The image on the cover is courtesy of local Golden photographer, Andrew Terrill. The image, “Double Rainbow
There truly is no place quite like Golden. From our beautiful natural surroundings, to our unique shops and restaurants; from our historical roots and cherished western heritage, to our innovation and entrepreneurial spirit; from our hometown pride to our famous arch on Washington. No place can compare to Golden! In 2023, the Golden Chamber of Commerce released our new brand and with it, our new manifesto, found on page 6. Our new manifesto is not just about what we do as an organization, but it is a call to action for our community. Whether you are a Chamber member, a community volunteer, a business owner, a long-time resident, or someone new to the area, we hope that the pages of this magazine help you find your place in Golden.
Over Golden, Colorado” was taken in 2016, overlooking Castle Rock in Golden. Andrew Terrill’s photography can be found and purchased online at: https://fineartamerica.com/ profiles/andrew-terrill
You can learn more about Andrew and his photography at https://andrewterrill.com/
“How
“I have found my place under the arch through my role at the Golden Chamber of Commerce. I feel honored to support the community that I call home by providing resources to the businesses that give Golden its unique charm, history, and sense of community. It is a wonderful place to live and work and I consider myself lucky that I get to do both here in Golden.”
– Nola Krajewski President“I literally own businesses that are located under the arch! Being involved and giving back to the community is what I like to think as my place under the arch.”
– Dean Valdez Board Chair
SPACIOUS PATIO SEATING!
NOW SERVING MARGARITA TOWERS
DOING BUSINESS IN THE GOLDEN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 15 YEARS!
We believe every business in Golden has a place in the community — because every business has a stake in helping Golden thrive. Strong businesses need flourishing communities that, in turn, feed more growth and opportunity for all. We complete that Golden circle. By connecting people — business leaders, thinkers, do-ers, citizens, neighbors — The Golden Chamber of Commerce creates a foundation for success, a springboard for growth and a platform for support. It’s how we unlock the spirit that drives Golden.
Join us, and find your place under the arch
Lunch n' Learns provide a variety of topics presented by local experts, and our annual Business Summit is a local opportunity for professional development.
When communities are strong, we all win. We provide events to strengthen Golden and connect our members to the town they call home.
Be a part of a something bigger. Volunteering and being a part of a committee provide ways to be more involved and deepen connections.
Our monthly VIBE@Five is Golden's business happy hour and a great way to build business relationships.
Chamber members are recognized as community builders. Consumers are more likely to do business with chamber members.
From our website to our printed directory, from social media to eBlasts, we work to make sure Golden knows who our members are.
We want to see our member businesses succeed. We are here to provide support along the way and celebrate special growth milestones with a Ribbon Cutting.
The Golden Chamber is listening to the issues and providing a voice for our businesses to Legislators, government, and city officials.
Bringing Business Together to Bring Golden Forward.
www.GoldenChamber.org
We believe that every business in Golden has a place in the community because every business has a stake in helping Golden thrive. In turn, our community has a stake in showing up and supporting the businesses that are choosing to make Golden their homebase.
There are a number of great resources to help build business in and around Golden.
• The City of Golden has a great resource to connect you with all you need to know to get your business in Golden started. Check out the B2B website at https://b2b.cityofgolden.net/
• Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (JeffcoEDC) has an online resource hub for businesses located in Jefferson County. Visit their Biz Hub website at: https://bizhub.jeffcoedc.org/
• The Small Business Development Center Colorado has a wide range of services to help new and existing businesses. They have online resources and also offer in-person business services at no cost. Jeffco EDC has partnered with the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to bring SBDC services to Jefferson County. An SBDC expert accepts appointments or walk-ins (as availability permits) at the Jeffco EDC offices every Friday from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Learn more at: https://www.coloradosbdc. org/
• The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center provides resources to create successful connections between job seekers and employers. Learn more at https:// www.jeffco.us/4157/Business-Workforce-Center
• The Jefferson County Public Library offers a service that is open to businesses called “Book a Librarian”. With this service you can request personalized assistance from a librarian for research, data access, etc. Learn more at: https://jeffcolibrary.org/
• The Golden Chamber of Commerce is your resource to help you get connected to others that are on a similar business journey or that can help you along the way. We offer educational opportunities such as monthly Lunch & Learns and our annual Launch Business Summit. We are also here to connect you to the resources you need to be successful. Reach out! www. GoldenChamber.org
Golden has a long history of communitycentered events that bring people together. Community events happen because of the hard work and dedication of volunteers. Each year the Golden Chamber of Commerce needs hundreds of helping hands to make our events safe, successful and fun. Volunteering is a way to be a part of a local event and give back at the same time. We want our local residents and businesses to feel connected to the events we provide and the best way to do so is to be a part of them! Please consider giving some of your time to a local community event. To get involved in any of the Golden Chamber’s community events as a volunteer, please email or call our Events & Operations Director, Lora Knowlton, Lora@goldenchamber.org or 303-279-3113, option 2. You can also visit our website, GoldenChamber.org, and sign up under our volunteer link on the website.
