OCRA Chamber Chat May 26, 2010

  
 

**Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service.  Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders requested from members. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!

Does your business or restaurant feature products made or grown in Colorado? If so, then show your Colorado Pride and check out the Colorado Proud website (a division of the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture) www.co.marketmaker.uiuc.edu, for FREE marketing tools.

IN THIS ISSUE:      

• Campground, Jeep AND Hiking trail updates
  
• Business Openings- Updated as of May 25^th
  
  
• Jeep Ticket Sales have begun & Jeep Scholarship to be awarded at graduation
  
• County's Town Hall presentation of the proposed revisions to the Visual Impact section of the Land Use Code May 27^th!
  
• 3/50 Project " Eat Down the Street" Meeting, May 27^th  RIDGWAY
  
• Story Block Bldg, OPEN HOUSE May 29^th, 9 - 5pm
  
• HWY 550 Closure May 29^th  for the Iron Horse Bike Race
  
• Taste of Ouray County, June 2^nd , 5 – 8pm
  
• BAH- Wilderflower Botique & Khristopher's Culinaire, June 9^th
  
  
• Ride the Rockies comes to town update, June 15^th
  
  
• Links to members
  
• Updated OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS contact list
  

See the attached document for details!

 
 

For an updated and online CALENDER OF EVENTS,

check out www.ouraycolorado.com

 
 

Feature:

You are invited to the "Billy Goat's Summer Opening!" on Friday, May 28 at 5:00pm. "12 kegs of beer, Artisan Bakery pretzels, new menu and fabulous Ouray views.....need we say more?

Come help us open up for the summer season! Swing by this Memorial weekend and start summer off with a Liter at the Garten!

Event: Billy Goat's Summer Opening!

Start Time: Friday, May 28 at 5:00pm

End Time: Saturday, May 29 at 7:00pm

Where: Billy Goat Gruff's Biergarten

Bistro to Open Friday June 4th!".  

Below info has been provided on behalf of the USFS, Ouray Trail Group, Switzerland of America and the Visitors Center Staff. Updated May 24^th.

 
 

CAMPGROUNDS:

4 – J, OPEN

Ridgway State Park OPEN

Webbers OPEN
Amphitheater CG - open w/water
Beaver Lake CG - open/no water
Angel Creek CG - open/no fees/no services (until Memorial Weekend)
SilverJack CG - open/no water yet
Thistledown CG - open/no fees/no services (until Memorial Weekend)

HIKING:

Bear Creek Trail -  Cleared of trees all the way to Grizzly Bear Mine.  Past the mine there is at least one gravel wash out area – be careful there, can be dangerous.  Difficult to get to the Yellow Jacket Mine at this point.

Baldy- Clear of trees and snow. There is snow about 200 yards before the baldy peak junction.and after the junction for 3 or 4 hundred yards until the meadow where it is clear to the top. the Baldy ridge trail is full of snow.

Chief Ouray Trail- Cleared to just past the cliff. North facing is still snow covered.

Ice Lake Trail –Snow in the tree areas, but the Lower Basin is doable.  Trail is difficult at this time.  The Upper Basin is NOT to be hiked yet – lots of snow there.  For info, call Ron, Public Lands Office, Silverton, at 970-387-5530; his address in Silverton is 1246 Blair St.

Oak Creek Trail- Clear to the junction and 1/ 2mile towards twin peaks. Snow covered for the rest of the way.

Perimeter Trail- OPEN

 
 

JEEPING

OPEN

Yankee Boy Basin

Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass is open now to Lake City. C.R. 2 from Silverton

CLOSED

Blue Lakes Trailhead (CR 7)

Brown Mountain

Corkscrew

Cow Creek

Engineer

Governor's Basin

Imogene Pass

Owl Creek

Red Mountain Town (WORK BEGINNING 5/10) 

SPRING OPRNINGS:

Restaurants:

·       Backstreet Bagel OPEN

·       Billy Goat's, OPEN Memorial weekend. Closed Monday. 

·       Billy Goat's Biergarten-   Open Friday, May 28! The Biergarten will be open 7 days a week. Check out Thursty Thursdays.  

·       Bon Ton OPEN- closed Tue. & Wed. until Memorial weekend. Then open 7 days.

·       Buen Tiempo OPEN 7 days a week, lunch on Sat & Sun.

·       Bulow's Bistro OPEN for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

·       Café' Ouray OPEN for lunches only.  Start Memorial Day, everyday 7am to 10pm.

