Business Advocate Feb. 2015

PAGE 6A • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2015 • LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

February 2015

Small Business. Big Business. Our Business.

Message from the Chair Don’t you just love February!

Happy Valentine’s Day! The Chamber loves all its members Carol Shack 2015 Board Chair - we want everyone to be successful and thrive!

I think February gives us a chance to decompress after the Holiday Season and really get back down to business for the upcoming year. I was able to witness several new businesses “kickstart” their new year! When you’re a new Chamber member, you’re invited to come to an orientation event at the chamber offices. As Chairperson of the Board of Directors, I had the honor, for my first time, to briefly address 36 new Chamber members at an Orientation on December 18, 2014.

I was so impressed by the wide scope of businesses in attendance: a travel agency, car broker, real estate agency,

manufacturer, dance studio, restaurant and brewery to name a few! The Orientation is an excellent opportunity to find out what the Chamber is all about, but equally important, it’s one of the first opportunities to network and make other members aware of your business and what you do!

Another amazing event for me was to attend the opening day of Leadership Longmont. Leadership Longmont is a six-month program wherein a small group of members meet once a month to delve into the inner workings of our great City.

Students have the opportunity to learn more about our excellent school system, healthcare in the 21st Century, media and communications, and Longmont city government including city council, safety & justice, and our city-owned fiber network (nextLight) and electric (Longmont Power & Communications). The class heard

an excellent presentation by Dr. Don Haddad, Superintendent of the St. Vrain Valley School District and cochair of Leadership Longmont, called “Leadership Defined.” The 2015 class will graduate in June after having gained a wealth of information on what makes our city great. You may want to check into signing up for the 2016 class in the Fall.

— Carol

SAVE THE DATE! Unity in the Community If you haven’t already registered for the upcoming Unity in the Community, be sure to do so right away! It’s February 26, from 5:30-7:30pm at The Plaza Conference Center.

See you there!

Welcome New Members Arc City, Inc. 303-536-8092 1801 Boston Ave. Longmont, CO 80501 Manufacturing/Manufacturers Paul Heibein Architectural and structural steel fabrication and installation. Crane service to 28 tons.

Thank you Jeremy Cary, Peak Insurance, for your referral!

Aligned Animal Wellness 720-460-6943 Longmont, CO 80501 Veterinarians Chiropractors Angela Boyazis Natural and affordable Chiropractic care for you and your furry family.

AXS-Wingman USA 720-480-4105 Longmont, CO 80504 Manufacturing/Manufacturers Stephen Cowen Bad Puppy LLC 303-990-1549 Longmont, CO 80501 Business Consultants Jill Atwood Open source analyst specializing in background checks and investigations for business purposes.

Bonnie Serratore Spiritual Accelerator 720-340-8849 442 Main Street Longmont, CO 80501 Personal Improvement Bonnie Serratore Remove interferences that contribute to PTSD, depression, anxiety, fear, phobia and insecurity immediately and permanently.

Thank you Brian Berry, MeritCard, for your referral!

Citywide Banks 303-365-4042 1611 Canyon Blvd.

Boulder, CO 80302 Banks Gary Gomulinski

Colorado Coaching 303-834-5040 Lincoln Street Longmont, CO 80501 Business Consultants Zoilita Grant Helping small business owners create the mindset for success through products service and training.

Thank you Brian Berry, MeritCard, for your referral! the Darkroom 303-485-7191 515 Main Street Longmont, CO 80501 Arts Organizations Julie Cardinal If you love fine-art photography, you’ll love the DARKROOM! Stop by, you’ll be amazed!

KC&G Business Appraisal Associates, Inc. 970-380-9171 10589 Butte Drive Longmont, CO 80504 Business Valuations Fawn Romero KC&G Business Appraisal Associates, Inc., specializes in the valuation of privately owned companies.

Manpower 970-226-0113 931 E Harmony Rd., Ste. 5 Fort Collins, CO 80525 Employment Services Brenda Krupp Manpower provides contingent and permanent staffing, delivery talent to businesses of all sizes.

Peak Insurance Partners Inc. 720-363-3795 825 Delaware Ave, Ste. 303 B Longmont, CO 80501 Insurance Parker Ridgley We provide a full range of lifelong financial well-being tailored insurance and financial services products.

Rainbow Electric Corp.

303-682-5300 1430 Nelson Rd., Ste. 221 Longmont, CO 80501 Electrical Contractors Lynda Nagl Thank you True North Insurance, for your referral!

Rocky Peak Payment Systems 720-340-4627 324 Main Street Longmont, CO 80501 Credit Card Processing Lori Read SYNERGY HomeCare 720-204-5788 2919 17th Avenue Suite 215 Longmont, CO 80501 Lorri Flint SYNERGY HomeCare is a non-medical home care agency providing personal care, companionship and homemaking services.

XSEED Design & Production 720-217-5890 Longmont, CO 80504 Video Productions Alicia Beeson Professional video production and storytelling for businesses, non-profits and public outreach.