The Golden Chamber Ambassadors are active and experienced members who volunteer their time to provide a crucial link between the Chamber and its members. They help to ensure that all members receive the maximum benefit from their investment. Ambassadors are at the core of the community’s business activities. Their primary responsibilities are to assist with welcoming new members, member retention efforts, and recruiting new members. Our Ambassadors enjoy the rewards of making new contacts, strengthening relationships, and accessing a wealth of information and resources.
Ambassadors have a lot of fun interacting with the community and building business involvement, representing the Golden Chamber at Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings, member networking events, and the monthly V.I.B.E.@Five happy hour. If you are a member that wants to get involved, please contact us! Info@GoldenChamber.org
Thank you to Judd Robertson of Mighty Pine Heating Heating & Air for serving as the 2024 Ambassador Chair!
by Barb Warden GoldenToday.com
The year was 1949. The war was over, and the national mood was optimistic. Golden’s population was exploding and its downtown businesses were thriving. After the wartime shortages of cars, gasoline, and tires, automobile sales were booming. Americans were on the move, eager to hit the road and explore the country.
Golden’s business leaders were determined to attract their share of the growing tourism market. Lu Holland, President of the Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Holland House Hotel, decided that a big WELCOME arch over the main street was just what Golden needed to capture tourists’ attention.
The Welcome Arch was officially unveiled on March 24, 1949. The letters were originally outlined in neon, and the community gathered on Washington Avenue to watch it be illuminiated for the first time. The big event was preceded by a parade. The School of Mines Band, the Buffalo Bill Saddle Club, the Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts, Golden Grange, and other groups marched down Washington Avenue, starting
at 16th Street marching down to the business district.
The Governor was in town to help us celebrate. He flipped the switch at 8PM, and the lights came on. Radio station KMYR was on hand to broadcast the event, with Gene Amole acting as master of ceremonies. The Colorado Transcript estimated a crowd of 6000 people.
Popular as the sign was, it was a favorite target for rock-throwing kids. That’s probably why the Transcript editor, writing in 1975, remembered the arch as often saying “WELCOME TO OLDEN” and “How Folks!” Subsequent redesigns of the arch eliminated the neon lettering.
Santa Claus and his reindeer made his debut on the arch during its very first Christmas season. The Chamber of Commerce contacted that same sheet metal worker who had built the sign and asked them to add a holiday flourish. Santa and his reindeer have appeared over the arch every December since 1949.
The Welcome Arch has been refurbished several times in its 75+ year history, and minor variations were
Arch Continued from Page 10
often introduced. A 1970s rendition of the sign added a postcard-like painting of a gold panner. The painting was not generally popular, and the clock seldom worked.
The most controversial alteration was made in 1979. At that time, a committee was charged with updating the arch. Upon considering the tag line, WHERE THE WEST REMAINS, the group decided that the word “REMAINS” made Golden sound like a corpse. They instructed the sign painter to change the word to “LIVES.” Golden-ites had grown used to the wording they had seen for thirty years and were outraged at the change.
The sign committee stuck to their guns, and WHERE THE WEST LIVES has remained on the sign, but even now when the wording is mentioned to a group of Golden old-timers, they likely grumble: “It’s SUPPOSED to say, WHERE THE WEST REMAINS!”
The sign has more than fulfilled its original mission. Tourists flock to have their photos taken with the arch in the background. Locals, too, value the sign. Every event planner wants their parade/race/party to take place under the Welcome Arch. That’s how people looking at the pictures will know that it took place in GOLDEN –WHERE THE WEST LIVES.
5
Golden,Colorado offers amazing opportunities for people that are looking to move to town. Year round outdoor activities, plentiful job opportunities, and beautiful surroundings are just some of the reasons why people love living in Golden.
1
Learn about how the core of Golden operates; including the demographics, education choices, transportation, and more. Find great info at: https://www.cityofgolden. net/work/economic-development/demographics/
2
Take a drive around town and get familiar with the different neighborhoods in Golden. Mesa Meadows offers panoramic views and close proximity to downtown. Briarwood Commons has a wide variety of townhomes and close access to public transportation. Pike Street area offers newer and high end construction on the south side of town. These are just a few neighborhoods to check out! Contact a local realtor to show you around! We have a great list of realtors here in this business guide.
