On April 5, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce announced that 15-year chamber veteran Mindy Moree will be taking the reigns of the Loveland Chamber as its new CEO beginning in June. Mindy is a tremendous asset to the chamber team. You can read the official announcement here, but we also spoke with Mindy to learn a bit more about her.

Mindy will be out here April 17-20 and again in May. Stay tuned to the chamber's website for times and details.

Q: Tell us about yourself. What are your hobbies and interests?

a: I have two beautiful children, a daughter who is a sophomore in college at East Texas Baptist University and a son who will be a high school sophomore this fall. I love spending time with my children and watching them grow into the wonderful, viable and productive young adults they have become. In my spare time I love to dance, attend community theater, read and spend quality time with friends and family.

Q: What do you look forward to the most about living and working in Loveland? 

A: My heart has always longed to be in Colorado, so this move is a dream come true for me and my family. Meeting the citizens of Loveland and making connections that will allow me the opportunity to bring more value-added programs to the membership and enhance the overall quality of life is and will always be my main goal.

Q: What has been your proudest moment working for a chamber of commerce?

I’m very proud of the work accomplished throughout my 15-year tenure with the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. However, I am especially proud of the following two projects:

• “Trolley de Paris”, a beautiful red trolley car that is used to transport tourist and groups during events
• The Shop Local campaign that was implemented two years ago which yielded measurable results of a 29 percent increase in sales tax receipts for the city of Paris. 

Q: What can chamber investors and the community expect from you right out of the gate?

There are several things I plan to do immediately: I will work with the board to finalize and execute its strategic plan;  look to bring value-added programs to the chamber; work to be a legislative advocate for business (large or small), education, health care, transportation and tourism; create and bring in non-dues revenue programs; create a shop local campaign to help stimulate small business retention efforts and add additional educational opportunities for chamber investors.  

Q: Tell us one fun, little-known fact about yourself.

I was selected as one of the first dancers to be paired up for international dancing in a local “Dancing with the Stars” event. The event raised more than $50,000 its first year with proceeds going to restore a historical structure call the “Peristyle” where Paris’ municipal band plays summer concerts in the park. This was a very rewarding and life changing experience for me.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

I am very excited about the new opportunities that are ahead for me in the beautiful community of Loveland.  I want to assure chamber investors and the community that I have an open door policy to which I am always willing to listen to ideas, concerns and passions for Loveland.  I’m eager to join Loveland’s team of leaders and excited about the growth that will come from this new journey.

photo courtesy of DJR Imaging

Loveland's Brand - Initial Findings and How it Relates to Business

June 16, 2011 is a date that will go down in history for Loveland, Colo. On this day, Loveland’s Community Marketing Commission (CMC) received the formal presentation from Fort Collins-based Toolbox Creative outlining the first step in its research and recommendations for Loveland’s strategic planning process with the goal to drive visitors to Loveland. The first part of the strategic plan emphasized that the goal of the brand and initiatives is not just to increase tourism, but to increase business relocation as well.

As Loveland’s Chamber of Commerce and manager of its only visitor’s center, we recognize the importance of increasing tourism and business traffic to our exceptional community. Toolbox Creative has so far done a fantastic job outlining the needs and focuses for the bustling future of Loveland.

Our mission is to promote business and community prosperity in Loveland. We see an incredibly bright future for the community and would like to use this opportunity to share highlights from the strategic plan presentation and what that means for business.

Introducing Loveland’s Destination Management Organization

The most important point is that Loveland needs a Destination Management Organization (DMO). The term DMO has replaced the traditional Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) to broaden the scope of the organizations purpose and goals. According to Toolbox, the broader definition of a destination management organization assumes a greater role in the community, including (but not limited to) enhancing the city’s competitive position in the tourism marketplace, destination development, tourism services and oversight of any project that has significant impact on the destination. In a nutshell, the DMO will be responsible for managing and maintaining the brand promotion and credibility.

Loveland isn’t a primary conference and convention city nor is it currently a primary destination for visitors; however, a DMO will be able to work with strategic partners throughout the city, including the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, to drive appropriate traffic and opportunities that will enhance business and community growth. The strategic plan recommends that Loveland’s DMO either be an independent 501(c)(6) or a division of the city. Either way, the lodging tax funding is critical to its creation and its ability to enhance destination development to attract visitors to Loveland.

