PCCC covers range of issues at February meeting

The chamber will hold a mixer March 16 at Glen Isle.

Green is on the Legislative Policy Committee for real estate that reviews housing bills. Green reported the legislature has several bills that allow for rent control.

February Breakfast Sponsors

February breakfast sponsors were Bea and John Everest, owners of Affordable Storage, U-Stor-It, U-Stor-It 2, Bailey Self Storage and 2 Spring Ranch. They provided breakfast burritos from Cutthroat Café. They are also property managers and currently have a two-bedroom apartment available. Bundles of locally raised beef can be purchased from 2 Spring Ranch. John can be reached at 303-906-6453. Bea can be reached at 303-907-6126.

Park County Fair

John Everest is Chair for the Park County Fair. He reported that for the three days of the fair last year, over 5,000 people attended. The budget for the 2022 fair was $250,000.

The fair will kick off this year with a parade in Fairplay, followed by live music. All events are free except the pro rodeo. There will also be a national goat show.

The Jr. Livestock Auction will be July 15 at 3 p.m. Everest explained all the money from the auction goes back to the youth, who re-invest the money for the following year or use it for their college funds. The auction is followed by a pig roast for all the buyers.

Bailey has three 4-H clubs. Everest encouraged chamber members to support our youth and the fair.

Bailey Days

There is still a need for volunteer help at Bailey Days, including people to set up and all aspects of the celebration. Call or email Green if interested.

Commissioner Update

Commissioner Dick Elsner was in Washington, D.C. and unable to attend the meeting. No other commissioners were in attendance.

Platte Canyon School District

Superintendent of Platte Canyon School District Mike Schmidt gave a brief overview of the previous evening’s board meeting.

The board approved the 2023-2024 instructional calendar. A phased consolidation plan was approved.

The board declared the district-owned property on Rosalie Road as surplus property, making it possible to sell. Schmidt encouraged anyone with questions to call him.

Schmidt thanked Bill Bru-ner and others who have worked with CDOT.

Bailey’s Bounty

Kim Shippen, owner of Chill Squirrel, presented on Bailey’s Bounty, which took place on Small Business Saturday Nov. 26. The statistics for Bailey’s Bounty even surprised many chamber members.

Twenty-seven retail stores participated. There were 637 unique shoppers with some coming from Jefferson County and even from the Denver area. Of these shoppers, 73% shopped at more than one store; 23% shopped at least ten stores.

Shoppers received one entry for every dollar spent to win a gift basket valued at $2,800. There were 32,000 entries for the basket, which was won by a local resident.

The program was advertised on social media, reaching 63% of the people in Park Co. more than once. Store owners enjoyed the hectic day and referred shoppers to other stores.

In a follow-up survey of businesses, owners reported the program had a strong impact, and they would like to participate again.

“We would like to make this an annual event,” added Green.

Membership

Denise Bromberger reported receiving many renewals and a few new memberships. She encouraged members to check when dues are due.  

“We need to get home businesses into the chamber,” stated Green. “They can get involved and drive their business.”

Business Updates

Senior Alliance will present a Medicare 101 seminar. They will begin a foot clinic every other month.

The Bailey Resale Boutique is hosting Shawnee Historical Society this month as the beneficiary. The Boutique is averaging $3,000 each month in money going back to non-profit organizations in the community. Donna Peterson also reminded members that high school seniors can give 30 hours of volunteer time to the Boutique and receive scholarship money.  

Peterson also thanked members of Bailey Patchworkers, who stitched a beautiful quilt as a fundraiser for Chances Scholarship.

The Boys and Girls Club of the High Rockies has an upcoming Chili Cook-off fund-raiser.

Two Bridges Lodge has completed the river revitalization project on their property. Anyone staying at the lodge can access fishing in the river.

Matt Dambrosky of Chimney Doctors reported they have a sale on gas units now. Wood and outdoor fire pits will go on sale in the next couple of months.  

Dambrosky reported that the Chances Scholarship needs sponsors for the auction this year. There are jars around town for donations to the scholarship.

“Girl Scout cookies can now be bought online,” said Dambrosky. “The cookies will then be delivered to you.”

The Smiling Pig is offering live music on Saturdays.

John Obrecht from LifeBridge Food Pantry reported that two to three new applications are received each week. The pantry is averaging 97 – 117 families each week. The pantry is currently in need of men’s clothing (not suits and ties) for their clothes closet. The pantry will have Easter baskets for $60.

Suz Cookie Jar Rescue will celebrate their one-year anniversary in their brick-and-mortar store on April 29. They will celebrate with a vendor event in the parking lot. There is no cost for the booth. Owner Sue Mueller is also a notary public and will provide her notary service for free.

Fairway Mortgage reported that anyone with an income of under $148,000 and a credit score of 620 can get down payment assistance to buy a home.

Conifer Radio only needs three more sponsors to become a non-profit board. The station has a new space at Conifer Historical Society Museum. A similar space is being planned for Bailey, with more Bailey podcasts.

Bill Bruner reported on the upcoming productions for the Bailey Theater Company.

Pastor Dawn Wanser and her husband moved their company, Caretaker’s Wish, to Pine Grove in 2019. The purpose of their organization is to take care of caretakers. They will have a Wheels for Wishes fundraiser in September.

Scott Enneking, new store manager for Bailey Moore Lumber, is completing a refresh of the store. They are preparing for spring.

Deer Park Methodist Church is a small progressive congregation that would like to welcome new people to their church.

Sue Ryan from Park Co. Creative Alliance has monthly mixers on a Sunday that travel throughout the county.

Mark Linne’ is taking applications for the food truck park.

Sparrow Ranch Lodge and Elevation Construction is at the old River Bend. Their construction company completes outdoor projects.

Glen Isle was on “The Price is Right,” talking about Bailey, Co. The owner told chamber members that she would be happy to put business brochures in rooms.

Aspen Peak Cellars is excitedly waiting to see the first construction sign go up for the U.S. Hwy. 285 project in downtown Bailey. They have had 1,300 Snowshoe and Fondue participants this winter. Thursday night is locals night at the winery with 10% off.

Commander Bill Tayler said 200 people attended the VFW breakfast in February. The next legendary breakfast is March 5.

Conifer Rotary will host the Home and Garden Show on April 1 and 2 at Evergreen High School.

The Apothecary Shop at Delwood Square will teach workshops twice each month on topics including herbal essences, herbal syrups, herbal facials and immunity support.

The chamber meeting ended with most members staying to share and talk with others.