Boulder Chamber TODAY - 2021

2021

DON’T MISS THESE EXCLUSIVE DEALS!

MEMBER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

BOULDER CHAMBER

TODAY WE BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH BUSINESS

ANSWERING THE CALL

BLAZING NEW TRAILS

Building Community in Crisis page 20

Virtually page 22

MAINTAINING ECONOMIC VITALITY page 26

Boulder Together:

BOULDERCHAMBER.COM

How a multi-year initiative reflects and responds to current events page 30

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 2

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Trusted Advisors.

Powerful Advocates.

Strategic Partners.

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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

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24 14

28 26

04 About the Boulder Chamber

04

Standing Strong

Chamber by the Numbers

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Our Volunteers

The Boulder Chamber’s Commitment Never Changes

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

A letter from Board Chair Boni Sandoval and President and CEO John Tayer

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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08

2021 Board of Directors

Our Flagstaff, Sanitas and Chautauqua Members

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BWLG, BYP, Ambassadors

12

Events & Programs

16

Two Truths & One Lie

Meet the Boulder Chamber Team

18

Answering the Call

20

Maintaining Economic Vitality

26

Blazing New Trails ...Virtually

22

Fighting for Boulder’s Businesses

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Reimagining How We Connect

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Boulder Together

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY 2021 is published by Boulder Chamber. Copyright 2021 Boulder Chamber. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any material in this directory is strictly prohibited without publisher’s express written permission.

Design: Maye Cordero Content: Morgan Bierbaum

THAT MOMENT YOU

FIND CLASSES THAT FIT YOUR NEEDS.

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

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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Boulder Chamber office at 2440 Pearl St. Mural by Armando Silva.

We build community through business THE NONPROFIT BOULDER CHAMBER is the region’s flagship business advocacy and support organization. With more than 110 years of dedicated service to our members and the Boulder community, the Boulder Chamber’s innovative programs help local businesses succeed while sustaining an economy that preserves Boulder’s high quality of life, including its environmental and cultural assets. Together with its member businesses, the Boulder Chamber is building a smarter, more vibrant economy—sustaining Boulder’s position as a global capital of innovation and a thriving center of economic vitality.

OUR MISSION

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

ABOUT THE

BOULDER CHAMBER

OUR VISION

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

To be the #1 partner for Boulder businesses

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

We are your dedicated partner in helping Boulder’s economy, our community and your business thrive.

OUR VALUES LEADERSHIP Taking action to make a positive impact

INTEGRITY Earning trust through authentic and ethical actions

COLLABORATION Generating solutions through inclusive engagement and partnerships

BOULDER CHAMBER: •303.442.1044• •2440 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302• •info@boulderchamber.com• •www.boulderchamber.com•

INNOVATION Thinking, creating and acting to bring new value

COMMUNITY Building community is at the core of everything we do

@ BoulderChamber

times someone said,

E YOU AR

$440k granted to

185 small businesses through

E! N MUT

O

54k

Held over 160 hours of Boulder County Public Health CrossIndustry Support Sessions for 5528 registrants across 34 industries

on how to safely operate their business under COVID-19

the Boulder Chamber COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund

*For a complete list of accomplishments, visit boulderchamber.com/2020-year-in-review

p. 28

Searches in the online member directory

5,043 Views of member

Hot Deals

5,200

Newsletter Subscribers This year we celebrated

255

Not subscribed yet? Sign into the Member Information Center and add your information as an Active Representative.

476+

By the Numbers

1,240 Members at the end of 2020

12%

of members are nonprofit organizations our largest member category.

86% of members are small businesses

(fewer than 50 employees)

member anniversaries of 20 years or more

1500 followers

112

unexpected appearances from kids and pets in virtual staff meetings

193 subscribers 1603 followers 5027 followers 13.2K followers

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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THE BOULDER CHAMBER’S COMMITMENT NEVER CHANGES A letter from Board Chair Boni Sandoval and President and CEO John Tayer

W

e both recall the moment when it struck us that things were about to change...

Boni Sandoval, First Western Trust Bank Boulder Chamber Board Chair

John Tayer, Boulder Chamber President and CEO

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

It was March 11 and the Boulder Chamber was hosting its Celebration of Leadership, the annual gathering to honor distinguished businesses and individuals in our community.

With the first news of COVID19’s impacts settling into our consciousness, our joy in the evening’s festivities was infused with an extra appreciation for the ties of friendship and mutual support we share across our Boulder Chamber family.

We were confronting dislocation on a scale that Boulder, let alone our nation and the globe, hadn’t experienced in generations.

It was amidst the initial frenzy of questions and concerns about the unfolding pandemic that the Boulder Chamber leapt into action.

We immediately assembled our city of Boulder economic support partners to begin assessing the consequences for our businesses, develop centralized information resources and implement direct grant support and technical assistance programs. We also advocated for policies that kept The siege that COVID-19 inflicted essential businesses operating on our economy and community and gave others the flexibility to unfolded quickly thereafter. Offices adjust their operations, all while and businesses soon closed along collaborating with our public with the suspension of school health authorities to suppress the programs and cultural events. virus.

None of this would have been possible without the support of you, our members. That is what our partnership is all about: The Boulder Chamber’s mission is to be the #1 partner in your business success. It is a solemn commitment that the COVID-19 pandemic put to the test, but it is a commitment that will not yield in the face of even our greatest challenges.

As we write this, COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on our collective health and our economy.

The vaccines are beginning to do their job, though, and we expect the balance of 2021 will see a turn in the tide on our control over the virus and a gradual return to business operations. That is good news for all of us, as we enjoy a collective sigh of relief.

For the Boulder Chamber, suppression of COVID-19 only signals a new phase in our work on behalf of our members, the local economy and the Boulder community. We must support businesses that will continue to struggle until the final COVID-19 cases are behind us and the recovery begins. Every business is unique and we will respond, in kind, with tailored solutions that range from technical guidance to government policy solutions.

Through a great deal of outreach to our membership and regional business interests, we’ve also identified urgent needs that are critical to getting our economy back on solid footing.

In particular, the Boulder Chamber will apply new urgency to long-held concerns regarding Boulder’s cumbersome and costly regulatory

review timelines. We also have a community-wide mandate to deliver high-speed internet access to our businesses and residents as they adjust to the new remote work and online commerce conditions.

