On behalf of all of Leadership La Plata, the county's community education and leadership skills training program, we want to sincerely thank those businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the Business Class session on Dec. 9.

To our moderator, Durango Chamber Director Jack Llewellyn, it is always fun to work with you and you kept us in line. Special thanks to Marsha Porter Norton and Brad Cochennet for sharing their expertise on negotiation and conflict resolution during the Leadership Skills component of the class. We also appreciate Tim Walsworth and the Business Improvement District Board of Directors for letting us "sit in" on the informative BID Coffee & Conversation meeting.

Thank you to Kirk Komick of the Rochester Hotel and Alison Dance of Cyprus Café for facilitating an amazing lunch at the Rochester and sharing your joys and challenges as long-standing hotel/restaurant owners in Durango.

Class members made special visits to local businesses, and we appreciate those leaders for taking time to meet with them: Mark Thompson, Mike "Fitz" Fitzgerald, Jeff Vierling, Gary Derck, Karen Barger, Meggin Roberts, Jerry Zink and Chad Tidwell.

Thank you as well to Damian Peduto, La Plata County community development director; Steve Barkley, City of Durango code enforcement officer; and Tracy Robinette of Sante Durango for enlightening us all about the burgeoning marijuana business in the county.

And, last, but certainly not least, to our session sponsor, Tafoya Barrett & Associates, which provided the funding to underwrite costs necessarily incurred for the program. We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.

Many in the community contribute on an ongoing basis to Leadership La Plata, and we know we speak for all LLP class members and graduates when we say thank you for allowing this volunteer program to continue. It is a privilege to be part of Leadership La Plata.

Beth Porter and Frank Lockwood

LLP Business Class Coordinators