The Chamber of Commerce seeks to enlist some new board members. Currently there are seven members. Rena Wilson serves as board president.
Many of you remember her from the Arborena Restaurant, which is now known as Olio Wine Food and Art. Wilson was also instrumental in writing the proposal to Colorado Creative Industries for the town's designation as a Creative District. Jamie Bade, owner of the Goodnight Trail Gallery of Western Art, serves as secretary for the Board. Bill Griffin, Realtor with Coldwell Banker, is treasurer. Other members include Patty Russell, who is an artisan at the Mancos Artisans artist cooperative. She is known for her bead work and jewelry. Denise Rentz is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. Terri Dainty, one of our newest board members, is a pharmacist at Walgreens. Bruce Chilcott is self-employed as a CPA.
If you wish to serve on the board, fill out an application, available at the chamber's office, 101 E. Bauer. You may request one via phone, 970-7434, or e-mail chamber@mancosvalley.com. You can also find an application on-line at the Chamber website: http://mancosvalley.com/chamber-information/board-application.
Anyone serving on the board must be a member of the chamber. If you are a member, your current dues meet that requirement. If you aren't a member, it's easy to join. There are two levels of membership. A full business membership is $50 a year and includes many benefits:
Visitors Center staff referrals to you and other member businesses
Guaranteed brochure and business card rack space in the Visitors Center
Discount on group advertising subsidized by the chamber
Representation at Mesa Verde Country tourism board meetings
Email updates about information and events
Marketing campaigns, such as "Cash Mob," "After Hours" spotlight
Free ads in the weekly newsletter
Annual chamber meeting and social
Posts on our Facebook page.
Membership is more expensive in Cortez $225; Dolores $100; and Durango $150.
Individual/personal membership is $25 a year. With that, members can serve on the boards, participate in chamber-sponsored events and receive the weekly newsletter. The chamber meets once a month. Our next board meeting is Thursday, Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.
The Visitor Center is also looking for volunteers who can help meet tourists. This is a fun job with flexible hours. Visitors from around the world stop in Mancos and are interested in Mesa Verde or the San Juan Skyway. The VC is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. If interested, stop by or call 970-533-7434.
Marianne Griffin is the executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Contact her at 533-7434.
