Education & Communication

This year ACRA continued to evolve its role as a convener and catalyst for business growth throughout the community. Through workshops, professional development, frequent communication and updates regarding public policy, we brought the membership timely information to allow for informed decision making and improved business practices.

These goals are further accomplished through developing and sustaining strategic partnerships that position the chamber as a leader in strengthening businesses. ACRA sits on the Commercial Core and Lodging Commission, and is a founding member of the Mountain Chamber Alliance. These networks expand our reach and connect us with broader needs of the region.

We serve as a communication conduit, not only informing businesses about policies that affect them and their workforce, but also informing policy makers of business needs and sentiment on local issues. This year ACRA submitted public comment on topics from public health orders, to short term rentals and pedestrian safety. Our strong reliance on data ensures our communication, education, and representation are valued contributions in the public sphere.

Thank you so much for providing the gift certificates to local restaurants. I and the crew from the library really appreciate your efforts!”

- Molly Ireland Adult Collection Developer Pitkin County Public Library To be recognized throughout the business and local community as a convener.

Identify and research the current workforce issues and provide an accurate picture of Pitkin County for current and potential business owners and residents.

Execute a SWOT Analysis for all chamber communications and branding that results in providing a high-quality member experience.

The ACRA public affairs committee is made of up of delegates from the board of directors and business leaders who represent a wide swath of needs throughout the community. Through public polling and close relationships with government bodies, ACRA is able to keep our pulse on changing policies, and to represent member needs in the public realm.

In 2022 the Public Affairs Committee met bi-monthly, using membership survey data to inform policy statements on various focus areas. The committee hosted Aspen’s elected officials for a data presentation, including workforce preferences on housing, transportation and childcare.

APRIL

Roundabout Construction Info Session Mountain Careers Hiring Webinar Hurst Community Initiative Workforce Town Hall

MAY

Snowmass Tourism & ACRA Job Fair

Content Marketing Workshop

AUGUST

Pedestrian Safety Focus Group

OCTOBER

Employee Appreciation Giveaways

Galena Experiment Feedback Forum

Aspen Affairs Election Series

DECEMBER

Castle Creek Bridge Focus Group

EDUCATION

Throughout the year ACRA facilitated member education on large scale policy changes throughout the region, and offered insights and trainings on the changing hiring climate.

In response to member concerns, we broadened our education approach this year by creating resource pages to serve as an up-to-date information sources as ever-changing information progressed in several public realms.

Workforce To address workforce needs early in the year, we hosted a Hiring in Mountain Town Communities webinar, with specific strategies for HR representatives in our resort community. In partnership with the Hurst Community Initiative, we co-hosted a town hall on workforce sustainability issues at the end of April. ACRA co-hosted a job fair with Snowmass Tourism in early June to support our members hiring for the summer season and year-round positions. We launched a job board on our website to offer another channel for members to post open positions. ACRA co-hosted the Colorado Chamber of Commerce State of the State, which included an update on workforce trends across industries in the Roaring Fork Valley.

In response to membership concerns, regarding community issues affecting our member businesses, ACRA created two informational resources pages to serve as up to date information sources as every-changing information progressed.

Short Term Rentals ACRA kept our membership informed of ongoing policy work by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen on short term rental regulations, including a moratorium on new licenses in the city. The year began with community outreach and culminated in new regulations, licensure procedures, and a public vote on a new city tax. ACRA kept members updated throughout this process using a resource webpage, social media, live updates from city council meetings, member newsletters and specific task force communications.

Galena Living Lab In response to member needs, ACRA served as a convener and advocate for the business community through experimental traffic changes in the downtown core this summer. Our regular updates between city staff and the ACRA Board of Directors, as well as member polling and a in person feedback forum allowed the business voice to come across throughout the lab. We also created a resource page, a focus group, and kept members updated through our newsletter and social media.

Membership Data In order to best represent our diverse membership, we regularly collect information and opinions from our members. We are then able to educate government agencies and the community at large about the demographics of our business community as well and the needs of owners ands the workforce. In 2022 we implemented a quick poll in our membership newsletter for ever changing issues popping up. A membership stakeholder survey focused on policy issues resulted in a record number of participants. We also implemented post-event feedback questionnaires to make sure attendees are satisfied with their experience so we remain on track in providing the benefits our members desire.

COMMUNICATION

Our bi-weekly e newsletter is a continued source of rich information for our members, as well as a resource to share their own news and events. This year we launched the ACRA at Work newsletter to keep the public and membership up to date on the work of the ACRA staff and Board of Directors.

In 2022, ACRA revitalized Aspen Affairs, a business-focused television show on GrassrootsTV, producing candidates forums and programing examining the business effect of ballot measures. In 2022 ACRA proudly sponsored a community voice project with Aspen Public Radio to ensure the special moments and people of our community are celebrated for the every day impact they make.