Boulder Chamber TODAY 2023 Online

2023

BOULDER CHAMBER

TODAY WE BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH BUSINESS

CHAMPIONING INNOVATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS p.24

BUILDING BUSINESS RESILIENCY

DELIVERING ... FOR YOU!

A letter from Board Chair Kate Brown and President & CEO John Tayer p.6

p.28

CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES p.26

TACKLING BOULDER’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES-

TOGETHER p.36

Awarded

Best Idea

of the Year!

by the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce | p.18

Partnering to Create and Care for the Healthiest Community in the Nation From the earliest days of caring for our neighbors, creating a healthy community was our goal.

A century later, we’re proud that Boulder is ranked among the healthiest communities in our nation.

Whether it’s a pandemic or seasonal epidemics, Whether it’s bringing new lives into the world or saving lives with unequalled care…

We are Boulder Community Health. We are Boulder.

Learn more at bch.org

Trusted Advisors.

Powerful Advocates.

Strategic Partners.

ATTORNEYS AT LAW | BOULDER & DENVER, CO, IRVINE, CA, CHEYENNE, WY, | 303.402.1600

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26 28

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

About the Boulder Chamber Delivering ... for You! A letter from Board Chair Kate Brown, and President and CEO John Tayer

36 04

2023 Top Level Partners Events

06

Groups & Programs 2023 Ambassadors

2023 Board of Directors

Standing Strong Our Flagstaff, Sanitas and Chautauqua Members

08 09

10 14 16 17

Staff Team Bucket List

22

Championing Innovative Business Solutions

24

Creating Memorable Experiences

26

Building Business Resiliency

28

Championing the Polcies that Best Serve You

32

Committed to a Journey Toward DE&I

34

Art Director/Designer: Maye Cordero | Project Manager: Courtney Warford | Content Coordinator: Amanda Duffy | Contents: Boulder Chamber Team | Cover Photo: Dr. Richard Wobbekind at 2023 Boulder Economic Forecast. | Photographer: David Harwi.

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY 2023 is published by Boulder Chamber. Copyright 2023 Boulder Chamber. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material in this directory is strictly prohibited without publisher’s express written permission.

THAT MOMENT YOU

FIND CLASSES THAT FIT YOUR NEEDS. 3

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Explore your passions. Reach your goals. Own your journey. ce.colorado.edu • 303.492.5148

ADDRESSING THE FULL SPECTRUM NEEDS OF OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY! The BOULDER CHAMBER stands at the center of a large regional economic ecosystem, working to address business needs that stretch far beyond our municipal boundaries. Our impact reflects that reach. Whether it’s improving first and final mile mobility for your employees, implementing workforce development programs in collaboration with businesses and education leadership from across Boulder County, or seeking state funding for new business investment, we will champion solutions that best meet the challenge. | Learn more at BoulderChamber.com

Boulder’s Key Primary Industries

We are thankful for our BOULDER CHAMBER membership, representing the vibrancy of our business community!

For an inside look into the economic changes and factors affecting the local and regional market, visit BoulderEconomicCouncil.org

74% Small Businesses 1,200+ Active Members

15%

Non Profit Organizations

75%

of

Top Employers* in

Boulder County trust the

BOULDER CHAMBER with their membership.

*500+ employees

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

• • • • • • • •

Aerospace Biosciences Energy Internet Solutions Natural Products Outdoor Recreation Tourism Research

2,224 followers

304 subscribers

5,400 followers

13,300 followers

2,219 followers

24,363 newsletter subscribers

In recognition of our continuous improvement culture, and to better capture our core functions and commitment to you, the BOULDER CHAMBER Staff Team adopted a new mission statement, vision and core values (but we’re holding on to the tagline we’ve proudly carried since 2014):

To advance business success in service to our community.

WE BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH BUSINESS

To build a strong community by supporting local for-profit and non-profit businesses, advocating for a strong business environment, and sustaining economic vitality.

• Leadership • Innovation • Integrity • Sustainability • Collaboration • Inclusion

On your behalf, we are taking a leadership role in developing and implementing regional solutions to local community concerns: Protected the public safety of 2,300 residents from flood, permanently established 119 acres of open space, created new 5 acres workforce housing, and innovated new educational opportunities by ensuring the annexation of CU South Campus.

Successfully advocated for

Conducted over 235 business and public partner engagements related to workforce development.

This work led to 50+ employers trained in skillsbased hiring, the management of 23 healthcare apprentices working in tandem with local employers, and countless hours setting the stage for future growth in key sector partnerships.

Provided direct support, communication management, technology assistance and policy input to 300+ businesses during Marshall Fire crisis.

$23 million

new dollars in business incentives to expand employee commute options (Colorado House Bill 1026).

#FunFact

The BOULDER CHAMBER is the second largest

chamber in the state of Colorado!

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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DELIVERING ... FOR YOU!

A letter from Board Chair Kate Brown and President & CEO John Tayer

The quote from a text we received the other day said it all: The Boulder Chamber team is “continuing to deliver.”

Kate Brown, RNB Boulder BOULDER CHAMBER

Board Chair

John Tayer,

BOULDER CHAMBER

President and CEO

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

with every year’s edition, the 2023 Boulder Chamber TODAY provides an interesting snapshot of the dynamics that shape the economic climate in which The specific reference was to your business operates and our the milestone accomplishments work to shape a positive future of the BOULDER CHAMBER in its direction.

Boulder Together program, but it describes a mantra that applies Take, for example, the current across our wide spectrum of deficit in accessible housing. member programs, public policy It was the BOULDER CHAMBER initiatives and economic vitality that kick-started an effort to efforts . . . Our goal is to deliver re-imagine East Boulder as for you! an opportunity site for new housing development. What In reading through the pages of stated with a visioning exercise this Boulder Chamber TODAY ultimately concluded this year magazine, you will find an with successful BOULDER CHAMBER update on the hard work of the advocacy in support of the East BOULDER CHAMBER Staff Team, Boulder Sub-community Plan your elected Board of Directors, and its allowance for over 5,000 our volunteers and many local new housing units. With this and regional collaborators to catalyst, investors are already address business challenges advancing housing development and to seize new opportunities proposals consistent with the that support your success. As Sub-community Plan.

When our businesses began telling us they were finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the talent they need to achieve their business goals, the BOULDER CHAMBER responded with workforce development programming. In one innovative partnership with Front Range Community College, we created an award-winning apprenticeship program in the health care arena. The program has already placed over 50 apprentices into hospital settings. Just as important, it created the template for apprenticeships in other industry sectors.

to market your business and to make valuable connections. We’ve even adjusted our many member events and activities to make them more appealing to a post-COVID audience, and the elevated turnout tells us we’re hitting a positive chord.

IT ALL AMOUNTS TO AN AMBITIOUS WORK PLAN FOR THE BOULDER CHAMBER STAFF TEAM AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS. WE WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY AS WE FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS, OUR ECONOMY AND THIS COMMUNITY STRONG.

And when our community was first beginning to wrestle with the challenge of diversity, equity and inclusion, the BOULDER CHAMBER stepped up. It began as a journey to understand how we could model best practices in the DE&I space, from more equitable hiring systems to event protocols that provide a more welcoming environment for all our business leaders. Our efforts have now evolved to include such measures as special membership programming for our Black-owned and managed businesses that Your investment in the BOULDER CHAMBER helps fuel encourages them to fully engage in the Boulder that work and we thank you for the confidence your Chamber. membership represents. And know, as you read this, we’re already rolling up our sleeves in the effort to Yes, as you can see in this year’s edition of Boulder achieve our 2023 goals. We’ll do what it takes to Chamber TODAY, we’re always focused on meeting continue delivering for you. your needs and delivering results.

2023 presents us with new challenges, from homelessness impacts, office vacancy increases John Tayer Kate Brown and development permitting delays, to troubling economic trends. Rest assured that the BOULDER CHAMBER is at work on local and regional-focused solutions. We’re also developing new ways for you

#FunFacts Last year, the BOULDER CHAMBER was awarded with Best Idea of the Year by the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce for the successful integration of Boulder Transportation Connection and BOULDER CHAMBER. Learn more at BoulderTC.org

You can chat in a casual environment with our President and CEO, John Tayer and the rest of the BOULDER CHAMBER Leadership Team at Coffee & Beer with John events.

