Forty years ago, I came to Fort Lewis College. I remember sitting on the bench just north of the chapel looking down on Durango, and thought, “Wow, the next four years of my life will be in spent in this beautiful town.” Little did I know, I would end up staying in Durango, maneuvering through three different careers.
I’ve been blessed throughout my professional journey. I worked in the local media with two years of radio, 12 years in television management and then seven years in corporate fundraising for FLC athletics. This year, Feb. 5 marks my 15th anniversary at the Durango Chamber of Commerce. What an exciting ride it’s been. No matter what position I held, my motto has always been what can I do to help others?
Over the past 40 years, I’ve seen some major changes, and some that haven’t changed. The Radio Ranch used to be where Walmart is now. The Strater Hotel, Ore House, Durango Diner, Toh-Atin Gallery, Kroegers and the Durango & Silverton narrow Gauge Railroad were all here when I arrived in 1982. I graduated a Raider. Pat Murphy Motors used to be located where Steamworks Brewing is now.
In my opinion, one of the biggest advances over the last 40 years has been the internet, email and social media. Settling in for a long night of studying, I recall inserting a floppy disk into the computer and hoping my term paper was saved. Today, we’re connected via computers, smartphones and watches that offer an array of information right at our fingertips.
The biggest downside to technology is that we live in a world of sound bites and propaganda that may or may not be true. We see ideas on social media and through media outlets that are portrayed as the truth but may not have been researched or even fully disclosed as opinions. As a former TV executive, I recognize that journalists were and are allowed to edit stories that can portray the reporter’s angle or point of view. What seems to be lost is independent, critical thinking by the general population. As was the case back in the day, which still holds true today: We all need to stop, research and research some more, then draw our own conclusions. I believe social media, in many situations, has caused an erosion of collaboration and has heightened division. Now, it seems we are incapable of agreeing to disagree and working together toward a common goal.
I encourage you to not sit on the sidelines. We often hear the vocal minority who speaks during public participation at a city council or county commissioners meeting. Get involved and let your opinion be heard. Our elected officials are here to serve and want as much input as possible. Both the city and county post agendas for all meetings, and you can sign up and choose which ones you want to receive.
I love our community! I’ve raised my son and two stepsons in Durango, watching them grow and mature. Durango is a special place to call home. I am honored to be the CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce for the past 15 years, and I am always available to help and to answer questions. We have an amazing staff: Kim, Jennifer and Hannah, who are also dedicated to helping make a difference in our community. Are you looking to expand your network? I always say facilitating connections is one of the primary roles of the Chamber; and Google, simply, can’t do that.
Jack Llewellyn is executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at jack@durangobusiness.org.