Finally, while the Boulder Chamber and our membership has always known it, depressed local sales tax revenues are awakening the broader community to a simple reality: Business is vital! Increased office vacancies, stressed retail and restaurant centers and continued workforce access challenges demand focused attention. The Boulder Chamber is poised for action on all these fronts and will unite with our partner civic and business support agencies to achieve results for our businesses, economy and community.

We’ve been through a lot together since last March. While we look forward to getting back together with all of you and getting down to business as usual, we also know some things have changed. This “new normal” explains our ambitious agenda of activity for 2021 and beyond.

It’s all part of our commitment to being your #1 business support partner... something that will never change.

Cheers to a year ahead of personal health and business success!

Chat in a casual environment with our President and CEO, John Tayer

Coffee & Beer John with

Save your spot at Boulderchamber.com/events

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Doyle Albee MAPR.agency

Peter Aweida Westland Development Services

Stephanie Brennan Hurth, Sisk & Blakemore, LLP

Kate Brown Boulder Organic!

Bing Chou, Vice Chair MojoTech

Ann Cooper ReMax Boulder

Scott Green

Aparna Harris Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence

Scott Holton Element Properties

Danielle Lloyd Zayo

Amy Long Nothing Bundt Cakes

Makenzie Lystrup Ball Aerospace

Nikhil Mankekar Private Investor/Analyst

Peter Marcus Terrapin

Patrick Menzies Boulder Medical Center

Kristen Moorefield Sparkfun

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Dennis Paul Elevations Credit Union

Dana Query Big Red F Restaurant Group

Ted Rockwell, Past Chair University of Colorado Continuing Education

Boni Sandoval, Board Chair First Western Trust Bank

Jacquelyn Zampella EAB Insurance Group

STANDING STRONG PARTNERS Flagstaff Blue Federal Credit Union Boulder Medical Center Corden Pharma Colorado Inc Elevations Credit Union Plante Moran Tebo Properties

Terrapin Care Station The WW Reynolds Companies Inc University of Colorado Boulder Xcel Energy Zayo Group LLC

Sanitas Altman Consulting LLC Ball Aerospace Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP BizWest BOK Financial Boulder Community Health Celestial Seasonings

Cigna Conscience Bay Company Daily Camera FNBO Google Inc IBM Corp InTANDEM HR

KBI Biopharma MidFirst Bank Premier Members Credit Union Twitter Inc. US Bank Warner Pacific Insurance Services

Chautauqua Alpine Bank Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Avista Adventist Hospital BBVA Bank BDO Boulder Area Realtor Association Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau Boulder Valley School District Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Capital One Café Caplan and Earnest LLC CBRE, Inc. Circle Graphics Citywide Banks CLA Colorado Enterprise Fund Colorado PERA Crescent Real Estate Crestone Capital LLC Dean Callan & Company Inc

Eide Bailly LLP Embassy Suites Boulder Emerson First Western Trust Bank FirstBank FlatIron Crossing Front Range Community College Gibbons-White Inc Hotel Boulderado Housing Helpers Ideal Americas llc JPMorgan Chase Bank NA Kaiser Permanente KeyBank KPMG LLP Lake Valley Golf Club Land Title Lexmark International, Inc Lily’s Sweets LJD Enterprises Inc Lockheed Martin

Northrop Grumman Corp NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Pfizer Pinnacol Assurance Premier Mortgage Group Qualcomm Inc Smoker Friendly / Gasamat Snell & Wilmer LLP Sopher Sparn Architects LLC Spencer Fane LLP The Colorado Group Inc The Farm Unico Properties LLC Uplight Inc. Vectra Bank Verizon Wells Fargo Bank Western Disposal Services Westland Development Services Inc

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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TOP LEVEL PARTNERS

PRESIDENT PARTNERS Altman Consulting LLC Blue Federal Credit Union Boulder Medical Center Cigna Conscience Bay Company Corden Pharma Colorado Inc Elevations Credit Union InTANDEM HR Plante Moran Tebo Properties Terrapin Care Station The WW Reynolds Companies Inc University of Colorado Boulder US Bank Warner Pacific Insurance Services Xcel Energy Zayo Group LLC

KBI Biopharma KeyBank Lake Valley Golf Club LJD Enterprises Inc MidFirst Bank Pfizer Pinnacol Assurance Premier Members Credit Union Premier Mortgage Group Smoker Friendly / Gasamat Sopher Sparn Architects LLC Spencer Fane LLP The Farm Twitter Inc. Unico Properties LLC Uplight Inc. Vectra Bank Verizon Westland Development Services Inc

ELITE PARTNERS AGC Biologics Alpine Bank Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Avista Adventist Hospital Ball Aerospace BBVA Bank BDO Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP BizWest BOK Financial Boulder Area Realtor Association Boulder Community Health Capital One Café Caplan and Earnest LLC CBRE, Inc. Celestial Seasonings Circle Graphics Citywide Banks Colorado PERA Daily Camera FirstBank FNBO Google Housing Helpers IBM Corp Ideal Americas llc Kaiser Permanente

VANGUARD Aimco-- Apartment Investment and Management Company AVERY BREWING CO BI Incorporated Big Red F Restaurant Group Blue Canyon Technologies Inc. Boulder Valley School District Danone North America Eide Bailly LLP Element Properties Embassy Suites Boulder Emerson Foothills Surgery Center Frasier Hilton Garden Inn Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street JPMorgan Chase Bank NA Leanin’ Tree Inc Lexmark International, Inc LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Lockheed Martin Lumen Markit Digital McGuckin Hardware Pasta Jay’s RE/MAX of Boulder

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Savory Cuisines Catering Seagate Technology SPB Hospitality St Julien Hotel & Spa St. Vrain Valley School District Suez WTS Analytical Instruments, Inc Wells Fargo Bank TRAILBLAZER 8z Real Estate American Medical Response AMG National Trust Bank Aurora Dairy Corp Avalanche Commercial Cleaning Biodesix, Inc. Blackbelly Market Blue Mountain Arts Inc Bobo’s Oat Bars Boulder Manor Boulder Marriott Boulder Organic Foods Boulder Self Storage Boulder Ventures Limited BoulderCentre for Orthopedics CableLabs Center Copy Printing CLA Comcast Business Services Community Banks of Colorado Dawson School Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce EMI Sportswear Fisher Auto Flatirons Subaru Friday Health Plans GJ Mac dba McDonalds Good Samaritan Medical Center Green Dot Labs Hazel’s Beverage World Hirsh Precision Products Holland & Hart LLP HomeCare of the Rockies Hotel Boulderado Hutchinson Black and Cook LLC Informa plc

