20 Years of Accomplishments

Over the past two decades, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce has served as a catalyst for local business success and community prosperity. From advocating on behalf of businesses at city hall and the state capitol to organizing signature events that draw tourists to Teller County, the Chamber’s accomplishments span many areas. This report outlines the major achievements of the Chamber on behalf of the Woodland Park and Teller County business community from 2005 to 2025, focusing on key domains such as business advocacy, economic development, tourism promotion, community events, public policy influence, partnerships, infrastructure improvements, and business support programs. Notable milestones and recognitions are also highlighted, demonstrating the Chamber’s evolving impact over 20 years.

Business Advocacy and Public Policy Influence

· Voice for Business Interests: The Chamber has been a consistent voice advocating for local businesses in governmental affairs. It works closely with municipal and county leaders to ensure policies are business-friendly. In fact, the City of Woodland Park actively seeks the Chamber’s input on matters affecting local commerce. Through such collaboration, the Chamber has influenced outcomes on zoning, signage regulations, permitting, and other issues to favor a healthy business climate.

· Legislative Advocacy: To bolster its influence on policy, the Chamber established a Legislative Advocacy Council comprised of business leaders. This group monitors legislation and lobbies for favorable policies at the local and state level.. Over the past 20 years the Chamber has weighed in on topics ranging from tax policy to labor regulations, always with the goal of reducing burdens on businesses. Chamber President Debbie Miller noted that one of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with constantly changing rules on things like minimum wage and overtime, and “staying on top of that so we can let our members know how they need to fulfill their obligations” The Chamber’s timely regulatory updates and advocacy have helped local companies remain compliant and competitive amid shifting laws.

· Coalition Building and Lobbying: The Chamber often partners with other chambers and business coalitions in Colorado to push for broad economic interests. For example, it joined statewide efforts to support tax incentives for data center development in 2015, working alongside groups from across Colorado in lobbying state senators to pass this legislation. While not every lobbying effort succeeds, the Chamber’s willingness to engage on issues like these has raised the region’s profile in policy discussions. The Chamber’s advocacy work has been recognized by peers – it received the Communications Award from the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executives for excellence in its advocacy e-newsletter outreach, reflecting its effective communication of business issues.
· Influencing Public Policy: Through testimonies, letters, and roundtable discussions, the Chamber has influenced public policy outcomes beneficial to Teller County. It supported pro-business measures such as enterprise zone designations and opposed regulations deemed harmful to local commerce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber was instrumental in informing county officials about the needs of businesses under public health orders. It advocated for safe, accelerated reopening plans and worked to secure local relief funds. The Chamber’s long-standing role as “an independent entity that works close together [with government] to create an atmosphere where business can thrive” has cemented its status as the leading advocate for the Teller County business community. Additionally, Chamber President Debbie Miller served as the Teller County Recovery Manager assisting the County with their ARPA Grant Funds. She created a website and application program for the Teller County businesses to apply for assistance of $5,000 grants.

Economic Development Initiatives

· Attracting and Growing Businesses: The Chamber has actively contributed to economic development successes in Woodland Park and surrounding areas. In the mid-2000s, it welcomed the arrival of major retailers (such as a national supermarket and eventually a Walmart Supercenter) and new franchises, recognizing that “as chains continue to arrive, they introduce a greater variety of products, which keeps people shopping locally”. Chamber leadership helped the community see the value of these new businesses, even as they brought more competition, because they prevented retail leakage and spurred consumers to spend within Teller County. The Chamber often assisted new companies with ribbon-cuttings, publicity, and integration into the community.

· Supporting Small Business Retention: Alongside attracting new businesses, a core focus has been helping small businesses start, grow, and survive economic ups and downs. Over 20 years, Woodland Park’s business landscape saw many startups launch – and unfortunately, some close – a pattern not unique to the area. The Chamber responded by emphasizing preparation and adaptability for entrepreneurs. It counseled prospective business owners on developing solid business plans, marketing strategies, and contingency plans. “If they are not prepared with a marketing plan and are willing to pivot, it is hard to sustain,” noted Chamber President Miller of the lessons learned. The Chamber hosts workshops on business planning and one-on-one mentoring (through SCORE and SBDC partnerships) to improve the survival rate of new ventures. These efforts have paid off in a steadier local economy – the Chamber’s membership itself grew about 7% under Miller’s 15-year tenure as president, indicating overall business growth in the region in 2021.