Register at

Here is John receiving the award at the ACCE Conference in Denver, CO November 2023

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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| 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS |

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Peter Aweida Westland Development Services

Stephanie Brennan Hurth, Sisk & Blakemore, LLP

Kate Brown, Board Chair RNB Boulder

Trent Bush ARTILECT

Lori Call CU Boulder

Bing Chou MojoTech

Ann Cooper ReMax Boulder

Lora de la Cruz Boulder Valley School District

Michelle Fox The Bridge Studio

Bob Gaddis BOK Financial

Scott Green

Mark Heinritz The Sink

Taylor Johnson AIA - Dominion Promotions

Amy Long Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nikhil Mankekar Private Investor/Analyst

Peter Marcus Terrapin Care Station

Kristen Moorefield SparkFun Electronics

Dennis Paul, Vice Chair Elevations Credit Union

Danica Powell Trestle Strategy Group

Giovanni Ruscitti Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP

Greg Sebring KBI Biopharma

Kristen Turnbull Kaiser Permanente

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

As of March 1, 2023

2023 STANDING STRONG PARTNERS Those who stand strong with the BOULDER CHAMBER receive attention and recognition reflective of their contributions towards the vibrancy of the Boulder business community.

Berg Hill Greenleaf and Ruscitti Blue Federal Credit Union Corden Pharma Colorado Inc Elevations Credit Union

Flagstaff

Premier Members Credit Union Terrapin Care Station The WW Reynolds Companies Inc University of Colorado Boulder

Sanitas Altman Consulting LLC Amazon Ball Aerospace BioMed Realty BizWest BOK Financial Boulder Community Health Boulder Medical Center Celestial Seasonings Cigna

Conscience Bay Company Daily Camera FNBO Fowler Automotive Google Inc IBM Corp InTANDEM HR Kaiser Permanente KBI Biopharma

META MidFirst Bank Plante Moran Tebo Properties Twenty Ninth Street Mall Twitter Inc. Warner Pacific Insurance Services Xcel Energy

Chautauqua Accenture AGC Biologics Alpine Bank Avista Adventist Hospital Bank of the West BDO Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau Boulder Valley School District Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Capital One Café Caplan and Earnest LLC CBRE, Inc. Citywide Banks - Boulder CLA Colorado Enterprise Fund Crescent Real Estate Dean Callan & Company Inc Eide Bailly LLP Embassy Suites Boulder Emerson

Employers Council Fidelity National Title Company First Western Trust Bank FirstBank - Boulder Front Range Community College Gibbons-White Inc Hotel Boulderado Housing Helpers InBank John Kirkland Group LLC JPMorgan Chase Bank NA KeyBank KPMG LLP Landmark Properties Lake Valley Golf Club Lexmark International, Inc LJD Enterprises Inc Lockheed Martin Manufacturer’s Edge Northrop Grumman Corp

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory OZ Architecture Pfizer Pinnacol Assurance PNC Bank - Boulder Savory Cuisines Catering Smoker Friendly / Gasamat Snell & Wilmer LLP Sopher Sparn Architects LLC Spencer Fane LLP The Colorado Group Inc Unico Properties LLC Uplight Inc. Vectra Bank Verizon Wells Fargo Bank NA Western Disposal Services Westland Development Services Inc Zayo Group LLC

To learn more about becoming a Standing Strong member, contact us today! membership@boulderchamber.com

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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As of March 1, 2023

2023 TOP LEVEL PARTNERS PRESIDENT PARTNERS Altman Consulting LLC Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP BioMed Realty Blue Federal Credit Union Cigna Conscience Bay Company Corden Pharma Colorado Inc Elevations Credit Union Fowler Automotive InTANDEM HR Meta Platforms, Inc. Premier Members Credit Union Tebo Properties Terrapin Care Station The WW Reynolds Companies Inc University of Colorado Boulder Warner Pacific Insurance Services ELITE PARTNERS AGC Biologics Alpine Bank Amazon Avista Adventist Hospital Ball Aerospace Bank of the West BDO BizWest BOK Financial Boulder Community Health Boulder Medical Center Capital One Café Caplan and Earnest LLC CBRE, Inc. Celestial Seasonings Citywide Banks - Boulder CLA Daily Camera Employers Council FirstBank - Boulder FNBO Google Inc Housing Helpers IBM Corp InBank John Kirkland Group LLC Kaiser Permanente KBI Biopharma KeyBank Lake Valley Golf Club Landmark Properties 10 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

LJD Enterprises Inc MidFirst Bank Pfizer Pinnacol Assurance Plante Moran PNC Bank - Boulder Savory Cuisines Catering Smoker Friendly / Gasamat Sopher Sparn Architects LLC Spencer Fane LLP Twenty Ninth Street Mall Twitter Inc. Unico Properties LLC Uplight Inc. Vectra Bank Colorado, N.A. Verizon Westland Development Services Inc Xcel Energy Zayo Group LLC

Lumen S&P Global McGuckin Hardware Medtronic - Boulder Location Mountain View Bank of Commerce ORGANIC INDIA USA Pace Development LLC PlanGuru RE/MAX of Boulder Saunders Construction, Inc. Seagate Technology SPB Hospitality St Julien Hotel & Spa St. Vrain Valley School District Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions The Harris Law Firm Tolin Mechanical Wells Fargo Bank NA

VANGUARD ACADEMY BOULDER Accenture Aimco-- Apartment Investment and Management Company Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield AVERY BREWING CO BI Incorporated Big Red F Restaurant Group Birdcall Blue Canyon Technologies Inc. BOLO REALTORS Boulder B-cycle Boulder Valley School District Colorado PERA Debbie Taussig Law, LLC Eide Bailly LLP Element Properties Embassy Suites Boulder Emerson Excelitas Technologies Corp.

Frasier Hiltons on Canyon Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street Interstitial Leadership JPMorgan Chase Bank NA Lexmark International, Inc Limelight Boulder LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Lockheed Martin

TRAILBLAZER 23ZIP Inc. dba First Food Responders 8z Real Estate American Medical Response AMG National Trust Bank Aurora Organic Dairy dba Aurora Dairy Corp Biodesix, Inc. Blackbelly Market Blue Mountain Arts Inc Bobo’s Oat Bars Boulder Canyon Health and Rehabilitation Boulder Marriott Boulder Organic Foods Boulder Self Storage Boulder Social Boulder Ventures Limited BoulderCentre for Orthopedics BVSD Print Shop CableLabs Center Copy Printing Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency Comcast Business Services Corwin Toyota Boulder Dawson School Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Fisher Auto Flatirons Subaru Friday Health Plans GJ Mac dba McDonalds

Green Dot Labs Hazel’s Beverage World Holland & Hart LLP HomeCare of the Rockies Hotel Boulderado Hutchinson Black and Cook LLC Informa plc Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons JVA Inc Kurtz Fargo LLP Land Title Lucky’s Market - North Boulder Melton Design Build MojoTech Namaste Solar Electric Native Edge Associates Inc New Hope Network Nite Ize Northrop Grumman Corp NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Oskar Blues Brewery OZ Architecture OZO Coffee Company Pasta Jay’s RE/MAX Alliance Safeway Stores Sage V Foods Santo Snarfburger Snarf’s Sandwiches Southern Sun Pub & Brewery SOVRN SparkFun Electronics Inc Sterling-Rice Group Techstars The Cain Travel Group, Inc. Three Leaf Concepts-Restaurant Group University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Upslope Brewing Company Flatiron Park US Bank - 28th Street USI Insurance Vaisala Inc Velvet Elk Lounge Western Disposal Services WK Real Estate Xceptional

Get the rundown on Boulder’s economy.

Visit BoulderEconomicCouncil.org for our latest publications and blogs.

Via Mobility Services Accessible transportation for individuals and groups.

Friendly. Local. Nonprofit.

ViaColorado.org 303-444-3043 FIN_JAN BOCO CHAMBER 4 25x5 5 .indd 1

1/16/23

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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Celebration of Leadership, March

Business After Hours

Ribbon Cutting Events

BYP Lunch and Learn

Boulder Economic Summit, November Business After Hours

Boulder Women Leadership Group

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Boulder Star Lighting, November

Beer with John

Boulder Economic Forecast, January

Women Who Light the Community, November

BTC Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station, June

Business Before Hours

Boulder Chamber sponsored CHEER CO’s presentation at Band on the Bricks

Boulder Chamber Running Club

Lunch and Learn

Disc Golf Tournament BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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Our Promise

EVENTS OPPORTUNITIES THAT FOSTER SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OUTCOMES

The Boulder Economic Forecast is an annual economic and business outlook event featuring nationally-recognized economists who highlight the most up-to-date economic statistics and trends for the Boulder area.

For over four decades, the Boulder Chamber has brought the community together to honor the leaders and individuals who inspire and motivate us through the annual Celebration of Leadership.