Inscripta, Inc. Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons JVA Inc Kurtz Fargo LLP Land Title Larry H. Miller Toyota Boulder Lucky’s Market Macy’s Melton Design Build Millennium Harvest House Boulder MojoTech Namasté Solar Electric Native Edge Associates Inc New Hope Network Nite Ize Northrop Grumman Corp NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory Oskar Blues Brewery OZO Coffee Company Peaksware LLC RE/MAX Alliance Safeway Stores Sage V Foods Ska Street Brewstillery Snarfburger Snarf’s Sandwiches Southern Land Company Southern Sun Pub & Brewery SOVRN SparkFun Electronics Inc Sterling-Rice Group Techstars The Cain Travel Group, Inc. Three Leaf Concepts Restaurant Group Torchy’s Tacos University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Upslope Brewing Company Flatiron Park Vaisala Inc Wana Brands Western Disposal Services WK Real Estate

CELEBRATING

ENHANCING MOBILITY IS VIA'S CAUSE.

25 YEARS!

The ability to move is a universal human need. Mobility is not a car or a bus—it’s the feeling of freedom that comes from knowing you can move when and where you want. We believe all people have a right to easily access the mobility options they need to enhance their independence and quality of life.

Via is a full-spectrum mobility manager offering transportation, travel training, mobility options information and referral, and a wide range of community resources.

Our services provide a lifeline and, for many, a bridge to the community. We support resilience, hope, and healthy, joyful aging.

-4 BOULDER LOCATIONS-

Hire Via! You can hire Via to provide accessible transit options for your community or your next group outing. Visit viacolorado.org/group-trips/ to learn more.

303-444-3034

FIND YOUR NEAREST SNARF’S AT

WWW.EATSNARFS.COM

Shop local.

2-Boulder Chamber 4.25x5.indd 1

1/14/21

Support your community.

Free downtown garage parking Saturdays

$3

www.boulderparking.com

Sundays

Holidays

parking Monday - Friday from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Available in downtown garages only. Look for the parking symbol on Walnut, Spruce and Pearl streets.

Find out how the City of Boulder works with partners to support local businesses.

Scan the QR code or go online to bit.ly/3sG5jXT

Contact

Department of Community Vitality BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY 11 Email: communityvitality@bouldercolorado.gov Phone: 303-413-7300

ONG! R T S R AMBE

#CH

2020

DORS A S S A MB

#A

January 2020 ambassador meeting

BOULDER CHAMBER

AMBASSADORS Peggy Altschuler Outreach Chair Legalshield

Merix Gustin Events Chair Plan Ahead Events

Debi Richards Engagement Chair Turning the Corner LLC

Percy Alzamora Chase

Josh Coyle Your Podcast Services

Don Murray Don Murray Photography, Inc.

Beth Blacker It’s Just Stuff

Lou Creech Boulder Food Rescue

Peter Rosato Commerce Home Mortgage

Lisa Bondi Independent Public Relations Consultant

Rebekah Hartman OZO Coffee Company

Jean Schloesslin Premier Members Credit Union

Patty Breech The Purpose Collective Eric Breslin LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Steve Busch Human Resources Strategies Cynthia Case Alpine Bank Nancy Chin-Wagner Nancy Chin-Wagner, LLC 12

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Hannah Hester Matthew Jensen WK Real Estate

Michael Weslosky Industrious

Abby Keefe Shear Abby Salon Allison Kloek Kiln Karen Lester NoBo Art District Pam Metzger WK Real Estate

Watch a short video from our Ambassadors at

https://youtu.be/ChpuqlZFBTg

Follow us

rofessionals

BOLDER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY BOARD

@BolderYoungP

Gabi Rae Professional Development Chair

Josh Coyle President

Abby Keefe Secretary

Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Town of Erie

Owner, Your Podcast Services

Owner, Shear Abby Salon

Ashley Cawthorn Marketing Chair

Taylor Johnson Service Chair

Jacquelyn Zampella Vice President/Events Chair

Marketing Director, Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP

Corporate Branding Specialist, Bluestone Marketing

Risk Management Specialist, EAB Insurance Group

BUSINESS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP GROUP CO-CHAIRS

Debi Richards Turning the Corner LLC

Kristen Turnbull Kaiser Permanente

Cynthia Case Alpine Bank

Blue Spruce

Construction Services

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

Floors for Life Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate • Ceramic Tiles • Windows ‘n Blinds • Area Rugs • Shutters • Luxury Vinyl Tile & Plank

MCDONALD Commercial • Residential 303-652-1150 • www.bluespruceconst.com

6367 Arapahoe Rd Boulder, CO. 80303 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY 303-449-0011 www.mcdonaldcarpetoneboulder.com

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Boulder Chamber Golf Tournament, July 2020

Boulder Star lighting ceremony, November 2020

Boulder Chamber Golf Tournament, July 2020

Boulder Economic Forecast, January 2020 Bike to Work Day, February 2020

Boulder Chamber staff meeting, June 2020

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Celebration of Leadership, March 2020

Women Who Light the Community, September 2020

Interview with KGNU, January 2020

Celebration of Leadership, March 2020

Boulder Economic Forecast, January 2020

Business Women’s Leadership Group, January 2020

Celebration of Leadership, March 2020

Community Affairs Council meeting, January 2020

Boulder Chamber staff meeting, June 2020

Women Who Light the Community, September 2020 BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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SIGNATURE EVENTS Celebration

BATTLE OF THE INDUSTRY BANDS

of

Leadership The Boulder Economic Forecast is an annual economic and business outlook event featuring nationallyrecognized 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.

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.

Join us for the Boulder Chamber’s newest, most rockin’ signature event Battle of the Industry Bands! Five bands compete for an audience and panel of local celebrity judges. Only one will take home the grand prize and the reigning glory of Boulder’s best industry band.

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.

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.

Celebrate Boulder’s entrepreneurial spirit and startup community at Esprit Entrepreneur!

Attendees connect with leaders from Boulder’s top industries while gaining insight into the next generation of Boulderpreneurs.

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

PROGRAMS & EVENTS Are you an 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. bolderyoungprofessionals.com

Boulder Chamber Ambassadors 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.

EarlyorBird

Night Owl? Join us at our next networking event.

B U S I N E S S

beforehours Make new connections with fellow Boulder Chamber members.

Business Women’s Leadership Group 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.

Leadership Fellows Boulder County 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.

Coffee with John

Beer with John

Opportunity to connect with our President and CEO John Tayer, over coffee or beer.

Details and registration at BOULDERCHAMBER.COM/CALENDAR BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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2 &Truths 1Lie Edition

lie

Guess which statement is the lie!

Answers on page 19.

Amy Barz | Office Manager 1. I played water polo at the collegiate level 2. I have only ever broken one bone 3. I have owned six ferrets

lie

Morgan Bierbaum | Marketing Specialist 1. I used to live in Las Vegas 2. I had my artwork displayed at the Denver Art Museum 3. I’ve skied almost every black diamond slope in Colorado

GET TO KNOW THE

BOULDER CHAMBER STAFF

Lori Call | Senior Director of Policy Programs 1. I love to ski 2. I love to play lacrosse 3. I love to play tennis

18

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

Cate Cook | Member Relations Specialist 1. Anne Hathaway is a distant relative 2. I am related to the inventors of sweetened condensed milk 3. I biked from Portland, OR to Boston, MA

Maye Cordero | Director of Marketing & Events 1. I LOVE chocolate!

2. I have visited 40+ countries 3. I’m a former professional dancer

Tyler Ekx | Events and Programs Manager 1. I once got lost in the basement of the Mall of America 2. My uncle was in the movie “Dumb and Dumber” 3. I have a collection of over 500 Beanie Babies

Scott Firle | Director of Member Relations 1. I attended Super Bowl 42 where the NY Giants crushed the New England Patriots’ hopes of a perfect season (sorry, John) 2. I interned with the Green Bay Packers my junior summer of college 3. I worked in a 5 star, 5 diamond, Wine Spectator magazine Grand Award-winning French restaurant through high school and college

lie

FUN FACT

Andrea Meneghel | Director of Public Affairs 1. I can trace my ancestry back to 1899 and have family that drank from the same natural mineral springs in Italy where San Pellegrino sparkling water is bottled today!

2. I wake up each day to watch the sun rise 3. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI but now reside at the base of the Flatirons Scott Sternberg | Executive Director of the Boulder Economic Council and Associate Vice President for Economic Vitality 1. I have 25 years of experience with high-tech, corporate businesses 2. I ran, but lost, for Louisville, CO City Council 3. I summited Mount Kilimanjaro John Tayer | President and CEO 1. Among important responsibilities in my first professional career position, I had to make sure Senator Ted Kennedy got cream with his coffee 2. My professional career hit rock bottom when I was charged with rat eradication responsibilities for the City of Boulder 3. The true height of my career has been the annual job of turning on the Boulder Star every year in honor of our military veterans and as the kickoff to our holiday season Corine Waldau | Senior Director of Economic Vitality 1. I flew a Naval CH-46 Sea Knight during college 2. I am a scratch golfer and play weekly 3. I lived in Japan for five years growing up

“

The Boulder Chamber team keeps the connections alive with bi-weekly virtual gatherings for staff.

MEET THE TEAM AT OUR NEXT

MEMBER ORIENTATION Member 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

ANSWER KEY Amy: 2 (I’ve never broken a bone!)

Morgan: 3 Lori: 2 Cate: 1 Maye: 1 Tyler: 3 Scott: 2 Karen: 3 Andrea: 1 Scott: 2 John: 3 (Actually, a young man with special needs, Tye McCarthy, has had the honor for a number of years officially turning on the Boulder Star) Corine: 2

Karen Kruse | Vice President and COO 1. I’ve done a back flip out of a plane 2. I’ve been stung by a scorpion 3. I’ve had tea with English Royalty

We are committed to serving your business.

“

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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ANSWERING THE CALL Building community in crisis Leadership. Integrity. Collaboration. community treasure,” said John Innovation. Community.

Tayer, president and CEO. “We’re thankful for support from the City The Boulder Chamber has never relied of Boulder in making this special more heavily on its core values than lighting possible as we stand strong it did in 2020. As President and CEO and unified against the public health John Tayer noted in a recent BizWest and economic threats of COVID-19.” column, “We remind ourselves of [our core values] repeatedly, as they sit on our desks and are a regular Driving leadership Due to public health restrictions on source of conversation.” gathering, the Boulder Chamber and Throughout the turmoil and Community Foundation Boulder uncertainty of 2020, these values County created a plan to conduct guided the Boulder Chamber’s the 2020-2021 class of Leadership priorities and actions as it sought to Fellows fully online. The 11-month answer Boulder’s most urgent needs program, which provides local – particularly in service to its fifth emerging leaders from across sectors with a broad understanding of and final value, community.

Boulder County’s economic, civic and cultural drivers, saw renewed A light in the darkness importance in 2020.

To inspire hope and resilience in the earliest days of the pandemic, the “There is always a need for leaders Boulder Chamber, with support from who represent all parts of our local partners Citywide Banks, Craig community, but that need has never and Reynolds Electrical Services, the been more apparent than it is now,” City of Boulder and the CU Boulder said Karen Kruse, vice president Veterans Alumni Association, and COO of the Boulder Chamber. decided to light the Boulder Star out- “Leadership Fellows Boulder County of-season from March through May. is a program we couldn’t afford to put “The Boulder Chamber is proud of its role as the steward of this historic 20

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

on the back burner. We need strong, inclusive and transformative leaders now more than ever.”