3
Check out all of the outdoor activities Golden has to offer including trails, parks, open spaces, and recreation. The opportunities are endless. For a great list to visit: https://www.mines.edu/campus-life/living-in-golden/
4
Get in the know about what is going on in town. Find out which social clubs, meetups, and organizations there are that may be of benefit to you. There are summer camps, recreation, and year round activities for all ages. Learn about upcoming events and activities and stay in the know about all that Golden has to offer.
Check out: https://goldentoday.com/ and subscribe to The Golden Transcript, our local newspaper.
5Find great connections within the Golden Chamber of Commerce business directory to help you navigate the area. The directory lists business and services to make your move here as smooth as possible including realtors, financial services, lenders, contractors, home inspectors, and much more. Check out our member list in this directory and online - our member businesses are ready to help your move to Golden go smoothly!
The Golden Chamber of Commerce coordinates and supports many cherished community events in Golden. Please join us in 2024 for the following community events hosted by the Golden Chamber:
Every Saturday, June 1 – October 5, 8am – 1pm
Held at 10th Street and Illinois, near the Golden Library and the tennis courts
The Golden Farmers Market is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Our market provides an opportunity for start ups and microbusinesses to grow while also providing a community space, healthy produce and food products, crafts and artisanal products, and is the perfect backdrop to a summer day in Golden. The market is also dedicated to supporting all individuals and families, regardless of income, by welcoming SNAP, WIC, and Double Up Food Bucks.
Join us all summer long at the Golden Farmers Market! To stay up to date, follow the Golden Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram. Find parking information, volunteer opportunities and more on our website: https://goldenfarmersmarket.org/
Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th , 10am – 5pm each day
Held in downtown Golden along 11th Street between Arapahoe and Maple Streets
A Golden icon for over three decades, Golden Fine Arts Festival is a prestigious juried art show located in the heart of historic downtown Golden. The festival features just over 100 artists in the categories of 2D art, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and jewelry. The Golden Fine Arts Festival brings thousands of people to Golden to experience high quality art and to tour the area. It is a destination event that highlights the businesses and beauty of Golden.
Learn more by visiting the website or following the Golden Fine Arts Festival on Facebook. https://www.goldenfineartsfestival.org/
Events strengthen communities & strengthen the local economy
Events introduce people to the community. Many people come to Golden for the first time to attend and event and then come back again to see more of the area.
Community events become special traditions for local residents. Many people’s hometown memories include attending events that were special to them.
Presented in partnership with Coors Distributing Company
Fall 2024
Held at Parfet Park, on the corner of Washington Ave and 10th Street in the heart of Golden.
The “Knock your Boots Off” Beer Tasting & Chili Cook Off is a fun way for individuals, groups, and local businesses to compete against one another in a chili cook off. This event brings many newcomers to Golden for a fun fall day of beer, chili, hiking, dining, and exploring. Hosted in partnership with Coors Distributing Company, this event boasts over 100 beers to sample in addition to chili samples. This event not only showcases our local community and supports the Golden Chamber of Commerce, but it also serves as a fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The silent auction fundraiser at this event will “knock your boots off”!
https://goldenbeerchilicookoff.org/
Community events help showcase our local businesses through sponsorships, vendor and exhibitor booths, parade floats, and more.
Events have a direct financial impact on communties by driving traffic into local stores and restaurants. They also serve as important fundraisers for non profit organizations to provide services year round. Events also contribute a significant amount of sales tax to the City.
In a time when its easy to get stuck behind a screen, events bring people together to volunteer, to have fun, and to feel connected to the place they call home.
Presented alongside the City of Golden and Visit Golden Activities throughout the month of December including Candlelight Walk, Olde Golden Holiday Parade, and Jingle on the Avenue
Olde Golden Holidays offers some of the area’s favorite traditions, both new and old, such as the Candlelight Walk, Olde Golden Holiday Parade, and Jingle on the Avenue. Each event is designed to bring our community together and to partner with businesses for shopping, dining, and showcasing how they support Golden all year round.
Join us throughout the holiday season to celebrate the beauty of our community. Learn more on the Visit Golden website or by following Olde Golden Holidays on Facebook. https://www.visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas/
We loved Colorado before Colorado was even a state. Our water, our employees and our beer are all born in the Rockies. But the thing we love most about Colorado is the community, which is why we’ll always take care of you.
Golden is known for educational attainment. In fact, according to recent demographics, 77.87% of Golden residents have some college education or higher (associate degree, bachelors degree, or advanced degree). From small hometown schools, to a 150 year old premier engineer and applied science university, Golden offers a place where everyone can learn.