Make new business connections with fellow Boulder Chamber members at one of our networking events: 14 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

B U S I N E S S

beforehours

As the #1 partner for Boulder businesses, our promise to you is to always create memorable and high value experiences by providing strong networking connections, programs, events and other opportunities that foster successful outcomes for your organization.

Dust off your clubs and join us! The Boulder Chamber and Lake Valley Golf Club partner annually to carry on the beloved warmweather-tradition of the Boulder Chamber Golf Tournament.

The Boulder Economic Summit convenes businesses across industries for a dialogue on economic trends and developments impacting Boulder. The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions regarding Boulder’s economic vitality.

VOLUNTEERING DAY

NEW EVENT!

Join business leaders, CU football fans and community members at the Boulder Chamber’s annual Colorado Buffs Kickoff Luncheon and pep rally.

Women Who Light the Community The Boulder Chamber and the Business Women’s Leadership Group (BWLG) annually honor women who have made significant contributions that address meaningful business or community needs on a local, national or global scale.

At Women’s Night of Connection not only we host Boulder trailblazers participating in a community discussion about inspiration and mentorship, but we also help introduce the next generation to networking and inspire them to reach the next rung on the ladder.

Volunteering Day is an annual opportunity for volunteers in the business community to get out and support community projects across the Boulder county. This event is great for corporate groups, community, and individuals 18 and up.

#ConsiderThis We encourage you to consider the value of partnering with us: • • • • • •

Attract new customers to your office or venue by hosting a Boulder Chamber event.

Share your knowledge by presenting/speaking in front of our membership.

Boost your brand awareness by providing giveaways to event attendees.

Reach a broader audience by being featured in a Chamber Check-in on Facebook Live.

Be recognized as a Bolder Young Professionals monthly nonprofit partner.

EVENT HOSTING And more!

SPONSORSHIP Opportunities and Benefits qrco.de/sponsorships

& SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES qrco.de/event-opps

*You must be a member of the Boulder Chamber in order to participate in any of these options.

Please contact membership@boulderchamber.com if you are interested in joining.

#FunFact

Last year, 3,500+ diverse key stakeholder across our community connected over 250+ hours of educational programs, community services and business-centric social gatherings that advance meaningful collaborations and organizational success.

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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#FunFact

Each year, at the Boulder Star Lighting Ceremony, we are honored by the Presentation of Colors by the University of Colorado Boulder Joint Service Color Guard, led by Ssgt Dylan Lodernot (not on picture).

GROUPS & PROGRAMS

The Bolder Young Professionals is a program of the Boulder Chamber that helps connect young professionals in all stages of their career with one another through monthly social, professional development and service activities.

BYP Board Taylor Johnson, Bluestone Mktg BYP President Hannah Hester, Live West Realty BYP Vice President Jarrod Ferstl, Professor Medicare Brayden Mahdavi, CU Boulder Leeds School of Business Harriet Ingam, Holmes Solutions Katherine Shanaham, DBP

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As one of the strongest and most active groups within the Boulder Chamber, the Business Women’s Leadership Group (BWLG) provides Boulder’s community of business women with education, networking, leadership and recognition through informative and professional programs.

We invite you to join the BWLG to help you build your business and advance your career.

Co-Chairs

Cynthia Case Alpine Bank Kristina Lailas-Putterman Mountain View Bank of Commerce

Leadership Fellows Boulder County provides approximately 35 emerging and transformational leaders from across sectors with a broad understanding of Boulder County’s economic, civic and cultural drivers. The program offers participants a deep appreciation for the social, environmental and economic interests our leaders must balance in their decisions.

Additionally, the program is heavily focused on transformational and inclusive leadership practices.

Applications open in May. Details at, BoulderChamber.com/member-services/ groups-programs/boulder-countyleadership-fellows/

The Equity Amplification Program, a program developed through the Boulder Chamber’s DE&I efforts, is a step to support and amplify the voices of businesses who have historically been marginalized and underrepresented.

This special engagement opportunity for Black owned and Black-lead businesses provides complimentary memberships, special marketing opportunities and, as well as specific programming to further understand how the Boulder Chamber can support their organizations.

ONG! R T S R AMBE

#CH

Ambassadors Appreciation Lunch

DORS A S S A MB

#A

2023 AMBASSADORS #Chamber Champion

Ambassadors are Chamber Member volunteers. They provide outreach to new and prospective members by welcoming them into the community and assisting in their navigation of Boulder Chamber services. Ambassadors also play a key member support role at our monthly events and have quarterly networking events in the business community.

Debi Richards was awarded with the 2023 Chamber Champion Award for her outstanding contributions to the BOULDER CHAMBER mission and programing.

Nancy Chin-Wagner Outreach Chair Nancy Chin-Wagner, LLC

Merix Gustin Events Chair Plan Ahead Events

Debi Richards Engagement Chair JumpCloud

Abby Keefe Shear Abby Salon

Janet Harrison

The Purpose Collective

Adam Kroll

First Interstate Bank

Beth Blacker

Annuities, LIRP’s, Medicare

Cam Low

None at this time

Cate Cook

WK Real Estate

Hannah Hester

CU Boulder

Kroll Real Estate / DV8 Distillery It’s Just Stuff Cultivate

Workforce Boulder County Hannah Hester Realtor Jacquelyn Zampella

Jarrod Ferstl

Jean Schloesslin Matthew Jensen Noelle Seybert Pam Sunderland

Payroll Vault

EAB Insurance Group

Patty Breech

Percy Alzamora

Chase

Peter Rosato

Change Home Mortgage Pierre Brogan Randy Lis

FNBO

Rebekah Hartman

OZO Coffee Company Walt Morgan

Transitional Lift Coaching

#FunFact

Applications for the Ambassador Program are reviewed twice per year in June and December. Please fill out the form to be considered for an ambassador role at, BoulderChamber.com/ambassadors

Watch a short video from our Ambassadors at

https://youtu.be/ChpuqlZFBTg

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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#FunFact

AWARD WINNING PROGRAM

Boulder Transportation Connections

The BTC/BOULDER CHAMBER Bike to Work Day Breakfast Station hosts 200+ cyclists every year and includes great partners, food, and a mechanic!

In 2021 Boulder Transportation Connections integrated with the BOULDER CHAMBER for greater support of our regional workforce mobility needs. Fast forward to 2022, the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce awarded this collaboration as Best Idea of the Year.

BTC promotes transportation choices that are efficient and sustainable and enhance the Boulder community as a great place to live, work and play.

Learn More at bouldertc.org 18 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

#FunFact

Our Equity Amplification Program now has 31 active participants!

Here part of the

BOULDER CHAMBER

DE&I Committee

EQUITY AMPLIFICATION PROGRAM

Supporting Boulder County Black Businesses

The Equity Amplification Program is a special engagement opportunity for Black-owned businesses launched in March 2021 that the Boulder Chamber developed in conjunction with Equity Solutions.

AdderlyArt Amirah Counts, Realtor Ana’s Art Gallery Ann Cooper & Assoc Authentic Creations Artistic Apothecary Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realtors Boulder Blackat Video Productions Carol Banks Design LLC Code Ninjas (Louisville)

community by design DEI4BIZ Delta Developmental Diverse Health Information, Inc. Lisbeth Joe MAIDS AND BEYOND Makeshift Entertainment Media Education Makeshift Film Group Mateo Restaurant McCord Consulting Group

Mini Money Management Mukuyu Collective, LLC NAACP Boulder County New Orleans Chefs of Colorado LLC Nyasha Williams Outworld Brewing Rae’s and Kay’s Melting Pot The Dreamatorium

To learn more and to see our full list of Equity Amplification Program members, check out our website. boulderchamber.com/equity-amplification-program/ As of February 24, 2023

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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#FunFact

The 2022 Star Card design was created by local artist Anne Gifford. A portion of the Star Card proceeds will go towards the ongoing care of the Boulder Star.

Deborah Malden (she/her) Art Liaison & Advisor - Volunteer

#WomanWhoLightTheCommunity Our Art Liaison & Advisor, Deborah Malden was recognized as a Woman Who Light the Community in 2022 for her significant contributions to the arts.

ARTS & CULTURE With the 8th highest concentration of artists in the country, Boulder’s arts and culture sector plays a key role in building and sustaining Boulder’s economically vibrant community.

In communities across the nation, the arts and business sectors are successfully collaborating to contribute to the quality of life in their region; drive economic development; stimulate creativity and innovation; and strengthen the ability of business to recruit and retain a diverse group of individuals who will bring exceptional skills to the community.