Support for all sectors

The arts and culture sector has The Boulder Chamber has had the also experienced outsized negative privilege of helping the community effects due to the pandemic and come together on various occasions will likely be the last portion of the during the pandemic – in particular, economy to recover. As public health in support of the COVID-19 Small regulations were enacted across the state, arts venues were among the Business Relief Fund. first to close and consequently will Established in partnership with be the last to reopen. Additionally, Community Foundation Boulder unemployment in the sector is County, the relief fund distributed currently over 50 percent. grants of up to $2,500 to over 180 local businesses ranging from To support this crucial element of the restaurants and gyms to personal local economy, the Boulder Chamber services and arts organizations. granted nearly $35,000 of the Small These grants aimed to assist Business Relief Fund awards to businesses with costs that were not arts and culture organizations. In eligible for other relief funding, such addition, the Chamber contributed as marketing, PPE and other one- $1,000 to Create Boulder, which time expenses. The City of Boulder launched during the pandemic to offered a $200,000 challenge grant advocate and raise relief funds for upon establishment of the fund, the arts and culture sector. Create with Zayo Group/The Caruso Boulder successfully leveraged Foundation, Google and the Anchor the Chamber’s and other local Point Foundation following soon and City of Boulder support fourafter with contributions of $50,000 fold to bring over $168,000 of each. Several other companies and funding to Boulder’s nonprofit arts generous individuals also donated organizations, and doubled the City’s relief funding for individual to the fund. artists (through the Office of Arts & The pandemic has exacerbated many Culture) from $20,000 to $40,000. of the inequities that women, people of color and veterans face when The Boulder Chamber also owning or operating a business. For supported arts initiatives throughout that reason, the fund prioritized the year. Early in 2020, the Chamber supporting organizations owned partnered with Motus Theater for and operated by women, people of an evening of the Shoebox Stories color and veterans. Of the grants series to help amplify the stories of awarded, 53 percent went to such undocumented immigrants. The businesses. The Boulder Chamber Chamber further supported the held roundtable sessions with these arts throughout 2020 by providing crucial sectors of the business marketing support for virtual community in the following and socially-distanced events and months to hear about their unique acting as a Business Champion and struggles in the business landscape. marketing sponsor for Boulder Arts Their feedback will help inform Week. the Boulder Chamber’s ongoing economic recovery plans.

Rallying together

There are many ways to support businesses of all kinds during the pandemic, including encouraging all residents to do their part to help slow the spread of the virus. To rally local residents in the name of a single cause, the Northwest Chamber Alliance, a coalition of chambers of commerce in the Boulder/ Broomfield region, including the Boulder Chamber, released a joint op-ed expressing the importance of wearing masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of community members and help local businesses continue operating.

“Wearing a face covering when in public isn’t what any of us desire, but it’s what we need to do — among the many other measures our businesses are taking to protect the public and their work teams — to contain the spread of COVID-19,” the coalition wrote. “So please join us in this cause.

Our economy, local businesses, our friends and neighbors are counting on us.”

>>> Looking ahead

While the Boulder Chamber seeks to remain optimistic about what lies ahead for the community and economy in 2021, the team also realizes that everyone has a role to play in fighting for positive outcomes this year.

“There’s still a tough road ahead for recovery, but our residents and business owners are resilient,” said Kruse. “We’re looking forward to continuing the partnerships we’ve built across the county and working together toward the brighter days ahead.”

Karen Kruse Vice President and COO | karen.kruse@boulderchamber.com BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY 21

BLAZING Member NEWRelations TRAILS team ...VIRTUALLY creates avenues for staying Member Relations team createsfinding avenues for connected, support staying connected, finding support From offering helpful referrals to facilitating networking events to coming up with new ways of bringing visibility to local businesses, the member relations team’s talents lie in helping Boulder Chamber members succeed - which is why 2020 proved to be a significant test of skill and grit.

amounted to personal phone calls to over 1300 businesses in the area.

“Our immediate priority was to have a staff member or ambassador personally call each member to lend an ear, to hear what businesses were facing and bring that information back to our leadership team so they could respond. We really wanted to let our businesses know that they aren’t alone in this mess,” said Scott Firle, member relations director.

“Our purpose here is to help build the best business environment possible for our members. Watching our local businesses and members struggle, many of them personal friends, due to COVID-19 was A re-evaluation of what heartbreaking,” said Cate Cook, Boulder Chamber networking member relations specialist. events should look like followed soon after. Once it became Though the unique conditions clear that halting in-person the pandemic presented to events would be necessary to businesses were unfamiliar help support public health territory for the member efforts, the team considered the relations team, that didn’t slow available options. That Boulder their response in the slightest.

Chamber members might feel disconnected from the business community was the most Keeping in touch First on the list was individual concerning potential effect of outreach to each Boulder canceling these events.

Chamber 22

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

member,

which

To mitigate this, the member relations team worked with Boulder Chamber event staff to build its virtual networking programs. The new event formats encouraged creative ways to help members stay connected, even though they couldn’t gather in person. Trivia with prizes provided by member businesses became a mainstay, and Q&A sessions on popular topics offered helpful information and engaging conversations to dozens of networkers throughout the year. One unanticipated but welcome outcome of the new virtual format was the eager participation of normally shy networkers. Additionally, the new format encouraged attendees to connect with people they might not have otherwise, had the event been held in person.

Serving the community at large

In many ways, the Boulder Chamber’s work extended beyond its membership and toward the broader Boulder business community. The COVID-19 resource hub on the Boulder Chamber website is publicly available to all businesses and community members. A business feedback survey, one of the first to be implemented in the county once the gravity of the pandemic came into focus, provided a way for businesses to participate in feedback as local relief measures were considered.

step up and provide the information and resources for all businesses to navigate the crisis,” said John Tayer, president and CEO. “We were so glad to partner with the City of Boulder, Boulder County, Chamber associations at the local, regional and national levels, and countless other community partners in assisting Boulder businesses and residents throughout this crisis.”

Upping the value

Perhaps one of the most critical pivots many businesses dealt with in 2020 was the heightened importance of digital marketing and improving their business presence online so that customers can easily find and support them. The member relations team saw an opportunity to provide increased value to members through digital marketing tools, which included reconstructing the Hot Deals feature in the Member Information Center to allow businesses to post product and service updates that would populate directly to the COVID-19 resources hub, which has seen thousands of visitors to date.

To celebrate Boulder Chamber members throughout the pandemic, the team began its Chamber Checkin series on Facebook Live where videos reach an average of 900 viewers. Additionally, the Boulder Area United Business Response Group on Facebook was formed to “We prioritize our member allow businesses across the county businesses at all times. But when to connect, ask questions, share something of this magnitude ideas, post their offerings and more. negatively impacts the entire business community, our economic At a time when reducing operating vitality mission demands that we costs is critical for many businesses,

a big achievement was the implementation of a revamped and more affordable human resources support and health care savings program for small businesses.

By working with key partners Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and InTANDEM HR, small business members have access to reasonably priced large group insurance rates and assistance with payroll processing.

>>> Looking ahead

In 2021, the member relations team plans to develop new and creative ways to boost visibility for member businesses. They are also excited for the possibility of reconnecting in person at some point in the year, although to what capacity that might happen is still uncertain.

Said the team, “We don’t want to jinx anything, but we’re really hoping to see our members in person again; share a drink, laugh, and not have to say, ‘You’re on mute.’ That’s the dream.”

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Scott Firle Member Relations Director | scott.firle@boulderchamber.com Cate Cook Member Relations Specialist | cate.cook@boulderchamber.com BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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REIMAGINING HOW WE CONNECT Learning and connecting from afar Among the many things that 2020 turned upside-down, the Boulder Chamber’s events calendar looked much different than in years past. Days that were once filled with placing catering orders and booking venues were now packed with leading Zoom webinars, creating digital assets to support virtual programming and trying to plan for the unplannable.

“Despite the pandemic and not being able to gather in person, we were still able to hold nearly 100 events last year, whether they were informative lunch webinars or virtual networking get-togethers,” said Tyler Ekx, events and programs manager. “We were able to adapt quickly and used new technologies and formats that still kept members engaged.”

Meeting the moment

As the gravity of COVID-19 came into view early last year, the Boulder Chamber events team pivoted its spring and summer programming to focus on timely topics that would be of most help

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

to businesses. The new “Lunch and Learn [at Home]” webinar series provided viewers with information on how to handle crisis communications and legal questions around COVID-19 liabilities. The Business Women’s Leadership Group gave professional advice on how to personally navigate a crisis while remaining an effective leader.

The Bolder Young Professionals brought in career experts to teach young job seekers how to stand out in one of the toughest job markets in recent history.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment for the events team has been learning how to facilitate genuine connections between people via computer instead of over cocktails.

“Our events really focus on bringing people together and building a sense of community among Boulder businesses,” said Ekx. “It’s been a challenge to figure out how to do that when following social distancing protocols to help protect public health.”

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The top priority

“Keeping our members safe during While most events went entirely this time really was our top priority,” digital, two beloved mainstays – the mentioned Ekx. “We want everyone Boulder Chamber Golf Tournament to be able to come back and enjoy and Women Who Light the these events in the future, so Community – were able to go on making sure we do our part to slow in a limited capacity with several the spread now is key.” adjustments and safety protocols in place.

The annual Golf Tournament over the summer ended up being a successful event, following public health guidelines and leaning on the assistance of Lake Valley Golf Club in keeping golfers, sponsors and staff safe. The event ran smoothly overall, with attendees enjoying the fresh air and seeing friends face-toface (six feet apart, of course).

>>>

Looking ahead

Though the Boulder Chamber hopes to return to holding inperson events in some capacity in 2021, there are still valuable lessons to be gleaned from the past year.

“We’d like to continue to offer innovative and creative ways to continually engage members,” Women Who Light the Community said Ekx. “We learned a lot about ran as a hybrid event, with a very new tools that will really enhance small audience of sponsors and our event offerings in the future, honorees’ loved ones in attendance even when we do return to inat Lionsgate Events Center. The person events. More than anything, Boulder Chamber’s first livestream we’re still looking to provide of any of its signature events was opportunities to connect, which so available for the public to watch many of us need right now.” comfortably from home.

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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.

Maye Cordero Director of Marketing and Events | maye.cordero@boulderchamber.com Tyler Ekx Events and Programs Manager | tyler.ekx@boulderchamber.com

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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MAINTAINING ECONOMIC VITALITY Challenges and triumphs amid a pandemic As a recent report from the nonprofit economic group Heartland Forward notes, Boulder enjoys one of the most dynamic economies in the country. The diversity of industries that operate in Boulder, along with its highly educated populace and active startup community, have provided the basis for a strong economy through the years. Strengths aside, however, Boulder was not immune to severe headwinds caused by the pandemic.

change in economic vitality efforts and to maximize its impact, the Boulder Chamber rallied together with several of the county’s top business support organizations.

Among the earliest and most valuable of these partnerships was the Boulder Business Response and Recovery Alliance, a coalition including the Boulder Chamber, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder County, Boulder Small Business Development Center, Community Foundation Boulder County, City of Boulder, “Prior to the pandemic, our efforts Downtown Boulder Partnership focused primarily on the retention and the Latino Chamber of and recruitment of businesses and Commerce of Boulder County. on reporting on the economic conditions within our region,” “I continue to be impressed by said Scott Sternberg, executive the level of collaboration and director of the Boulder Economic commitment exhibited by local Council. “After March 2020, our leaders,” said Corine Waldau, activities pivoted towards directly senior director of economic supporting those businesses vitality. “Countless hours have significantly impacted by public been spent in direct contact with health restrictions and changes in local businesses and stakeholders customer behavior.” to both act on, and react to, changing conditions.”

Collaboration is key

To achieve the heavy lifting that This broad partnership manifested came with such a significant itself in powerful ways throughout 26

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

the year, particularly when it came to distributing urgent information to the business community. The Boulder Chamber collaborated with the Latino Chamber of Boulder County and Boulder County staff to provide critical resources, business signage and webinars in English and Spanish to improve community access to information. Notably, the Boulder Chamber also stepped into a new role in partnership with Boulder County Public Health as the key liaison for businesses about following new operating guidelines, securing personal protective equipment and finding funding. One of the most important and popular resources has been a regular weekly webinar series hosted in partnership with Boulder County Public Health, where businesses can tune in to get their questions answered and hear updates on operation guidelines in the county. Over the course of the 160-webinar series, over 5,000 registrants have participated in these webinars and an additional 5,000 business leaders have watched the recordings.

where business leaders gathered to talk about their current struggles, needs and potential strategies for moving forward. These sessions gave business leaders an opportunity to benchmark best practices, allowed Boulder Chamber staff to collect insight into businesses’ immediate needs and served as a basis for the development of future economic recovery strategies.

“There is no book on how businesses should respond to a pandemic,” said Waldau. “Facilitating venues wherein leaders can take advantage of peer-to-peer interactions proved vital for all participants.”

Those who have tuned into the Boulder Chamber’s weekly webinars with Boulder County Public Health are likely familiar with Corine Waldau, senior director of economic vitality. Early in the pandemic, Waldau was accepted into a prestigious fellowship program along with other chamber of commerce professionals across the country to learn about economic recovery and develop strategies to best support their communities.

“I would have never predicted that my role could have shifted both as quickly and substantially as it has in the past year,” said Waldau. “I am fortunate to have the support of the Boulder Chamber and that of the Leadership community to continue to grow my developments career in the context of the greater Amid last year’s challenges, the good.”

