Estes Valley Partners for Commerce

Business Owners - What can we do to help?

2010-03-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

To all of the business owners affected by the fire at the Park Theater Mall this morning, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Community members, please use this blogsite as a conduit for comments and requests for assistance.

Affected Business Owners: Tell us what you need, and what we can do to help.

Residents and Concerned Citizens: Tell us what you can do to help, or offer to the folks in need.

Comments will be moderated only for objectionable content. Please use this space to communicate. Thanks one and all!

Estes Valley Partners for Commerce

For those of you who have expressed an interest in donating, please use the button below to donate through PayPal, or with a credit card. Check and Cash donations will be accepted at the CVB or by any EVPC Board Member. In kind donations should be offered by blogging below. If you are uncomfortable posting your comment yourself, email it to val@youneedpie.com and she will post it for you. Thank you for your support. (It is anticipated that a community committee will be selected to determine how funds are distributed).

Join the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce Today!

2009-10-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

Estes Valley Partners for Commerce...Building a Strong Business Foundation for a Sustainable Community

JOIN NOW!

Become an empowered member-partner today! At the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce...

Mission: Provide resources and educational opportunities to support existing and future businesses in the Estes Valley.

Vision: Assist in creating long-term business sustainability in the Estes Valley.

We will achieve our Vision using the following tools:
Economic Development - Work with community organizations to recruit diversified business.

Education - Provide pertinent educational classes and mentoring opportunities for members at a reasonable cost.

Networking - Provide opportunities and venues for businesses to network with each other in a conducive environment.

Communication - Effectively communicate important information and updates to the members, and provide a forum for members to share information with each other.

JOIN AND PAY ONLINE

2009-07-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

David Ranglos

2009-05-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

David and his wife Karen are the proud parents of two young children, Jack Tiller eight years old and Lauren Grace who is almost six. Dave and Karen have been married for 14 years, and are the owners and operators of Glacier Lodge a second generation family owned accommodations business in Estes Park. Glacier Lodge is located on Highway 66 a mile this side of the YMCA. Dave is also serving on the Park R-3 District Advisory Committee, and coaching Flag Football.

Marcy Predmore

2009-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Marcy has been in the Insurance and Benefits Industry for the past 6 yrs. Prior to this She owned and operated Classic Hair Designs for 27 yrs. She also grew up in Estes and attended Estes Park High School.

Marcy is a Loyal and longtime resident of Estes Park, moving here 40 yrs ago with her family to start a restauraunt. She is very active in Sunrise Rotary, and volunteers for youth projects. Her main interest right now is the Estes Park Interact Club.

Marcy has also served on many boards, Boy Scouts, her son, Michael holds the rank of Eagle Scout, and built the baseball dugouts at Stanley Park. Other Boards have included, Rotary, Church, and HOA.

Her passion is the stability and growth of Estes Park.

Marcy lives in Estes, and has a son Michael that lives in Windsor

BUSINESS RESOURCES

2009-05-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Try these business links and resources! Scroll down for a widget of popular business books. These books are available on Amazon.com, but are also available at McDonald's bookstore here in Estes Park. Support your local businesses!

ONLINE CLASSES- various online class links related to business planning, marketing, and sales.
Marketing Strategies - capital one offers free internet workshops about marketing,
branding, public relations, promotions and advertising. Click Here.

E-mail Marketing - this site shows you the basics of creating an email marketing campaign. Click Here to use this tool.

Business Planning Strategies - this site contains information about starting a business, business planning, basic accounting, and business strategy. Click Here.

CALCULATOR TOOLS available from the James J. Hill Library website.
Investment Return Calculator
Equipment Calculator (buying vs. leasing)
Breakeven Analysis
Commercial Loan Calculator
Profit Margin Calculator
Cash Flow Calculator

STATISTICAL INFORMATION:

County Profiles & Demographic Data www.census.gov/acs
Labor Market Information www.cde.state.co.us/stateinfo/slstpbizbib.htm
Colorado Demography Office http://www.dola.state.co.us/demog/
Department of Transportation, traffic use and demographic statistics
Statistics gathered by federal agencies http://www.fedstats.gov
Financial statistics for industries: BizStats http://www.bizstats.com
Industry information http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/
Statistics if you plan to use email marketing

Grade Your Website - use this free online tool to get an 'effectiveness' report on your website. Click Here to get your free website report.

