Vail Valley Partnership board of governors recently held their annual strategic planning retreat to determine the focus areas of the organization over the next three-five years. This type of meeting is important to our organization; after all, we work with more than 860 local organizations, representing approximately 80% of the local workforce. These businesses, non-profits, and individuals make the valley go. We are here to support the business community.
Vail Valley Partnership board and staff remain committed to providing best in class business services and programming, a continued focus on destination sales & marketing efforts, implementation of the Eagle County economic development plan to positively impact economic growth, and a renewed focus on advocacy.
Our organization has one overarching mission – to lead collaboration for community success. We will focus on our core programming, and will work to bring various stakeholders together to enhance the economic vitality of our region. Advocacy efforts play a key role in achieving our goals and achieving our vision, and our business community needs a consistent voice and a seat at the table on regional and statewide issues of importance.
Our economy is tied to the success of business, and the success of business is tied not only to tourism, but to the success of entrepreneurs and small business owners in our valley. The Partnership recognizes that for many of our entrepreneurs and small business owners (who represent the bulk of our members), keeping track of the latest legislative development is nearly impossible. We fill the gap to provide you information on issues that might impact your business operations, and to advocate for issues of importance to our community.
One of the great benefits of being a member of the Partnership is our renewed focus on advocacy at every level of government. We work closely with elected officials at all levels to ensure an awareness of and focus on issues important to a vibrant business community. The Partnership, by being an active member of the Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry (the state chamber of Colorado), Colorado Competitive Council, through associated groups such as Tourism Industry Association of Colorado and the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association, and of course through our own efforts, will proactively track issues that might impact business at the local, regional, and state levels. Our goal is to inform members of these matters and provide you the tools and awareness on how to best get your voice heard.
The fact is, what happens in Denver (and in Washington) can have an immediate impact on your business – as much as what happens at town hall within our individuals towns and communities. The Partnership is your voice in advocating for policies that enhance the economic vitality of the Vail Valley, creating opportunities for businesses and organizations from large to small.
Consider issues as varied as workforce housing, transit, workforce development, broadband service, infrastructure, and marketing. We’ll be engaged in the legislative process, and we’ll work hard to communicate through our weekly newsletter and through our various resources and statewide industry network to engage in collaborative efforts to benefit the business community.
Our state legislature started session earlier this month. There will be a variety of legislation introduced, from both sides of the political aisle, which could impact the business environment in the Vail Valley. Legislation related to rural economic development, affordable housing, transit, workforce development, broadband service, state tourism office funding, and infrastructure will all be discussed at the state level. We’ll keep you updated and aware of upcoming legislation and of issues of importance, so you can remain focused on your daily business operations.
Is your voice being heard? Sign up for membership or for our newsletter at VailValleyPartnership.com to ensure you have a seat at the table and are informed on issues of importance to our community.
Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership