Thank you for your interest in the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Statistics report that chamber members have the highest rated customer service in the industry. Membership is a great investment in the future of Castle Rock, Douglas County and your business. See how you can get connected to our business community, Join Today!
Members, share your good news! Add your own press release.
Join Gov. Polis & OEDIT: “Support for Colorado Small Businesses” Informational Webinar
You are invited to join Governor Jared Polis and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade for a webinar streamed on Facebook Live to learn more state resources and federal stimulus programs to help small businesses, and where and how to reach technical support to overcome obstacles in the application process. Event details are below: “Support for Colorado Small Businesses” Unlocking Federal and State Resources for Your Small Business Monday, January 25, 2021 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Colorado Will Add Jobs in 2021
There is good news on the horizon for the Colorado economy. Colorado’s real GDP growth rate for 2021 will be slightly higher than the U.S. rate. It will return to its pre-pandemic value in late 2021. The Colorado job situation will start awfully slow, but it will pick up in Q2 and Q3. It will be a rocky road, but the state will add 45,000 jobs in 2021. The level of employment will return to its pre-pandemic value in 2023. Colorado’s unemployment rate will be greater than most states because
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
This grant offers emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic.The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act, signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues to be administered by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance.Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO grants equal to 45 percent of their gross earned
OSHA Issues Guidance and Enforcement Policies on COVID-19
View in Browser OSHA Issues Guidance and Enforcement Policies on COVID-19 Friday, February 5 1:00 - 2:30 PM Eastern OSHA has recently issued an important guidance on COVID-19 for employers as well as issuing two revised enforcement policies for enforcing OSHA's requirements with respect to COVID-19 as many workplaces move towards reopening. This webinar will outline OSHA's recent guidance and provide an in-depth summary of an employer's obligations to keep the workplace safe when operating in this
National Study: Castle Rock, CO ranks #1 for the Safest Small Cities and Towns in Colorado
After a year of upheaval due to the pandemic, politics and social unrest, many Americans crave normalcy in 2021. Many Americans fled — or dreamed of fleeing — large cities during COVID-19 surges. Seeking respite in America’s smaller cities and towns has its appeal, but how much safer are small towns in reality? To test the theory that small cities and towns are the safest places in America, MoneyGeek analyzed crime statistics by quantifying the cost of crime and ranking small cities and towns nationwide
Colorado General Assembly Convenes for 2021 Session
Colorado General Assembly First Day This morning the Colorado General Assembly gaveled in to start the first session of the 73rd General Assembly. 18 first year legislators took the oath of office for the first time, 4 prior Representatives were sworn in as Senators, and the new leadership took their posts. Speaker of the House Alec Garnett addressed the chamber for the first time as Speaker. Representative Daneya Esgar will now serve as House Majority Leader. This year new committee chairs will
First Day of 2021 Legislative Session Wraps Up -
Today the Colorado legislature convened for the first day of a short week to pass urgent bills before they recess. Absent in both chambers was all of the normal pomp and circumstance that goes along with the first day including the speeches from caucus leaders. The speeches that outline caucus priorities for the year, along with the Governor’s State of the State address, are delayed until the legislature returns in mid-February. This morning the House of Representatives got off to a rocky start. During
Day Two of the January 2021 Session
Day Two of January 2021 Session Wraps Up Work today went more smoothly than yesterday at the Colorado state capitol with both chambers finishing up work by midday and no bills being hung up by long debates. Tomorrow the bills will be up for third reading votes and any differences between the House and Senate versions of bills will be reconciled before being sent to the Governor for signature. Bills on the Move House BillsHB21-1001 Remote Participation in Party Committee Meetings—This
ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE RELEASES FIRST ISSUE OF BUSINESS IN COLORADO MAGAZINE
ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE RELEASES FIRST ISSUE OF BUSINESS IN COLORADO MAGAZINE DENVER (January 15, 2021) – The Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce (ACCC) launched the premiere issue of its Business in Colorado Magazine, a business-to-business publication highlighting Colorado businesses, timely local issues and initiatives implemented by chambers of commerce throughout the state. The 2021 issue includes topics such as building business
General Assembly Temporarily Adjourns Until 2/16
General Assembly Temporarily Adjourns Today the Colorado General Assembly temporarily adjourned until February 16. All of the bills introduced for the brief three day session passed. This week the legislature passed bills that allow for electronic wills, allow party committee and vacancy committee meetings to occur remotely throughout 2021, corrected drafting problems with HB20-1420, allow SMART Act hearings to occur remotely and throughout the legislative recess, expand a small business relief grant
Governor Polis remains hopeful that the quantity of vaccines in the state will allow for expansion of the age criteria within a few weeks.
