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Adventure Member! Who in the world is that?
"Adventure Member" is a new guessing game of "Who's Who" in the Chamber membership. All pictures are of current Chamber members who love adventure. The first person to guess at least 9 out of 12 pictures correctly in the 2009 newsletters, will win a fabulous prize at the end of the year.
Who is April's Adventure Member?
Click Here to submit your guess. Name business and at least one manager. (Click photo to enlarge image).
Would you like to be an "Adventure Member?" Submit your adventure picture to mchavez@playwinterpark.com.
Scroll thru newsletter to find out who was last month's Adventure Member.
Winter Park Skiers Honored with Top Awards
Photos courtesy of Sky Hi Daily News
At the 2009 U.S. Freestyle National Championships held in Squaw Valley, CA, veteran freestyle skier and coach Chris Seemann was named the 2009 Freestyle Coach of the Year. This award is decided by all freestyle coaches across the U.S. Seemann was an aerialist on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team from 1985 – 1988 and was the 1988 U.S. National Aerial Champion.
Seemann has been coaching Freestyle aerials, mogul jumps and trampoline since 1986 and has been working for the last five years as the Mogul Jump Coach for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team as well as the Technical Advisor for U.S. Freestyle Skiing since 2003. Seemann lives in Winter Park, CO, where he is still very active with the Winter Park Freestyle Team as an Aerial & Mogul Jump Coach.
Liz McIntyre of Granby has been inducted into the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame on Saturday at a ceremony in Park City, Utah. McIntyre won the silver medal in freestyle moguls at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, and was a coach with the U.S. Ski Team from 1999-2006 where she coached several Olympic medalists and world champions.
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Surviving the Recession – There is some help!
The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to have renewed our partnership with BEDA - Grand County Business and Economic Development Association. Through this partnership we will be providing education seminars and a stronger push for business retention in 2009. BEDA offers great services to small businesses all around Grand County including low interest loans and continuing education grants.
BEDA is committed to promoting commerce in Grand County through:
- Co-operation and Support
- Networking and Education
- Improvement grants
- Attracting new employers
Please attend one of the "Business Back to Basics" upcoming seminars and learn more about this great resource!
May 21 | 1-3:30pm | Fraser Town Hall
May 28 | 1 - 3:30pm | Town of Winter Park
June 11 | 1-3:30pm | Town of Winter Park
CLICK HERE for more information on these seminars. Go to gcbeda.com for more info on BEDA, including loan info and applications.
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A Great Time for Chamber Membership! A Note From ChamberMaster
In the midst of the economic recession it may seem like a challenging time to gain new members and retain existing members. Many businesses may be hesitant to spend money on something that they don't consider a "necessity."
While moderation and wise judgment must not be thrown out, research has shown that those that keep themselves visible during economic recessions maintain and even increase their sales after the recession is over. Chamber membership may be the perfect return on their investment during these hard times.
An article published by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, cited a McGraw Hill Research study that looked at over 600 companies from 1980 - 1985. They found that "those businesses which chose to maintain or raise their level of advertising expenditures during the 1981 and 1982 recession had significantly higher sales after the economy recovered. Specifically, companies that advertised aggressively during the recession had sales 256% higher than those that did not continue to advertise."
"Companies that consistently advertise even during recessions perform better in the long run."
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Don't Forget to Keep Using Those Reusable Bags!
March 1 - September 1, 2009
C'mon Winter Park, Fraser and Granby - let's do this thang!
Help keep single-use, disposable bags from entering our environment, and in the process, help us to win this state-wide challenge! Get into the habit of using reusable bags. CLICK HERE to get a list of all of our Participating Retailers.
The Grand BYOB Project would especially like to thank O2 Creative for their design work, and McConnell Printing for donating their printing services.
726.5830 | mcconnell@mcconnellprinting.com
We could not do this without the generous help of businesses like you!
CLICK HERE to learn more about the project.
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News From The Front Line
Happy Spring!!! The winter season is winding down and we would like to ask Chamber members to bring by your new brochures, we need to start to restock our brochures for the summer season. We would like to keep visitors up-to-date on all new information and any special offers. Please bring enough brochures to cover us for the off-season and to last us throughout the summer time.
To better inform VC staff, Sara and Kristyn are more than happy to come and tour your property, service, or activity so we can get people in your doors.
We distributed 1,800 Visitor Guides to people across the country and the globe this week. If you get any calls from prospective visitors, you can direct them to the Chamber’s website, www.playwinterpark.com, to download a free copy of the 2009 Visitor Guide and save paper! If you'd like to sign up to be a Distribution Partner with us, and get your brochure mailed out with our Visitor Guide, see the Marketing report below.
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Inexpensive Housing for Your Employees - Fox Run
Are you looking to keep and maintain your good, year-round employees during this economic downturn? Maybe you can’t afford to give them raises, but you can direct them to Fox Run, Fraser’s most affordable family living. A two-bedroom apartment is as little as $650 per month for a family of three with an income under $37,920. A three-bedroom apartment for a family of 5 making less than $45,480 is only $825.