Elementary Schools: Kyffin Elementary
Fairmount Elementary
Maple Grove Elementary
Mitchell Elementary
Ralston Elementary
Shelton Elementary
Welchester Elementary
Middle School: Bell Middle School
High School: Golden High School
Charter Schools:
The Manning School (Middle School)
Compass Montessori Golden
Golden View Classical Academy
Free Horizon Montessori
Career and Technical Education (CTE) School: Warren Tech
School District:
Jefferson County Public Schools
Colleges and Universities in and around Golden: Colorado School of Mines
Red Rocks Community College
Colorado Christian University
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Are you feeling overwhelmed?
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is a 110 year-old family business led by fifth generation family members. We have supported essential industries for over a century by creating new materials and technologies to meet the challenges that impact our world.
GYP’s mission is to promote the vitality of the Golden community and to empower young professionals in the greater Golden area to excel as leaders. To fulfill this mission, GYP organizes social events, professional development meetings, and volunteer opportunities to create and nurture a network of young professionals from all industries. GYP places a strong emphasis on community engagement, recognizing the value of the personal and professional relationships formed while serving the community together.
As Chair of GYP, it is an honor to serve our members and the greater Golden community. I invite you to discover the opportunities that GYP offers and to join us in making a difference in Golden, expanding your social network and creating business opportunities.
I want to take a moment to share the incredible impact that Golden Young Professionals (GYP) is making in our community. Each month join us for:
• A local or educational speaker at our monthly meetings on the Third Thursday of the month at 7:30 a.m. in the Golden Visitor’s Center
• Happy hour on the second Tuesday of the month from 5pm – 7pm (location changes)
• As well as additional social and volunteer opportunities.
This past year we have volunteered with the Civic Foundation, ran the annual postal food drive, volunteered at the Fine Arts Festival, Chili Cook Off and all the Olde Golden Holiday events! We learned to boulder at The Spot Climbing Gym, went to a Rockies game, bowling, and cheered on our hometown team, The Colorado Summit. GYP is here to encourage members and celebrate their work achievements as well as new relationships, new family members, and personal milestones.
The Golden Young Professionals group has been an active and vibrant part of the Chamber and Golden Community. Your dedication and enthusiasm have not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to serve as your President.
Leah Denzel President, Golden Young Professionals
Leah Denzel, Rocky Mountain Benefits
Marina Buswell, Golden Counseling Center
Sam Cummings, Cummings Home Improvements
Marshall Moore, On Tap Credit Union
Christa Smith, Smithworks Cleaning Services
Gabbi Davis, Adjusted Life Chiropractic
Hunter Wyckoff, Golden Wealth Solutions, Inc.
Katie Carbiener, Carbs Performance and Wellness
GYP’s members are professionals between the ages of 21 and 39 with an interest in Golden. We come from diverse educational backgrounds, an array of professions, and varying positions within our fields. GYP prides itself on being an inclusive organization and welcomes all young professionals with a desire to make an impact in the Golden community.
To learn more about GYP, please go to GoldenChamber.org or email Youngprofessionalsgolden@gmail.com
At the Golden Chamber of Commerce, we believe in supporting our businesses through advocacy efforts and making sure that the needs of our business community are heard. Our goal is to be a Champion, a Catalyst, and a Convener for business in Golden. Our business advocacy work can be seen on local, county-wide, and statewide levels.
LOCAL: BEING A VOICE FOR BUSINESS
The Golden Chamber is focused on the economic and civic interests of the community and serving as a connection between city management, city council, and the business community. We do that by writing letters of support or speaking to City Council on behalf of an issue that affects multiple businesses and by participating in local Golden initiatives, to provide a unique perspective on how local decisions can impact the business community.
COUNTY WIDE: JEFFERSON COUNTY BUSINESS LOBBY (JCBL)
JCBL serves as the unified voice of more than 25,000 JeffCo businesses advocating for public policies that will strengthen the business climate in the City of Golden and beyond. The Golden Chamber serves as one of the representatives that advocates for businesses in Jefferson County with government and stays informed of state legislation impacting businesses in our community.
STATEWIDE: COLORADO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & COLORADO COMPETITIVE COUNCIL (C3)
The Golden Chamber participates as a member of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and also the Colorado Competitive Council. Through these organizations, we are made aware of and participate in monitoring and weighing in on legislation that can impact Colorado’s business climate.
COMMUNITY: KNOWING THE ISSUES
Additionally, the Golden Chamber of Commerce stays involved in social issues that impact our business community. From affordable housing to food insecurity, from workforce development to public health issues, we make sure to have a seat at the table for important conversations that impact those living and working in Golden.
To learn more about our advocacy efforts, email info@goldenchamber.org
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