Governor Polis Statement on CDC’s Recommendation to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine to Include 65-Years-Old or Older Governor Jared Polis today reiterated Colorado’s commitment to vaccinating 70% of the state’s residents who are 70 and older by February 28th, 2021 along with completing the vaccination of our healthcare workers and first responders. The state is reviewing the announcement from the Trump administration of their updated guidance as well as actively engaging the incoming Biden
Additional Paycheck Protection Program Resources Available for Colorado Businesses
My Fellow Coloradans, We are pleased to report that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open this week for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote widespread community access to capital, initially, only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans today, Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly
5 key issues (other than tax incentives) for business in the 2021 legislative session
The Colorado Capitol in December 2020. The 2021 legislative session begins on Jan. 13. KATHLEEN LAVINE,DENVER BUSINESS JOURNAL By Ed Sealover – Senior Reporter, Denver Business Journal 3 hours ago While Colorado business leaders are preparing to have their most in-depth debate about tax credits and exemptions in the past decade during the 2021 legislative session, that is far from the only issue that will be on their minds this year. Advocates continue to push for a long-term
From the Governor's Office: Update on COVID-19
Community Leaders, Kara here with the Governor’s Community Engagement team! In an effort to continue to provide you with an official update from the Governor’s office, below are some updates and information that the Governor provided. We appreciate your support in helping to share these updates with your network. With the rise of COVID-19 in Colorado, it is critical that Coloradans stay safer at home whenever possible, and limit any socializing to your household. Quick Links to Stay Up to
.png)
Popular Business Support webinar extended through January, with places of worship and restaurant webinars
Business owners and staff: Join our policy manager every Friday in January at 10 a.m. to get the latest updates about the state’s dial framework and what it means for your business. Spanish translation is available. Register today at http://bit.ly/BizCOVID-19Support We are also offering a places of worship webinar bi-weekly and a restaurant webinar bi-weekly. All Businesses/Industries every Friday 10:00-11:00 a.m. Register for this webinar.All Businesses/Industries in Spanish with Las Chingonas group every
.png)
COVID Pandemic Relief Program Provides Assistance For Small Businesses
DENVER - The passage of the bipartisan SB20B-001 allocated $35.15M to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for grants to certain small businesses across Colorado, struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic. SB20B-001 was sponsored by Sens. Faith Winter and Kevin Priola, and Reps. Leslie Herod and Shane Sandridge. Businesses will obtain funding through their local governments from the DOLA Division of Local Government (DLG) Small Business Relief program (SBR), managed in collaboration with the
Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans
As part of an end-of-year pandemic relief package, Congress has passed several changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and created a “Second Draw” PPP for small businesses who have exhausted their initial loan. Other changes impact eligibility for initial PPP loans, the loan forgiveness process, and the tax treatment of PPP loans. Congress has also made changes to other programs – including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Program), the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a Venue Grant program,
.png)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment releases 5 Star variance program requirements
Yesterday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released the final requirements for the long awaited “5 star” certified business variance program. CDPHE will start taking applications from counties for the program on Friday December 18, 2020. The program will require businesses to meet safety measures beyond what is already required by the current Public Health Orders, which will allow them to increase their capacity limits. The 5 Star Program is for business owners who are
CDPHE finalizes parameters for 5 star variance program
REMOTE, (Dec. 16, 2020): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released the final parameters for the “5 star” certified business variance program, after receiving over 980 public comments and engaging in numerous stakeholder meetings with local government, local public health, and the business community. CDPHE will begin accepting applications on Friday. The program requires businesses certified through the program to implement safety measures beyond what is already
