VVP Ambassador: Mel McKinney
Where do you work and what is your role?
I’m Communications & Business Coordinator for Bright Future Foundation, a nonprofit empowering Eagle County families and individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
What is the best thing about living in the Vail Valley?
Definitely the beautiful location! This area offers so many outdoor opportunities. You can ski in the morning and then snowshoe a trail in the national forest that same afternoon. Or raft the Colorado and hike a Fourteener (14,000 foot mountain) within a weekend.
What is your favorite part of the Ambassador Program?
I enjoy sharing with the community what’s going on at Vail Valley Partnership. It’s important for citizens and businesses to know that VVP is working to increase our economic vitality and to give us educational and networking opportunities, like a mentoring program for emerging professionals. Our meetings give us the chance to hear about new programs and services before the community-at-large, so it’s like a secret club that anyone can join!
What is your favorite Vail Valley Partnership event and why? (ex: After-Hours Business Mixers, Breakfast Scramblers, Vail Valley Business Forum, etc)
My favorite events are the After-Hours Business Mixers. They are extremely fun and casual networking events where you can mingle with other professionals. It also gives local businesses who are the co-hosts a chance to shine and showcase their food, wine, location, etc… Bright Future was a non-profit co-host recently, and it was a wonderful opportunity to speak to the public about the work we do in the community.
What is one benefit you suggest new members take advantage of?
I suggest getting a login to allow you to add events, news and job listings to VailValleyPartnership.com. It’s a great, free resource to add to your online presence and to engage with our community.