Annual Report 2012

2012 Annual Report

The Voice of Business Igniting passion for business success and community prosperity

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

CORE COMPENTENCIES Strengthen Our Local Economy

Castle Rock CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and visitors center

“Serving Douglas County”

Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce 420 Jerry Street Castle Rock, Colorado 80104 303.688.4597 866.441.8508 CastleRock.org VisitCastleRock.org CastleRockEG.com

Promote the Community Create Business Relationships Represent Business to Government Advocate Political Action

Annual Report 2012 Our Mission: ♦To support, encourage and promote member businesses in our community; ♦To be a “voice” for businesses to local and regional government; and ♦To foster a livable, vital community where quality of life and positive growth are both possible.

What a year! Castle Rock has long been recognized by leading publications as one of the best places to live in the United States with its small-town charm, excellent schools, outstanding recreational amenities for families and its proximity to everything Colorado. Castle Rock is also quickly building an outstanding reputation for attracting, developing, and expanding business interests.

The year 2012 started encouragingly with Castle Rock being recognized as Colorado’s Large Community of the Year by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC). This is the second time in three years for this prestigious award and for the work of the Castle Rock Economic Partnership. Our momentum continued with successful community events and business programs facilitated by the Chamber. The year 2012 ended with a bang, literally, with the unveiling of the Rink at the Rock and the 77th annual Starlighting with an inspiring audio and fireworks display that accentuated the event and the symbolic “star” of Castle Rock. The excitement and pride in Castle Rock was palpable.

The momentum of 2012 continues into 2013. The Chamber was recently awarded the Western Association of Chamber Executives WACE Core Competency Award--Program of the Year for creating a strong local economy with the expansion of our Economic Gardening program, the addition of our local MBA Program, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) and the expert blog to the Chamber’ business assistance website at www.CastleRockEG.com. The Chamber has been successful because of private/ public partnerships with the Town by providing efficient and effective services and events for the community; with Webster University by providing opportunities for advanced education in Castle Rock and with the Douglas County School District by promoting entrepreneurialism, creativity and innovation among our youth and future business leaders.

The keys to Castle Rock’s business success are the relationships and cooperative efforts of the Castle Rock Economic Partnership (CREP) which includes the Town, Castle Rock EDC, Chamber and the Downtown Alliance.

It’s an honor to serve the Castle Rock community as the Chairman of the Chamber. I look forward to continuing to work with Pam Ridler and the exceptional staff at the Chamber, the committed Directors and Ambassadors and local business and community leaders in fulfilling the purpose of the Chamber to support and promote business, foster a livable community with positive growth and act as a “voice” to government. On behalf of the Board, the Chamber’s staff and the members of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, I thank you for your continuing commitment and devotion to this community.

Aaron Barrick, Chairman of the Board, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Folkestad, Fazekas, Barrick & Patoile PC 2

Annual Report 2012 Our Vision: Igniting passion for business success and community prosperity Our Core Values: Accountability ♦

Accountability – To provide transparent and responsive leadership; acting as good stewards of funds, time and resources

Diversity Innovation

♦

Innovation –

To inspire new ideas, solutions and opportunities

♦

Integrity –

To do things right and always do the right thing

♦

Respect –

To earn trust and to hold others in high esteem

♦

Team Work –

To motivate and empower one another to do great things

♦

Relationships – To build enduring connections and partnerships founded upon honesty, gratitude and commitment

Relationships

♦

Diversity –

To honor and value varied ideas, beliefs and practices

Integrity

Team Work Respect

2012-2013 Board of Directors Executive Committee Aaron Barrick - Chairman, Folkestad, Fazekas, Barrick & Patoile P.C. Michael Likens, Chairman-elect, gopixel design studios, inc.

