As of October, Cortezs sales revenues were holding steady in comparison to last year. And retailers were cautiously optimistic about the holidays. However, local officials emphasized theres no way to predict the future.
Really, were in uncharted territory, City of Cortez Finance Director Kathi Moss said. Typically our data has supported certain trends or curves, but right now its all over the place. So, in this economy, we have no strong, historic data to back up anything.
The citys sales-tax revenues were up 2 percent from 2010, but with inflation factored in, the city was holding steady, Moss said in October about the citys sales-tax revenues for the year-to-date.
Were being very frugal, Moss said. We never know when the state will pass down another mandate to us. For example, she said, the city now has to pay to build water drainage along its state highways, which was something the state used to finance.
But to just be holding steady during this credit-crunched economy is a good thing, Mesa Verde Country Tourism Director Lynn Dyer said.
Its hard to tell what all affects us when its within about 1 and 5 percent, Dyer said of the countys increase in tourism-tax revenue in October for the year to date.
Glenn and Gregg Leighton, second-generation business owners of gift and craft shop Notah Dineh, agreed that holding steady is a good thing. After 30 years of running Notah Dineh, Gregg Leighton said that if a business can stay afloat without going further into debt during this economy, then its doing well.
The summer was great were still in business, he said with a laugh.
Many private and public sectors felt a slight uptick in either traffic or revenue over the summer but no one was hollering, The recessions over!
I dont think were going to see an actual rebound for two maybe even four years, Moss said.
Then again, local retailer Kokopelli Bike and Board saw a 15 percent growth in revenue over the summer compared to last year. However, co-owner Scott Darling wasnt sure if the surge was due to its new, bigger location.
The Mancos Chamber of Commerce also likely benefited from a new locale. Its number of visitors tripled and gift-shop sales doubled in comparison to their 2010 summer tourism season.
And although locals seemed cautiously optimistic, Cortez Retail Enhancement Program Executive Director Gayel Alexander and Moss cited uncertainty, especially with federal elections and budget negotiations on the horizon.
But thats not to say there isnt major potential for growth in Cortez and Montezuma County, Alexander said.
The areas potential rests in both its inhabitants and the areas unique landscape, she said. She mentioned Phils World, in particular, as one of the nations top destinations among mountain bikers.
Were on the verge of seeing an increase, its becoming a phenomenon, Alexander said. And we need to step it up locally; its a very unique thing that we have here.
Chamber business members were also confident in Cortezs potential during the Christmas season.
People seem to be really positive and are already gearing up for Christmas, Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dena Guttridge, said in October. She also mentioned the chambers success since its rebound after near-bankruptcy in 2010. Its thriving now, she said.
We have a very unique community, very giving businesses, Alexander said, while emphasizing the importance of giving back to those businesses by shopping locally. People forget that if a local business doesnt have something, they can order it.
Both Notah Dineh and Kokopelli were looking forward to holiday traffic.
Glenn Leighton said they see an increase in shoppers on Black Fridays and throughout the holiday season, especially since tourists are in town visiting relatives in Cortez and Montezuma County.
Darling of Kokopellis was also optimistic: I think people are saving some of their money to play for the holidays.
Either that or they just got sick of not spending money, and theyre just going back to having fun, he said.
Notah Dinehs and Kokopellis emphasized the importance of trustworthiness, customer service and being able to offer quality in order for a business to stick around for the long haul, both in Cortez and around the world.
Reach Nathalie Winch at nathaliew@cortezjournal.com.