Boulder Chamber welcomed Scott Sternberg as the new executive director of the Boulder Economic Council. Along with most recently serving as President of Vaisala Inc., Sternberg holds Looking ahead significant leadership experience The general sentiment for 2021 in international business, and beyond is best characterized entrepreneurial startup ventures and as “cautiously optimistic.” It is a Giving leaders a venue research technology development. fact that a precursor to a strong and inclusive economic recovery is a to connect and share One significant venture was to “Onboarding in a two-dimensional strong and inclusive public health present events focused on economic COVID fashion has been both recovery. recovery, such as the Economic challenging and empowering,” said Summit in the fall of 2020, in an Sternberg. “In many ways it has “The pandemic has highlighted entirely new virtual format that allowed me to connect with a great both the strengths and weaknesses allowed for breakout sessions and many people in a very short time of the Boulder community,” said networking. frame. I do, however, very much look Sternberg. “The good news is that forward to in-person encounters in we now clearly see what they are and can begin to actively address them This work was complemented the near future.” towards a better future for all.” by a series of industry-focused Economic Recovery Roundtables,

>>>

Scott Sternberg Executive Director, Boulder Economic Council and Associate Vice President for Economic Vitality | scott.sternberg@boulderchamber.com Corine Waldau Senior Director of Economic Vitality |corine.waldau@boulderchamber.com BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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FIGHTING FOR BOULDER’S BUSINESSES Responding to crucial needs through policy work

The Boulder Chamber’s advocacy team is a familiar and active voice in the local business community, regularly addressing issues ranging from health care to transportation solutions.

While the team is well-versed in navigating the policy landscape, 2020 saw the accelerated development of initiatives designed to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. Through creative thinking and quick action, the Boulder Chamber was fortunate to play a key support or leadership role in many of these programs.

An additional speaking slot was added for Boulder Transportation Connections, which provided helpful information about teleworking as many businesses faced the reality of remote work for the first time.

Among several early initiatives the Boulder Chamber supported was an allowance for businesses to submit late property tax payments without penalty. The Boulder Chamber successfully encouraged Governor Polis, State legislators, and County leadership to extend the opportunity for increased flexibility in property tax payments.

Early action to support Innovative solutions businesses As COVID-19 made its way to address business through the U.S. early last year, needs the advocacy team first sought to connect Boulder Chamber members with health policy leaders for the most up-todate information. A health care leadership panel in early March shifted to include a report from the Boulder Office of Emergency Management on the scope of COVID-19’s impact and the city’s early response.

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BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

COVID-19 prompted certain industries to face unique obstacles that directly challenged their business models. Among these were restaurants, which for much of the year were unable to provide in-person service to their customers. Many restaurants adapted their business models to begin takeout and delivery programs.

Unfortunately, one caveat of many third-party food delivery platforms (like Uber Eats and Door Dash) is the high service fee charged to both customers and restaurants, causing many restaurants to lose even more of their profit. This prompted the Boulder Chamber and other local partners to work with the City of Boulder on using CARES Act funding to subsidize delivery fees through a program known as Restaurant S.O.S.

particularly critical as Boulder’s sales tax revenues declined in 2020 and fewer commuters came into Boulder due to the pandemic.

ballot issues, informed residents about policies that could impact local businesses and the economy.

At the state level, the Boulder Chamber advocated heavily and Advocating for policies that help successfully for the Gallagher reduce businesses’ operating costs Amendment repeal, which will became especially important in reduce the disproportionate 2020. Key among the advocacy impact of property taxes on team’s initiatives last year was commercial businesses as early as evaluating Boulder’s review this year. and permitting process to find opportunities for improvement and streamlining.

“The ravages of the coronavirus resulted in fewer customers at our restaurants,” said Senior Director of Policy Programs Lori Call. “It was essential we helped our members through this challenging time, and especially to make sure they are still there after conditions improve. So we looked to solutions such as these to support them.”

“As we navigate this crisis, we need to ensure that Boulder remains a welcoming place for business to operate by reducing costs due to unnecessary delays in development review and permitting procedures,” said Call.

>>>

A survey conducted by the Chamber found that 67 percent of respondents said they faced “much higher” building costs in Boulder due, in part, to city Finding new fees.

However, respondents opportunities in did acknowledge significant familiar issues improvements in city processes Perhaps one of the most effective over the past 18 months. Partly in ways to address business needs response to these findings and to was to look at current policy the Boulder Chamber’s advocacy, work outside of the immediate the city is currently re-evaluating COVID-19 response and its systems to help lower costs and determine how it could support resource usage for businesses. future economic recovery. The Boulder Chamber’s advocacy Communicating to Boulder for major development projects, Chamber members and the including the University Hill broader community on election Hotel and the proposal for issues is a significant priority of the adaptive re-use of the Macy’s site advocacy team each year. Voter at the 29th Street Mall, gained education materials, including a renewed importance to promote ballot scorecard and social media future economic vitality. This is campaigns on state and local

Looking ahead

In 2021, the Boulder Chamber advocacy team looks forward to strong collaboration with its community partners and statelevel and national leaders to continue to guide businesses through the hardships they face.

“We’re excited to continue to build bridges in the community and among our businesses to establish avenues in which they can support each other and collectively persevere in uncertain times,” concluded Public Affairs Director Andrea Meneghel.

“We’re honored to be trusted to represent them and to reflect the business voice in the policy discussions seeking responsive solutions.”

Subscribe to our Advocacy Blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

BoulderChamber.com/advocacy

Lori Call Senior Director of Policy Programs | lori.call@boulderchamber.com Andrea Meneghel Director of Public Affairs | andrea.meneghel@boulderchamber.com BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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BOULDER TOGETHER

R

How a multi-year initiative reflects and responds to current events From the outset, Boulder Together has been focused on applying business leadership to address the community’s greatest challenges. In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the focus of Boulder Together remains the same, but the context has changed. Instead of addressing business needs as a consequence of a heated economy, we now must develop and implement strategies for helping the economy recover from the most devastating hit in centuries.

When Boulder Together got its start four years ago, the program strategy aimed to support Boulder’s businesses and workforce in three key areas: develop the local workforce and talent pipelines to help meet the staffing needs of businesses; support affordable housing opportunities so that the people who work in Boulder can live in Boulder; and alleviate transportation woes, such as heavy commuter traffic and a lack of first- and final-mile solutions for workers who commute regionally or use alternative modes of transportation.