· Entrepreneurial Training and Incubation: The past two decades saw the Chamber expand programs to foster entrepreneurship. It collaborated with the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to bring low-cost training sessions to Woodland Park, covering topics like marketing, finance, and even new technology trends. (For example, workshops on leveraging social media and, more recently, on using AI in small business have been offered in the Chamber’s meeting space in partnership with SBDC experts.) These programs align with the Chamber’s strategic goal to “promote business improvement, talent and skill development through teaching, training and access to quality business education”. By equipping local entrepreneurs with knowledge and networking, the Chamber has helped dozens of new enterprises get off the ground since 2005.

· Downtown Revitalization and Investment: The Chamber has been a key player in downtown Woodland Park’s development. It partnered with the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Main Street program on initiatives to fill empty storefronts and beautify the downtown core. A coordinated marketing plan was adopted “between the City, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, the Woodland Park Main Street program, businesses, and the Downtown Development Authority” to promote the town as a destination and attract investment. This public-private collaboration led to new downtown events (e.g., nightly summer markets), façade improvements on aging buildings, and ultimately major projects like a new downtown parking structure to support local merchants. The Chamber also assists prospective investors by providing economic data and community profiles, positioning Woodland Park as an attractive market. These efforts contributed to Woodland Park’s growth as a regional hub for retail, dining, and services over the last 20 years.

· Regional Economic Collaboration: Beyond Woodland Park, the Chamber has extended its economic development reach to all of Teller County. It works with county officials and nearby town governments (Divide, Florissant, Cripple Creek/Victor) to support business expansion in those communities. The Chamber has supported the City of Cripple Creek’s diversification efforts (beyond gaming) by promoting cross-county tourism itineraries, and it has included businesses from outlying areas in its directories and events. By fostering a spirit of county-wide economic cooperation, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber helped unify localities in pursuing grants and initiatives that benefit the Teller County economy as a whole.

Tourism Promotion Efforts

· “10 Degrees Cooler” Marketing Campaigns: The Chamber has led creative marketing campaigns to put Woodland Park on the map for tourists. Embracing the city’s elevation advantage, the Chamber’s materials over the years have invited Front Range visitors to “experience all that Woodland Park and Teller County have to offer – great views, exciting venues, good food – and 10 degrees cooler”. This clever tagline, used in brochures, on the Chamber’s website, and in summer advertisements, positioned Woodland Park as a refreshing alpine getaway. Over the years, the Chamber produced high-quality tourism guides and relocation magazines featuring local attractions (from the Dinosaur Resource Center to outdoor adventures in Pike National Forest) to entice visitors. These publications, often created in partnership with the Teller County Tourism Board and Pikes Peak region travel associations, have drawn countless day-trippers and vacationers up Ute Pass.

· Signature Events to Draw Visitors: Hand-in-hand with marketing, the Chamber has sponsored and organized events that became tourism staples. The Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus is a prime example. Launched in the mid-2000s, this Bavarian-themed fall festival grew into the Chamber’s largest annual event, attracting vendors and attendees from around the state. For 15 years leading up to 2020, Oktoberfest weekend routinely filled local hotels and restaurants with crowds enjoying craft beer, music, and family activities. The event took a hiatus in 2020–2021 due to the pandemic and staffing challenges then decided due to staffing, volunteer commitments and low ROI to cancel the support of Oktoberfest. Additionally, the Chamber has participated with the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebrations, summer farmers’ markets, and holiday festivals. By championing these signature events, the Chamber not only created beloved community traditions but also boosted tourism revenues in the region each year.

· Tourism Partnerships: Recognizing that tourism promotion is a collaborative effort, the Chamber forged partnerships with other organizations to amplify Teller County’s appeal. It worked closely with the OEDIT and the Colorado Tourism Office to secure marketing grants and co-sponsor advertising campaigns. The Chamber also cross-promotes attractions like Cripple Creek’s casinos, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Dinosaur Resource Center, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in positioning Woodland Park as the perfect base camp for exploring the Pikes Peak area. By adopting a coordinated regional approach, the Chamber helped Woodland Park become known as a “destination hub for visitors to explore the city and surrounding region” These efforts have paid off in increased visitation: many tourists now include “the City Above the Clouds” on their itineraries, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retailers across Teller County.

