed to exploring Colorado natural environment.
 
Elk Horn Art Gallery is pleased to bring you a book signing with ‘Karen Vance’ as part of WPFV's Holiday Mixer. Join us for a little holiday cheer, complimentary appetizers and beverages.

Karen will be on-hand signing books and displaying all of her current work.  Karen will also be at the gallery signing books on Fri. Dec. 14 from 4 to 8 pm & Sat. Dec. 15 from 3 to 5 pm.

SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION book available at the signing: “Landscapes of Colorado - Peaks and Plains” Hard Cover Binding with a signed and numbered limited edition giclee on the cover - $115.  Open edition - $85.

Also, Elk Horn Art Gallery and Karen Vance’s Holiday Special good through December: Buy framed or unframed Prints and Giclees by Karen Vance totaling $500 and receive a free book. An $85 value!

If you have any questions, please call the Gary Coblentz at Elk Horn Art Gallery at 970-726-9292. 

RSVP HERE so we may know how much food to order.