Ignacio Chamber Meeting Minutes
Sky Ute Casino
March 2, 2022
PRESENT: Clark Craig, Sharon Craig, Rebecca York, Mike Pacheco, Brytanny Medved, Marcia Vining, Tuggy Dunton, Andrea Taylor, Jessica Dunbar, Hannah Minkly, Amos Lee, Ann McCoy, Carol Thompson, Gena Schultz, Kasey Correia, Jeremy Shockley, Cori Stevens, Thomas Atencio, Annette Gallegos, Cassandra Sanchez, and Mike French.
Called to Order: 8:07am
Thank you to our sponsor, Andrea Taylor and Sky Ute Casino for hosting the meeting and breakfast.
February 2022 Minutes: Sharon Craig Motioned. Annette Second. Minutes passed.
Directory updates: Still working on graphic designer. Advertisements will be available for paid Chamber members.
Election of Board Members: Rebecca York + Kasey Correia. Sharon Craig Motioned. Annette Second. All approved.
Guest Speaker: Mike French from La Plata Economic Alliance
· Voice of the Business community. Unemployment as of Jan 2020 was 2.5%. As of December 2021 it is 4.0%. Expecting improvement in 2022
· $115 million in SBA loans comes to La Plata county
· This area is attractive to new home owners and second home owners. Homes sold has increased 26.2%. Med. Price of homes has increased 15.8%. Increase of 37% listings and 70% homes sold. Currently a decrease of housing supply
· Airport flights have increased. Phase 3 of expansion will begin in September 2022. Runway will be closed September 10-16th.
· $90 million will be going to 9R schools for improvements over the next 4 years.
· Increase in tourism in 2021. Durango Train had best year ever.
ROUND TABLE UPDATES:
Andrea Taylor: Masks are still required at the casino.
Hannah Minkly: Durango Chamber. Would like to collaborate with Bayfield and Ignacio Chambers
Tom Atencio: Candidate for Town of Ignacio Trustees: Homegrown in Ignacio. 3rd term. Running because issues need to looked at and projects need to be completed. Looking at reducing utility and internet rates. As well as infrastructure.
Sharon Craig: Candidate for Town of Ignacio Trustees: To grow and improve economy. Develop housing. Reduce debt. Reduce sewer rates. See projects through.
Gena Schultz for Jeremy Schultz Candidate for Town of Ignacio Trustees: Jeremy is public works director. Looked at towns strategic plan and feels he can bring management skills and leadership to set and accomplish goals.
Gena Schultz for school district: Working on strategic plan and mission for district and looking for input and engagement from parents and community. The district wants a rich heritage and keep school climate safe. Focusing on academics, faculty, staff retention, and leadership. Next meeting 3/14 at 5pm. Board will be voting on 4 day school week. Strategic plan meeting 3/28 for all focus groups.
Marcia Vining: Cinco de Mayo BBQ + Community gathering. DJ + Hotdogs. 15 year celebration. Family game night Friday March 18 from 5 – 7 pm.
Brytanny Medved: Youth Services at Library: Spring break programs coming up. Tuesday/Thursday lunches. Summer Programs: “Oceans of Possibility”
Tuggy Dunton: 4 Candidates running for 3 seats. 1 for Mayor (Clark Craig) and a question regarding allowance and taxation of medical marijuana on ballot. Voting April 5. Creative District hiring part time grant writer and part time director.
Cassandra Sanchez: B & G club is opened. The Heart Program was a success.
Amos Lee: FF is going great. Staff shortages but doing ok. New Vitamin/supplement department. 3 Springs moving forward but no set date on breaking ground yet.
Kelsey Correia: Allison Leath resigned from ELHI. Looking for new site manager. Dancing Spirit has bought land and will be a building a site on Goddard Ave. Ground breaking ceremony is April 13 at 11am.
Sharon Craig: Green Chili Fest is Saturday September 3. Labor Day weekend.
Shalina Luna is temporarily closing.
Scholarship Committee: Chris DeKay, Marcia Vining, Clark Craig.
Adjourned: 9:16am