By referring your employees to Fox Run, you win two ways; first you’re helping your employees with lower rents or by living closer to their jobs. Secondly, you’re helping Grand County keep this valuable asset. We have 11 units available and until they’re leased, we’re offering a move-in incentive of half-off the first month's rent on a 12-month lease.
Please, discuss this opportunity with your employees, we’ll walk them through the paperwork. Call if we can help -- Allegiant Management LLC at 970.726.8822, either Debbie at extension 232 - or Jon at 222.
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8th Annual Habitat Hobble - June 13, 2009
Sponsors Needed
Times are tough right now. We all feel it – some more than others. Times are particularly difficult for those who serve our residents and visitors and make Grand County such a special place to live and visit – the people who build our houses, drive delivery trucks, cook and serve food in our restaurants, clean condos and work in small businesses like your own.
Habitat’s goal is to build a base of affordable housing in Grand County for low income families – housing in which the people who are so very important to Grand County can live without needing a six figure income to pay the mortgage. In 2009 we will build our 8th home in Grand County. Like to get involved? Become a sponsor. CLICK HERE.
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Relay for Life | August 8 & 9 | 6pm - 7am
Middle Park High School Track
What is Relay For Life? It is an opportunity for everyone in our community to gather and participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at the high school and take turns walking around the track while others find something to eat or enjoy the festivities and visit the booths. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event and takes place in over 5,000 communities worldwide with over 400 million participants from all walks of life and fitness. Grand County has hosted Relay For Life for 2 years, raising $12,000 last year and we hope to double that number this year.
For more information, CLICK HERE or Contact Leslie Dines @ lbdines@hotmail.com | 531-2112
www.grandcountyrelay.org www.cancer.org
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Learn How to Grow Your Own Vegetables in Grand County - FREE CLASSES
The CSU Extension Office of Grand County, Morales Farms Inc. of Granby, and Grand County Libraries have partnered together to provide you a series of classes on how to grow your own food in Grand County. CLICK HERE for more info.
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Did you know...
The Plant Orphanage DOES NOT sell plants? But they will create a beautiful bouquet of flowers for your sweetie or loved ones? And that owner Vickye Fischer is from Whitefish, Montana and opened The Plant Orphanage in 1981?
Her favorite thing about the store is coming in everyday to the peaceful place and having you come in and check out all the unique treasures so you can put them in your home or to give as a gift.
Visit Vickye and Charlie the Pooch at The Plant Orphanage in Cooper Creek Square | 726-8494.
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Member Spotlight:
Six Affordable Decorating Ideas by Paradise Home Solutions!
Denise Cook | 726-4141 | dc_paradise0101@yahoo.com
If your décor is leaving you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle, consider six affordable decorating ideas, 
including change your window coverings.... Special Price Just For You! You may pay a little more for Hunter Douglas window fashions but with their Lifetime Warranty and superior product quality you will save in the long run. Right how, you can save $100’s of dollars by taking advantage of the Applause Sunterra and Stop The Great Energy Giveaway promotions. CLICK HERE for decorating ideas & promotion deal. (offers good through April 30).
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Member Limelight: Grand Concierge & Home Services
www.TheGrandConcierge.com | 531-6750
Grand Concierge & Home Services will prepare your home for your arrival. Just step out of your car right into your cozy mountain getaway.
- Snow is cleared from the walk
- Heat, lights and water are on
- Refrigerator is stocked with all you need
- Clean sheets are on the beds
- Even a hot meal can be ready upon your arrival
And, that's not all... Grand Concierge can take care of all your needs during your stay and close up your home when you leave. Check out our website at www.TheGrandConcierge.com. If you don't see what you are looking for, let us know. We can design a package or service just for you!
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by Joyce Burford
Member Benefits from the Marketing Department
• Distribution Partner - Have your rack card stapled in with every Visitor Guide we mail out for only .12 cents per piece. We have TWO slots open for this spring and summer season. Average number of Visitor Guides mailed per month is about 3,000+. Call or email me asap if you're interested.
• Online Photo Library - Members have access to our online Chamber photo library. Contact Joyce or Maria for a username and password.
• Community Map - We still have lots of Community Maps that are free for you to hand out to your guests. Come by for a supply.
• Visitor Guide - Come by and pick up a free supply of our new 2009 Visitor Guides to hand out to your guests.
• Co-op advertising program - Team up with other members and advertise in select media that you may not otherwise afford on your own!
• Chamber web site - Don't forget your free business listing on the Chamber website! For a minimal cost, enhance your listing with a photo and a logo, and/or upgrade to a link to your website.
• Local Favorite - Sign up to be a "Local Favorite" on the web site home page. It's cheap AND effective! CLICK HERE to reserve remaining open spots for 2009.
• Trade Show Backdrop - Attend any trade shows? Need a beautiful backdrop that promotes the valley? You can use ours!
• Questions about the Marketing Plan? - Sit down with me anytime and I'd be happy to go over it with you.