Check Our Community Arts Calendar

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Our Promise The BOULDER CHAMBER is committed to advancing support for arts and culture; and with the Community Affairs Council, we stay one step ahead of the issues affecting the Boulder arts community.

boulderchamber.com/advocacy/arts-culture/

Business After Hours

Business Before Hours

BYP at Eldora Ski Mt.

Business After Hours WomenWho Light the Community

Business After Hours

BYP Pups & Pints BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Beer with John

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Staff Team Bucket List Meet our team. We asked them,

What is one thing you’d put on your “bucket list”?

To play the top rated disc golf course in every state.

Ride a train across our country!

John Tayer (he/him)

Finance, Human Resources and Operations

President and CEO

Jacqueline McCauley (she/her) Associate VP

Policy Programs Team

World Peace!

Do a multi-day kayak trip in California.

Senior Director for Policy Programs

Sr. Manager of Transportation

Jonathan Singer (he/him)

Karen Worminghaus (she/her)

I want to see the Taj Mahal in India!

A weeklong autumn bike tour to enjoy Michigan’s awesome rail trails, fall foliage and cider!

Elaine Erb (she/her) Sustainable Transportation Planner

Devin Edgley (she/her) Policy Program Specialist

Family.

Amanda Mansfield (she/her) BTC Program Consultant

Member Relations Team

Obtain my Pilot’s License.

Scott Firle (he/him)

Director of Member Relations

Visit the Northern Lights.

Riley Addington (he/him) Member Relations Manager

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#Team Strength

One of our strategic priorities as an organization is to recruit, retain and support an inclusive team of staff and volunteers that thrive and is respected by the business community. Here is part of our Leadership Team at the WACE Conference in Sacramento, CA. | February 2023

Meet the Team at Membership Orientation!

Membership Orientation is a great time for you to connect with Boulder Chamber members, potential members, staff and our ambassadors.

Reserve your seat at BoulderChamber.com/events

Marketing, Events & Programs Team

To Visit Machu Picchu (Peru)!

Maye Cordero (she/her)

Director of Marketing & Events

Hot air balloon ride!

Megan Sanders (she/her) Events and Programs Specialist

Cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa!!!

Amanda Duffy (she/her) Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Set foot on all 7 continents!!

Courtney Warford (she/her) Marketing and Communications Manager

Boulder Economic Council Team

Swim with whale sharks.

Scott Sternberg (he/him) Executive Director of the

Boulder Economic Council and Associate VP for Economic Vitality

A Month in Scandinavia.

Matt Wiggins (he/him)

Workforce Development Director

Time.

Gary Boley (he/him) Economic Vitality Specialist

Operations Team

Going to all 50 states by the time I’m 50 years old.

Amy Barz (she/her)

Operations Manager

Bahamas for two weeks!

Judi Zrimec (she/her) Administrative and Scheduling Specialist

Support Team

Seeing the Northern Lights.

Deborah Malden (she/her) Art Liaison & Advisor - Volunteer

#FunFact

Every month the BOULDER CHAMBER staff team engages in Team Building Time.

From volunteering activities, to pottery and art class, board games and pumpkin carving tournaments, this team builds community from the inside out!

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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CHAMPIONING INNOVATIVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS For a Vital Future

For many Boulder Chamber members, 2022 was a year Adopting a “Less is More” Attitude of managing work-life balance. With more of Boulder’s for Networking Events workforce returning to the office and more in-person We’ve adopted the philosophy “less is more” for Boulder events as we returned to a more “normal” way of living, Chamber events in 2023. In order to better fit into your you were likely tasked with parceling out not only your schedule, we adjusted our networking events to be time, but your energy, too. less frequent (bi-monthly or quarterly) — but more impactful, with valuable content and industry-specific On top of that, many businesses were understaffed — themes. As a result, attendance is skyrocketing. “It goes at the Boulder Chamber, this reality surfaced when we into that time-energy factor,” says Scott Firle, Director received emails from members who couldn’t make an of Member Relations at the Boulder Chamber. “Now, if event at the last-minute. Someone’s restaurant wasn’t you go to one networking event, you’re going to meet 80 fully covered, and they had to fill in for a coworker’s people, opposed to 30 or 40 in the past.” Efficient! shift. Someone else didn’t have enough time to get to the event location from their office, now that they were To amp up the impact, we’re also making a few changes back in person. to the way networking events are run. Our Business Before and After Hours gatherings will now have a At the Boulder Chamber, we knew we had to do some specific industry focus and theme, such as outdoor things differently to support you. So we put our heads recreation or technology. Events will now begin with together and asked — How can we evolve to better meet an educational piece, and they’ll be held at a location your needs and get your businesses’ name out there, that members normally wouldn’t have access to (like the while promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive offices of Google or Amazon!). We can’t wait to see what community? new connections unfold for you through these unique experiences with other professionals in your industry.

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The same focus on content-driven, unique experiences is true for our Business Women’s Leadership Group and the Bolder Young Professionals.

For instance, the Women’s Night of Connection event last year invited members to bring along their protégés, granddaughters, daughters, nieces, cousins, or students from 8th grade and above — convening young professionals, engaging them with the group, and encouraging them to dream big.

Another exciting experience was the Bolder Young Professionals day at Eldora Mountain Resort, in which participants received a snow safety class before hitting the slopes.

to sponsor a signature event. If you lead a small business, you can get in front of, say, 300 people attending an event, within your budget. About 74% of Boulder Chamber members represent small businesses of 50 employees or fewer, and we will continue to drive value for this large part of our community.

Developing Leaders Through Everything We Do

Our new Membership Committee meets monthly to discuss opportunities and new experiences for members. “They serve as a guiding light for the value we can provide to members,” says Scott.

Participants are engaged with our Saving You Money on Boulder Chamber membership Marketing Opportunities and our program planning. It’s a To address the marketing challenges great avenue to continue developing that many of our businesses are leadership skills and strong business facing, we partnered with the Merge connections. Join our Membership Studio, a local digital marketing Committee to be a part of creating company that is now an official part memorable experiences for other of our Member Advantage Program. members!

They offer their consulting services to Boulder Chamber members at a Delivering a Wide discounted rate. For website design, social media, email marketing, Variety of Services paid ads, or any other marketing “What I value most about the need, get in touch with their team! Boulder Chamber and what has Another new Member Advantage kept me here for almost nine years partnership is with the Boulder are the conversations I have with Valley School District Print Shop, members and potential members,” which now offers discounted shares Scott. “Every conversation is different, and it opens the door to printing rates. learn more about the challenges and “We’ve also delivered innovative goals for their businesses, which in solutions around sponsorship return allows us to serve them with opportunities for small businesses to an almost custom-made experience participate in our signature events at with the resources and support they a more affordable price point,” says need to succeed.”

Scott. With significant savings, expo booths are now available for $250 to If a member joins because their small business members who want business is growing and they aren’t sure if Boulder can accommodate Scott Firle Member Relations Director | scott.firle@boulderchamber.com Riley Addington Member Relations Manager | riley.addington@boulderchamber.com

their space needs, we’ll connect them with the Boulder Economic Council. Another member might join because they want to start a business and aren’t sure how to navigate the permitting process.

Someone else might be struggling with staffing and heard we have an apprenticeship program. The wide variety of services available to our membership are always accessible through our website, BoulderChamber.com.

Our Promise Innovative Solutions for Your Business Needs We’re looking forward to the changes ahead at the Boulder Chamber and hope you’ll be a part of it. Let us know how your business is doing and what you need help with. Our promise to you is that we will champion innovative solutions to support your business needs.

Our goal is to build a stronger, more connected and supported family of businesses that makes everyone successful,” concludes Scott. As the second-largest chamber of commerce in Colorado, we are here to serve as a dedicated partner in your business success — so that your business can continue to make a difference for our Boulder community.

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CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES In Person and Virtually

Across the board, non-profit and civic events have changed drastically over the past few years, from concerts and conferences to sporting events and fundraising galas. You’ve probably attended more virtual events, professional and personal, than you can count — and likely, you’re tired of them.

stay close to home. With Covid-19 still a significant risk, some members were still cautious about attending events with large groups.

Unsure of how to best navigate these factors, we turned to you, our members. With an external facilitator, we conducted focus groups and 1:1 phone interviews with At the Boulder Chamber, we were full of excitement over fifty Boulder Chamber participants and asked what to see you again in person when restrictions began to you wanted from our events and programs. “We wanted allow for it, but found that it was a slow start. “Post- to find out what our members were looking for, and pandemic, we shifted back to in-person events, but saw what would motivate our members to come,” says Maye. that initial attendance, registration, and engagement at networking events and Happy Hours were slow to In 2022, we listened to what you had to say — and now, return to pre-COVID attendance levels,” explains Maye it’s time to execute on that! Keep reading to learn how Cordero, Director of Marketing and Events.