What’s a Lodging Tax again?

Interestingly, research has found that confusion remains related to how a lodging tax works. A percentage of Loveland’s community remains unaware that the lodging tax is a tax on visitors to our community, not a tax on residents. It is up to the community to help clarify and inform the public about the true details of a lodging tax and how it benefits the city.

Art, love, nature, sunshine, fun – Loveland has it!

Based on research, Toolbox identified the following areas as key focuses for tourism in Loveland: arts and culture; The Sweetheart City, valentines and wedding-focused initiatives; sports and outdoor recreation; gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and Destination Festivals and Attractions. Each of these areas had the capability to entice visitors for overnight stays and day trips to the area. More visitors = increased attendance at our restaurants, shops and businesses.

Where do we go? What do we do?

Enhancing the Visitor’s Center experience, points of entry, signs and way finding have been identified as some of the areas that need improvement as Loveland enhances its destination development. While the I-25/Hwy. 34 corridor has been enhanced greatly, a better, more appealing path is recommended from Centerra to downtown to help visitors navigate the city. Loveland needs signage that helps visitors find their way. As the Chamber, we understand how important signage is to the business community and support the introduction of additional signage to all of the hot spots for visitors.

No matter what, Loveland needs to buy in. And, the business community will benefit.
The key to successful tourism marketing and branding for the community is making sure that all stakeholders within the community buy in to the concept. At this point, Toolbox hasn’t yet identified the recommended Loveland brand. However, it is essential that residents and business owners buy in to the decided brand and serve as brand ambassadors to promote the city as a whole. Even if it might not be evident immediately, the entire community will benefit if everyone speaks one voice for Loveland.

Toolbox will be working to distribute more than 600 surveys to visitors through local hotels from July 4 – Aug. 14, 2011. This will cover general visitors and festival attendees during this time-frame, including those who come to Loveland for the Sculpture in the Park and Sculpture Invitational events in early August. With this new research, Toolbox plans to come back to the CMC to present the next phase of the plan this fall. In the meantime, know that the Loveland Chamber of Commerce supports the information and direction set forth by the CMC to increase visitor traffic and opportunities for businesses in Loveland.

Top 8 Reasons to Get in the Race by Attending the Loveland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner

‘The Race is On – Accelerate Your Business Success’ event boasts can’t miss opportunities

By Nicole Yost, director of communications, Loveland Chamber

Loveland’s business community at large looks forward to January each year. Why? Well, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held January annually, brings together small and large business teams, pit crews and race fans alike, for a night that Loveland’s business network won’t forget. What leaves them wanting more? In a Letterman-style countdown, let us count the ways. Why eight reasons you ask? We like to be unique.

The Racing – NASCAR? Indy? Independent racing? Coming right up. Each component of the event screams racing, so if you are a fan, this event is right up your alley. The décor (including several different racing-inspired cars), the entertainment (did someone say Speed Racer dancers?) and the memories (racing fans captured on camera in take-home pictures? Check!) Jeff Coleman with WIN Sports & Fitness notes, “I'm looking forward to the annual pit stop! A change of tires and a top-off of the tank and I am back on the track for 2011 with the Loveland Chamber.”

7) The Business – No matter how fun the evening is the bottom line - business. During pit stops of the fun, the Chamber crew recognizes those deserving with awards, provides an overview of accomplishments and witnesses as 2010 chair Marilyn Shock passes the gear shift, err, the gavel to incoming 2011 chair Christine Kapperman.

“I look forward to publicly passing the gavel to our new Loveland Chamber of Commerce chair Christine Kapperman, and getting to meet all of our new members,” said Shock, CEO of McKee Medical Center. “This is the best event in town for showcasing the strength and vitality of Loveland’s business community.”

“I am excited about being able to celebrate the successes of our Loveland Chamber and the positive impact the Chamber has had on Loveland businesses in 2010!” said
Susan Arbini, Banner Health.

"Loveland is a community that is on the bubble of being a place of innovation in the creative sector, whether that is arts or technology. The Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner represents a celebration of the innovation that has occurred and the exciting opportunities in our business community that are yet to come," said Leah Johnson with the Bohemian Foundation.