Grade Your Press Release - use this free online tool to grade your press release and get useful tips on improving it. Click Here to use this tool.

Amazon.com Widgets

CONTACT US

2009-05-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your interest in the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce (EVPC). We'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Email us at:

info@evpartnersforcommerce.com
rsvp@evpartnersforcommerce.com

Please include your contact information so a board member will contact you as soon as possible. We're looking forward to speaking with you! Thanks again!

Karen Tucker

2009-05-01T12:52:00.001-07:00

Karen Tucker is the SWAP (School to Work Alliance Program) coordinator for Park School District R-3, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Colorado Department of Education. She has held this position since 2006 and before that, was the Induction Coordinator. She has been a classroom teacher in Estes Park since1979.

Prior to her current position as SWAP coordinator and teacher in Estes, Karen taught in the San Francisco Bay Area for eleven years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and a Master of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. A full-time resident of Estes since 1978, she has worked seasonally in Estes since 1968.

Karen has served on the Estes Park Historical Museum Board of Directors, the Kreative Kids Board of Directors, and was one of the creative forces behind "Steppin' Up" an empowering program for women.

Karen lives with her cat, Sophie Tucker, in Estes Park.

Tim McPhee

2009-05-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tim McPhee

Tim McPhee, President and CEO of ProTech Companies, an Estes Park-based corporation consisting of ProTech Plumbing & Heating, Sewer & Septic Specialist, Comanche Street Properties and EcoTech Energy Solutions International.

Prior to his current position, Tim was a partner in McPhee Plumbing & Heating, the Northern Colorado General Manager for Lennox International, managing partner in Estes Homes, and performed acquisitions for Service Experts Inc.

Starting his first business at age 13, Tim has always had a passion for small businesses and has started and managed several businesses in both Michigan and Colorado. A licensed general contractor and licensed plumber by the age of 19, Tim has spent much of his career working and managing in the skilled trades industry.

Previous board experience includes Rocky Mountain Gas Association, Crossroads Ministries, and Mountain View Bible Fellowship.

Tim, his wife Gail, and their 8 children, have lived in Estes Park for 27 years.

Rich Flanery

2009-04-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Rich has been in the financial lending business for the past 13 years and is currently operating manager of Cherry Creek Mortgage Company in Estes Park. He is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, a designation of which only a handful of people in his field have attained. Rich is also President of Kaecon Inc. a wealth management systems company. He is also involved with Strategic Coach International, an entrepreneurial business program. Prior to working in the lending industry he worked for an international marketing company and for fortunate 500 company, Pitney Bowes.

Rich resides in Estes Park with his wife, Sherry and their two kids Connor and Kaelin. He is an avid skier, road bicyclist and golfer. He is also involved in the community as a youth sports coach.

Rich has served as treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and is an affiliate with the Estes Park Board of Realtors.

Julie Phares

2009-04-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Julie Phares is a Property & Casualty Insurance Agent for Insurance Associates of Estes Park. She has worked in the Insurance business for over 9 years. Prior to her current position she was the manager for Lbn Insurance agency in Estes Park .

Julie has had the privilege of serving on numerous boards and organizations here in Estes Park . She is a member of the noon Rotary Club where he has served as a Club Director for International projects & services, Club President, and President of the local Rotary Foundation. She is also serving on the Executive Committee for Rotary District 5440 as a District Trainer.

During her 26 years here in Estes Park she has served on the board of directors for the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, Estes Park Otters Swim Team, and the Supporters of the Performing Arts Center .

Julie moved to Estes Park in 1983. She is married to Charles and they have three children all living in Colorado .

Charles Saxton

2009-04-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Mr. Saxton began his law practice in Longmont in 1969. Since then he has endeavored to improve the image of his profession by establishing a firm in which the legal needs of the firm’s clients are met by highly qualified attorneys in a prompt, courteous and professional manner at reasonable rates.

A primary goal was to develop a firm which handles a wide variety of legal needs while remaining small enough to enable attorney and staff to establish personal relationships with each client.