Boulder Chamber events and programs will be changing in the year ahead…

Some members were working from home and not coming into town, and on the flip side, others returned to the office but didn’t have enough time to get to the Bringing Industries Together event location. On top of that, gas prices and the cost Intentionally, In Unique Places of transportation soared in 2022, prompting many to You’ll notice that each of our seven types of networking 26 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

events are now on a regular quarterly pattern. “Through this standard frequency, we’ve been able to give more attention to each event and make them more impactful and meaningful for our members,” says Maye. We’re also hoping this revised event schedule will make it easier to fit them into your schedule. It’s working! Whereas we previously were seeing twenty-something attendees, we’re now welcoming 60 or 70 members in person. We’re also feeling the full excitement of being back in person again!

Golf Club for a glass of wine and golf clinic to polish skills in preparation for our annual Golf Tournament. The Bolder Young Professionals went rock climbing outside with mountain guides for a one-of-a-kind networking event, challenging themselves while meeting new people. Pups and Pints was an opportunity for dog lovers to connect while kicking back with a beverage.

“When people with similar interests are brought together in a new setting over an engaging and fun activity, Business Before and After Hours it’s really easy for new connections events also are now grouped by to be made,” reflects Maye. industry to facilitate connections between you and your peers in If you’re interested in getting similar fields. “A learning from involved behind-the-scenes and the focus groups was that venues creating memorable experiences matter,” shares Maye. “People want for our community, join our new to go to cool places!” We want to Events Working Committee. We bring together the tech industry at a promise a rewarding trade-off for place like Google and the hospitality your investment of time, insight, industry at one of our amazing local and a little elbow grease! hotels. With a venue connected to the event theme (in places you … With a Few Virtual wouldn’t otherwise have access to), we want to get the right people in Options!

Don’t worry, we aren’t leaving the room with you. virtual and hybrid events behind entirely. Moving forward, all of Creating Memorable our Signature Events will be a Experiences hybrid format, both in-person and What has been the most memorable streaming live. You’ll now see both Boulder Chamber event you’ve options for the Economic Forecast, attended since becoming a member? Economic Summit, and Women Our 2023 goal is for more memories Who Light the Community Awards. to immediately come to your mind.

“I want people to say, ‘Remember If you don’t want to leave your when we did this? I want to do that home, but still want to be part of again!’” says Maye. the networking fun, join one of our quarterly Virtual Speed Networking Wedges and Wine was a favorite, events. You’ll meet 20 members in which brought the Women’s 60 minutes — from the comfort of Leadership Group to Lake Valley your remote location.

We’re getting high-tech over here at the Boulder Chamber! Keep an eye out for text alerts this year. We heard from members that reminders about upcoming events would be helpful, so we’re adopting a new texting app feature to get in touch with you.

Showing Support for Our Nonprofit Members

New this year, we’ll be hosting a Volunteering Day in September.

“It will be an opportunity for the business community to get out and support community projects across Boulder County and give greater visibility to our nonprofit members,” shares Maye. After all, 14% of our 1,200 members are nonprofit organizations! With causes ranging from animal welfare, children’s education, the arts, disability services, and more — you’re sure to find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your passion.

Our Promise Endless Value to Your Boulder Chamber Membership While we’ve been around for more than 100 years, we’re not a traditional Chamber of Commerce,” concludes Maye.

“We’re always open to trying new things, keeping it fun, being flexible, and doing things differently to exceed our members’ expectations.” See you at a Boulder Chamber event soon!

Maye Cordero Director of Marketing and Events | maye.cordero@boulderchamber.com Megan Sanders Events and Programs Specialist | megan.sanders@boulderchamber.com BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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BUILDING BUSINESS RESILIENCY Amids A Changing Economy As we head into 2023, several national and international challenges are casting a shadow on our economy here in Boulder. You’ve probably heard about the significant cutbacks and hiring freezes of technology giants like Amazon, Twitter, and Google. On top of that, the remote and hybrid work models that many companies have shifted to throughout the pandemic have put a strain on commercial office spaces in Boulder; with many folks not necessarily returning to the office, we’re seeing high vacancy rates.

strategizing on how to bolster businesses and fuel our economy to weather the macroeconomic storm ahead.

Developing the Boulder Workforce to Fulfill Industry Needs

Our Workforce Development program, led by Matt Wiggins, is dedicated to matching industry needs with the current — and future — workforce. “Having businesses themselves identify their specific needs is the first step in the process,” says Matt. “Convening local “Pre-pandemic, Boulder relied on about 70,000 business via an open forum is critical to understanding commuters coming into work every day to support collective industry needs.” local businesses,” says Scott Sternberg, Associate Vice President for Economic Vitality at the Boulder Chamber. When the healthcare industry experienced a shortage of “With general traffic down, so are local retail sales.” medical assistants at the onset of the pandemic, Boulder This has a significant impact on the bars, restaurants, hospitals, family practices, and clinics couldn’t hire the coffee shops, salons, and more that give character to staff they needed. So with the Front Range Community our community. At the Boulder Chamber, we’ve been College and other partners, we created an apprenticeship 28 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

program to fill this need, managing projects for local businesses.

23 healthcare apprentices working Groups of 3-5 members gain with local employers. experience working on a team — while providing businesses with the We’re now using that same model capacity to accomplish important to address the need for talent in tasks. Win-win! advanced manufacturing, which 12% of Boulder businesses are categorized as. “This is good news Hosting Events to for local businesses, because this Inform and Empower sector generally requires employees Local Business Leaders to be on the premises,” reflects Scott. The Boulder Chamber hosts two “Thereby, it strengthens our overall Signature Events each year for the Boulder economy.” business and economic development

to more tech-centric markets.

In Boulder, we have six main industries: aerospace, biosciences, clean tech, internet solutions, natural products, and outdoor recreation. “These key industries provide Boulder with economic vibrancy and a unique brand that makes it desirable for employees to live and work here,” says Scott.

With many associated businesses in each cluster, employees can switch positions while remaining community. In January, our in the same industry — a key factor in talent recruitment for jobs in Promoting Skills-Based Economic Forecast engaged Boulder. researchers at the University of Hiring to Expand the Colorado Boulder and nationallyTalent Pool recognized economists in a forum to As for vacant office buildings, we’re Along with local education partners highlight the latest economic trends working with commercial real estate and Workforce Boulder County, and make a projection for the year brokers and dialing into our network we’re promoting skills-based hiring. ahead. The nearly 250 attendees left to fill these empty spaces with new This means convincing employers in a more informed position to lead. businesses in our key industries. to write job descriptions based on the skills necessary for success in a “Our Economic Summit in October Making Boulder’s Name particular position, which tends to is all about the subjective story lines, as a Top Innovation attract a wider diversity of qualified the flesh and bones of Boulder’s applicants than a traditional, economy,” says Scott. It’s a series Economy experienced-based job description. of open dialogue discussions and Another advantage of the Boulder panel conversations about the issues economy is the University and Over 50 employers were trained last our business leaders and owners federal laboratories that provide year. “Ultimately, this perspective are facing — and creative solutions. research and development for our diversifies the candidate pool,” With a combination of quantitative local businesses. This serves as explains Scott. “You’re now looking and qualitative information, we the foundation of our “innovation for people not necessarily based on want to help you position your economy,” promoting our startup what they know, but what they know business to survive (and thrive!) and entrepreneurial ecosystems. how to do.” through economic changes.

In 2023, we’ll share our Innovation Venture Report, which will We’ve also aligned with Grow With Boosting Key Industries benchmark Boulder against similar Google and Coursera to provide cities throughout the country known community members with stipends to Build Long-Term for their entrepreneurial spirit. We’ll for online development courses Strength to grow their skills — and career. As the U.S. technology industry compare how we rank and discern Individuals receive a certificate of takes a hit, we are somewhat more the strengths to elevate as well as the completion that they can use to prepared here in Boulder because areas for greater attention to meet strengthen their job applications. of the diversity of industries we our economic vitality goals. (The host. Though tech certainly has a Research & Development chapter of We’re also engaging first-generation presence in our city, the variety of the report was released in January college students at the University of our other key industries has created — stay tuned for more!).

Colorado Boulder in virtual research

more economic resilience compared

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Our Promise Supporting Your Business Growth and Success Our role, as part of a larger team, is to advocate for you and your business in Boulder,” shares Scott.