6) The Goods – No one leaves a race without the proper souvenir, right? Attendees are in luck as the Chamber brings back its annual dinner silent auction, which will open at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.

5) The Networking – What would a Chamber annual dinner be without the networking? As one of the four pillars of success for Chamber investors, connections and networking opportunities race ahead throughout the evening. Want traditional, Business After Hours-style networking? Join from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. and again from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. for direct networking opportunities throughout the night. TIP: Try and sit with people throughout the night that could enhance your business network. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the program to work together.

“I’m most looking forward to the chance to network and celebrate with Chamber investors, who are the most influential members of Loveland business community,” said
Barbara Koelzer with IRES.

4) The Who’s Who – As one of the Loveland business community’s premiere events, the question is who ISN’T at the Loveland Chamber annual dinner? Business leaders? Check. Business owners? Check. City Officials? Check. All of those in-between? Check. This is one opportunity to catch the who’s who of Loveland business all in one room.

“Attending the Chamber Annual Dinner is like the Loveland ‘Oscars.’ You want to see who’ll be there, who is recognized, and sure… what people are wearing! All kidding aside, it really is the most widely attended networking event in Loveland, and one that attracts the attention of C-level executives who you might not normally get to meet. Plus, it’s a fun night,” said Amy Madden Copp, with eSQUARED events.

Bob and Gail Snyder with Loveland Insurance (and Loveland’s ‘it couple’ of the business community) look forward to the Loveland Chamber annual dinner each year. “It’s date night for us,” said Bob Snyder.

3) The Fête – This isn’t your typical annual dinner. Keynote speakers are nice, but celebration and investor engagement are even sweeter. Interactive activities that promote teamwork and networking are incorporated into the mix.

“Annual dinners can be so boring, but not with the Loveland Chamber crew. The energy certainly will mark a great starting point for the year,” said Christine Kapperman with the Loveland Reporter-Herald and incoming chair.

“I always look forward to the Loveland Chamber’s annual dinner not only for the great networking and socializing but also for the opportunity to see my fellow Chamber members loosen up, let their hair down and not be afraid to make fun of themselves a little bit,” said Dawn Paepke with McKee Medical Center Foundation.

2) The Triumph – A key element to the Chamber annual dinner is the recognition of the annual award winners. This year, the Chamber celebrate Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Heart Award winner and the Pole Position video award winner.

“The Annual Investor Meeting is always a huge event for me. It is a time that we can celebrate our hard work from the past year. Being a HUGE race car fan, this year is exceptionally special as I look forward to the fun and games, mingling with the most influential business professionals Loveland has to offer and finding out who will win the awards that we all have worked so hard to achieve,” said Marv Spanbauer with Konica Minolta, and 2009 Ambassador of the Year winner.

1) The Quarter Mile – Bottom line – most within the Loveland business community attend the event for a mixture of everything. The annual dinner serves as the key in the ignition of the 2011 business year. For businesses looking to get their year started on the right track, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce annual meeting is where it’s at.

“This is an evening to remember...networking – yes, food and entertainment – absolutely wonderful....spending time with your fellow business community members –PRICELESS,” said Connie Giroux with Western States Bank.

“Reason you can't miss the annual investor dinner: It's the ultimate way to kick off the New Year! Business owners, friends, great food, RACECARS and a ton of fun!” said Bill Bond, 2010 chair of the Loveland Chamber Ambassadors.

SIDE BAR

It would behoove you to register early. Not only do you get a discount on your ticket if you purchase before Jan. 14, 2011, but it also gives you more time to find the perfect racing outfit. And you think I am kidding…

Here are the event details, which you can also find at www.loveland.org/AnnualMeeting

What: Loveland Chamber Annual Investors Meeting
When: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Fri. Jan, 21, 2011. Pre-event networking takes place from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.; program from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and post-event networking from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Where: South Hall of the First National Bank Building at the Ranch
Register: Tickets are available online or by calling 667-6311. $50 for Chamber investors before Jan. 14, 2011; $60 after. $75 for non-Chamber investors.

Small Business Development Center Network Tip