Contact: Joyce Burford | 970.726.4221 ext. 3 | jburford@playwinterpark.com
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Welcome Back Campaign Update
Entries for the online portion of the Welcome Back to Winter Park campaign ended as of midnight on April 3, 2009. We will now randomly pick four finalists from the 4,121 entries, and one of them will win the Grand Prize of $10,000 cash during Sprin.jpg)
g Splash at Winter Park Resort on April 19. More details to come!
We want to keep the "Welcome Back to Winter Park" theme going through spring and summer by continuing to offer great deals and discounts to our guests! Now that we have this great website - www.WelcomeBacktoWP.com - up and running, it's a great way to make our guests feel welcome all year long. And, we may be offering small monthly giveaways starting in May or June. More details to come on that, too.
If you'd like to add an offer, update your offer, or let us know to keep your current offer the same, CLICK HERE to download our form to fill out.
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Sales Council Update by Sara Sable
Sales Council continues to roll on! Sales Council and the Chamber Board have re-assessed distribution of funds and arrived at a plan that will allow Sales Council to continue functioning effectively.
Internally, the Chamber will staff and fund the Sales position; allowing Marketing to still work closely with Sales. Externally, Sales Council will contract on an as-needed basis for some projects. Many thanks to Cindy Harder of Vaquera Enterprises, LLC, for her excellent job as the contracted Sales Director this past year. Cindy will no longer be contracted on a monthly basis.
Sara Sable will continue with Sales efforts at the Chamber; handling emails, group inquiries, Lifestylez coordination, etc. Please continue to direct inquiries to sales@playwinterpark.com or 726-4221 x 7. Sales Council will continue to meet the first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber - open to all Chamber members.
NEW CHAMBER BENEFIT! If you haven't already, take advantage of the Chamber Online Reservation System available at www.playwinterpark.com! There is NO charge or set-up fee; however, there is a commission structure paid out based on booked business. ALL businesses are eligible to participate; there are activity, transportation, lodging, air and equipment tabs. If you are interested in listing your property for lodging or activity or service, please contact us at the Chamber and we will send you the contract to sign up.
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FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Hideaway Park SnowZone!
For more information contact 970.726.4118 or check our website at www.playwinterpark.com
April 11: 11am Easter Egg Hunt and Activities
This fun family event will have several free Easter games and activities including the big Easter Egg Hunt for all ages! Easter is turning into a festival in Hideaway Park!
Thank you to Bill Ross and Brock McCormick for their help through the winter events. Brock’s interpretive hikes were popular every weekend! Bill makes the best fires and can wrap a winter survival student in seconds. The events were successful because of their help and services.
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Events in April
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, email Kristyna Nedele at chamber@playwinterpark.com with your event(s).
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SUMMER SCHEDULE!!! CLICK HERE for the 2009 Summer Calendar of Events.
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Winter Skin Recovery Workshop at Devil's Thumb Ranch - FREE
Saturday, April 18 | 2:30 - 3:30pm | 726-1054
Skin in your largest organ! Discuss herbal and nutritional support for glowing skin. Learn how to make natural rinses and facial masks as well as breathing exercises that benefit your skin. Workshops are free, but please RSVP. Ask about our yoga and pilates classes.
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17th Annual Taste of Spring
Saturday, April 18 | 5:30 - 9pm | Winter Park Mountain Lodge
Come join us for this FUN event and help raise money to support The ADVOCATES. Live Music, Huge Silent Auction, Hors d’Oeuvres with Wine, Beer & Beverage Tasting.
Buy tix at the WP Visitor Center | $30.00.
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BWB & Chamber Mixer At Azteca Mexican Restaurant!
Wednesday, April 15 | 5:30-6:30pm
Contact Azteca: 726-4145 | Owner Jonathan Gurrola | Located in Fraser
Margaritas on Tax Day! Come for spicy networking with fellow business people over chips & salsa!
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Chamber Membership 101:
Learn and/or Refresh Yourself About Your Chamber Benefits
April 23 | 8am | Pinnacle Lodge
Space is limited! RSVP by April 20. Click Here to RSVP. Know of a business that is interested in the Chamber, but not a member? Bring'em along!
This FREE event includes:
Complimentary continental breakfast provided by the Pinnacle Lodge. - Refresher course on Chamber benefits & opportunities!
- Experience a session of "Life Coaching" with Marianne Klancke
of CommuniAction, "Be Your Own Better Business Bureau of Investigation. Create your own standards of business including honoring your greatest operational asset - YOU". - Find out what's new for 2009!
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4th Annual Speed Networking Event - Start to Get Your 30-Second Commercial Ready!
May 20 | 4:30pm @ Fontenot's Seafood & Grill
| FREE
Hosted by WPFV Chamber & Businesses Without Borders. Presented by BEDA.
What is Speed Networking?
The concept of "Speed Networking" is very similar to "Speed Dating", but instead of meeting your future potential, you'll be meeting potential business clients! - All in 30-seconds. Click Here for details on how it works!
What You Should Bring:
Business Cards - bring plenty for a business card exchange.
Have your 30-second commercial ready!
RSVP REQUIRED! Click Here to RSVP by Monday, May 18. Limited seating available!
Be a Speed Networking sponsor for only $50-$100!
Click Here to find out how.
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