The pandemic has exacerbated many of these issues, while simultaneously uncovering a host of other underlying concerns that affect how well Boulder’s residents are able to live and work in the community. Throughout 2020, the Boulder Together team sought to grasp and respond to these critical emergent needs.

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Workforce Development

Moving ahead with workforce development initiatives may seem counterintuitive in one of the toughest economies in recent history, but the need is arguably greater now than in previous years.

“The post-pandemic job market will simply not look the same as it did before,” said Corine Waldau, senior director of economic vitality. “Businesses are adjusting to new ways of working and new consumer habits. This means that there are a lot of people who are currently out of work, or young people who are just about to enter the job market, who may not have the same options as they did in years past.”

That’s why apprenticeships have been a key tool in the Boulder Together workforce development program.

The Boulder Chamber’s registered medical assistant (MA) apprenticeship program, in partnership with Front Range Community College and Workforce Boulder County, provides a practical solution to recruiting and training a high-demand position in the region. A 2020 Colorado Apprenticeship Award from the BEL Commission recognizing the MA apprenticeship program further highlighted the need for such initiatives. Additionally, the Boulder Chamber is working with Careerwise Colorado to expand the presence of youth apprenticeships in Boulder County through local school districts.

Beyond apprenticeships, the Boulder Chamber is also exploring expansion of upskilling programs, skills-based hiring, online certification programs and career pathway training programs to re-employ those out of work and provide opportunities for Boulder’s future workforce. The goal is to provide direct avenues into Boulder’s growing industries and available workforce options, including within bioscience, tech, manufacturing, optics, healthcare, aerospace and more.

Workforce Housing

The housing market has been a hot topic of conversation since the start of the pandemic. Despite growing unemployment in the state, a historically low housing inventory coupled with record low mortgage rates have pushed housing prices ever higher.

“If anything, the pandemic has exacerbated the housing challenges in Boulder County,” said Lori Call, senior director of policy programs.

The Boulder Chamber’s work in the housing arena in 2020 centered around education and convening top partners to find creative solutions to Boulder’s affordable housing crisis. The team participated in the Home Wanted: Boulder County town hall, which included a discussion about making housing more inclusive and affordable. This town hall included Former Boulder County Housing and Human Services Director Frank Alexander, City of Boulder Deputy Director of Housing and Human Services Kristin Hyser, and other regional housing leaders.

Additionally, the Chamber partnered with the Boulder County Regional Housing Plan to provide Boulder Together investors with complimentary tickets to the Naturally Affordable Housing virtual summit.

Attendees participated in discussions addressing topics such as innovations in financing, providing housing for the unhoused and high-risk groups, and developing and implementing a comprehensive affordable housing strategy.

A significant housing policy priority continues to be improving and streamlining the development and permitting process. The current lengthy process adds significant time and cost to projects. The Boulder Chamber is advocating for a more efficient approach that will help reduce project costs, ultimately saving money for home buyers. The Chamber is especially involved with potential housing discussions in the East Boulder area, which presents an opportunity to integrate housing near a major transit corridor, through serving on the East Boulder Subcommunity Working Group. The team is involved in housing discussions in Gunbarrel and other areas as well.

BOULDER CHAMBER TODAY

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Workforce Transportation

regional recovery, but to also deliver long-sought The pandemic stretched already-thin local and improvements for major commuter corridors. regional transportation budgets, putting mobility The Boulder Chamber is determined to secure services for Boulder County’s essential workers significant investments to complete the desired improvements for the Diagonal (SH 119) and at risk.

East Arapahoe (SH 7) corridors for regional “We’ve been looking at how to implement commuters. equitable recovery for all businesses, so that all essential workers and those who need access to transportation services have it,” said Andrea Meneghel, director of public affairs.

>>>

The Boulder Chamber directly advocated for regional workforce commuters’ transit needs by ensuring that the Regional Transportation District (RTD) will maintain its commitments amid analyzing regional service reductions.

Further, the team successfully protected funding that had been dedicated to the Northwest Rail and future SH 119 Bus Rapid Transit infrastructure improvements when it was at risk to be reallocated elsewhere in the region by the RTD Board of Directors.

As RTD continues to face hardship and uncertainty, the Boulder Chamber seeks to engage in conversations with local mobility providers, like Via Mobility Services, to deliver on-demand micro-transit shuttle services which will serve essential workers and job centers. New pilot programs to be implemented later this year will feature a city-wide dockless e-bikeshare system, as well as e-scooters in East Boulder, largely due to the Chamber’s vocal support of exploring creative and affordable mobility solutions.

“It is important that as our workforce commutes differently, we continue to identify gaps in transit service so we can effectively, efficiently and safely deploy micro-transit solutions that serve them,” said Meneghel.

Most importantly, attracting more infrastructure investments for stimulating the economy is a priority strategy to not only support state and

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Looking ahead

While these core focus areas will likely remain long after the pandemic, 2020 caused Boulder Together’s team leaders to consider new opportunities to support Boulder’s businesses and workers. Through more than 30 roundtable discussions with 500 local business leaders, several meetings with Boulder Together investors, and dozens of industry sector partnership forums, new priorities such as improving broadband access and increasing flexibility in commercial redevelopment permitting were identified as critical to the success of Boulder’s economic recovery efforts.

“Be on the lookout for the recalibration of Boulder Together in 2021,” said John Tayer, president and CEO. “It is imperative that we respond, right now, to the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to the generous support of our Boulder Together investors, Boulder Together will help our business community lead the way through our economic recovery and onto brighter days ahead for our community.”

During the COVID-19 closures, our partnership with the Boulder Chamber was essential. The Chamber’s policy expertise and close working relationships with local government staff was critical for understanding the operating parameters within the community and how quick adjustments and application of rapid changes in state laws affected us as an essential business in a highly regulated industry.

Peter Marcus, Terrapin Care Station Boulder Chamber member

The Boulder Chamber has been instrumental during these hard times affecting our community. They are connected with local and city organizations, with resources to supply information to the community.

They listen to the pulse of the city, and strongly support businesses and community.

Nancy Chin-Wagner Boulder Chamber member

The Boulder Chamber is a resource for the broader community. As a local business, we rely on the chamber to do the research and present valuable advice to us, especially in light of the dramatic events of the last couple of months.

Chamber policy positions are spot on, always rooted in facts and sensitivity.

We are a proud member of the Boulder Chamber to support these efforts.

Dennis Paul, Elevations Credit Union Boulder Chamber member

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Get the rundown on Boulder’s economy.

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