Mark your calendars!

It’s almost time for Unity!

The Chamber’s Unity in the Community event is a chance for members and the community to meet and connect with elected officials as well as non-profit, community, and business leaders. This event is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2015. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Unity in the Community is one of the Chamber’s premier events of the year and will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm at the Plaza Conference Center, 1850 Industrial Circle.

The Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce has been a strong proponent of all types of business in the community for over a century. Unity in the Community is an important event for area non-profits, local business and government agencies that provide invaluable services to Longmont and region residents. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit non-profit tables and learn more about the important work provided by these organizations.

Unity in the Community brings elected officials together and gives all interested community members an opportunity to speak directly with officials and share views on issues. City council members from Longmont and surrounding communities are expected to be in attendance, along with school board members, state officials, county commissioners, judges and sheriffs. In 2014, the event drew over 90 elected officials from around the state. Attendance continues to grow every year, In 2014 the event drew over 1,000 people.

Members can log in and RSVP on the Chamber website at www.longmontchamber. org - Non-members can register by calling the Chamber at 303-776-5295 or emailing rsvp@longmontchamber.org.

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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?

Contact Shelley McLeod. Membership Director at 720-864-2878

Feb. 14 is y a D ’s e n i Valent elax!

R & w o N r e -Ord TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:

614 Coffman St., 303-776-2804 - & - 650 20th Ave., 303-776-4077

Order Online at

www.longmontflorist.com Register today at www.longmontchamber.org

LONGMONT TIMES-CALL • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2015 • PAGE 7A

Membership Matters The Chamber needs businesses to grow, and the businesses need the Chamber to grow.” As the economy improves, the Chamber is needed and valued more than ever for both small and large companies.

Advocates of local chambers of Shelly McLeod, Membership Director commerce have long believed that when a company is active in its Read what some of our members have to say: “As the owner of Twin Peaks Heating Cooling Plumbing and Windward Electrical, one of our main goals is to build lasting relationships with our customers, vendors and community. The Longmont Chamber provides us with a superior vehicle allowing us this opportunity.

We would not be as successful as we are today without the support of the Chamber and our community.“ — Christopher Fannon, Owner Operator Twin Peaks Heating Cooling Plumbing and Windward Electrical 720-491-3484, northerncoloradohvac.com

company and buy the company’s products. The results were even more powerful for small businesses. The key word is an Active membership. People need to know that a business is an Active Member. So if you are one of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce’s new members, a valued seasoned member, or a potential member: jump in, get involved and let all your clients know that you are chamber member and advocate.

How do you become active? Check out our website www.longmontchamber.org for the calendar of events and sign up today.

local chamber, it is doing the right thing not only for the community but for its own success as well.

What does an active chamber membership say about your business? The Shapiro group conducted a survey to test the effectiveness of an active membership in a local chamber. The results showed that it is an effective way to convey that the company uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares about customers and is reputable. This is true for both large and small businesses. When consumers know that a large company is a chamber member, they are more likely patronize that company, express favorable opinions about that “After moving my financial planning firm to downtown Longmont I noticed a distinct fellowship amongst the business community. I felt that it was important to be a part of that vibe but wasn’t sure where to start. I was introduced to the Chamber and attended a meeting. I was expecting a cold, good ole boys group but I was pleasantly surprised to experience quite the opposite. I cannot express how warm and welcome the Chamber has made me feel, not to mention the lifelong friendships I have made with other local Chamber businesses.

Not only was this a great business decision, but also just a great decision!”

— Frank and Brittany Oliver Oliver Financial Group oliverfinancialgroup.com

“If there is any doubt in your mind that membership in the Longmont Chamber will help you grow your business, you can let that go and sign up today. We have gotten countless clients because of how active I am with the Chamber, plus we just signed a major deal where the client found out about us thanks to our very first event: The Longmont Chamber’s “Ribbon Cutting” event and press release. The client clipped it from the paper the day it came out, saved it on his desk for months, saying to himself every day ‘I need to call that company!”’

If it hadn’t been for the Chamber, he never would have found us!”

— Paul Triffet, President, Renaissance Executive Forums Colorado www.executiveforumscolorado.com

Chamber Member Events WORKERS’ COMP CORNER Safety Seminar WED., FEB. 25

Exposing Workers Compensation Fraud 11:30am – 1pm All Chamber Members Welcome

Pinnacol Work Comp Safety Program Interested in More info?

Contact:

February Business Before Hours

The Longmont Branch of Sunflower Bank is on our second year of serving this terrific community.

We are a full service community bank that prides itself on providing legendary possibilities to the customers and communities we serve.

Whether that is through our incredible loan rates, personalized service or our community programs, Sunflower Bank our goal is to bring out the best in the lives we FRIDAY, FEB. 13 7:30-9AM touch in this vibrant and welcoming community.

We are thrilled to be hosting Business Before 25 E. Ken Pratt Blvd.

