Rural resort communities such as the Vail Valley have very real challenges; our reliance on tourism as an economic driver creates challenges such as workforce housing shortages, seasonal cash flow fluctuations, and high cost of services.
Increasing economic diversity can help a region such as ours to weather the storms of economic downturns and to help create more primary jobs, thus reducing our dependency on tourism. To be clear, tourism is a major strength and we should continue to embrace our leading industry. We simply wouldn’t exist without it. That said diversifying the economy has long been a goal of elected officials, chamber of commerce professionals, and others. It’s been sought for so long in the Vail Valley that it’s almost viewed like a unicorn; we’d all love to find it, but it doesn’t seem to exist.
The reality is there is a groundswell of entrepreneurism in the Valley and there are a number of businesses proving that success is possible throughout the valley. I encourage you to view a small sampling of these individuals and their organizations at http://vailvalleymeansbusiness.com/success-stories/
One consistent trend, regardless of industry sector or geographic location, is that businesses and entrepreneurs need a support network. Enter Vail Valley Partnership. Our efforts are designed to provide this support network to help ensure the Vail Valley’s economic health stays strong for years to come, and to help build a foundation from which businesses and entrepreneurs can succeed.
We work to help existing businesses thrive and to assist new businesses that have the potential to support our local economy. We provide the valley’s businesses with networking, educational, and collaborative opportunities. The goal of all of these efforts and programs is to strengthen our local business community and create an environment for businesses to succeed and thrive.
Vail Valley Partnership is working in the following areas, all designed to provide foundational support to our business community, to facilitate an environment that is receptive to entrepreneurs, and to connect businesses to resource partners to meet their individual business needs.
1. Marketing an Eagle County Business Brand
Brand development for Vail Valley Economic Development has been completed, and the new VailValleyMeansBusiness.com website has been launched with a variety of business resources, programs, research, and tools.
2. Refinement and growth of MyPartner Career Network
We are currently building program participation and to assist businesses with employee retention and support via the MyPartner Career Network, designed to make it easier for local businesses to recruit and retain great employees by helping find employment when needed, for spouses or partners of prospective employees to help their families better integrate into our community.
3. Roll-out of inclusive business listings on VisitVailValley.com and VailValleyPartnership.com
We are offering complimentary business listing to all businesses within the Vail Valley across our web platforms. This service will list all participating businesses on VailValleyPartnership.com and VisitVailValley.com – providing a comprehensive list of businesses within the valley for visitors, prospective businesses, and locals.
4. Partnership with American Express’ “Small Business Saturday” program
Small Business Saturday is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year’s Small Business Saturday is November 28, 2015. Vail Valley Partnership has been selected by American Express to be a “neighborhood champion” for the Vail Valley. We plan to visit all business areas within the valley to distribute Small Business Saturday promotional materials, and encourage the local community to support our business community.
5. Development of New “Next” Emerging Leader Program
Our valley and business community are facing a transitional time as the next generation of community leaders are stepping forward and many industry leaders are (or will soon be) stepping back from daily operations and community involvement. Next is a mentorship program designed to develop emerging Vail Valley leaders by connecting them to established community leaders. This program will help emerging leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs connect with the community in a meaningful way.
Vail Valley Economic Development, an initiative of Vail Valley Partnership, supports local employers, entrepreneurs and communities by providing information, facilitation, and advocacy to support the creation and attraction of new equity to Eagle County. We continue to work to solidify an economic base that is strong, diverse, and resilient. We provide services to existing and expanding local employers and entrepreneurs and to those who are considering Eagle County as a location for their business.
The Partnership also continues to work to bridge the gap between business and government and ensure that partners and entreprenuers are connected with the resources needed to succeed. We are enthused about our momentum and hope you’ll join us in helping create an environment that is conducive to business success.
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership
October 2, 2015