Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce | 210 East Midland Avenue | Woodland Park, Colorado 80863719.687.9885 Office | 719.687.8216 Fax | www.woodlandparkchamber.com | info@gwpcc.biz

Presenting Relevant Business Education

Representing Business Interest to Government

Promoting Our Community

Providing Business Exposure Opportunities

2012 Annual Report

2013 Board of DirectorsLuke Conrad | Benchmark MortgageChair Jed Bowman | RE-2 School DistrictChair ElectNeil Levy | Swiss Chalet RestaurantPast ChairLenore Hotchkiss | Lenore Hotchkiss RealtorSecretaryDale Schnitker | Vectra BankTreasurerMarilyn Dougall | Marilyn Dougall LCSWTanner Coy | TweedsWilliam White | Walmart #3805Jim Olsen | Foxworth GalbraithRodney Bice | Pikes Peak Regional HospitalDavid Buttery | City of Woodland Park

Staff

Debbie Miller, IOM, ACE | PresidentSusan Griswold, IOM | Administrative Assistant/ Membership Director

36%

5%

40%

14%5%

Membership

Investors

Events

VC Contract

CTO Grant

37%12%

26%

10%

15%

Admin

Operations

Events

CTO Grant

VC OperationsEx

pen

ses

Rev

enu

es

Last year offered opportunities and presented challenges of epic proportions. Our Chamber began the year with optimism for increased growth from prior years. Strategic plans were expanded to raise the bar. One such plan for the Chamber included our “Staycation/Daycation” TV and radio marketing plan. The goal was to increase awareness of our region by placing commercials in segmented market areas from Denver south through Trinidad. The ads depicted “Shopping, Dining and Weekend Getaways” in our region. They began airing just prior to Memorial Day. Little did we know how critical those spots were to become. On Saturday, June 23rd when the eruption of the Waldo Canyon Fire occurred, our world changed. No one could have predicted the outcome. As the erratic winds shifted the fire in a myriad of directions, the decision was made to close Highway 24 on Sunday, June 24th. The closure—in both directions —was from Manitou Springs to the stop light at Safeway in Woodland Park. This closure assisted the firefighters in containing a rapidly growing fire which threatened Cascade, Green Mountain Falls,

Chipita Park and Woodland Park. While everyone understood the need for safety, it goes without saying the closure forced us into a new reality. For eight days the major access to Woodland Park was closed...this during high tourist season! Our attractions, lodging, retail, dining and others faced a week without customers.

The Chamber immediately sprang into action. We created a crawl at the bottom of the existing television commercials noting “OPEN” for business and provided alternative routes of access. We collaborated with the State Tourism office to create the “Colorado Pledge” initiative and so much more. From a standpoint of recovery, we began a pipeline of information pushed to our members and posted on our website about free or reduced marketing opportunities, along with SBA, SBDC, and insurance recovery assistance. The participation with a Bi-County survey of businesses assisted us with data in respect to the impact of Waldo Canyon fire. This data was shared with the Teller County Office of Emergency Management, which filed for disaster relief aid through FEMA. The data also assisted in naming Teller County, as well as El Paso County, as disaster areas. Declaration of disaster from FEMA helped to assist with insurance claims and much more.

As 2012 continued we worked diligently with our business community to mitigate damages resulting from the highway closure. While the Chamber numbers in June, July and August indicated reduced visitation to our area, September showed a slight increase. We ended the year only slightly behind our numbers of 2011. The domino effect of this natural disaster continues to impact us all here in the region.

Debbie Miller, IOM, ACE President

It is certainly worth repeating that the Chamber is the sum of all our members and that strength makes your Chamber one of the most powerful “Voices of Business” in the community.

While the level of investment and commitment may vary for each member, the participation of each and every business is appreciated and essential to the continued success of the Chamber. It is not uncommon to hear from new business members that our Chamber is the most active and forward looking they have encountered.

Within this report you will read about many of our accomplishments over the past year. The creativity and resourcefulness of the Chamber Staff and Volunteers are to be applauded. Each year we strive to add initiatives to help grow your business, network with others, monitor regulations through our advocacy program and bring visitors to our area.

One particular challenge which affected all of us in 2012 was the Waldo Canyon disaster (during and after). We immediately began pushing information to the members to assist in marketing, financial aid, insurance assistance and much more. Our community rallied together to help one another get through a very difficult time.

I challenge every member to participate in at least one Chamber activity. I am confident you will realize a positive return on your investment.

Serving as your Chairman has been challenging, enlightening, humbling and incredibly fulfilling.

Thank you for the opportunity to help further grow this remarkable community we call home!

Luke ConradChairman • 2013

I am honored to serve as your Chairman for 2013 as we begin this new chapter in our history. We, as a region, are exceptionally fortunate to be served by such a passionate Chamber. I am amazed by the effort and thankful for the enthusiasm put forth by our Chamber Staff, Board, Volunteers and Members. We have set lofty goals in our pursuit of growth and prosperity for businesses in our area.

The effort and passion by all inspires me to be involved. I know countless others feel the same way. Let us take this passion and inspire our fellow members to take action and become more involved with the Chamber. Getting involved will have a significant impact on our local businesses and community.