·       Coachlight Restaurant OPEN seven days a week

·       Coachlight Tavern OPEN seven days a week

·       Hot Springs Swim and Snack OPEN 7 days a week

·       Outlaw OPEN Tues- Sun, closed on Mondays until Memorial Day 

·       The Saloon at the Historic Western Hotel OPEN, 5pm for dinner, 7 days a week

 
 

SEASONAL BUSINESSES:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour OPEN

Breakfast start Memorial Day weekend 

The Box Canon Falls Park and Visitor Center OPEN

May 8^th – 28^th , 9  - 5 pm daily

May 29^th - Sept 6^th  (Labor Day) 8- 8pm daily

Sept 7^th  - late October, 8am to dusk

Ouray** County** Historical Society OPEN

Ouray Mule and Carriage OPEN

Peak to Peak Bicycles OPEN 

Ranch History Museum OPEN Sunday, May 30^th,  1-5 p.m., FREE ADMISION Located in the historic Colona School ¼ mi. west of Hwy. 550 on Ouray County Rd 1  The museum OPEN every Sunday afternoon through September. Storytelling at 3 p.m.

Info: 970 626-5075.

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours OPEN

Switzerland of America OPEN

 
 

Jeep Ticket Sales have started, May 7^th  

CONTACT: TRICIA (970) 318-8469

Tickets will be distributed by Patricia Sullivan starting May 7^th.   Patricia will be responsible for all pick up and drop off of tickets and funds. If you did not sell tickets last year and would like to sell tickets, please contact the chamber and we will be happy to add you to our list of vendors.

Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100%

             4^th of July and New Years fireworks,

                          $1000 student scholarship

                                      NEW 2010 JEEP   

                                                   Thank you all for your continued support!

 
 

May 27: County's Town Hall presentation of the proposed revisions to the Visual Impact section of the Land Use Code will take place this upcoming Thursday at 6:30pm at the 4H Event Center in Ridgway. The County will be presenting information regarding the current Section 9, and the proposed changes, and will then solicit public input in the form of a written survey and open comments. The goal is to get as much information out there as possible, prior to sending the draft document to Planning Commission for their review and public hearing process.  All public comments will be submitted to the Planning Commission before they begin their work on the document, so this is a great time to hear what the proposal is, and to make fruitful comments at this stage in the process.  Even if you don't think you have an opinion, it will be a great chance to learn more about how the County has historically handled Visual Impact Regulations, and to understand what some of the underlying issues are. I'll look forward to seeing you there!

Heidi Albritton, BOCC District 3

 May 27^th 8:30 am Ouray County Supports the 3/50 Project- Meeting , RIDGWAY
The 3/50 project will be at the Taste of Ouray County to support our restaurants with the "Eat Down the Street" campaign. Please join us this Thursday in Ridgway to find out more information on supporting our local Ouray County Restaurant Community.

 

May 29^th
HWY 550 Closure for the Iron Horse Bike Race

US Highway 550 both north and south closed from Silverton to Durango Mountain Resort from 8am – 1pm,  Sat May 29th. 

This is the 12^th year for the road closure. The permit is applied for by the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and approved by the Colorado State Patrol. www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com Contact: Patti Zink- 970-247-0206

 
 

May 29^th
OPEN HOUSE, Story Block Building

Check out the latest addition to Main street's Residential & Commercial community.  Saturday, May 29^th 9 – 5pm.  For more information and details call (970) 729 – 2268.

 
 

June 2– Taste of Ouray County 5 – 8pm, Ouray Community Center, 320 6^th Ave

Local chef's and restaurants. Music by Yvonne Meeks, brews by Colorado Boy and Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company!  Vote for the Best of Taste of Ouray County!  Come give your taste buds a real treat! Hosted by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association. Information at www.ouraycolorado.com or 325-4746.

 
 

 
 

Wed. June 9- Business After Hours- Wildflower Boutique and Khristopher's Culinaire Join Dee and Khris for a special summer evening Business After Hours-  lighting up Ouary's very own LoDo.  325-4089 for more information.

OCRA Chamber Chat – May 20

*Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service.  Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders requested from members. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!

 The chamber chat is full of seasonal openings including trails and businesses, meetings. etc. For more details on events, please review the calendar at OurayColorado.com! There is a lot going on such as the Ouray Elks Annual Rummage Sale, May 28 – 31.

 
 

IN THIS ISSUE:  

• Welcome New OCRA Board of Director's member!
  
• Paving update from the city!
  
• Campground, Jeep AND Hiking trail updates.
  
• Business Openings- Updated as of 05/20/2010
  
• Jeep Ticket Sales have begun! Jeep Scholarship to be awarded at graduation!
  
• Payroll: The Process in A Nutshell, GJ Business Incubator Center, 5/25/10
  
• The Alpine Triangle Coalition to meet. Be informed!
  
• Visitors Center USFS, Volunteers and Ouray Trail Group Training.
  
• 3/50 Project meeting- and the beat goes on- G.A.S- just ask!
  
• Taste of Ouray will be hosted 06/02/2010
  
• Last BAH for the summer- Wilderflower Botique & Khristopher's Culinaire
  
• Ride the Rockies comes to town- June 15!  Be prepared!
  