· Visitor Services and Information: The Chamber operated the Visitor Center in Woodland Park from 2005 thru the end of 2020 (co-located with the Chamber office on Highway 24), ensuring travelers receive a warm welcome and helpful information. Over the 15 years of hosting the center, tens of thousands of walk-in visitors have been assisted with maps, brochures, and local tips. The Chamber’s staff and volunteers maintained up-to-date info on hiking trails, campgrounds, scenic drives, and community events. They also adapted to digital trends by launching a Chamber mobile app and live webcam feed of downtown, making it easier for tech-savvy tourists to connect with local businesses and plan their trips. All these endeavors in tourism promotion have significantly raised the profile of Woodland Park and Teller County as an attractive mountain destination. Additionally, the Chamber notes an ROI to the City of Woodland Park at then end of the contract for 2020 was over $7.00 for each dollar received in VC monies.

· From January 2021 through August 2025, despite receiving no funding from the City, the Chamber has remained committed to ensuring visitors and residents had access to vital community information. For 56 consecutive months, we have operated a portion of the Visitor Center from within the Chamber office, addressing every in-person inquiry and phone call without exception. While weekends and holidays were not staffed, our team ensured that no request for information went unanswered. This commitment represents an estimated $105,000 investment from the Chamber’s own budget—demonstrating our dedication to supporting tourism, local businesses, and the overall economic vitality of Woodland Park and Teller County.

Community Events and Networking Programs

· Annual Festivals and Public Events: The Chamber takes pride in hosting and supporting community-wide events that enrich local life. Aside from the aforementioned Oktoberfest, the Chamber has organized annual traditions like the Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Gala, which has been held every year to celebrate business and community leaders. This gala, often themed and well-attended, features the presentation of awards such as Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Employee of the Year, and the prestigious Wagon Boss Award honoring an outstanding community volunteer. By recognizing those who “offer innovative services…, contribute to job creation…, and contribute to the local community” as criteria for Business of the Year, the Chamber not only thanks high achievers but also incentivizes others to follow suit. The Annual Dinner (often selling out the Ute Pass Cultural Center) has become a highlight on Woodland Park’s social calendar each winter.

· Community Festivals and Charity Events: In collaboration with other groups, the Chamber has helped facilitate events that bring the public together, including health fairs, the Cruise Above the Clouds Car Show, family expos, and seasonal celebrations. Even when not the primary organizer, the Chamber often assists with marketing, volunteer recruitment, or sponsorship coordination for events that boost local morale and commerce. For instance, the Chamber worked with the Downtown Development Authority to introduce a summer street festival series downtown, and it has supported the Symphony Above the Clouds concert by promoting it through its channels. These events have strengthened community bonds and created a vibrant atmosphere that attracts new residents and businesses. Chamber-organized happenings have frequently doubled as fundraisers for community causes, demonstrating the Chamber’s ethos of giving back.

· Business Networking Mixers: A cornerstone of the Chamber’s event lineup is its Business After Hours mixer – Teller County’s largest monthly networking event for professionals. For 20+ years, on the third Tuesday of each month, Chamber member businesses take turns hosting these informal after-work gatherings. Dozens of businesspeople meet and mingle over refreshments, exchanging business cards and leads. The consistent popularity of Business After Hours (which features fun door prizes and showcases the host business) has even earned it accolades: it was voted the “Best Area Business Event” (Gold) in 2025 by readers of Mountain Jackpot News. Such recognition underscores how pivotal this event is in the community. The Chamber also initiated Membership Breakfasts and Business Roundtables as additional forums for networking and sharing ideas. These regular meet-ups have created a tight-knit business community where members support each other, forge partnerships, and welcome newcomers.

· Educational and Themed Events: The Chamber’s calendar is also filled with educational events that double as networking opportunities. The Lunch and Learn series, for example, became a popular program in the 2010s – a lunchtime seminar featuring expert guest speakers on topics like marketing, customer service, or HR compliance. Businesses not only gain knowledge but also connect with peers facing similar challenges. The Chamber has hosted Candidate Forums before local elections, giving the public a chance to hear from and question those running for office. It has also joined community coalitions to hold events like job fairs, health fairs and others. The Chamber was the first in the region to create the SHOP LOCAL campaign (during the holidays) in conjunction with American Express. When Main Street was created the Chamber turned over the SHOP LOCAL campaign to them and supported them in their efforts. On the demise of Main Street, the Chamber once again took over the media portion of supporting and marketing the SHOP LOCAL campaign. Whether celebratory or educational, the Chamber’s events over the last 20 years have significantly enhanced the cultural and civic life of Woodland Park.