Our actions will be guided by the Chamber’s Core Values:• Excellence in service• Innovation with integrity and confidentiality• Embrace and add value for a diverse membership• Business driven and proactive to promote economic development• Collaborate with stakeholders in addressing common issues and opportunities

This year, I ask that we make a collective endeavor to support our Chamber programs. The membership has the experience, capability and capacity for great accomplishments. I am excited to build on our Chamber’s remarkable past as we create new opportunities for our future. I hope you will join me as we strive to achieve positive results for the Chamber and community. I am confident our journey together will be exciting and filled with success.

Neil Levy Chairman • 2012

Chamber Successes• Sustained a Comprehensive Program of Community Involvement and Relations• Engaged membership sectors through Business Roundtables • Held 18 Ribbon Cuttings / 12 Business After Hours • Hosted a Public Forum for the City of Woodland Park Election • Created Education Training and Lunch and Learns to focus on member needs• Familiarization Tours included six locations in Woodland Park/Teller County• Honored business and community members through recognition programs• Received a $10K CTO matching grant for regional tourism promotion• Sustained partnership with SCORE for business counseling• Enhanced retention and recruitment with Ambassador Program• Sponsored KRDO NewsChannel 13 WeatherCam • Promoted “Staycation/Daycation” commercials; aired along the Front Range• Business Expos – 500+ attendance at two events• Emphasized Member creation of their own TCS (traffic catcher site)• Continued partnerships with regional, state and national organizations• Participated with State and Federal lobby efforts• Developed a Retention Visit program to retain and attract business to the region• Expanded email database as a key resource for reaching potential visitors• Measured success of promotional efforts through web traffic and lodging tax receipts• Published a Community Profile flyer to promote economic development• Supported the Engaging Youth Program – Soft Skills training program for ages 17-24• Created an Invested Leaders Program• Participated on the 2012 USA ProCycle Challenge Woodland Park Committee• Produced holiday campaign commercials to promote region• Promoted community/chamber to Fort Carson• Attracted 6,700+ visitors to Woodland Park for OktoberfestPLUS• Collaborated with WP Community Church to host the Chick-fil-A LeaderCast

Chamber Visitor Center • 2012

Total Visitors 7,254 30% Out of State 40% In State 30% LocalTop Five States for Visitors TX, KS, IL, MO, & CAVolunteer Hours Given 2,800

Membership 20121 – 51+ Employees 58% (<4 employees 38%)

Professional 4%Real Estate 8%Financial 2%Hotel/Motel 5%Non Profit 23%

It is certainly worth repeating that the Chamber is the sum of all our members and that strength makes your Chamber one of the most powerful “Voices of Business” in the community.

While the level of investment and commitment may vary for each member, the participation of each and every business is appreciated and essential to the continued success of the Chamber. It is not uncommon to hear from new business members that our Chamber is the most active and forward looking they have encountered.

Within this report you will read about many of our accomplishments over the past year. The creativity and resourcefulness of the Chamber Staff and Volunteers are to be applauded. Each year we strive to add initiatives to help grow your business, network with others, monitor regulations through our advocacy program and bring visitors to our area.

One particular challenge which affected all of us in 2012 was the Waldo Canyon disaster (during and after). We immediately began pushing information to the members to assist in marketing, financial aid, insurance assistance and much more. Our community rallied together to help one another get through a very difficult time.

I challenge every member to participate in at least one Chamber activity. I am confident you will realize a positive return on your investment.

Serving as your Chairman has been challenging, enlightening, humbling and incredibly fulfilling.

Thank you for the opportunity to help further grow this remarkable community we call home!

Luke ConradChairman • 2013

I am honored to serve as your Chairman for 2013 as we begin this new chapter in our history. We, as a region, are exceptionally fortunate to be served by such a passionate Chamber. I am amazed by the effort and thankful for the enthusiasm put forth by our Chamber Staff, Board, Volunteers and Members. We have set lofty goals in our pursuit of growth and prosperity for businesses in our area.

The effort and passion by all inspires me to be involved. I know countless others feel the same way. Let us take this passion and inspire our fellow members to take action and become more involved with the Chamber. Getting involved will have a significant impact on our local businesses and community.

Our actions will be guided by the Chamber’s Core Values:• Excellence in service• Innovation with integrity and confidentiality• Embrace and add value for a diverse membership• Business driven and proactive to promote economic development• Collaborate with stakeholders in addressing common issues and opportunities

This year, I ask that we make a collective endeavor to support our Chamber programs. The membership has the experience, capability and capacity for great accomplishments. I am excited to build on our Chamber’s remarkable past as we create new opportunities for our future. I hope you will join me as we strive to achieve positive results for the Chamber and community. I am confident our journey together will be exciting and filled with success.