Wendy Nelson, Treasurer, B2B CFO Nino DiMatteo - Treasurer-elect, FirstBank of Douglas County Linda Watson - Immediate Past Chairman, Sky Ridge Medical Center Pam Ridler - President/CEO, Castle Rock Chamber (ex-officio)

Directors Rand Clark - Random Productions John Cona - Acme Brick Nino Dimatteo - FirstBank of Douglas County Paul Donahue - Mayor, Town of Castle Rock (ex-officio) David Farnan - Douglas County Libraries Brooke Fox - Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) Todd Folkenberg– Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus Lisa Frizell-Douglas County Assessors Office Brock Goodwin - Mutual of Omaha Frank Gray - President/CEO Castle Rock EDC (ex-officio) Nadine Kirk - RE/MAX Alliance Elyse McNulty– Kaiser Permanente Sally Misare - Town Clerk (ex-officio) Mike Tafoya - Estrada Strategies-DTC Jaye Thompson - Colorado Community Bank

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The Region’s Best Business Network A Message from the President/CEO, Pam Ridler Even though the last few years have been a challenge for businesses in the US, many local businesses are thriving and remain optimistic about Castle Rock’s future economic success.

The Chamber serves as a catalyst for local economic growth by: • Promoting Castle Rock as a dynamic business and visitor destination • Providing valuable training to enhance our already dynamic workforce and start-ups • Creating networking opportunities in which existing businesses can expand their growth potential • Advocating for the interests of the business community with state and local officials.

Castle Rock is well-poised to take full advantage of the economic recovery with competitive businesses and a positive economic climate which the Chamber’s programming continues to assist in this recovery.

In 2012, the Castle Rock Chamber held eight signature community special events showcasing Castle Rock’s employers, more than 55 networking events and welcomed 111 new businesses which we now have over 510 member investors—all to promote business friendliness and maximize economic potential in Castle Rock.

The Castle Rock Chamber remains one of the most innovative business organizations in Douglas County and around the state and has been recognized nationally for our programs which focus on creating a strong local economy.

Thanks to the hard work and strategic vision of our Board, staff and volunteer leadership the Castle Rock Chamber enjoyed a successful 2012.

On behalf of the Chamber, I’d like to personally invite you to join us in the great efforts that lie ahead for the Chamber organization and our membership in 2013.

Pam Ridler CCE, IOM President/CEO, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Castle Rock Chamber Staff Pam Ridler, CCE Melissa Moroni Joanne Taylor Tammy Cratty Melissa Mares Susan O’Malley Wendy Krzeczowski Susan Beams

President & CEO Vice President of Programs VP of Membership & Community Development

Office Administrator Communications Specialist Member Account Executive Event Manager Member Account Executive/Receptionist

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2012 in Summary - Finances 2012 Chamber’s Revenue Breakdown

2012 Town Contract of Funding Use Leadership DC 2%

Programs (Fees, Merchandise, Advertising)

9%

Economic Gardening 21%

Sponsorships Events

(Promotion given in exchange for marketing at events programs)

Administrative

(Vendor sales, event tickets, merchandise, beverages, etc.),

14%

6%

39%

Town of Castle Rock

Community Marketing

(Contract for Services)

20%

14% Membership Dues 24%

Events / Other Programs 51%

*The above graph does not include

Total Budgeted Revenue: $705,755

$172,760 of in-kind contribution.

Number of Members

Membership by Profession

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Executive Summary Creating Business Relationships The Chamber facilitates an extensive set of activities that offer local businesses opportunity to interact and develop relationships for their mutual benefit.

Ambassador Program

Business Over Breakfast

Business After Hours

Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Opening

Leads Groups

Business of the Month

Women of Influence Luncheons

Annual Banquet

Trade Mission Trips

Strengthening our Local Economy The mission of CREG is to provide small businesses with the resources used by best-in-class firms, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the local, state and global marketplaces.

CREG revolves around four key program elements: 1.

Business Research Data and Intelligence

2.

Expert Advisors

3.

Service Delivery Infrastructure

4.

Group Trainings and Workshops

Visit our CastleRockEG.com website which offers businesses an electronic business tool kit and is enhanced with Search Engine Optimization, video streaming and business training calendar.