Mr. Saxton offers Boulder, Larimer and Weld County residents and businesses quality legal services by combining state-of-the-art technology, recognized experience in each area of practice and an intimate knowledge of the local political and legal environment.

LONGMONT AND BOULDER COUNTY
Mr. Saxton served on the Board of Trustees of the Boulder County Bar Association. He was a founding member of the Boulder County Bar Association's Professionalism Committee and served on the committee for 15 years.

Mr. Saxton was highly involved in the Longmont Community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Longmont Theatre Company and the Longmont Symphony. He was President of the Board of Directors of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority. He is also a 25 year member of Kiwanis having served in every office in the organization.

ESTES PARK AND LARIMER COUNTY
Mr. Saxton has carried over his community involvement into Estes Park where he makes his home and has recently opened a satellite office. In Estes Park, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce and the Board of Directors of the Cultural Arts Council.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009-04-06T16:12:00.001-07:00

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ESTES PARK, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ESTES PARK COLORADO, ESTES PARK CHAMBER, ESTES PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE CHAMBER, COLORADO CHAMBER

Val Thompson

2009-04-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Valerie (Val) Thompson owns the Estes Park Pie Shop & Bakery with her husband Rick, and their 5 year old daughter Haddi. The Thompsons met in Estes Park in high school, graduated from Estes Park High and moved away to pursue careers and higher education opportunities. In 2008, they purchased The Pie Shop and moved back to Estes Park to raise their daughter.

Prior to ownership of the Pie Shop, Valerie owned an independent printing and shipping business in Longmont, and was a Senior Vice President for a large publicly traded property management company based in Denver. Her position with this company led her all over the country for 12 years, so she is happy to be back home in Colorado.

Valerie has served on various Boards of Directors including the Mead Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business-Longmont. As well, she was a charter member of the Mead Rotary Club and integrally involved in the Longmont Small Business Association, Latino Chamber of Commerce (Georgia & Colorado) Longmont Chamber of Commerce, Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce and Berthoud Chamber of Commerce.

Valerie and her family reside in Estes Park full time - and love it!

Robb Austin

2009-04-05T11:05:00.001-07:00

Robb Austin
Robert (Robb) Austin serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Estes Park Medical Center since August 2007 which includes the overall operations of a 25 bed hospital, a 60 bed nursing home, a home-health agency, a hospice, the ambulance service and a 7 physician multi-specialty physician clinic.

Prior to his current position at EPMC, Robb served as the Director of Outreach & Business Development for the Poudre Valley Health System in Fort Collins, Colorado from 2003-2007 and served as the President of the Gunnison Valley Hospital in Gunnison, Colorado from 1984 to 2003. He earned his Masters Degree in Healthcare Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979. Robb is well known throughout the region on healthcare issues and is very involved in the Colorado Hospital Association serving as its Board Chair in 1996, is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and has served on the American Hospital Association's Small and Rural Hospital Governing Council.

Robb lives in Estes Park with his wife Betsy and has three grown children living in Colorado and Pennsylvania.

BOARD BIOS

2009-04-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Meet the EVPC Board of Directors! Click on the name to view a photo and short bio.

Rich Flanery - President

Val Thompson - Vice President

Julie Phares - Treasurer

Marcy Predmore - Membership Chair

Karen Tucker - Secretary

Chuck Saxton - Member at Large

Tim McPhee - Member at Large

David Ranglos - Member at Large

Robb Austin - Member at Large

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2009-03-22T13:56:00.000-07:00

EDUCATION

2009-03-22T13:54:00.001-07:00

Join us for one of the following educational opportunities - expand your horizons!
If you have an idea for a class you'd like to see offered, please contact us - we would like your input!

Class Schedule: (see class descriptions below)

May 28th - Building a Successful Business - Business Coach Ron Rex - Thursday, May 28th 5:30 - 7 pm, Billiard Room, Stanley Hotel. NOTE LOCATION CHANGE!!

June 12th - The Social Networking Phenomenon - Littleton Business Advisor Recca Larson - Friday June 12th, 5:30 - 7 pm, Wasson Room, EP Library.*Note that the ticket you may have may say Friday June 14th - Friday is June 12th - sorry for the confusion!