“We are here to listen to you and support you with the resources and talent pool you need to grow.” At the core, we want you to find business success and take advantage of the many opportunities our vibrant community has to offer.

Boulder, Colorado A Center of Innovation www.bouldereconomiccouncil.org/boulder-economy/market-profile/

30 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Annual Boulder Economic Summit, November

Scott Sternberg Executive Director, Boulder Economic Council and Associate Vice President for Economic Vitality | scott.sternberg@boulderchamber.com Matt Wiggins WorkforceDevelopment Director | matt.wiggins@boulderchamber.com

“

When I moved to Boulder from Los Angeles several years ago to launch my consulting business, I had no contacts, no network, and no prospects. The Boulder Chamber provided me with a calendar of events that allowed me to meet other business owners at networking events before and after my work day. The more events I attended, the better the staff knew my business, allowing them to refer chamber members who transitioned from prospect to client and in several instances friends. The value of the Boulder Chamber far exceeds my membership fees.

Carey Mason | Diversity Business Coach, DEI4BIZ

31 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

CHAMPIONING THE POLICIES THAT BEST SERVE YOU As we emerge from the grip of the pandemic and navigate sky-high inflation rates, businesses in Boulder are firing on all cylinders to stay afloat — and they’re up against additional local challenges, too. If you’re a business leader, you might be experiencing supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. Or maybe, you want to start a new business in Boulder, but are waiting for the permits you need to get off the ground.

“Coming out of Covid, many people are struggling financially. When you put your entire financial future into your business, there’s no backstop and no one else to pay your packcheck,” says Jonathan Singer, Senior Director of Policy Programs at the Boulder Chamber.

“It’s a scary place to be, and when all these new regulations are coming down — and you’re not a lawyer, but someone who started out on a dream — it is a lot of stress to bear.”

the ones that best serve you.

Advocating for More Efficiency in Permitting and Regulations

After hearing about the difficulties of getting the right business permits in a timely manner, we brought the issue to City regulators and are advocating for staffing and administrative improvements that will create a more efficient permitting process. Business owners need swift and decisive action from our local government for a runway towards success.

If you have a question on permitting or regulations, reach out to us. Whether it’s an inquiry regarding sales and use tax, or what relocating your business to Boulder might look like, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

“At the Boulder Chamber, our role is to be a connector, an educator, and an advocate,” shares Jonathan. We’re Brainstorming Solutions to the here to bridge the gap between you and the government Homelessness Issue leaders who create these regulations and policies that A growing issue of concern for community members affect your business — and our promise is to champion and businesses is homelessness. An estimated 32 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

700 individuals in Boulder are experiencing homelessness (Source: MDHI). At the Boulder Chamber, we initiated a four-part series called “Solutions to Homelessness,” which brought together our members, law enforcement officials, homeless service providers, and long-time advocates for homeless rights to discuss all sides of the issue. In the next few months, we’re planning to release a solutions-based framework that is designed to support policies and programs that meet the needs of our unhoused population, while taking action to address the intolerable impacts of homelessness on our business and residents.

Standing Up for the Issues That Affect Our Economy and Workforce

Your voice needs to be heard at every level of government. At the local level, we advocate to City Council on your behalf about topics such as revamping Boulder’s development planning process and how to build more affordable housing. And at the federal level, we speak up about areas including Boulder’s advanced industries program and tax credits to promote growth, innovation, and the creation of jobs. These are the policies that directly impact your business and the workforce talent available to you.

be offered to residents once again.

We’re teaming up with the Colorado Springs Chamber, public health advocates, environmentalists, and community commissioners to stand up for commuting. “It’s an environmental issue, business issue, and a health issue,” says Jonathan.

Celebrating Ballot Initiative Wins for Boulder

During the 2022 election cycle, the Boulder Chamber took positions on 11 issues — and saw some massive successes for Boulder County!

We were part of the coalition that helped pass Proposition 123, the first statewide dedicated housing fund for affordable housing that will build between 10,000 and 20,000 homes each year. It will promote housing solutions for the full diversity of our workforce, and as a result, support an environment where all businesses (small and large) can thrive.

Three county ballot issues focused on sustainable and affordable transportation options for our community, all of which passed (and one of which was the most popular ballot initiative in Boulder County). “An exciting win at the state legislature was advocating for a new tax credit for employers who provide transportation options for Recently, we went to the state their employees, whether that’s a bus legislature to discuss Zero Fare for pass or rebates for e-bikes,” explains Better Air, a remarkably successful Jonathan. It’s a way to promote transportation initiative that more alternatives to driving solo in provided free fares on all RTD a car, in effort to reduce traffic and public transit services last August. air pollution. If you’re interested in It’s being improved in a bill this year, accessing this 50% tax credit for your and we hope that this benefit will organization, reach out to Boulder Jonathan Singer, Senior Director for Policy Programs | jonathan.singer@boulderchamber.com Devin Edgley, Policy Program Specialist | Devin.Edgley@boulderchamber.com

Transportation Connections to get started.

At the workforce development level, we supported the BVSD bond initiative with its new GradPlus initiative. GradPlus will ensure that our schools are preparing the next generation for our 21st-century economy not just through lectures, but through skills-based learning opportunities, too. “For example, we want young people to get the skills they need to either become a skilled manufacturing technician, or take those technician skills and become an aerospace engineer,” explains Jonathan. Rather than students selecting one track or the other, the new GradPlus program will offer individuals a spectrum of skills development options, and where they land is up to them.

Our Promise Setting Ambitious Goals for the Year Ahead At the Boulder Chamber, we have ambitious goals to stand up for policies that support your business success, sustain a vibrant economy, and that we can all be proud of as a community. “We are only as strong as our membership and community,” concludes Jonathan.

“Your involvement and knowledge on the frontlines of what’s happening today gives us the power and authority to speak the truth to our decisionmakers at every level of government.”

Let us know what’s happening in your world today. We stand ready to support you — and to fulfill our mission of building community through business.

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COMMITTED TO A JOURNEY TOWARD A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): It’s a journey we’ve been on for quite some time now at the Boulder Chamber. While we have always been aware of the demographics of Boulder County and the Boulder Chamber’s own challenges to diversify membership, staff, and leadership, we began a more explicit journey of internal exploration in the mid 2010s. Like many organizations, we were spurred by the #BlackLivesMatter movement and murder of George Floyd to accelerate our efforts and evaluate our role in advancing DEI. Many Black and brown residents in Boulder have spoken up about their experiences and an atmosphere that makes it difficult to feel welcome, including incidents of clear racial bias, microaggressions, and a lack of services that meet the needs of BIPOC residents.

Historically, many policies and practices have existed since our community’s establishment, and the Boulder Chamber’s founding as an institution, that have created and perpetuated systemic inequality. The pandemic, racial reckoning, and fragile economic recovery — all of which disproportionately impacted vulnerable community members and people of color — further 34 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

exacerbated these inequalities.

“Our businesses understand the urgent need for greater diversity in their workforce,” says John Tayer, President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber. “If we do not evolve into a place that is welcoming and inclusive of the full diversity of our residents, we will not succeed as businesses or as a community.” We need the talent, creativity, and innovation that each resident can offer.

The vision of a community where everyone is respected and supported is an economic imperative. As a hub for our local businesses, we saw our opportunity at the Boulder Chamber to be stewards of change in addressing systemic issues.

Looking Inward at the Boulder Chamber

“The foundation of our work was making sure that our own house was in order and responsible — making sure we were supporting all voices to be heard — before sharing our values with a wider audience,” shares John.

A natural beginning was assessing the inclusivity of our

hiring practices and the diversity of the leadership we elevate. “As a staff and Board, we committed to learning and practicing together,” says Carly Hare, Equity Amplification Advisor at the Boulder Chamber.

“This included training, shifting policies, establishing a DE&I Board Committee, and diversifying our Board of Directors.”

Additionally, our Board approved a new Community Agreements Policy last October, and staff are currently building the procedures and processes for implementation.

It will challenge members, event attendees, speakers, and our team to live our values so that every individual feels welcome and safe at Boulder Chamber events and programs. We look forward to sharing it with you!

Learning from the Experts

Exploring our relationships and partnerships with the Latino Chamber of Commerce, NAACP Boulder County, and LGBTQ Chamber has significantly enriched our programming. Alongside our partners, we’re in the early design stages of a regional conference about best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. “We’re envisioning an event that hosts a space for human resources leaders and local business owners to shift from a compliance-based relationship to one that champions inclusive organizational cultures,” says Carly.

