From the Chamber https://www.durangoherald.com/section/from-the-chamber/feed/ Stay informed with the latest breaking news, local stories, sports, business, weather, and community events from Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the Four Corners region. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:21:43 -0600 en-us 30 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/advocacy-is-a-collaborative-effort/ Jeff Dupont If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that business owners must be resilient. We’ve navigated inflation, workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, rising insurance costs and shifting consumer behavior. Just as conditions begin to stabilize, new... Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600 8EA8B05C-05D0-4D94-A878-01BF0ADED710 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/the-power-of-community-collaboration/ Jeff Dupont As we prepare for Southwest Colorado Rocks on Feb. 19, we celebrate far more than individual achievements. This night honors the spirit of partnership that powers La Plata County, from Durango to Bayfield to Ignacio. This event is... Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0700 7AB2981B-615C-462C-A920-42281F135D9A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/start-the-year-embodied-grounding-your-leadership-presence-in-2026/ Jeff Dupont As we begin 2026, there’s one resolution that can elevate both your personal life and your work life: become a more embodied leader. Embodied leadership shows up in how we listen, how we move through conflict and how... Sun, 11 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0700 94000172-6D40-4C53-901A-0B0CE032C9AA https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/season-of-gratitude-investing-in-what-makes-us-unique/ Jeff Dupont As we transition from fall to winter, the holidays are upon us. It’s the perfect moment to reflect, not just on our own good fortune, but on our community systems that makes this a great place to work... Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:42:16 -0700 9B404F61-2F8A-42C7-9C46-DDEDEC5E60D7 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/future-proofing-through-tech-why-were-investing-now/ Jeff Dupont If you want your business to thrive tomorrow, you’ve got to make calculated bets today. That’s the reality we all face in an evolving digital landscape. Sustainable growth takes vision and execution. And right now, the smartest way... Sun, 16 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0700 42D941C9-9349-4BCC-B779-31BF201BB5AC https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/shared-leadership-builds-strong-teams/ Jeff Dupont When people think about leadership, they might picture one person who’s the face of the organization, often the president, CEO or executive director. But the truth is, the best results don’t come from one leader, they come from... Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:54:25 -0600 092D2BCC-FD92-428D-8AAB-8FA34445C85A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/celebrating-our-community-the-ripple-effect-of-recognition/ Jeff Dupont One of the most powerful tools a chamber has isn’t a policy paper or a ribbon-cutting – it’s a spotlight. Each year, Durango Rocks has been that spotlight. It’s a high-energy celebration of local leaders, quiet heroes and... Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:42:00 -0600 7077F1D5-7956-44DF-87EB-C59B7348ACB3 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/fail-quickly-dont-wait-to-get-started/ Jeff Dupont Opportunities don’t stand still. By the time you’ve fine-tuned every detail, the moment may have passed. Some of the best ideas never see daylight, not because they weren’t strong, but because their launch got delayed chasing perfection. Whether... Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:55:37 -0600 A779962F-E960-4D6C-B63E-4938FE321D37 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/the-strategic-power-of-curiosity/ Jeff Dupont Curiosity is more than a soft skill – it’s a value that can help lead an effective team culture. In a world defined by disruption and constant change, curiosity is how we stay innovative, connected and ahead of... Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:34:08 -0600 B5879F02-8D90-4881-A807-7DF3FE4264A5 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/the-power-of-connection-and-a-good-referral/ Jeff Dupont Small businesses don’t just operate in our community; they are our community. They employ our neighbors, support our schools and reinvest locally. But we can’t keep expecting them to succeed in isolation. If we want a resilient local... Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:43:58 -0600 7AA019B2-BEDA-40EA-A41A-E60F90B06327 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/culture-drinks-strategy-through-a-boba-straw/ Jeff Dupont Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” That’s still true, but let’s update it for today’s world. Strategy still matters, but culture? Culture drinks strategy through a boba straw. The next generation of workers isn’t sitting... Wed, 14 May 2025 15:11:30 -0600 400009F8-3499-48C5-9AFF-D76FB88BC68F https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/tourism-is-a-cornerstone-of-durangos-economy/ Jeff Dupont Tourism is a foundational piece of our regional economy. In the greater Durango area, tourism accounts for roughly one-third of our economic viability. That means every third dollar circulating through our community, whether through retail, lodging, dining or... Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0600 76623906-55D5-4A18-90BE-57F1D882D003 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/durango-chamber-of-commerce-a-catalyst-for-local-business-growth-and-advocacy/ Kim Oyler Durango is fortunate to have many valuable organizations working together to support local business, and today, I’d like to shine a spotlight on the Durango Chamber of Commerce and some of its contributions to our business community. The... Sat, 08 Jun 2024 15:01:15 -0600 022A6ED0-2D89-415F-A61C-2F95743D47F3 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/time-for-change/ This is one of the most emotional and difficult articles that I have written as I step down as the Durango Chamber of Commerce CEO. After a little over 17 incredible years of service, this decision was not made lightly.... Fri, 03 May 2024 22:30:30 -0600 128DCC43-D103-456E-A301-FB3C63B2D9E1 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/engaging-our-students-to-fill-workforce-pipeline/ With spring break behind us, I am reminded that summertime is when school is out, and high school and college students are looking to gain experience. Coincidently, when I ask local businesses what are the challenges faced in today’s environment,... Fri, 29 Mar 2024 18:07:34 -0600 A700A6B9-7ABA-4B62-8EFF-6C62735ADE25 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/durango-you-truly-rock/ Behind every thriving community is a camaraderie of businesses, nonprofits and individuals who are dedicated to making a difference and paying it forward. And Durango is fortunate to have so many incredible community contributors, but so often, these entities fly... Wed, 06 Mar 2024 23:28:48 -0700 8C5B5BEB-E9A7-45E2-A6A8-F15177049A78 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/time-to-reflect-and-a-time-to-plan/ As we begin a new year, it is a good time to not only reflect on successes of 2023 but set strategic goals, dust off business plans and update as needed. As small-business owners, we are presented with unique challenges... Fri, 29 Dec 2023 20:33:25 -0700 D07E355A-AE65-4229-852E-3AFE0BE77FEC https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/spread-the-holiday-cheer-right-here/ With the recent snowfall, winter has officially arrived here in Southwest Colorado; and like so many of us, the Durango Chamber is excited to receive the much-needed moisture as we head into a busy holiday season. This magical time of... Wed, 06 Dec 2023 22:29:59 -0700 68A7D090-189D-4A3B-9CC1-146C62F64D68 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/access-advocacy-and-a-voice-at-the-table-why-being-a-chamber-member-is-beneficial/ In October, I attended the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce annual conference in Glenwood. Coming away from this experience made me reflect on what the Durango Chamber of Commerce does and the various roles we play in the community.... Sat, 04 Nov 2023 23:17:41 -0600 DA926F7E-98CB-42B4-9587-0EB8A44832A0 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/mindfulness-leadership-and-community-excellence/ In September, we hosted a Coffee and Connections event with Fort Lewis College professor Amoneeta Beckstein. The presentation and discussion focused on maximizing leadership potential through mindfulness, and I was struck by the thoughtful discourse it inspired among our Chamber... Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:42:49 -0600 D0300185-8F9B-41A2-8AC0-5E3E2B168659 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/supporting-durango-businesses-with-unique-offerings/ There is a lot more to the Durango Chamber of Commerce than meets the eye. While networking events and other educational programs are integral to what we offer the community, we also work behind the scenes to support the well-being... Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:42:02 -0600 EA59B076-5AC2-44DC-BCCC-E5565CBCA528 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/advocacy-group-looks-out-for-local-businesses/ Summer is in full swing here in Durango. And after the winter we just had, it’s safe to say we are all ready for warmer days. Here at the Chamber, we are excited about all the opportunities the season provides... Thu, 01 Jun 2023 23:04:03 -0600 1EBDEEB6-34D3-48C0-9CF2-EC153655F8D8 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/cultivating-leaders-in-la-plata-county/ While the New Oxford Dictionary of English defines leadership as the “action of leading a group of people or an organization,” it is so much more, and I think anyone can be a leader in any situation. I believe good... Sun, 14 May 2023 10:45:00 -0600 B9AF5C80-38C0-42A8-BDA6-9D520F34D256 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/chamber-sees-busy-first-quarter/ Seeing more snow on the ground, it’s hard to believe it’s already April. All of us at the Chamber have had a very busy start to 2023, and now that we are into the second quarter, I wanted to take... Sun, 09 Apr 2023 04:45:00 -0600 E9231C8A-EEB2-40BE-8B2B-CE5215936E2A https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/celebrating-durango-during-this-years-durango-rocks-awards-event-mar-9th/ All of us at the Chamber are honored to host one night every year, bringing together the community to applaud the achievements of businesses, nonprofit organizations and leaders. It’s an evening of celebration, unity and community pride. It’s a time-honored... Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:28:51 -0700 9FC380AB-6C4A-4C76-AEE9-9F5B20E48E1B https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/buying-local-makes-a-big-impact/ In partnership with the Durango Business Improvement District, Alpine Bank and Eolus Bar & Dining, the Durango Chamber is once again co-sponsoring the Holiday Rewards Program. This program compensates those who shop locally at restaurants, retail shops, personal services, accommodations,... Sat, 10 Dec 2022 22:27:28 -0700 BEA76301-2A1F-40F9-BAF2-BA46F60EB976 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/make-your-voice-heard/ Voting is an important part of our country and government. It’s an opportunity to engage in helping determine the future of our county, region, state and nation, and it significantly impacts and shapes the direction of our community. We have... Sat, 05 Nov 2022 23:51:43 -0600 48513593-DC25-4A7E-B37C-62E7904769DD https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/getting-back-to-the-basics/ As the summer winds down and schools start up again, we’re reminded that it’s time to get back to the basics. The pandemic and the resulting aftermath of inflation, labor shortages and supply chain challenges have thrown all of us... Fri, 19 Aug 2022 23:27:08 -0600 FF08574B-CC77-473D-91CE-6FDC65039CD3 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/tips-on-starting-a-new-business/ Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” We all spend most of our waking hours working, so we better enjoy what we do. The Durango Chamber is often asked about... Fri, 17 Jun 2022 23:42:25 -0600 5E1B6C65-2167-4416-BC81-D5558B275C45 https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/columnists/are-you-prepared-to-handle-a-crisis/ June 9, 2002, I was flying out of Durango to Denver. As we boarded the flight, we could see a large plume of smoke over Missionary Ridge. While flying over the fire, I knew that it wasn’t going to be... Sat, 28 May 2022 17:38:01 -0600 4A044A4E-B378-4AF4-A0E5-742FC56B5D17