.png)
Certify My Business - 5 Star State Certification Program or the 5 Star Variance Program by the CDPHE
Certified COVID Best Practices Business ProgramKnown as the 5 Star State Certification Program or the 5 Star Variance Program by the CDPHE, the program in Douglas County will be known as the COVID Best Practices Business Certification Program and those who seek and achieve successful certification will receive designation as a Certified COVID Best Practices Business. The COVID Best Practices Business Certification Program is a voluntary local certification program that enables businesses to operate at a
2021 Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Chamber Supporter! Please review our documents below, if you have questions, please contact Pam Ridler at Pam@castlerock.org or call 303.688.4597.Overview - All 2021 Sponsorship Opportunities2021 Events WineFest, Artfest, Golf Classic, Starlighting, Parade, & Annual Banquet 2021 Programs Leadership Douglas County (LDC), Talent Pipeline Douglas County (TPDC), eXcelerate Business Development, Women of Influence Luncheon, Douglas County Business
Castle Rock Chamber's support of restaurants-letter to the Governor
Today, the Castle Rock Chamber & the Douglas County Business Alliance (DCBA) sent letters to Governor Polis in support of reopening our local restaurants, asking for the Governor to strongly reconsider restrictions. While both the Chamber and DCBA acknowledge the devastating effects of the COVID -19 Pandemic on our state and recognize that difficult public health public restrictions need to be considered and adopted, the Chamber and DCBA feel the current Red Level restrictions are disproportionately
Colorado House Republican Leadership Elections and legislative database for the 2021 session
Yesterday the House Republican caucus held leadership elections. There were many changes to leadership including a new House Minority Leader, Representative Hugh McKean. During the leadership election for assistant minority leader, two of the representatives nominated bowed out of the race, leaving it between Representative Tim Geitner and Representative Mark Baisley. The current House Republican Joint Budget Committee member, Representative Kim Ransom retained her seat on the JBC. House
Castle Rock Chamber golf winners announced
On Tuesday, September 29th we were joined by 126 golfers at The Ridge at Castle Pines Golf Course for the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. This tournament serves as an opportunity for Castle Rock Chamber businesses to network out of the office and on the greens. The event was held safely and under clear blue skies, even the smoke seemed to disappear on this special day. Since we didn’t gather for an awards reception, we wanted to give a quick shout out to the placing teams and the contest prize
Chamber members and community supporters lend a helping hand
Castle Rock Chamber rallies members and community supporters to stand up and show up for struggling businesses in our community. Our purpose at the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce is to create economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. In order to be successful in our mission, we need our members and our community supporters who share our same altruistic spirit and desire to support, advocate, and lead. Together we can help many, will you make the pledge to stand with us to support
Final Citizen Led Initiative Qualifies: 3 legislative referred measures, 1 referendum petition, and 7 citizen led initiatives on the November 2020 ballot
Recently the Secretary of State verified signatures submitted for Initiative #257 Local Voter Approval of Gaming Limits in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City. The initiative proposes to remove the single bet limits and allow the voters in towns where gaming is allowed to establish gaming limits and the games allowed in casinos. Initiative #257 will be the final measure to be placed on the November ballot. Next week the Legislative Council will review the draft blue book language for this
Castle Rock Chamber announces annual award winners, successful business couple among the honorees
The Chamber's role to be the catalyst, convener and champion for the business community was evident at this year's annual banquet where award nominees, community leaders and members reflected on the Chamber’s sixty-five years of commitment to our business community. The annual event, a time-honored tradition, provides the opportunity to announce new leadership, recognize Chamber's successes, and to celebrate the outstanding business leaders in our community. Castle Rock Chamber Chairman, Mike McNairy,
.jpg)
The 2020 issue of Livability Castle Rock, CO is out and now available online!