• Links to members
  
• OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
•  For many current Calendar of Event items, please see OurayColorado.com
  

 
 

New BOD Member Info: Rob Megna of Backstreet Bagel resigned from the BOD in order to spend more time on the growth of his business Backstreet Bistro! Lezah Saunders with Ouray Mule and Carriage has welcomed the opportunity to fill Rob's shoes on the BOD and complete his term. Thank you Lezah!

 
 

Paving update from the city!

All,

 I just met with the project managers from CDOT and United.  They informed me that due to the weather delay on Tuesday, they are a day behind on the paving schedule.  We discussed the options available to us and have decided that paving operations will continue this weekend on Saturday.  Our biggest concern is to have all the project completed before Memorial Day weekend.  In order to regain the lost day, and to ensure there is enough cure time in the asphalt so that the in-laid striping can occur, the work will need to take place on Saturday. 

 
 

It will only be for Saturday and will only be the center lane of Main Street.  All parking and driving lanes will be completed tomorrow, so there should be no parking issues or traffic delays.  The only delays that may exist will be at the intersections, only impacting traffic turning out at the intersection, until the paving has passed through, and for trucks to enter or exit.  The crews will do all they can to ensure any impacts are as minimal as possible. 

 
 

I apologize for this change in plans and for the inconveniences that people have experienced over the past few weeks.  However, I think everyone would agree that it was a needed project, and more importantly, it needed to be completed before the important holiday weekend.

 
 

If there are any further updates, I will pass them along.

 
 

Patrick

 
 

Patrick Rondinelli

City Administrator

Ouray, CO

 
 

5/20/10- Below info has been provided on behalf of the USFS, Ouray Trail Group,  Switzerland of America and the Visitors Center Staff. Thank you for the updates!

 
 

Campgrounds:

4 J- OPEN

Ridgway State Park- OPEN year round.

Webbers: OPEN

 
 

Local USFS:

Beaver Lake and Amphitheater Campgrounds are open.  Loop 1 of Silver Jack will be opening this weekend.  Loops 2 and 3 are closed pending the removal of a large number of down trees.  Big Cimarron Campground is closed until its toilet is replaced sometime in the next several weeks.  Angel Creek and Thistledown Campgrounds are open with no services (or fees) until Memorial Day weekend.

USFS: Please direct visitors to our website for site-specific information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/recreation/unc_camping.shtml.  Note that the status information on the website may not be current.

 
 

Hiking:

Bear Creek Trail -  Cleared of trees all the way to Grizzly Bear Mine.  Past the mine there is at least one gravel wash out area – be careful there, can be dangerous.  Difficult to get to the Yellow Jacket Mine at this point.

 
 

Baldy-
Clear of trees and snow. There is snow about 200 yards before the baldy peak junction.and after the junction for 3 or 4 hundred yards until the meadow where it is clear to the top. the Baldy ridge trail is full of snow.

 
 

Chief Ouray Trail- Cleared to just past the cliff. North facing is still snow covered.

 
 

Ice Lake Trail –Snow in the tree areas, but the Lower Basin is doable.  Trail is difficult at this time.  The Upper Basin is NOT to be hiked yet – lots of snow there.  For info, call Ron, Public Lands Office, Silverton, at 970-387-5530; his address in Silverton is 1246 Blair St.

 
 

Oak Creek Trail- Clear to the junction and 1/ 2mile towards twin peaks. Snow covered for the rest of the way.

 
 

Perimeter Trail- OPEN

 
 

JEEPING

OPEN

Yankee Boy Basin

Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass is open now to Lake City.< C.R. 2 from Silverton>

   
 

CLOSED

Blue Lakes Trailhead (CR 7)

Brown Mountain

Corkscrew

Cow Creek

Engineer

Governor's Basin

Imogene Pass

Owl Creek

Red Mountain Town (WORK BEGINNING 5/10) 

 
 

Spring Openings!

Restaurants:

       Backstreet Bagel is OPEN

       Billy Goat's, open by Memorial weekend. Closed on Monday. 

       Billy Goat's Biergarten- open by Memorial weekend. The Biergarten will be open 7 days a week. Thirsty Thursdays are definitely on! Menus changes AND Artisan Bakery pretzels!

       Bon Ton is OPEN- closed Tue. & Wed. until Memorial weekend. Then open 7 days.

       Buen Tiempo is OPEN 7 days a week. Open for lunch on Sat & Sun.

       Bulow's Bistro
will OPEN Memorial Day.

       Café' Ouray OPEN for lunches only.  Memorial Day weekend through all of summer we will be open from 7am to 10pm everyday.

       Coachlight Restaurant will open for the summer season on May 22, 2010 7 days a week.

