A lot of times, business owners read our Chamber articles, listen to the Chamber show on the radio on Wednesday mornings, or watch our Live Stream show on Wednesday afternoons to find out what is happening in our community. Are you one of those business owners? I might venture to say ‘No’ because you are so busy working in your business on a daily basis. However, how many times do employees come to you, as the trusted employer, to help them with a problem, or when they need a service? Can you share our community’s resources with them?
Do you know who you can refer them to? I would encourage you to find out as much as possible about how you can help your employees. We try to use these methods of communication through our media outlets to hep keep you as a business owner and the community informed. Oftentimes, you will need to know about events so you can schedule or plan for an uptick in business. However, we also use these outlets to communicate with you important guidelines and programs that you should become familiar with in order to better help your staff members.
With that thought in mind, let’s start out with an important program expansion offered by Housing Solutions of the Southwest. They have expanded their rehabilitation loan program offering incredible interest rates to those homeowners looking to improve their homes. Housing Solutions can offer 1%-2% loans to an increased ami sector of the population. Whereas the program only served those making at or below 80% of the Area Media Income (AMI), the program now covers up to 120% AMI.
This is a big win for homeowners, as many earned just a bit too much to qualify for an important program such as this. Essential repairs are included in this need so that families can get a new heating source or water heater or energy improvements such as siding or insulation to increase the value of their home while decreasing their energy costs and allowing them to stay in their homes safely. If you or any staff or neighbors are looking for a program such as this, refer them to the Chamber or contact Housing Solutions of the Southwest at (970) 259-1086 to start the qualifying process.
Chamber Board Replacement
Due to some personal commitments, recently elected board member Lauren Crawford, owner of Pagosa Massage and Bodywork+Movement has resigned her position on the Chamber Board. Per the Chamber’s by-laws, we reached out to Dale Scrivener who was next in line with the greatest number of votes obtained in the recent election. Mr. Scrivener, executive director of Curtains Up Pagosa, has accepted the board position and will fill this 3-year term. He served a previous 1-year vacancy term ending in 2022. We welcome Dale back with his energy and experience as a board member and extend warm wishes for success to Lauren Crawford.
Speaking of calendars, please make sure that your event is listed on the Chamber’s website calendar at www.pagosachamber.com. You will need your log-in information to list your event. If you do not have that information or are not a Chamber member, please contact Kim Hartfiel, membership coordinator to assist you with listing your event.
There are a great number of events happening this summer and fall. Many organizations check this calendar to make sure there are a minimal number of conflicts. List your event out until the end of the year. People looking for things to do and other organizations will thank you for listing this information.
Mary Jo Coulehan is Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, and also serves on a number of local and state boards.