The tools included on this site: Business Start-Up Kit, Loan Payment Calculator, 85 business-related online classes, 750+ business books, new hire procedures , Employer's Kit, and A directory of sources of capital and updates on local business training opportunities.

Business Consultations Services-Weekly one-on-one FREE consultation services for established and start-up businesses. Sixty-nine businesses received counseling in 2012.

Monthly Business Trainings-Nine business seminars were conducted during 2012, 138 people in attendance.

Business Boot Camp-This program provides business trainings, peer group accountability and leader mentors (13 business professionals) for this high impact workshop series.

In its fourth year, 8 established local businesses are currently participating. By the end of this program, each business will have developed an individualized strategic plan for business growth.

Ask CREG Blog-“Ask CREG” is an online panel of local community business experts who are committed to empowering and equipping business owners to grow and succeed.

We believe that through local collaboration and business enrichment we will positively impact the local economy.

“I found great value in the Boot Camp. I have already seen the ROI and an increase in my bottom line as a direct result of the implementation of initiatives developed from this course. Thanks to the Chamber for providing easy access to such a powerful program”. ~Dan Reeter, Nytech Heating & Cooling 6

Community and Regional Events Promoting the Community To promote ways to keep the citizenry connected and supportive of activities that add to Castle Rock’s lifestyle and sense of community— including enhanced social and cultural experiences, educational excellence and recreational opportunities—the Chamber has taken the lead on facilitating community-wide events which bring visitors to Castle Rock and, in turn, increase sales tax revenues.

Continuing in 2013, the Chamber will present the following events: The Healthy Living Expo (2nd Annual event will be held in Feb. 2013); Elephant Rock Ride (June) coordination of the 23 non-profit organizations for this event with 7,333 riders and another 2,400 viewing the ride; Castle Rock WineFest (July) 2,078 attendance; Douglas County Fair Parade (August) with 2,265 entry participants and 13,000 spectators; Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock (September) 176 artists and 19,000 attendees; and Starlighting (November) 14,000+ in attendance.

The Chamber has begun the process of investigating the economic impact of community regional events has on the Castle Rock business community.

Healthy Living Expo

Fair Parade

Starlighting Colorado Artfest

Castle Rock WineFest

Elephant Rock Ride

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Executive Summary Representing the Interests of Business with Government and Political Action The Chamber partners with the Douglas County Business Alliance, Government Issues Committee and Southern Colorado Business Partnership.

Holding four public issue forums, these partnerships worked to influence decisions on legislative issues that affect business.

The Chamber has continued to seek and maintain strategic relationships and alliances throughout the Denver Metro area and the Southern Colorado region.

Community Leadership and Development Leadership Douglas County Leadership Douglas County is one of Castle Rock Chamber’s most successful training programs. This educational opportunity is offered to business owners and to mid and upper level employees seeking to develop their leadership skills, academic elements and community service opportunities within our county. Now in its fourteenth year, the longevity of this program speaks to the continuing importance people place on leadership development.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy-New this Year!

YEA! Is a groundbreaking and exciting afterschool program that transforms local high school students into real, confident entrepreneur. YEA! strengthens the community and the community strengthens YEA! Students are able to network with and develop relationships with local business leaders, create jobs, and launch businesses in their own backyard. Students see that they can make a difference within the communities in which they live. The enthusiasm and success of the students are empowering for the entire community!

Young Professionals-Castle Rock Stars The CRS has worked hard to provide more services than ever this year, while increasing membership in the program and building stronger partnerships with the Chamber. We continue to encourage young employees and business owners (21-40 years of age) to become actively involved in business and community issues through the Castle Rock “I am extremely thankful the Castle Rock Chamber offers a convenient Stars young professionals program. location to obtain my MBA from Webster University. Being a mother and Webster University-Graduate Programs offered in Castle Rock Webster University, in partnership with the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, now offers master's degree programs in Business Administration (MBA) and Management & Leadership (MA). The programs consist of five, nine-week classes per year.

a business owner in Castle Rock, not having to commute out of town has been a life saver. By the Chamber offering this higher education opportunity local, I am in the process of achieving my goal of earning my Master’s Degree. I have benefited tremendously from this program; the instructors are encouraging, motivating and resourceful. I highly recommend the MBA program at the Chamber to anyone needing a convenient and affordable opportunity in continuing their education.” ~Heather Browning, Colonial Benefits Group 8

Executive Summary Promoting the Community Business directories and area maps of Castle Rock and Douglas County Available to chamber members, hotel guests, and perfect for visitors to find key locations within our community, business directories and maps encourage loyalty by Castle Rock residents as a “first choice” shopping destination through advertising and partnership with local media.