Neil Levy Chairman • 2012

Chamber Successes• Sustained a Comprehensive Program of Community Involvement and Relations• Engaged membership sectors through Business Roundtables • Held 18 Ribbon Cuttings / 12 Business After Hours • Hosted a Public Forum for the City of Woodland Park Election • Created Education Training and Lunch and Learns to focus on member needs• Familiarization Tours included six locations in Woodland Park/Teller County• Honored business and community members through recognition programs• Received a $10K CTO matching grant for regional tourism promotion• Sustained partnership with SCORE for business counseling• Enhanced retention and recruitment with Ambassador Program• Sponsored KRDO NewsChannel 13 WeatherCam • Promoted “Staycation/Daycation” commercials; aired along the Front Range• Business Expos – 500+ attendance at two events• Emphasized Member creation of their own TCS (traffic catcher site)• Continued partnerships with regional, state and national organizations• Participated with State and Federal lobby efforts• Developed a Retention Visit program to retain and attract business to the region• Expanded email database as a key resource for reaching potential visitors• Measured success of promotional efforts through web traffic and lodging tax receipts• Published a Community Profile flyer to promote economic development• Supported the Engaging Youth Program – Soft Skills training program for ages 17-24• Created an Invested Leaders Program• Participated on the 2012 USA ProCycle Challenge Woodland Park Committee• Produced holiday campaign commercials to promote region• Promoted community/chamber to Fort Carson• Attracted 6,700+ visitors to Woodland Park for OktoberfestPLUS• Collaborated with WP Community Church to host the Chick-fil-A LeaderCast

Chamber Visitor Center • 2012

Total Visitors 7,254 30% Out of State 40% In State 30% LocalTop Five States for Visitors TX, KS, IL, MO, & CAVolunteer Hours Given 2,800

Membership 20121 – 51+ Employees 58% (<4 employees 38%)

Professional 4%Real Estate 8%Financial 2%Hotel/Motel 5%Non Profit 23%

Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce | 210 East Midland Avenue | Woodland Park, Colorado 80863719.687.9885 Office | 719.687.8216 Fax | www.woodlandparkchamber.com | info@gwpcc.biz

Presenting Relevant Business Education

Representing Business Interest to Government

Promoting Our Community

Providing Business Exposure Opportunities

2012 Annual Report

2013 Board of DirectorsLuke Conrad | Benchmark MortgageChair Jed Bowman | RE-2 School DistrictChair ElectNeil Levy | Swiss Chalet RestaurantPast ChairLenore Hotchkiss | Lenore Hotchkiss RealtorSecretaryDale Schnitker | Vectra BankTreasurerMarilyn Dougall | Marilyn Dougall LCSWTanner Coy | TweedsWilliam White | Walmart #3805Jim Olsen | Foxworth GalbraithRodney Bice | Pikes Peak Regional HospitalDavid Buttery | City of Woodland Park

Staff

Debbie Miller, IOM, ACE | PresidentSusan Griswold, IOM | Administrative Assistant/ Membership Director

36%

5%

40%

14%5%

Membership

Investors

Events

VC Contract

CTO Grant

37%12%

26%

10%

15%

Admin

Operations

Events

CTO Grant

VC OperationsEx

pen

ses

Rev

enu

es

Last year offered opportunities and presented challenges of epic proportions. Our Chamber began the year with optimism for increased growth from prior years. Strategic plans were expanded to raise the bar. One such plan for the Chamber included our “Staycation/Daycation” TV and radio marketing plan. The goal was to increase awareness of our region by placing commercials in segmented market areas from Denver south through Trinidad. The ads depicted “Shopping, Dining and Weekend Getaways” in our region. They began airing just prior to Memorial Day. Little did we know how critical those spots were to become. On Saturday, June 23rd when the eruption of the Waldo Canyon Fire occurred, our world changed. No one could have predicted the outcome. As the erratic winds shifted the fire in a myriad of directions, the decision was made to close Highway 24 on Sunday, June 24th. The closure—in both directions —was from Manitou Springs to the stop light at Safeway in Woodland Park. This closure assisted the firefighters in containing a rapidly growing fire which threatened Cascade, Green Mountain Falls,

Chipita Park and Woodland Park. While everyone understood the need for safety, it goes without saying the closure forced us into a new reality. For eight days the major access to Woodland Park was closed...this during high tourist season! Our attractions, lodging, retail, dining and others faced a week without customers.

The Chamber immediately sprang into action. We created a crawl at the bottom of the existing television commercials noting “OPEN” for business and provided alternative routes of access. We collaborated with the State Tourism office to create the “Colorado Pledge” initiative and so much more. From a standpoint of recovery, we began a pipeline of information pushed to our members and posted on our website about free or reduced marketing opportunities, along with SBA, SBDC, and insurance recovery assistance. The participation with a Bi-County survey of businesses assisted us with data in respect to the impact of Waldo Canyon fire. This data was shared with the Teller County Office of Emergency Management, which filed for disaster relief aid through FEMA. The data also assisted in naming Teller County, as well as El Paso County, as disaster areas. Declaration of disaster from FEMA helped to assist with insurance claims and much more.

As 2012 continued we worked diligently with our business community to mitigate damages resulting from the highway closure. While the Chamber numbers in June, July and August indicated reduced visitation to our area, September showed a slight increase. We ended the year only slightly behind our numbers of 2011. The domino effect of this natural disaster continues to impact us all here in the region.

Debbie Miller, IOM, ACE President