Vail Valley Partnership is Celebrating 60 Years!
As we approach this milestone this fall, we take a minute to reflect on our robust history and look forward to the years ahead.
Did you know?
We were originally incorporated on September 4, 1964 – that means we were incorporated before the Town of Vail (1966), Town of Avon (1978), and the Vail Hospital (1965), and less than two years after the opening of Vail Mountain (1962).
What’s in a name?
The Vail Valley Partnership has evolved with the community. As the county has grown, so have we – and our name has changed over the years to reflect this. We’ve been called:
- Vail Resort Association (VRA)
- Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau (VVTCB)
- Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau (VVCTB)
- Vail Valley Partnership (VVP)
Too many acronyms? Probably so – but all to better reflect the needs of the business community.
What hasn’t changed?
Our overall purpose! We were originally chartered to:
- Promote our resort area
- Promote group and convention business
- Sponsor the operation of a central-reservation system
- To disseminate information to visitors
- To coordinate special events
We’ve clearly evolved!
Today, the Partnership exists within the foundation of our original charter in 1964 and has expanded our efforts and programming to focus on:
- Chamber of commerce business services including networking, marketing, and education
- Economic development programming including workforce, talent pipeline development, and air service development
- Tourism services such as group sales and visitor information
What’s the same?
We were created by the business community, to represent the needs of the business community. We have never lost focus on our members and the strong foundation and vision created by the founders of the original Vail Resort Association.
We are fortunate to have grown to a county wide organization, with diverse membership throughout the region, working to lead collaboration to ensure community vitality.
What’s next?
In much the same way as the original board and staff back in 1964, our volunteer board and professional staff will continue to focus on the needs of our community and work to help our businesses and our community thrive.
Thank you!
Special thanks to all the volunteer board members and to the current and past staff members who have worked for the VRA, VVTCB, VVCTB, or VVP. You have all contributed to making the Partnership what it is today. And to our members – you’re the ones we work for and we couldn’t do it without you!