       Coachlight Tavern OPEN 7 days a week 

       Hot Springs Swim and Snack is OPEN 7 days a week

       Outlaw OPEN Tues- Sun.– closed on Mondays until Memorial - will start opening at 4:30 on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. 

       The Saloon at the Historic Western Hotel will open May 14th for dinner every day from 5 to close. June lunch hours will be posted soon.

 
 

Seasonal Businesses:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour- OPENS May 13. Breakfast will begin Memorial Day             weekend. 

The Box Canon Falls Park and Visitor Center OPEN The hours are as follows:

 May 8 through May 28 - 9 am to 5 pm daily

 May 29 through September 6 (Labor Day) – 8 am to 8 pm daily

 September 7 through late October – 8 am to dusk

Ouray** County** Historical Society OPEN for the Summer Season —*

Ouray Mule and Carriage- OPEN

Peak to Peak Bicycles- OPEN Rentals and service!

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours: OPEN

Switzerland of America:
 OPEN

 
 

Jeep Ticket Sales have begun!! May 7^th!-   Tricia- cell 970-318-8469

Tickets will be distributed by Patricia Sullivan starting May 7.   Patricia will be responsible for all pick up and drop off of tickets and funds. If you did not sell tickets last year and would like to sell tickets, please contact the chamber and we will be happy to add you to our list of vendors. Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100% of the 4^th of July and New Years fireworks, a $1000 student scholarship and a new jeep (yes, we have to buy it).  Thank you all for your continued support!

 
 

May 25 – Payroll: The Process in a Nutshell, Grand Junction Business Incubator Center

Hiring your first employee can be an exciting, but confusing adventure if you've never done payroll before. This class is designed to help the average small business owner understand the basic process and forms, including how to avoid common pitfalls by paying payroll liabilities in a timely manner. 9am – 11:30am, $50
GJ Business Incubator Center

2591 B 3/4 Road

Grand Junction, CO 81503

(970) 243-5242

 
 

May 26^th- The Alpine Triangle Coalition

Be Informed.  Engage in the discussion. Please join us for an informational meeting on the Alpine Triangle Campaign.

Come learn more about this grassroots led, citizen-driven effort to protect the long-term economic, recreational, historical and sporting values of one of our most important regional multi-use public land resources.

Sponsored by:

City of Ouray, Ouray Chamber Resort Association

Gunnison Gorge Anglers and Trout Unlimited

When:  Wednesday, May 26th 2010 at 6:30PM

Where:  Ouray Community Center

For information call: Tony Chelf at (970) 596-4697

or Ty Churchwell at (970) 903-3010  www.alpinetriangle.com

 
 

June 1- Visitors Center USFS, Volunteers and Ouray Trail Group Training-  held at the Ouray Community Center 12:30- 3:30.  Lunch will be served at noon for Visitors Center Volunteers. Please join the chamber for an informational session covering the following topics: OHV rules and regs, permits and misc. info, OTG trail updates,  Search and Rescue Cards- what do they cover? Dispersed camping- where can you go? Ridgway State Park- accessible hiking, Visitors Center Resources and more! This meeting is open to all members of the community. Hosted by the Ouray Chamber and the Montrose USFS office

 
 

June 2– Taste of Ouray ––Local chef's and restaurants. Music by Yvonne Meeks, brews by Colorado Boy and Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company!  Vote for the Best of Taste of Ouray!  Come give your taste buds a real treat! 5-8 pm Ouray Community Center, 320 6th Ave. Info: www.ouraycolorado.com or 325-4746. Hosted by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association.

 
 

June 2, 2010- 9:30 am Ouray County Supports the 3/50 Project- Meeting
Ridgway Town Hall Open to all who support local services, shops and local living!
What services and supplies can you get in Ouray County that is competitive in quality and price with out-of-town services and supplies? – Example- Farm Fresh eggs are priced better at Khristopher's Culinaire then City Market and Smart Wool Socks are equal in price at Ouray Mnt. Sports and High Country Leathers as it is at Murdock's! Know the dollar value to our schools, roads and other county services that depend on local tax dollars. Meetings are held every other week- next meeting will be May 19 at the Ouray Community Center.  325-4746 for details.

 
 

 
 

Wed. June 9- Business After Hours- Wildflower Boutique and Khristopher's Culinaire Join Dee and Khris for a special summer evening Business After Hours-  lighting up Ouary's very own LoDo! 325-4089 for more information.

 
 

OCRA CHAMBER CHAT – May 12, 2010

**Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service.  Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders requested from members. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!

The chamber chat is full of workshop opportunities and meetings.  However, please review the community calendar at OurayColorado.com. There is a lot going on such as Weehawken's spring performance: "Golden Ticket" and the "Dedication of the Chief Ouray Bust" at OCHS. See OurayColorado.com for details! Link our calendar to yours! It's a google thing.