Livability Castle Rock, Colorado, an annual print magazine and digital content marketing program, encourages business investment, talent recruitment and relocation by reaching entrepreneurs, site selectors, corporate executives and other talented individuals and families attracted to our quality of life. This is the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce’s primary quality-of-life marketing program for talent attraction. We hope you’ll join us in spreading the word about what a great place this is to live and do
Governor Polis Final Action on Bills from the 2020 Session and New Mask Order
COVID-19 Questions & answers about the statewide mandatory mask order flyer STATEWIDE MASK ORDER one pagerDemocrat/Republican split in House of Representatives: 41/24Democrat/Republican split in the Senate: 19/16Number of days met: 84Number of days left under 120 limit: 36Number of days in recess: 72 daysNumber of bills, resolutions, and memorials introduced during the 2020 Legislative Session: 710Number of bills signed by the Governor: 326Number of bills vetoed as of June 16, 2020: 3Last day for the
Castle Rock Named the Best Up-and-Coming Small City Near a Major Metro
Don't Want to Give Up Big-City Life? Check Out These 8 Up-and-Coming Small Cities Close to Major MetrosReady for a slower pace and more space but still want to enjoy the perks of a big city? These small cities offer the best of both worlds.By: Brittany Anas, On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - 11:15 Over the past few months, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted many people to re-examine their living situations. Amid shutdowns, for instance, having easy access to open space — or a backyard at the very
General Assembly Resumes the 2020 Legislative Session
Today the General Assembly reconvened to finish up the 2020 legislative session. Legislators returned to a different atmosphere with many new safety protocols in place, fewer lobbyists and members of the public in the building and temperature checks at the entrances. During the morning floor work in the House of Representatives, some legislators sat in the gallery above the chamber in order to allow legislators on the floor to sit socially distanced from one another. Some legislators chose not to wear
DCBA, Day 62 of the Legislative Recess
In a piece of good news, it was announced on Friday that the Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs would be the home to US Space Command for at least the next 6 years. Governor Polis welcomed this news, saying that the state is a natural fit for US Space Command with a strong military community and aerospace community. This week Joint Budget Committee members continued to wrestle with setting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. On Tuesday, economists from Legislative Council Staff (LCS)
Playbook for reopening
Dear Business Leaders, These unprecedented times have been challenging, to say the least. However, we’re proud of you for helping our community succeed, from donating meals to essential employees, to sewing masks, to simply sharing resources on social media. We are truly #CRCStrong. As we move forward, we know you are anxious to reopen your doors. To ensure the safety of our community and to help you navigate the new normal, we have created the Work Hard. Work
Colorado & Nevada Join California, Oregon & Washington in Western States Pact
Western States Governors: Health outcomes and science – not politics – will guide decisions to modify stay at home orders DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak today announced their respective states are joining California, Oregon and Washington in the Western States Pact -- a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay at home and fighting COVID-19.“Coloradans are working together to slow the spread of COVID-19 and have important
Castle Rock ranked #8 among Colorado's 20 Safest Cities of 2020
https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-colorado/ A Closer Look at Colorado’s Safest Cities of 2020Windsor moved from third place last year to become the safest city in Colorado for 2020.Sixteen cities (80%) improved their rank year over year.The biggest increase was Woodland Park, rising 33 spots this year, followed by Carbondale jumping 31, and Milliken moving 29 spots to become the second-safest city in the state.Centennial joins the list for the first time this year as the 13th safest city.All
Support Local Businesses, PLAY BINGO
The Castle Rock Chamber has partnered with Radix Advisors in promoting a local business bingo activity.Shop at businesses that are open during the CoronaVirus shut down and you will be entered into a drawing for prizes including travel coffee mugs and gift cards to local businesses courtesy of Radix Advisors.Follow the instructions on the bingo form to learn how to submit your bingo completion and claim your prizes.
MONEY magazine ranks Castle Rock 40th Best Places to Live
The Best Places to Live in America, Castle Rock's #40From cities to towns to neighborhoods, here's where you should — and can afford to — settle down. See all 100. by Shaina Mishkin, Prachi Bhardwaj, Olivia Raimonde, and Chloe Wilt Photo Credit: NickLucey.com View the entire list at: http://money.com/money/collection/best-places-to-live-2019/How MONEY Chose the Best Places to Live 2019 To create MONEY’s Best Places to Live ranking, we looked only at places with populations of 50,000 or greater.