· Signature Tournaments and Fundraisers: To engage both the business community and the public, the Chamber runs enjoyable fundraisers such as the annual Chamber Golf Tournament. Since the mid-2000s, this summer tournament has invited teams from local companies to play a charity round of golf, raising funds for Chamber programs and scholarships. It’s become a tradition that mixes friendly competition with networking against the backdrop of Teller County’s beautiful golf links. Likewise, the Chamber attempted a try at a “Taste of Teller” (showcasing local restaurants) and Oktoberfest Plus 5K race, evolving its roster to keep the community engaged. While these 2 attempts lasted only one year – the continued them of support for the Members and Community carries on.

Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives

· Close Collaboration with Local Government: One of the Chamber’s greatest accomplishments is the strong partnership it has built with Teller County and Woodland Park governments. While independent from the city, the Chamber works hand-in-hand with city officials on strategic initiatives. The city’s 2019–2022 Strategic Plan explicitly included the Chamber as a partner for economic development goals, calling to “adopt a coordinated marketing plan between the City, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, the Woodland Park Main Street program, and the Downtown Development Authority”. This level of integration shows how valued the Chamber’s input is. Over 20 years, Chamber staff and board members have served on city committees, task forces, and advisory boards, ensuring the business perspective is represented. Joint efforts between the Chamber and County Commissioners have led to streamlined business licensing processes, improved signage on highways for tourist attractions, and unified messaging in economic development outreach.

· Teller County Economic Development Coalition: The Chamber has effectively acted as Teller County’s de facto economic development organization, partnering with county officials and other entities to recruit and retain businesses. It has coordinated with the county on enterprise zone administration (offering state tax credits to qualifying businesses in Teller), and on pursuing grants for infrastructure (such as improved broadband, described later). Our last attempt at expanding the Enterprise Zone areas in Teller County was effective in 2025. The Chamber’s President regularly meets with the County Commission to brief them on business climate issues. In times of crisis, this partnership proved crucial – for example, during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, the Chamber relayed real-time feedback to county leaders about the needs of restaurants and shops, influencing the local COVID response. The trust and open lines of communication between the Chamber and Teller County leadership have benefitted policy-making and kept the economy resilient.

· Main Street and Downtown Development Authority: The revitalization of downtown Woodland Park has been a group effort involving the Chamber, the Woodland Park Main Street program, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Chamber has provided marketing muscle and business coordination for Main Street’s projects (like art walks and storefront decoration contests). It also supported the DDA’s development plans by rallying business support for initiatives like the new Woodland Station downtown development. By presenting a united front with these organizations, the Chamber helped secure public and private buy-in for a more vibrant downtown. The result has been new downtown infrastructure, aesthetic improvements, and higher foot traffic that benefits local merchants – a clear win for all partners.

· Workforce and Education Partnerships: Addressing workforce needs has been another area of collaboration. The Chamber partnered with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center to host local job fairs and to connect employers with job training programs. It also works with the Woodland Park School District and Pikes Peak State College to promote internships, career fairs, and vocational training for youth, recognizing that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce. Perhaps the crown jewel of this effort is the Chamber’s Foundation Scholarship Program (the Wagon Boss Scholarship): since 2006, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) foundation arm has awarded 42 scholarships totaling $138,500 to graduating seniors of Woodland Park and Cripple Creek-Victor High Schools. This significant investment in local students – made possible by Chamber fundraising and partnership with local donors – helps cultivate homegrown talent and future business leaders for Teller County. It exemplifies how the Chamber works beyond immediate business needs, collaborating with educational institutions to secure the community’s long-term prosperity.

· Nonprofit and Community Organizations: The Chamber has also formed strong ties with local nonprofits and civic groups to advance mutual goals. It coordinates with the Aspen Mine Center (a nonprofit hub in Cripple Creek) to address community needs like housing and health services that indirectly impact the business environment. Many Chamber board members and ambassadors volunteer with charities, and the Chamber often promotes charitable events (food drives, school supply drives, etc.) in its communications. Each year the Chamber recognizes an outstanding nonprofit organization at its awards gala, highlighting the importance of the nonprofit sector in Teller County’s quality of life. By partnering rather than working in silos, the Chamber and local nonprofits have tackled issues such as workforce housing shortages and childcare availability, making Teller County a more livable place for employees and employers alike.