 
 

IN THIS ISSUE:  

• Jeep Road Conditions Report- compliments of Switzerland of America.
  
• Attached- GMUG Forest Service Gates- opening when?
  
• Spring Closures/ Summer Openings- Updated as of 05/12/2010
  
• Jeep Ticket Sales have begun! Jeep Scholarship to be awarded at graduation!
  
• Workshop- "The Value of Public Relations"
  
• Dedication of Chief Ouray Bust
  
• Business After Hours-
  Blue Pear- DATE CHANGE May 18!
  
• Business Round Table- Empowering your employees!
  
• 3/50 Project meeting- and the beat goes on!
  
• Taste of Ouray will be hosted 06/02/2010
  
• Last BAH for the summer- Wilderflower Botique and Khristopher's Culinaire
  
• Ride the Rockies comes to town- June 15!  Be prepared!
  
• Links to members
  
• OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
•  For current members Calendar of Event items, please see OurayColorado.com
  

 
 

Jeep Road Conditions Report- compliments of Switzerland of America.

05/07/2010:

Yankee Boy Basin has been cleared and widened to the Twin Falls. Please be advised: we are not recommending travel into the basin for several more days as the warm weather and spring run-off are causing large rock cascades onto the trail. By next week, with continued dry weather, the trail should be safe for public travel. We anticipate county crews to move equipment to Engineer next week.

 Brandy

 Spring Openings! (Please send us your information! Thank you.)

Restaurants:

       Backstreet Bagel is CLOSED May 10- 20th to move to their new location.

       Billy Goat's, both the Bistro and the Biergarten  will open by Memorial weekend. The Biergarten will be open 7 days a week. The Bistro will close on Monday.  Thirsty Thursdays are definitely on! Menus changes AND Artisan Bakery pretzels!

       Bon Ton is OPEN- closed Tue. & Wed. until Memorial weekend. Then open 7 days.

       Buen Tiempo is OPEN 7 days a week. Open for lunch on Sat & Sun.

       Bulow's Bistro will OPEN Memorial Day.

       Café' Ouray will OPEN Monday, May 3 for lunches only.  Memorial Day weekend through all of summer we will be open from 7am to 10pm everyday.

       Coachlight Tavern OPEN 7 days a week  Coachlight Restaurant will open for the summer season on May 22, 2010 7 days a week.

       Hot Springs Swim and Snack is OPEN 7 days a week

       Outlaw OPEN Tues- Sun.– closed on Mondays until Memorial - will start opening at 4:30 on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. 

       The Saloon at the Historic Western Hotel will open May 14th for dinner every day from 5 to close. June lunch hours will be posted soon.

 
 

Seasonal Businesses:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour- OPENS May 13. Breakfast will begin Memorial Day weekend. 

The Box Canon Falls Park and Visitor Center OPEN The hours are as follows:

 May 8 through May 28 - 9 am to 5 pm daily

 May 29 through September 6 (Labor Day) – 8 am to 8 pm daily

 September 7 through late October – 8 am to dusk

Ouray** County** Historical Society OPEN for the Summer Season —*

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours: OPEN

Switzerland of America:
 OPENS May 16^th (Barring any further huge snow storms).

Jeep Ticket Sales have begun!! May 7^th!-  Tickets will be distributed by Patricia Sullivan starting May 7.   Patricia will be responsible for all pick up and drop off of tickets and funds. If you did not sell tickets last year and would like to sell tickets, please contact the chamber and we will be happy to add you to our list of vendors. Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100% of the 4^th of July and New Years fireworks, a $1000 student scholarship and a new jeep (yes, we have to buy it).  Thank you all for your continued support!

 
 

May 14: "The Value of Public Relations"- Delta-Montrose Tech Center. 970-874-7671.

8:30-1:00- $30 includes box lunch.

- Working with the new media

- Developing your organization's image and reputation.

- What makes for a story?

- Integration of social media

- Hosting members of the news media.

This event is hosted by Ore commutations (OCRA's PR partners!)

RSVP: kelli@westerncolorado.org or call 970-874-9532

 Chief Ouray focus of May 14, 15 museum events

Celebrate our local history with OCHS! A ceremony to dedicate Jim Opdahl's bronze sculpture of Chief Ouray will take place on Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m. on the Ouray County Historical Museum grounds at the top of 6th Avenue in Ouray. 

The ceremony will include a full program of remarks by Ouray Mayor Bob Risch and Ouray County Commissioner, Heidi Albritton, a blessing by Chief Ouray's descendent, Roland McCook, a dance demonstration as well as children's activities in the afternoon by Ute Indian Museum director, CJ Brafford. 

Special Indian Fry Bread will be made on site 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m. — stop by for a special treat for lunch! Helen Herrera of "Grandma Helen's Indian Frybread" is a member of the Apache Indian nation and makes her popular frybread dough with amaranth flour.

