2017 Chairman of the Board: Jeffrey S. Hurd, Beckner & Hurd, LLC
“This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.” That’s a classic line spoken by Bill Murray’s deadpan character in one of my favorite movies, Groundhog Day. For those of you who haven’t seen (or can’t remember) that gem of a film, it follows a jaded, big-city weatherman sent to report on the February 2 “Groundhog Day” weather-prediction ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The weatherman, Bill Murray, ends up in a time loop living the same boring day—Groundhog Day—over and over. Along the way, though, he comes to learn the important truth about how something extraordinary infuses the seemingly mundane routine of daily life.
If you sometimes feel like your business might be stuck in its own “Groundhog Day”—with one day the same as the next—the Chamber has good news for you. Among the advantages of Chamber membership are direct benefits to our members that can mix things up, introduce you to new customers, and help you strengthen your individual businesses. If it’s been a while since you’ve come to Business After Hours, why don’t you join several hundred of your fellow Chamber members for great networking on February 28 at StarTek USA, Inc. Or join us for a “Networking @ Noon” event, where you can make new business connections and discuss a variety of trending business topics over lunch with 4-5 other Chamber members. A Chamber is only as strong as its members, and your Chamber is committed to offering you the very best programs and events.
You certainly don’t have to live the same day over and over to appreciate the special event opportunities the Chamber offers. One of the biggest comes this month as the Chamber leads a business delegation to Denver for our Legislative Trip to the Capitol. Consider joining us on February 23rd and 24th as we meet one-on-one with Colorado’s Attorney General, Cynthia Coffman, Colorado’s Director of Natural Resources, Bob Randall, and the Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs, Irv Halter. We’ll also be meeting with dozens of state legislators at a dinner the Chamber hosts at the Broker restaurant in downtown Denver. In my experience, the value of this Legislative Trip comes not only in the elected officials you meet, but also in the connections you forge with your fellow Chamber participants in the time you spend together on the trip. Won’t you join us?
And, speaking of special events, we just completed an amazingly successful annual Chamber banquet. The theme was nautical—“Charting the Course to Business Success”—and it was great to see so many members and their guests “cruising through” what has become a marquee, can’t-miss event. Special congratulations to our 2016 large business of the year, Kannah Creek Brewing Company, and to our 2016 small business of the year, All Metals Welding & Fabrication. It was a great honor to present the Citizen of the Year award to Pat Tucker of Conquest Developments. Pat is a true leader in our community and a role model for service.
Regardless of whether this year’s groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd or he doesn’t, your Chamber will continue to focus on its core mission of promoting the economy and serving as the voice of business. Along those lines, one of our key economic development initiatives is business retention and expansion. Concerned about retention issues or looking to expand your workforce? Contact C.J. Rhyne at the Chamber, and he will be more than happy to work with you on identifying options and opportunities there may be for your business.
My very best wishes to you for a successful and prosperous February.
Jeffrey Hurd, 2017 Chairman
Click here to download full version of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce February 2017 Newsletter.