We’ll bring in experts in the space to help lift our business community with knowledge, information, and the sharing of experiences — so that we can all do better. Stay tuned!

Amplifying Blackowned and Black-led Businesses

serving on nonprofit boards (which 81% of participants go on to do), joining a government commission, or working on a local campaign for Support for Boulder’s Black-owned a candidate or issue. and Black-led businesses is critical to our collective economic vitality. Curriculum topics throughout the “The Equity Amplification Program 11-month program include “Local provides special marketing, Government 101,” “critical human engagement, and programming needs,” and “arts and culture,” as well opportunities for Black-owned as roundtable discussions on issues and Black-led businesses,” explains ranging from affordable housing, Carly. Launched in March 2021 immigration, and criminal justice. and developed collaboratively, it’s a way to amplify the voices of Past participant Eliberto Mendoza Black business leaders who have reflects, “If you’re interested in historically been marginalized and becoming a leader in Boulder underrepresented.

County, if you’re interested in having a significant role in the crucial A wide range of products and conversations that are happening, services are represented by the 27 if you want to really understand businesses currently participating, what’s happening outside your own from restaurants and wellness to office and your own passions, and childcare and the arts, plus home if you want to learn what it means improvement and professional to achieve true inclusivity… this services. The benefits include a program is the key.” The next round sponsored, no-cost membership, of applications for the Fall 2023 two free tickets to events, features cohort will open on May 1. Consider in Boulder Chamber marketing applying! materials, individual businessto-business relationship-building support, and invitations to Our Promise quarterly networking gatherings.

Pursuing a More If you or someone you know may be interested in the Equity Vibrant, Thriving Amplification Program, reach out!

Community

A Convener for Future Leaders in our Community

Each cohort of emerging leaders who participate in our Boulder County Leadership Fellows program represent a wide array of sectors and backgrounds. The goal is for these leaders to act upon their new skills by taking on leadership roles in our community, such as

Carly Hare, Equity Amplification Advisor | carly.hare@boulderchamber.com

On the journey toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, there is reason to hope for change and a more welcoming community here in Boulder. Our tagline, “We build community through business,” reflects our promise in that journey.

“Much more than just an economic imperative, a community that truly embodies these values is one that is healthier, happier, more resilient, and more complete,” says John. That is what we want for our community, and that is the commitment of your Boulder Chamber.

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BOULDER TOGETHER Strong & Inclusive Economy

TACKLING THE CHALLENGES OF TODAY FOR A BRIGHTER, BOULDER FUTURE

TACKLING BOULDER’S BIGGEST CHALLENGES — TOGETHER Three years since COVID-19 first appeared, and now since the full force of this global pandemic has subsided, its lasting effects on our community have become clear: the challenges that Boulder’s workforce faced before March 2020 were only exacerbated by the pandemic.

which will create 5,000 new housing units. “It’s a catalyst for progress and a model for accessible workforce housing that new developments can follow,” says Lauren Lambert, Boulder Together Co-Chair and Google’s Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Southwest Region. This office-park-centric area of The lack of affordable housing, heavy commuter traffic, our community is being re-envisioned into a mixedbusinesses struggling to recruit the right talent, poor use development that combines strong business activity, access to child care, and slow internet connections accessible housing, and retail experiences. are the issues we’ve been focused on at the Boulder Chamber. These challenges are barriers to attracting We’re already seeing the fruits of these efforts, with a strong workforce and helping businesses like yours developers making property investments and initiating succeed. housing plans. “With the template set,” says Scott Reichenberg, Boulder Together Co-Chair and the In response, we’ve expanded and adjusted our Boulder Colorado Group President, “we’re certain that the vision Together initiative to reflect the greatest needs in our for a much more dynamic East Edge, with a range of community as we work towards a long-term, “strong housing options and mixed-use assets, will become and inclusive economy.” reality.”

Celebrating a Milestone for Housing Development in East Boulder

Creating Better Transportation Mobility

A recent win for housing accessibility is the approval of Consider this scenario: You were recently hired by a the East Boulder Sub-Community redevelopment plan, Boulder-based business, but finding a place in town is 36 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

too expensive. So you find a place to live outside the City… and now you need a way to get back and forth from the office. You opt for driving solo in a car — but so have others — and traffic is terrible! Or maybe, you recently switched jobs, and your office is now on the other side of town. What was previously a 5-minute commute has turned into a logistics puzzle. What do you do?

“Even though we’ve seen a trend towards a significant amount of remote work over the past few years and fewer people coming into the office on a daily basis, traffic patterns continue to be difficult,” says Patrick T. O’Rourke, University of Colorado Boulder Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer. “The lack of consistency in daily work routines has initially caused more of our workforce to forgo public transit in favor of the single occupancy vehicle.”

Boulder Chamber, also supports businesses and their workforce in finding convenient commuting options to and from Boulder,” explains Lauren. If you want to find affordable solutions like transit passes that make getting to the office easier for your employees, reach out to BTC!

Bridging the Talent Gap With Apprenticeships

Last year, we partnered with more than 235 organizations to provide development opportunities to bridge the gaps that exist between talent supply and job demand.

“Our apprenticeship program identifies individuals who may be interested in career opportunities at local businesses, but don’t have the requisite training and certifications needed for the job,” explains John Tayer, Boulder Chamber President and CEO. “So we coordinate training at Front Range Community College We’re taking steps to make and connect participants with alternative commuting options businesses to learn on the job.” It’s a more convenient. Along with RTD pathway to full-time employment in and the City of Boulder, the Boulder those careers.

Chamber is pushing development of a shuttle service in the Gunbarrel area that will connect commuters to Improving Access the regional bus between Longmont to Child Care to and Boulder. It will change the Strengthen Our paradigm for regional transit ridership, as the connection from Workforce bus to work and back will now be A better child care system is needed to give parents the time and seamless! opportunity to participate in the Investing in transportation workforce. In Colorado, child care infrastructure is important in services can rack up annual bills attracting talent for Boulder ranging from $12,000 to $16,000 businesses. “Boulder Transportation (Source: Procare Solutions). A Connections, now part of the minimum wage worker who has one child and earns $28,392 per

year on full-time hours would have to spend about half of their salary on childcare.

The Boulder Chamber is helping secure funding for the development of an expanded child care facility at the Boulder YMCA. It’s a step in the right direction towards affordable child care — and a stronger workforce.

Investing in a Broadband Backbone for High-Speed Internet

A lack of widespread broadband infrastructure is slowing our workforce down. “With more users online, we need to support businesses and residents in their ability to work remotely and do business virtually,” says Patrick.

That’s why the Boulder Chamber has been a leading advocate for efforts to invest in a broadband backbone along city corridors. We’re now in the stage of pushing to convert that infrastructure into affordable highspeed internet for our community.

#FunFact

Through a comprehensive advocacy effort that began with the Boulder Chamber’s articulated vision for a new “East Edge,” we celebrated passage of the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan which authorizes significant mixed-use development in East Boulder, including up to 5,000 new workforce homes.

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Our Promise Setting Sights on a Strong and Inclusive Economy

John Tayer, Boulder Chamber

As we start to break away from the pandemic and its impacts, we’re glad to see many of our Boulder businesses recovering and getting back to “business as usual” in their industry sector. At the same time, we must not leave the elements of our community that are struggling — and the people who are affected — behind.

In Boulder, we are fortunate to have a vibrant city and diverse industry sectors, which fosters a great environment for businesses, residents, and visitors,” concludes Scott. “We want to make sure that everybody in our community gets to enjoy these benefits.” When our entire community is supported and uplifted, we strengthen the economy, too — and make it one where all Boulder businesses can thrive.