The evening before the ceremony, Roland McCook will give a historical talk at 7:00 p.m. at the Ouray Community Center. McCook is a direct descendent of both Chipeta's and Ouray's  family bloodlines.  His talk will focus on the
"Four Mile Reserve" a strip of land around the sacred Ute hot springs that Chief Ouray argued so passionately to keep during the 1870s era treaty negotiations. He will also discuss the way the Utes lived in the Uncompahgre Valley before their removal in 1880. 

This is an excellent opportunity for students, local history buffs and everyone who hikes and skis our local mountains to get an enlightening look at our local history from the perspective of a member of the Ute Nation.

Admission for both the dedication and McCook's evening talk is free and open to the entire community. Admission to our the museum will be free from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 325-4576, or go online to ourayhistoricalsociety.org.

 
 

May 18 - Business After Hours-
Blue Pear - 5:30 – 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, thebluepear@yahoo.com. Dip into the hip! See what Blue Pear has been up to with new inventory and goodies to snack on!

 May 19- Business Round Table- Empowering your employees! 8am. Ouray Community Center. Sponsored by the Community Development Committee.

 May 19, 2010- 9:30 am Ouray County Supports the 3/50 Project- Meeting
Ouray Community Center, Open to all who support local services, shops and local living!
What services and supplies can you get in Ouray County that are competitive with out-of-town services and supplies? Know the dollar value to our schools, roads and other county services that depend on local  tax dollars. Meetings are held every other week- next meeting will be May 19 at the Ouray Community Center.  325-4746 for details.

 

June 2 – Taste of Ouray
– Taste of Ouray –Local chef's and restaurants. Music by Yvonne Meeks, brews by Colorado Boy and Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewing Company!  Vote for the Best of Taste of Ouray!  Come give your taste buds a real treat! 5-8 pm Ouray Community Center, 320 6th Ave. Info: www.ouraycolorado.com or 325-4746. Hosted by the Ouray Chamber Resort Association.

 
 

Wed. June 9- Business After Hours-
Wildflower Boutique and Khristopher's Culinaire Join Dee and Khris for a special summer evening Business After Hours-  lighting up Ouary's very own LoDo! 325-4089 for more information.

 
 

Requested links for the chamber chat:

                    City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings)   

              www.cityofouray.com

                    Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml

                    Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;

                    Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com 

                    Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) – www.ouraycolorado.com

                    Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) – www.ocpag.org

                    Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) – www.ourayarts.org

                    Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org

                    Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com

                    Ouray Trail Group  - www.ouraytrails.org

                    Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com

                    Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com

                    San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes  www.ourayclimbing.com/

                    Weehawken  Creative Arts (WCA) – www.weehawkenarts.org

                    Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org

                    Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan   Room.

  
 

 
 

2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS         

	Contact information                      Committees
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs	boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Marketing Lodging Compensation
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010)                 Vice President        4 J+1+1 RV Park	e.schoenebaum@yahoo.com W) 325-4418  H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427	Membership Compensation
Faith Parry (2010) Treasurer MorningSong B&B	info@morningsongbnb.com 325-4913 P.O. Box 708 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Scholarship
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478	boots_ouray@q.com 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427	Compensation
Rob Megna  (2010-2012)      Backstreet Bagel	P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427	Restaurant  Festival
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn  Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit	acook@ouraynet.com 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427	Membership Lodging
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear	thebluepear@yahoo.com Shop: 970-325-0450 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Marketing Retail
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant	outlaw4366@gmail.com 325-4366 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray,  Co. 81427	Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival Scholarship
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins  & Jeep Rentals	innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427	Lodging Membership CDC Ridgway Chamber Liaison
Jennifer Loshaw Executive  Director (March 2008 present)	ouray@ouraycolorado.com Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Membership Marketing

 
 

Chamber Chat May 06, 2010

**Disclaimer: The Chamber Chat is a courtesy service.  Our goal is to be short and readable with pass-along information and reminders requested from members. This service is being provided in lieu of forwarding e-mails directly to you. Thank you for reading our chat!
  

The chamber chat is full of  workshop opportunities and meetings… business stuff ya know (empowering you, right!?).  Please review the community calendar at OurayColorado.com. There is a lot going on such as  an  "Overview of Mac OS X"  class and the "Dedication of the Chief Ouray Bust" at OCHS. Who says we have an "off season"… that's history!  See OurayColorado.com for lots of details! Link our calendar to yours! It's a google thing.

 
 

IN THIS ISSUE:  

• Spring Closures/ Summer Openings- Updated as of 05/06/2010
  
• Mothers Day Brunch
  
• Jeep Ticket Sales to begin!
  