Hours on Feb. 13, expect a Valentine’s Day theme

NEW! Chamber Membership Card

Be sure to check your emailed paid invoice receipt for a copy of your Membership Card! Your card will come in handy when you visit Chamber members offering membership discounts for services or products.

Brown & Brown Insurance Inc. 303-827-2484 Ewing - Leavitt 800-974-7840

with food from Food Stuff and the opportunity to support A Woman’s Work, a local non-profit. Be sure to enter your business card in our door prize drawing for a free week of Advertising with the Longmont Compass (including ad creation)!

Business Before Hours is open to all members and prospective members with RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 12. Chamber members can RSVP online at www.longmontchamber.org. Prospective members must call Membership Director Shelley McLeod at 720-864-2878.

Business Before Hours at Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA 1

Business After Hours at Longmont Museum

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1: Shirley Kasperbauer: Mystic Garden Spa & Salon, Jane Kraemer: Twin Peaks Living Colorado Real Estate

TrueNorth Insurance and Financial Strategies 303-776-5122 Peak Insurance Group 303-828-1020

Thank You Renewing Members MEMBERS OF 50+ YEARS • BC Services Inc.

1: Ryan Wibby: Wibby Brewing, Lisa Underhill: Major Mom 2: David Marusiak: Colorado Business Bank, Noel Brendefur: Ed and Ruth Lehman YMCA

2: Christina Mollen: Rawlins National Bank, Michelle Brietzke: La Momo Maes Bakery, Tricia Otey: Apricot Lane Boutique

3: Jennifer Ferguson: HOPSCOTCH! The Musical!, Jeff Kopina:, Brett Bartscherer: H.M. Brown & Associates, Christine Cavalier: Broker Associate/Realtor

MEMBERS OF 40-49 YEARS • Branch Electric Inc. • Brock and Company CPA’s P.C. • Guaranty Bank and Trust Company • Howe Mortuary • Longmont Florist • Main Street Mat Company • Snyder Jewelers Third Generation • The Flower Bin MEMBERS OF 30-39 YEARS • Ahlberg Funeral Chapel Inc. • Barrett Investments Inc. • Foothills United Way • John D. Caldwell Inc. • Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House • RTD Board of Directors • St. Vrain Valley Education Association • Wagner Welding Supply Company MEMBERS OF 20-29 YEARS • Animal Hospital • Colorado Escrow & Title Services LLC • Gibraltar Business Appraisals Inc. • Keller Williams 1st Realty Associates Inc. • Longmont Humane Society • Longmont Symphony Orchestra

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Longmont Theatre Company Lynn Cunningham Appliance McLane Western Inc. Napp Landscape Services Inc. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. Rocky Mountain Medical Imaging P.C. Ron R. Fine Jewelry Ron’s Printing Center Security Service Federal Credit Union Thomas L. Beckmann P.C. VolkBell Wilcoxson Manufacturing Zephyr Management LLC

MEMBERS OF 15-19 YEARS • Dyer Realty Inc. • Elwood Staffing • Imagine!

• Longmont Council For The Arts • Mystic Garden Spa & Salon • Northern Colorado Air Inc. • Precise Cables Inc. • Thomas Moore Architects • Vectra Bank Colorado MEMBERS OF 10-14 YEARS • Carpenter Fence

3: Wesley Jessup: Longmont Museum, Mary Blue; Visit Longmont, Forrest Fleming: Instant Imprints, Stephanie Hardy: Guaranty Bank, Duane Leise: Dance Dimensions

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Convergence Solutions Inc. Fidelity National Title Longmont Vision Center Pollard Friendly Motor Co The Rothe Financial Group Inc. The Shores Apartments

MEMBERS OF 5-9 YEARS • A Woman’s Work Inc. • Anton Collins Mitchell LLP • Atria Longmont • Broes Electric Inc. • Business Referral Network • DCNC Inc. • Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado P.C. • Frontier Honda • Great Western Bank • Holiday Inn Express • Jimmy John’s (ADC Restaurants LLC) • Mountain View Welding • Nesheim’s Cleaning Services Inc. • New York Life Insurance CoAlex Tingley Agent • Overture Colorado • Stover & Spitz LLC • Valley Nissan-Subaru LLC

• Village at the Peaks C/O Newmark • Merrill • Visit Longmont MEMBERS OF 1-4 YEARS • Alliant National Title Insurance Company • Bridge Assisted Living • Caliber Home Loans • Data Ductus Inc. • Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment • GLaurens Graphics and Design • Green Machines ATM • Griffin Lock & Safe • I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County • Longmont Chorale Inc. • Longmont Community Acupuncture and Healing Arts • Meritcard • Nextera Healthcare • Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association • Ramco Gershenson Inc. - Harvest Junction • Scornavacco Martial Arts Academy • Sunflower Bank • The Chinese Medicine Clinic • The Oskar Blues Can’d Aid Foundation