Register for class by sending an email to: rsvp@evpartnersforcommerce.com

BUSINESS PLANNING
Building a Successful Business - Led by renowned business coach Ron Rex, this course will cover the finer points of owning and managing a successful business. Don't miss it! Class Length 1.5 Hours, Limit 25 participants.

Writing a Business Plan (Operational) – In this course you will learn the components of a business plan, identify key strategies for your specific business, and create your individual business plan outline. Class Length – 2 Hours, Limit 10 participants.

Writing a Business Plan (To Obtain Financing) – In this course you will learn the components of a business plan with an emphasis on the financial forecasting and funding requirements sections. Class Length – 2 Hours, Limit 10 participants.

Writing a Marketing Action Plan – In this interactive, hands-on course, you will discuss your business and develop a marketing strategy with the assistance of the instructor and other class participants. A great class for idea sharing and input from fellow business owners. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

Create Your Brand Strategy – Branding is an integral part of business identity development. This course covers the definition of branding, benefits, and how to achieve a recognizable brand. Ideas and strategies will be discussed with the group. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

MARKETING
Active vs. Passive Marketing – In this course, you will learn the difference between active and passive marketing and discuss benefits of both. Seminar participants will design both an active and passive marketing strategy for their business. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

Marketing Materials – In this course you will review the different types of commonly used marketing materials, and focus on improving the quality and consistency of your message. This course focuses specifically on business cards, fliers, print ads and handouts. Class Length – 1 Hour, Limit 25 participants.

Marketing in a Tourist Town – Tourist town marketing is different than regular marketing in that you are attempting to reach a more ‘short –term’ audience and create repeat visitors that repeat over a long period of time. This is a discussion course that is led by a panel of business owners in the area. The panel will cover customer information capture, available advertising venues and what has worked best for the panel. There will be significant time for Q&A from participants. Class Length – 2 hours, Limit 25 participants.

Internet Marketing using Google AdSense and Google AdWords – If you have ever ‘Googled’ something and found ads that pop up at the top of your search and down the sidebar, maybe you wondered…how do I get an ad on this page? Well, this is the course that covers marketing your business on the internet using Google’s pay-per-click programs. This is an instructor guided course that will show you how to set up a Google ad account, research key words, and determine how much you’re paying for click ads. Basic internet knowledge is helpful. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

Blogging for Businesses – Is a blog right for your business? What is it? How do you use it to market your business? If you’ve had these questions, take this course and you’ll get all the answers! This class conducted with each participant in front of a computer, for hands-on experience blogging. Each participant will set up a blog and make beginning entries. Class Length – 1.5 hours, Limit 15 participants.

The Social Networking Phenomenon – Social Network Marketing is quickly becoming part of many businesses marketing strategy. Sites like Facebook, , LinkedIn, Twitter and more allow business people to communicatewith each other and with their customers in a totally new way. This course will cover the basics of the main social network marketing sites and introduce you to the features and benefits they have to offer. Class Length – 1.5 hours, Limit 25 participants.

Advertising 101 – In this course, you will learn to write a good, eye-catching ad for print. Learn the components of what makes a good ad, and what to avoid. Class Length – 1 Hour, Limit 25 participants.

Sales are Down – What do I DO? – This course is an interactive course where both instructor and participants share ideas on improving business that is flagging. Get a new outlook on your marketing strategy and on your products. Class Length 2 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

INTERNET
Internet 101 – Time to get on-line! For anyone with no internet experience, learn to navigate the internet, how to get on-line, basic e-mail information and using the internet to find information. This class is hands-on in front of a computer. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 10 participants.

Website Optimization – In this course, learn technical information and strategies for making your website appear higher up in the search engines. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 16 participants.

Free Internet Exposure for Your Business – In this course, you will learn what the internet has to offer your business for free – specifically in Estes Park and the surrounding area, as well as globally. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 25 participants.

MANAGEMENT
Hiring Pitfalls - Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid – In this course, taught by a professional HR representative, you will learn the top 10 mistakes employers make and how to avoid them. Class Length – 1.5 hours, Limit 25 participants.

Communicating with Teenage Employees – In this course, you will learn to communicate with your teenage employees and better understand what is important to them to achieve optimum performance. Class Length 1.5 Hours, Limit 25 participants.