• LIQUOR LICENSING WORKSHOP
  
• Workshop- Sinking or Swimming: Assessing Your Special Events
  
• Workshop- "The Value of Public Relations"
  
• Business After Hours-
  Blue Pear- DATE CHANGE May 18!
  
• Business Round Table- Empowering your employees!
  
• 3/50 Project meeting- and the beat goes on!
  
• Taste of Ouray will be hosted 06/02/2010
  
• Ride the Rockies comes to town- June 15!  Be prepared!
  
• Links to members
  
• OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  
•  For current members Calendar of Event items, please see OurayColorado.com
  

Spring Openings! (Please send us your information! Thank you.)

Restaurants:

       Backstreet Bagel is OPEN- will close  May 10 to move to their new location

       Billy Goat's, both the Bistro and the Biergarten  will open by Memorial weekend. The Biergarten will be open 7 days a week. The Bistro will close on Monday.  Thirsty Thursdays are definitely on! Menus changes AND Artisan Bakery pretzels!

       Bon Ton is OPEN- closed Tue. & Wed. until Memorial weekend. Then open 7 days.

       Buen Tiempo is OPEN 7 days a week. Open for lunch on Sat & Sun.

       Bulow's Bistro will OPEN Memorial Day.

       Café' Ouray will OPEN Monday, May 3 for lunches only.  Memorial Day weekend through all of summer we will be open from 7am to 10pm everyday.

       Coachlight Tavern is open Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  Will open 7 days a week starting May 8th.  Coachlight Restaurant will open for the summer       season on May 22, 2010 7 days a week.

       Hot Springs Swim and Snack is OPEN 7 days a week

       Outlaw is OPEN – closed on Mondays until Memorial - will start opening at 4:30 on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. 

       The Saloon at the Historic Western Hotel will open May 14th for dinner every day from 5 to close. June lunch hours will be posted soon.

 
 

Seasonal Businesses:

Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour- OPENS May 13. Breakfast TBA.

The Box Canon Falls Park and Visitor Center will open for the summer season beginning May 8, 2010.  The hours are as follows:

 May 8 through May 28 - 9 am to 5 pm daily

 May 29 through September 6 (Labor Day) – 8 am to 8 pm daily

 September 7 through late October – 8 am to dusk

Ouray** County** Historical Society NOW OPEN for the Summer Season —*

San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours: Opens May 1.

Switzerland of America:
 OPENS May 16^th (Barring any further huge snow storms).

 Mothers Day: Sunday, May 9th

* Bon Ton- Mother's Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9

* The Tundra Restaurant - Mother's Champagne Brunch Buffet, 10am - 3:00pm

* Ouray Elks Annual Mother's Day Brunch- Bring the family or just yourself to honor all Mothers- Short ceremony at 1:00 then brunch afterwards- More info call Bette Maurer 325-0425

 
 

Jeep Ticket Sales to Begin! May 7^th!-  Tickets will be distributed by Patricia Sullivan starting May 7.   Patricia will be responsible for all pick up and drop off of tickets and funds. If you did not sell tickets last year and would like to sell tickets, please contact the chamber and we will be happy to add you to our list of vendors. Please remember-  Jeep ticket sales pay for 100% of the 4^th of July and New Years fireworks, a $1000 student scholarship and a new jeep (yes, we have to buy it).  Thank you all for your continued support!

 
 

May 10, 2010: LIQUOR LICENSING WORKSHOP IN OURAY ON MONDAY, MAY 10The Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Division will be conducting a ***FREE*** training class presented by Liquor Enforcement Officers Brian Dyet and Brian Turner (aka "The Brians"). The City of Ouray has scheduled its annual Liquor License Workshop with "The Brians" for Monday, May 10, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The training curriculum will include any new and/or proposed legislation effecting liquor licensing since last year's workshop and other pertinent liquor licensing topics. This is an opportunity for you and your employees to receive training prior to the busy summer season. 325-7066

 
 

Tuesday, May 11- Sinking or Swimming: Assessing Your Special Events

9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Ouray County 4-H Event Center, 22739 Hwy 550, Ridgway

Presented by Illene Roggensack, Third Sector Innovations.  A lively, thought-provoking exploration of fundraising special events! We'll use several self-assessment tools to measure the efficacy of your events and their revenue-generating potential, likely lifespan and role of an overall fundraising plan. All are invited, including Executive Directors, Board members, and event chairpersons and volunteers. You will take home:

• Methods and tools to objectively look at special event costs and benefits

• Better understanding of how to maximize return on investment in special events

• Clarity on the role of events in an overall fundraising strategy

$15 includes lunch, $10 for the workshop only

RSVP to Linda Simpson, 970.243.3767, or Sue Hillhouse, 970.626.2970 shill@ouraynet.com

 
 

May 14: "The Value of Public Relations"- Delta-Montrose Tech Center. 970-874-7671.