6 Popular Misconceptions About the Chamber That Could Be Limiting Your Business
Chamber membership is good for business because it influences the community's perception of you. However, many business owners don't know exactly what the chamber does and so they don't take advantage of the help and resources it offers. For a minimum investment, the chamber can help your business grow in ways that may be difficult for you to do on your own. But if you believe these popular chamber misconceptions, you've likely put off joining and that could hurt your business. 1.Membership Costs a Lot
Best Places to Live in Colorado
Learn more about the best places to live in Colorado, and why you should consider moving to each.By Kevin Litwin on August 19, 2016 21:37 PMShareMattInden/MilesHere are the best places to live in Colorado:Aurora, COBoulder, COCastle Rock, COColorado Springs, CODenver, COFort Collins, COGrand Junction, COLakewood, COLittleton, COLoveland, COPueblo, COWestminster, COAurora Aurora has dozens of neighborhoods along with current and former military instillations, led by Buckley Air Force Base and its 12,100
U.S. Chamber Awards Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation
U.S. Chamber Awards Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation The United States Chamber of Commerce today awarded the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Business leaders are a critical voice in conversations about promoting economic growth and job creation in their communities.” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and
Community Recognition
Castle Rock is a top Town The numbers, facts, research and databases help tell the story residents live every day - Castle Rock is a great place to be. In fact, our Town ranks among the best both locally and nationally, according to a variety of national publications and studies.Money Magazine: Top Place to Live Money magazine recognized Castle Rock in its top places to live in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Most recently, Castle Rock ranked in the Top 10, coming in at No. 4. Narrowing the list is difficult, of
6 Reasons Solopreneurs Need a Chamber Membership
If you’re a solopreneur, you’re likely putting in some long hours building your business. Anything that helps you be more productive for little money is a necessary investment for you at this point. You may have thought briefly about the chamber and then decided against it because when you think of older people standing around talking about business, you probably figured it wasn’t for you. It’s not how business gets done nowadays. But the chamber offers a lot more than what you imagined and a lot of it
4 OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO SELL YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE
If you own a business you probably spend a lot of time thinking of different ways you can sell your product or service. Maybe you’ve investigated neuro-marketing or tried one of these sales approaches. A hard, persuasive sell is getting more difficult these days, isn’t it? Relationships are becoming incredibly important to brands, especially with social media. So is content marketing. Everyone wants infotainment. They long for information that is engaging and solid, not too long, not too short. Consumers
4 Reasons You're Losing Customers (or soon will be)
Do you track the number of sales you make along with the revenue? Of course you do. How do your numbers look? Are you increasing or remaining the same? Hopefully you’re not down this year but if you are, these may be some of the reasons why and what you can do to fix them: You Can’t Compete on PriceI’m making a broad generalization here, but as a small business you can’t compete on price with the big chain stores just as I can’t compete with writers who are overseas and on Fiverr. I don’t want to. Neither
6 Tips To Selling Online
If you’ve been considering opening up your business to online sales, or maybe you already are but are wondering if your online store is all that it could be, take a look at the following tips on how to make your online store a success. Design for ExperienceWhile there are some people who don’t mind digging through clutter to find a great deal, most people prefer shopping in well-lit stores, with wide aisles, and organized shelves/racks. This translates to the online world as well. A cluttered website, with
5 Tips on How You Can Start Using Video for Your Business
5 Tips on How You Can Start Using Video for Your Business Video content has exploded as a marketing tool and if you’re on the sidelines wondering why, it may help to know that according to eMarketer, daily time dedicated to digital video watching (for adults) has increased exponentially over the past 5 years. From a measly 6 minutes a day in 2010, to 55 minutes in 2014, we’re certainly getting our time in front of the screen.But it’s not just the amount of time spent that causes marketers to flock to this
4 Tips to Make Your Business More Likeable
4 Tips to Make Your Business More Likeable © GraphicStockPeople buy from people they know, like, and trust. While you might be in the right place at the right time when someone is up against it, and they may buy from you once without knowing, liking, or trusting you, for them to return, you’ll need more than luck.Know and trust generally come along when you establish yourself as a likeable business with a human behind it. It’s difficult for people to like you if they don’t trust you, unless you’re a
5 best communities in the West, Castle Rock named as a Runner Up
Sunset Magazine searched the West for towns, cities, and neighborhoods that are easy to love. All the winners boast a strong sense of community—the gift of making you feel like you belong.View entire article here.Best suburb: Runners-upCampbell, CA. This San Jose suburb has long been overshadowed by its immediate neighbors, wealthy Los Gatos and Saratoga as well as Apple-HQ Cupertino. Now it’s coming into its own, with a newly vibrant downtown and the soon-to-be-revamped Pruneyard shopping center. Housing
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Recruits Pamela Ridler to Board of Directors
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is proud to announce to its national Board of Directors Pamela Ridler, CCE representing Colorado. Ridler became the President/CEO of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce in 1998. Prior to her position with the Castle Rock Chamber, Ridler held the position of Vice-President of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. Ridler got her start in the non-profit arena as director of the United Way of Ellis County in Hays Kansas. Established in 1914, ACCE
