ScSEED - Saguache Chamber of Commerce

Check out the NEW Town of Saguache website including a link to the Chamber website at www.townofsaguache.org

 

New Logo for the Town of Saguache

 

 

 

ScSEED received a 2009 Saguache County Sales Tax Grant to assist the Saguache Chamber. ScSEED hired Darryl Reinsel to act as Chamber Coordinator and he was able to accomplish the following throughout the summer of 2009. Darryl worked directly with ScSEED staff to develop a plan of action for the Chamber during this six month period.  He was able to accomplish the following action items:

 

• Recruitment and development of the Chamber membership and individual meetings with business owners to determine needs.
• Organization of the monthly Business After Hours potluck meetings and speaker(s).
• Creation of a logo competition including rules and participation criteria, advertising the contest, collection of submissions, review of submissions (with other Chamber members), presentation of awards to winners (at Saguache Fall Festival). (See graphic above)
• Development of a Chamber (and Town of Saguache) website including, website domain registration, obtaining web hosting, creation of website design for Chamber and Town, information collection from Saguache business owners for website content, and editing and content management. (www.townofsaguache.org)
• Development of several business website sites for Chamber members; and links to the Chamber page for those who did have their own sites.
• Production of a Saguache Chamber business tablet map including, working with the graphic designer on the final printable map, obtaining price quotes from local printers, and final printing and distribution coordination. (See graphic below.)
• Assist ScSEED staff with recruitment of business owners to meet with Donna Wehe, SBDC, for counseling sessions during her monthly visits to Saguache.
• Attended valley-wide meetings of Chamber representatives to network and information share.
• Coordination and discussion with the Saguache County Business Association to find common ground and discuss possible partnerships in the future.

 

 

More About the Saguache Chamber Coordinator - Darryl Reinsel

Darryl Reinsel moved to Saguache with his wife, Yvette, on June 1st.  Darryl is 51 years old with 3 sons and 6 grandsons.  Darryl has worked in the remodeling business for about 12 years.  He has learned a lot about how to be successful in business from a practical standpoint.  Over the past 12 years, Darryl has started 2 successful Remodeling businesses.  He moved to Saguache knowing the challenges of trying to start up a business in a small town, in hard economic times. Darryl has found himself, of late, very busy with repeat and refferal customers already. He is very much interested in helping other business do well in Saguache an the surrounding areas.  Darryl would like to see the the Chamber members do well in their businesses. Please give hima call if you would like to discuss how the chamber can benefit your business. 

 

You can contact Darryl at 719-850-1249 or email him at chambercoordinator@scseed.org

  

ATTENTION Sagauche Business Owners!!!

 

We hope that you have heard about the Saguache Downtown Revitalization Project (SDRP) a community effort to revitalize Saguache.  One of the objectives of this effort is to re-establish the Saguache Chamber of Commerce.  A group of community members and past Chamber members met to begin the process of revitalizing the Chamber. Our first goal is to reintroduce the Chamber to business owners in Saguache and to invite you to join the Chamber.  Initially, we have decided to offer membership for FREE! Here is a membership form. All you need to do is fill out the form and return it to us and you’re a member!

The Chamber members have decided to hold the Business After Hours events on the second Tuesday of each month. We hope to see you there, we have lots of exciting ideas to share and need you to tell us what your needs are as business owners.  This event will also give you an opportunity to network with other community business owners and join working committees of the Chamber.  We will also be looking for other business owners who are willing to host future monthly Business After Hours events – so please let us know if you’d like to host one.

Some of the work we hope to accomplish includes the following: 

• Identify the Saguache attributes that have a potential to attract tourists including outdoor activities, entertainment events, and community festivals and other events. Use data collected throughout the SDRP including two public opinion surveys.
• Identify the short term and long term potential target tourist markets by demographics (age groups of potential customers) and by type of tourism and/or other grouping.
  Develop a conceptual positive and unique image, or impression, of the Town of Saguache such that the image distinguishes the town from other towns in Colorado and which reflects a tourist friendly community with many local tourist attractions and a superior quality of life.  The resulting image would be used for advertising and in general marketing the town and region tourist attractions.
• Implement a preliminary advertising/marketing program using two channels of communication, e. g., install signage (with messages on both sides) in each of the gateways (incoming from both directions of Highway 285 and incoming from Highway 114) and develop a preliminary website (either through the Town of Saguache or perhaps the Chamber itself).
• Implement a complete professional advertising/marketing program using multi-channels of communication and promotional campaigns.
• Develop a comprehensive business directory with detailed information about goods and services in and around Saguache; and disseminate this information to the public.
• Develop a “buy local” promotional campaign which educates the general public and citizens about the economic benefits of keeping resources in our community.

Top 10 Reasons to Join the Saguache Chamber of Commerce!
 

1. Networking, Networking, Networking! The Saguache Chamber of Commerce will represent the interests of businesses in the Town of Saguache. The Saguache Chamber will attract be a powerful resource for making new contacts gaining new customers, and exchanging leads. We will hold events throughout the year with the opportunity to network with other businesses at Business After Hours events.
    
2. Visibility and Exposure. The Saguache Chamber will promote your business products and services through our online business directory at www.scseed.org With over 500 hits a month and a free link provided to your own website, Saguache Chamber will bring universal exposure to your business.
    
3. Marketing/Advertising Opportunities. The Saguache Chamber offers targeted, effective, and affordable marketing/advertising opportunities that can help maximize your exposure in the region and drive business to your door. You can stand out from the competition by exhibiting at an event; advertise in the Saguache Chamber newsletter, by sponsoring an event or hosting a Business After Hours at your business location.
    
4. Referrals. The Saguache Chamber will receive inquiries yearly from visitors, residents, and businesses for referrals on businesses that can provide them with the types of products and services they need.
    
5. Discounts and Savings. Saguache Chamber members and their employees may save money on many of your business and personal needs from the businesses that offer discounts and savings through a Member to Member Discount Program.
    
6. Professional and Business Development. The Saguache Chamber in partnership with ScSEED, will provide a series of workshops throughout the year that will help you increase sales, enhance productivity and improve your bottom line. Each Brown Bag Lunch forum will be conducted by successful entrepreneurs and business professionals that will lead you to the next level of personal and business success.
    
7. FREE Business Assistance. The Saguache Chamber can bring you the assistance you need towards reaching your business goals with the guidance of professional counselors available through our partnership with the SDRP. The services of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can provide the solutions to your small business challenges and needs.
    
8. Committee Connections. The Saguache Chamber brings volunteers together to share their professional expertise and be instrumental in accomplishing the goals important for the economic vitality of the business community. With several committees to choose from, members have many opportunities to impact the community and the direction of Chamber programs.
    
9. Business Advocacy. The Saguache Chamber will be the voice for the business community addressing the important issues of economic development, public policy and quality of life with local and elected officials.
    
10. Information. The Saguache Chamber offers a wealth of information and resources to help you keep your business growing. Each member is kept-up-to date with regular mailings, emails, website, and a newsletter that highlights both the Chamber and member activities and events.