8:30-1:00- $30 includes box lunch.

- Working with the new media

- Developing your organization's image and reputation.

- What makes for a story?

- Integration of social media

- Hosting members of the news media.

This event is hosted by Ore commutations (OCRA's PR partners!)

RSVP: kelli@westerncolorado.org or call 970-874-9532

 May 18 - Business After Hours-
Blue Pear - 5:30 – 7:30, 450 Main St, Ouray , 325-0450, thebluepear@yahoo.com. Dip into the hip! See what Blue Pear has been up to with new inventory and goodies to snack on!

 May 19- Business Round Table- Empowering your employees! 8am. Ouray Community Center. Sponsored by the Community Development Committee.

 May 19, 2010- 9:30 am Ouray County Supports the 3/50 Project- Meeting
Ouray Community Center, Open to all who support local services, shops and local living!
What services and supplies can you get in Ouray County that are competitive with out-of-town services and supplies? Know the dollar value to our schools, roads and other county services that depend on local  tax dollars. Meetings are held every other week- next meeting will be May 19 at the Ouray Community Center.  325-4746 for details.

 June 2 – Taste of Ouray – Taste of Ouray - tantalizing, delicious samplings of local cuisine, live music and beverages. Yummy! Come give your taste buds a real treat! 5-8 pm Ouray Community Center, 320 6th Ave. Info: www.ouraycolorado.com or 325-4746.

 
 

Requested links for the chamber chat:

                    City of Ouray: (view City Council Agendas prior to the meetings)   

              www.cityofouray.com

                    Jeep road condition updates: http://soajeep.com/custom1.shtml

                    Newspapers: Ouray Plaindealer and Ridgway Sun - www.ouraynews.com;

                    Ouray County Watch- www.watchnewspapers.com 

                    Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) – www.ouraycolorado.com

                    Ouray County Performing Arts Guild (OCPAG) – www.ocpag.org

                    Ouray County Arts Association (OOAA) – www.ourayarts.org

                    Ouray County Historical Society: www.ouraycountyhistoricalsociety.org

                    Ouray Ice Park: http://www.ourayicepark.com

                    Ouray Trail Group  - www.ouraytrails.org

                    Painting Marmot Art Supply and Art School www.paintingmarmotart.com

                    Rays Good Stuff, jerky, jellies and more. The perfect gift! http://raysgoodstuff.com

                    San Juan Mountain Guides: New Classes  www.ourayclimbing.com/

                    Weehawken  Creative Arts (WCA) – www.weehawkenarts.org

                    Yankee Boy Conservation Association: http://www.yankeeboy.org

                    Ouray Beautification Committee: Committee meetings - monthly, the second Wednesday, beginning at 3:30 PM in the Community Center's San Juan   Room.

  
 

 
 

2010 OCRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS         

	Contact information                      Committees
Karen Avery (2009-2011) President Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs	boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com 325-4094 P.O. Box 439 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Marketing Lodging Compensation
Jill Schoenebaum (2008-2010)                 Vice President        4 J+1+1 RV Park	e.schoenebaum@yahoo.com W) 325-4418  H) 325-4864 P.O. Box F Ouray, CO. 81427	Membership Compensation
Faith Parry (2010) Treasurer MorningSong B&B	info@morningsongbnb.com 325-4913 P.O. Box 708 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Scholarship
Clint Boots (2008-2010) Secretary Citizens State Bank 325-4478	boots_ouray@q.com 325-4478 P.O Box A Ouray, CO. 81427	Compensation
Rob Megna  (2010-2012)      Backstreet Bagel	P.O. Box 1466 Ouray, CO. 81427	Restaurant  Festival
Alan Cook (2009-2011) Timber Ridge Lodge, Mattherhorn  Motel, Antlers Motel and Hypoxia Crossfit	acook@ouraynet.com 325-4856 P.O. Box 285 Ouray, Co. 81427	Membership Lodging
Michelle Poirer (2009-2011) Blue Pear	thebluepear@yahoo.com Shop: 970-325-0450 P.O. Box 128 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Marketing Retail
Paul Choate (2010-2012) Outlaw Restaurant	outlaw4366@gmail.com 325-4366 P.O. Box 1227, Ouray,  Co. 81427	Restaurant Ridgway Chamber Liaison Festival Scholarship
Scott Campbell (2010-2012) Riverside Inn &Cabins  & Jeep Rentals	innkeeper@ourayriversideinn.com 325-4061 P.O. Box 342 Ouray, CO. 81427	Lodging Membership CDC Ridgway Chamber Liaison
Jennifer Loshaw Executive  Director (March 2008 present)	ouray@ouraycolorado.com Cell- 946-0053 Office- 325-4746 Office: P.O. Box 145 Ouray, CO. 81427	Festival Membership Marketing