· Regional and Statewide Alliances: On a broader scale, the Chamber maintains relationships with regional entities like the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and state bodies like the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. It has shared resources and knowledge with other chambers in the Pikes Peak region, participating in the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executives network (where, as noted, it won a statewide Communications Award in 2015. These alliances allow Woodland Park to punch above its weight – for example, the Chamber joined regional tourism campaigns (co-branding with the Pikes Peak Country Attractions) and supported multi-county infrastructure projects like improvements along the Hwy 24 corridor. Such partnerships ensure Teller County’s interests are represented in larger initiatives and that the local business community isn’t isolated. The Chamber’s collaborative spirit over the last 20 years has thus amplified its effectiveness through strength in numbers.

Infrastructure Improvements Advocacy

· Transportation Infrastructure: The Chamber has been a strong proponent of improving transportation infrastructure to support business and tourism growth. In the late 2000s and 2010s, as traffic increased on U.S. Highway 24 (Woodland Park’s Main Street) and on Colorado Highway 67 (the route to Cripple Creek), the Chamber lobbied for upgrades to these critical arteries. It supported CDOT plans to widen portions of Hwy 67 and enhance intersections, highlighting that the goal was “to improve capacity, safety and mobility to support increased tourist traffic and multimodal demands” in the region. The Chamber provided input during public comment periods and kept businesses informed during construction to minimize disruptions. Thanks in part to these advocacy efforts, projects like the downtown Hwy 24 improvements (with added turn lanes and pedestrian crossings) and the Hwy 67 widening north of Woodland Park moved forward, resulting in safer, more efficient travel for customers and commuters by the mid-2010s.

· Broadband and Technology: In the 2020s, the Chamber turned its attention to digital infrastructure, recognizing that high-speed internet is as vital as roads for modern business. Many rural areas of Teller County historically suffered from slow internet. The Chamber partnered with the City of Woodland Park on a broadband expansion initiative to utilize the city’s unused fiber-optic cable and seek grants for broader internet coverage. It encouraged local businesses and residents to participate in a city-led needs assessment survey to document demand for better internet. By amplifying the business voice on this issue, the Chamber helped secure support for public-private partnerships with internet providers. As a result, efforts have been underway to connect municipal buildings, homes, and businesses to affordable high-speed internet. The Chamber’s advocacy for broadband is positioning Teller County to be more competitive, enabling remote work, tech startups, and e-commerce opportunities that were difficult with previous bandwidth limitations.

· Utilities and Core Services: Throughout the past two decades, the Chamber consistently backed improvements to core utilities and services that underpin economic development. It supported the City of Woodland Park’s investments in water infrastructure – crucial in this mountain community – understanding that adequate water and sewer capacity would allow new businesses and housing to be developed. The Chamber has publicly supported ballot initiatives to fund essential services (for example, a measure to improve the wastewater treatment plant). It also promoted the expansion of healthcare infrastructure: when a new state-of-the-art hospital opened in Woodland Park in 2007, the Chamber hailed it as a game-changer for local quality of life and has since worked closely with the hospital on health fairs and as a major employer. By championing projects that improved utilities, healthcare, and public safety, the Chamber helped create a more robust foundation for business activity in Teller County.

· Downtown and Community Improvements: The Chamber’s influence is visible in many of the physical improvements around Woodland Park. It has been involved in planning discussions for adding parking downtown to accommodate shoppers (leading to a new public parking structure by the DDA), extending sidewalks and bike paths to make the town more walkable, and beautification projects like the installation of public art and wayfinding signage. Many of these initiatives were accomplished by partnering with city government or other groups, where the Chamber often took on a promotional or fundraising role. For instance, the Chamber helped rally volunteers and sponsors for a “Keep Woodland Park Beautiful” campaign that planted trees and flowers along main thoroughfares. Infrastructure isn’t only about concrete and steel – it’s also about community aesthetics and functionality. The Chamber’s advocacy in this realm over 20 years has contributed to a more inviting environment that attracts both locals and visitors to spend time (and money) in Teller County.