President and CEO

Lauren Lambert, Boulder Together Co-Chair and Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Southwest Region at Google

Patrick T. O’Rourke, University of Colorado Boulder Executive Vice Chancellor and CEO

Scott Reichenberg, Boulder

Together Co-Chair and President of the Colorado Group

2023 BOULDER TOGETHER INVESTORS STRATEGY COUNCIL

Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP

BI Incorporated Blue Federal Credit Union Boulder Medical Center Caruso Foundation Daily Camera Elevated Commercial Real Estate, Inc. Elevations Credit Union FNBO Google Inc KBI Biopharma Pinnacol Assurance The Colorado Group Inc University of Colorado Boulder CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS Ball Aerospace Boulder Valley School District Conscience Bay Company New Hope Network 38 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Premier Members Credit Union S&P Global Terrapin Care Station The WW Reynolds Companies Inc University of Colorado Boulder - Continuing Education Western Disposal Services TEAM BUILDER AGC Biologics ANB Bank Big Red F Restaurant Group Boulder Community Health CareerWise Colorado Crescent Real Estate Eide Bailly LLP Emerson Front Range Community College LJD Enterprises Inc MidFirst Bank

Mile High United Way Westland Development Services Inc CONTRIBUTORS Alpine Bank AMG National Trust Bank Ann Cooper & Assoc Bank of Colorado Boulder Organic Foods Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Caplan and Earnest LLC Comcast Business Services COMPRISE Dominion Promotions Element Properties Fidelity National Title Company First Western Trust Bank Housing Helpers Hurth Sisk & Blakemore LLP MojoTech Nothing Bundt Cakes

SparkFun Electronics Inc The Colorado Landmark Team @ Slifer Smith & Frampton Trestle Strategy Group Twenty Ninth Street Mall Vermilion Design + Digital Xcel Energy

#ConsiderThis

Interested in joining a network of over 50 businesses to address the highest priority areas of Boulder's Economic and community need?

Contact Scott Firle at Scott.Firle@ boulderhcamber.com

“

The Boulder Chamber is an invaluable resource not only to the business community, but the community as whole. With the leadership of the Chamber team, innumerable issues are being taken on and addressed to make our community a better place… so many of which the general public is unaware of, but reaping the benefits of the Chambers efforts. The Chamber team does the hard work and heavy lifting for all of us, always with a smile, good humor, and humility. We couldn’t do what we do without them – I love the Boulder Chamber!

Jeff Wingert| The W.W. Reynolds Companies

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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Where opportunity grows and business flourishes.

Customized Workforce Training Job-Ready Career & Technical Graduates Continuing Education for Professionals

Explore ways to partner with FRCC today!

Blue Spruce

Construction Services

We are the experienced partner to navigate the challenges, transform your space, and surpass your expectations.

Join the Conversation

@ BOULDERCHAMBER Commercial • Residential 303-652-1150 • www.bluespruceconst.com

41 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

2023 MEMBER DIRECTORY Advertising & Media qrco.de/ad-media​

Arts, Culture & Entertainment qrco.de/art-culture ​

Automotive

qrco.de/bc-auto

Business & Professional Services qrco.de/pro-services

Computers & Telecommunications qrco.de/computers-telecomm

Construction Equipment & Contractors qrco.de/construction

Family, Community & Civic Organizations qrco.de/orgs 42 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Finance & Insurance qrco.de/finance-insurance

Personal Services & Care

qrco.de/personal-services

Health Care

qrco.de/bc-health

Public Utilities & Environment qrco.de/utilities-env

Home & Garden

qrco.de/home-garden

Real Estate, Moving & Storage qrco.de/bc-real-estate

Industrial Supplies & Services

Restaurants, Food & Beverages

Legal

Shopping & Specialty Retail

qrco.de/bc-industrial

qrco.de/bc-legal

qrco.de/food-bev

qrco.de/bc-retail

Lodging & Travel

Sports & Recreation

qrco.de/lodging-travel

qrco.de/sports-rec

Manufacturing, Production & Wholesale

Transportation

qrco.de/transportation

qrco.de/bc-manufacturing

#FunFact

The Boulder Chamber online member directory sees over 50k searches performed each year. Remember to update your listing today by logging into the Member Information Center.

Questions? Contact us at, membership@boulderchamber.com.

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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2023

POLICY FRAMEWORK The Policy Framework highlights the issues most critical to Boulder’s economy, our member businesses and organizations and sets the policy positions that guide our work.

Coming April 2023 www.boulderchamber.com/advocacy/

44 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Creating connections.

Honoring lives.

Embracing possibilities.

Floors for Life Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate • Ceramic Tiles • Window Treatments • Area Rugs • Shutters • Luxury Vinyl Tile & Plank

MCDONALD

6367 Arapahoe Rd Boulder, CO. 80303 303-449-0011 DREW WEIMAN www.mcdonaldcarpetoneboulder.com

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Support Long Term Care Skilled Nursing 303.499.4888 | Boulder, CO | FrasierMeadows.org

wwreynolds.com

Real Estate is a local business.

The W.W. Reynolds team is ready to partner with you to navigate the complex, ever-changing real estate market.

We understand because W.W. Reynolds has been there.

Connect with us today to meet our specialized team. leasing | property management | development | more

www.WWREYNOLDS.com 45 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

See open roles: https://ecs.page.link/bxxv

Helping Member Businesses Save Money MEMBER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

BizWest is a premier provider of in-depth, accurate news. Boulder Chamber members receive requester copies (print only), with a discounted subscription renewal fee and free newsletters. Signup on bizwest.com.

In addition to ongoing efforts in the areas of economic vitality, advocacy, marketing, professional development, and business networking, the Boulder Chamber works hard to bring our members cost-saving, business-to-business deals. boulderchamber.com/member-advantage-program.

BVSD Print Shop is a full-service, BVSDoperated facility offering Boulder Chamber members a 20% discount on all in-house printed products using CHAMBER2023 at checkout.

FREE Prescription Drug Coupon Card

Anthem Blue Cross and InTandem HR provide a special arrangement through Boulder Chamber for members to enjoy InTandem's PEO Services and Anthem's Healthcare Benefits for a steeply discounted rate. For more information call 303-955-7615

10% DISCOUNT on Staples Printing Needs

Merge Studio is a web design and digital marketing agency.

Boulder Chamber members receive a 20% discount on Assessment + Strategy packages and 25% off the first TODAY 46 BOULDER month of CHAMBER a digital package.

CO Carshare provides fleet vehicles to maximize staff transportation. Boulder Chamber members receive a waved application fee and $75 in driving credit. To redeem please call 303-720-1185.

Boulder Chamber members received a 10% off corporate BCycle membership that offers bike share as an employee benefit. Each membership is tailored to your needs.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND Just as President John F. Kennedy inspired a generation to reach for the moon, our students are driving innovation and achievement in a world of infinite possibility. Public education is the catalyst from which our future is born.

MAGAZINE.SVVSD.ORG

Thinking of selling your business?

VR has sold more businesses in the world than anyone.®

Business Brokers 47 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Mergers & Acquisitions

Since 1979, VR Business Brokers has helped sellers unlock value and buyers acquire their dreams.

John Hornblower and his team can help you transition out of ownership and management of your business.

For a confidential consultation, call John at (970) 429-8220, or email John at john@vraspen.com.

www.vraspen.com

OUR HUMAN RESOURCES IN TANDEM WITH YOUR SMALL BUSINESS OPERATING A SMALL BUSINESS CAN BE A CHALLENGING RIDE. INTANDEM HR CAN HELP InTANDEM Human Resources, LLC offers small to mid-sized employers a secure and professional system for solving the human resource and benefits puzzle. Our Professional Employer Organization (“PEO”) bring employers together under one umbrella to gain buying power and the ability to attract and retain top talent by offering large group benefits.

YOUR EMPLOYEES BENEFIT FROM Large Group Health Insurance Plans and Pricing ● Large Group Dental ● Large Group Vision LTD & STD, Life Insurance ● Flexible Spending Plans (unreimbursed Medical & Dependent Care) ● Voluntary Benefits ● 401k Retirement Plan ● Credit Union Membership ● ACA Compliance

IF WE TAKE THE JOURNEY TOGETHER! Payroll and Tax Filing ● HR Consulting and Training ● Safety & OSHA Compliance ● Employee Handbooks and Policy Creation ● Pre-employment Background Checks ● COBRA Compliance and Administration ● Unemployment Claims management ● FLSA Audit and Compliance ● Healthcare Reform/Compliance ● Employment Legal Issues; Access to Labor Law Attorney ● EEOC Investigation ● Employee File Maintenance

NEW LOW-COST HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AN AVERAGE PREMIUM SAVINGS OF UP TO 25% InTANDEM has teamed up with the Boulder Chamber and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to create a program that gives members access to customized health insurance coverage at large group rates. Anthem has created an attractive menu of health, dental, and vision insurance coverage plans to meet your individual business and employee needs.

LEARN HOW MUCH EASIER IT IS TO OPERATE YOUR BUSINESS IN TANDEM WITH US! REACH OUT:

info@intandemhr.com ● 303.955.7615

49 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

PREMIER MEMBERS CREDIT UNION

C H E C K I N G & S AV I N G S | I N V E S T M E N T S E RV I C E S | AU T O L OA N S CREDIT CARDS | MORTGAGE LOANS V I S I T P M C U.O R G O R C A L L 3 0 3 . 6 5 7. 7 0 0 0 TO L E A R N M O R E .

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