Hiring Foreign Employees – In this course you will learn the ins and outs of hiring foreign employees, how to check employment eligibility, work visas, etc. and how to communicate effectively with these workers. Class Length – 1.5 Hours, Limit 25 participants.

LEGAL

Business Startup Forms – This course covers the necessary business forms to be filed and licenses to be obtained before starting your business (or assuming an existing business). Topics include, business registration, sales tax license, employer ID, FEIN, etc. Class Length- 1.5 hours, Limit 25 participants.

Business Structure - Sole Proprietor/Partnership/LLC/Corporation – This course explores the different kinds of business structure and discusses the pros and cons of each. Class Length – 1.5 hours, Limit 25 participants.

Taxes & Recordkeeping – This course covers taxes and recordkeeping requirements including; payments and credits, sales and use tax, payroll taxes and tax deductions. Class Length – 1.5 hours, Limit 25 participants.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

2009-03-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

Membership in the EVPC brings many benefits such as those listed below. Your input is important to us, as we work for you - the business owner/manager. Let us know what we can do to assist you. We'd love to have you as a member!

YES, I WANT TO JOIN NOW!

Charter Members receive the following benefits:
*2 months free - membership valid through June 30, 2010
*2 FREE tickets to each of the first four educational seminars - a $160 value!
*Featured website listing
*Initial discounted advertising opportunities in EVPC electronic publications

Increase Revenue
• Online Web Directory
• B2B EXPO
• Business Directory & Reference Guide
• Sponsorships
• Leads Groups
• Chamber E-Newsletter
• Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings
• Member Orientation

Make Contacts
• Regular Business Networking Meetings
• Quarterly Status Meetings
• Join a Committee and Meet Others
• Annual Social Event
• Inter-Committee Meetings with Other Estes Groups

Grow Business
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Educational Seminars

$ave Money
• Volume Discount Programs (coming soon)
• Group Rate Programs (coming soon)
• Workers' Comp Safety Seminars

MEMBERS

2009-03-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Scroll down for an alphabetical list of current members.

A Wanderlust Adventure
Acquire Design
M.J. Aldrich Builders
Anderson Realty & Management
Annies Mountain Retreat
Aspen Brook
Bank of Colorado
Charles Saxton, Attorney at Law
Dad's Laundry
Castle Mountain Lodge
Cherry Creek Mortgage
Coldwell Banker
Coldwell Banker - Estes Village Properties
Coldwell Banker - Randy Good
Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park
EcoTech Energy Solutions
Enchanted Florist, Ltd.
Estes Mountain Shuttle
Estes Park Central
Estes Park Condos
Estes Park Home Finders
Estes Park Library
Estes Park Medical Center
Estes Park Mortgages
Estes Park News
Estes Park Pie Shop & Bakery
Estes Park Realty
Fiddle Inn
First Home Mortgage
Fiscal Options
Front Desk, Inc.
Giant Pines Retreats
Glacier Lodge
Michael & Bonnie Haughey
High Pointe Solutions LLC
The Historic Crags Lodge
Idlewilde by the River
Insurance Associates of Estes Park
Investment Center
James Frank Photography, Inc
KJ Cabinetry & Design
Lawyers Title Insurance Corp
Lonigans
Loveland Steam Laundry
Mama Rose's
Master Graphics Printing/master Shipping
J.W. Miller Architects, Inc.
Mountain-Mall.com
Jon Nicholas
Optical Perspectives
Park Supply
Poppy's Pizza & Grill
ProTech
ProTech Plumbing & Heating
Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors
Quilt House B&B
Rams Horn Village Resort
Resort Maps
River Stone Resorts
Riverpointe Spa
Rocky Mountain National Park Service
Rocky Mountain Title
Rolls Royce Weddings
Serendipity Trading Company
Sewer & Septic Specialist
Silver Service House Doctor
Snowy Peaks Winery
Sphere of Influence
Town of Estes Park
Trail Gazette
Un!nk Printworks
The UPS Store
VanHorns of Estes Park
Wendell Walker CPA
Wild Spirits, Ltd.
Wildflower Catering
The Yellow Mailbox