· Adaptive Response to Crises: In terms of infrastructure resilience, the Chamber has also played a role when crises struck. After the devastating Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 that threatened the region, the Chamber coordinated with emergency management and utilities companies on business continuity efforts (like backup power generators and emergency communication systems). Similarly, during heavy winter storms that occasionally close highways, the Chamber disseminated timely alerts and worked with city public works to prioritize snow removal in commercial zones. These behind-the-scenes actions ensured that infrastructure downtimes had as little impact as possible on local businesses. Over 20 years, the Chamber earned a reputation for stepping up in critical moments to advocate for infrastructure restoration and resource allocation that keep the community open for business.

Business Support Programs and Services

· Information and Guidance Hub: The Chamber has functioned as an information clearinghouse for local businesses, especially valuable in the last 20 years’ rapidly changing business environment. It regularly publishes an e-newsletter (the “Grapevine”) with updates on labor laws, market trends, and available resources – a communication effort so effective that it won a statewide award for excellence. When major events occur (new regulations, economic shifts, or opportunities like grant programs), the Chamber ensures its members are the first to know. This timely flow of information was critical during events like the Great Recession (2008–09) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), when businesses faced uncertainty. During the pandemic, the Chamber “guided businesses through challenges… helping them emerge stronger”, focusing on “connecting businesses with grants, enhancing workforce skills, and ensuring long-term success”. It hosted conference calls about federal relief loans, sent out links for grant applications, and advised on ever-changing health rules – an effort widely credited with helping many Teller businesses survive the crisis.

· Counseling, Training and Mentorship: A major accomplishment of the Chamber has been building a robust suite of business support programs. It partnered with SCORE to offer free business counseling in Woodland Park, bringing experienced mentors (often retired executives) to help entrepreneurs troubleshoot issues like writing a business plan or managing cash flow. The Chamber also established an SBDC satellite office hours in Woodland Park: rather than businesses having to drive to Colorado Springs for classes, the Chamber arranged local workshops. While the satellite office no longer exists, the partnership with SBDC still offers the same resources as before, but mostly online. Dozens of seminars have been hosted at the Chamber on topics such as QuickBooks training, HR best practices, customer service, financial investments, AI embracing and marketing strategy. The “Tools for Business Success” resource library was made available on the Chamber’s website, giving entrepreneurs 24/7 access to guides on permits, licenses, and business templates.. Furthermore, the Chamber’s Lunch and Learn series provided bite-sized training over a meal, covering everything from social
media marketing to cyber security for small firms. These educational and mentorship initiatives over 20 years have directly contributed to more professional, resilient local businesses. Success stories include several small retailers and restaurants that credit Chamber programs for helping them refine their operations and expand.

· Member Networking and Promotion: The Chamber has continually created avenues for businesses to promote themselves and connect with potential clients. In addition to the monthly Business After Hours mixers (noted earlier), the Chamber launched Business Expos that allow members to showcase their products and services to the community. The Chamber also coordinates ribbon-cutting ceremonies and press announcements for new businesses opening or existing businesses reaching milestones, giving them free publicity. Members are listed in a widely distributed Chamber Business Directory (print and online), and the Chamber’s website features a searchable directory and even member-to-member coupon offerings. Through these efforts, the Chamber ensures that being a member translates into increased visibility. The slogan has been “membership is your link to the community”, and over two decades, countless businesses have leveraged Chamber channels to gain customers, whether through referrals, events, or Chamber social media shout-outs.

· Facilitating Access to Capital and Grants: Especially in challenging economic times, the Chamber stepped up to help businesses obtain financial support. It has hosted meet-and-greet events with local banks and the Region 5 economic development loan fund managers to spur lending to small businesses. When economic stimulus programs became available (e.g., ARRA in 2009, or CARES Act in 2020), the Chamber organized webinars on how to apply. As noted, the Chamber’s focus during the pandemic was on “connecting businesses with grants”, providing one-on-one assistance in some cases to help shop owners fill out complex paperwork. Moreover, the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program indirectly supports businesses by investing in the future workforce (scholarship recipients often return to the community with new skills). By facilitating capital access and skill development, the Chamber has helped local enterprises weather financial hardships and continue to grow.