Shop the Rock This program continues the distribution of Welcome Bags to new homeowners and apartment dwellers. Bags include area demographics, local magazines, directories, maps, etc.

The packets showcase Castle Rock as a destination spot for shopping and dining. 2,485 welcome bags were distributed in 2012.

A Visitors Center has welcomed over 13,300 people and is located inside the Castle Rock Chamber building. In 2012, our efforts were successful with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to acquire highway signage directing travelers to this location.

A large marquee on the corner of Fifth and Jerry stands as a landmark/visual aid to promote chamber and town happenings.

Colorado Wedding District Colorado Wedding District Affiliates: Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Merchants Association, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, Castle Rock Economic Development Council, , Douglas County Event Center, Greater Castle Rock Art Guild, Rink at the Rock, , and VisitCastleRock.org.

Hospitality & Tourism The Castle Rock experience, where customer attention and uniqueness is emphasized, is showcased on a tourist-dedicated website, VisitCastleRock.org as a place for visitors to Shop - Savor - Play - Stay and includes travel coupons from local businesses. Castle Rock Hospitality & Tourism (CRHAT) program encourages industry professionals to build a network of support, collaboration and partnership among industry members and endorse tourism in the Castle Rock area. A priority topic for this committee is to consider the generation of a lodging tax to be presented on a voting ballot in 2014.

St. Jude Dream Home (2nd Annual) The St. Jude Dream Home giveaway is a community service project to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital. The Chamber assisted with promoting their dream home giveaway in 2011 and continued their support for 2012. Pam Ridler, President/CEO of the Chamber was Chairwoman of this project which raised $1.1 million for the children of St. Jude. Over 10,000 guests toured the home before the raffle. This is the second home in Colorado to be built and the highest amount of money raised in a first year campaign.

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Executive Summary Castle Rock Economic Partnership (CREP) The Castle Rock Economic Partnership (CREP) is a coordinated multi-entity, public/ private partnership, team approach to community economic development projects. The team is composed of representatives of the Town, Chamber, Castle Rock Economic Development Council (EDC), Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Downtown Merchant's Association (DMA). This partnership is a platform for exchanging ideas and improving our work product and existing programs.

Broad Areas of Responsibility (by organization) Town of Castle Rock Quality development & quality development systems and processes Overall positive business climate Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce

Community branding and marketing Business support services Hospitality and tourism Castle Rock Economic Development Council Attraction, retention and expansion of primary employment, retail, entertainment and recreation Database Management

A DM

Downtown Alliance (Downtown Development Authority & Downtown Merchants Association) Downtown development, redevelopment, marketing and programs

2012 Priorities: • Replenishment of Economic Development Fund • Tourism and Special Events Analysis • Issues and Obstacles Analysis • Rink at the Rock • Business Climate Projects

ED C

A DD

FUTURE OF CR

C

C RC

TO W N

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Local Partnerships Castle Rock Economic Partnership (CREP) continues to be an effective and award-winning partnership between the Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, Castle Rock EDC, and the Downtown Alliance.

Regional Partnerships The Castle Rock Chamber enjoys effective and meaningful partnerships with a diverse number of organizations. Partnering provides resources for individual business owners through the Douglas County and Castle Rock Economic Gardeners program. Legislative issues that affect business in Douglas County are influenced through the Douglas County Business Alliance and the Chamber proactively represents Castle Rock and Douglas County through regional partnerships such as the Southern Colorado Business Partnership.

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