· Special Programs and Recognitions: The Chamber also runs special programs that bolster the business ecosystem. One example is its Affinity Program that gives member businesses discounts on services like email marketing tools (Constant Contact)– helping them save money while improving marketing reach. Each year, the Chamber’s Awards and celebrates outstanding businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and employees in the community, as mentioned earlier. These honors (Business of the Year, etc.) not only recognize excellence but also provide case studies of success for others to emulate. The Chamber’s long-standing “Wagon Boss of the Year” award, in particular, has honored high-integrity community leaders for 55 years and inspired younger generations to lead and volunteer. By shining a spotlight on positive role models and offering programs to develop skills, the Chamber nurtured a supportive business culture in Teller County.

Notable Milestones and Recognitions

· 50th Anniversary of the Chamber (2018): Founded in 1968, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber marked its 50-year anniversary in 2018, celebrating “50 Years of Service” to the community. At its Golden Anniversary Annual Dinner, the Chamber reflected on a half-century of achievements, including the last 20 years of accelerated growth. Local officials presented proclamations honoring the Chamber’s contributions to economic prosperity and community development. This milestone underscored the Chamber’s stability and sustained impact.

· Statewide Communications Award (2015): The Chamber’s innovative approaches have garnered external accolades. In 2015, at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executives conference, the Woodland Park Chamber won the Communications Award for having the top Chamber e-newsletter in the state. This award recognized the Chamber’s excellence in keeping members informed and engaged. It also highlighted the Chamber’s adept use of technology and email marketing to reach its audience – a practice it honed over the preceding decade as communication shifted increasingly online.

· Community Awards and Honors: The Chamber itself has been recognized by local media and organizations for its events and leadership. In addition to the “Best Business Event” honor in 2025 for its After Hours networking series, the Chamber was frequently named “Best Community Organization” in local reader’s choice polls (reflecting public appreciation for its role in improving Teller County). Chamber President Debbie Miller achieved personal accolades too, including an award for 25 years of chamber management excellence, presented by the Association of Chamber Executives in 2020 Under her leadership, the Chamber reached new heights, and her milestone of 15 years as Woodland Park Chamber President was a notable event celebrated by the board and members. It symbolized continuity and experienced guidance at the Chamber’s helm.

· Economic and Civic Milestones: Many milestones in Teller County’s recent history saw the Chamber’s involvement. The opening of the new Pikes Peak Regional Hospital in 2007 was a major community milestone where the Chamber helped with the grand opening and promoted the improved healthcare access as a selling point for the area. The successful recruitment of several national retailers (such as the opening of a Walmart in 2007) was another economic milestone that the Chamber facilitated by providing data and community support during the planning stages. The Chamber also celebrated when Woodland Park’s population exceeded 7,500 (officially becoming a home rule city), as more residents meant more opportunities for local businesses. Each of these community milestones had the Chamber’s fingerprints on it, either through advocacy, support, or celebration.

· Continuous Community Impact: Perhaps the most significant “milestone” is the cumulative impact of two decades of work: by 2025, Woodland Park and Teller County boast a more diversified economy, a higher profile as a tourist destination, and a closely-knit business community that regularly collaborates on common goals. The Chamber’s motto of being “a catalyst to promote the business prosperity of our community” has proven true in tangible ways. The area has seen new jobs created, higher sales tax revenues for public services, and an improved quality of life. These outcomes are the ultimate accolade for the Chamber’s efforts from 2005 to 2025.

Conclusion

In summary, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments over the past 20 years on behalf of local businesses and the wider Teller County community. Through steadfast business advocacy, the Chamber ensured that the voice of commerce is heard in policy decisions and that members stay informed of regulatory changes. Its economic development initiatives helped attract new enterprises and supported entrepreneurs with training and resources. Aggressive tourism promotion put Woodland Park on the tourist map with effective branding and events while a busy roster of community events and networking programs enriched local culture and forged strong B2B connections. The Chamber’s partnerships with government, nonprofits, and regional agencies exemplify how collaborative leadership can drive a community forward. By championing critical infrastructure improvements like roads and broadband, the Chamber helped lay the groundwork for future growth. Finally, its array of business support programs – from counseling to education to recognition – have empowered local businesses to thrive and given back to the community through scholarships.

As Woodland Park and Teller County look ahead, they do so with a vibrant business environment nurtured in no small part by the Chamber’s two decades of dedicated work. The Chamber’s ability to adapt (embracing technology, new programs, and partnerships) while staying true to its mission of “making Woodland Park and Teller County a better place to live, work, and play” positions it as a continued catalyst for prosperity in the years to come.

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