Wellington chamber reviews its 10-month performance

By Gary Raham
Wellington Correspondent

At a meeting at Wellington's recently remodeled and expanded Leeper Center, members of the fledgling Chamber of Commerce took a short slide-show tour of Wellington's 101-year history before examining its own brief history that began in January.

The young chamber boasts 87 members and four committees that are focused on issues generated at a community forum in March.

Wendell Nelson, owner of The Chocolate Rose, announced that chamber board members would remain the same next year to give the young organization some continuity. Wayne Jensen, co-owner of the Wellington Veterinary Clinic, serves as board chair-elect and will learn the nuances of leading the organization during 2007.

Illa Drohman reported on membership issues. Several nonprofit organizations were given honorary chamber memberships, including Wellington Eagles After-Hours school program, Eyestone Elementary PTO, the Wellington Boys and Girls Club, the Wellington Senior Resource Center and the Wellington Fire Protection District. Major monetary contributions by several member businesses were also honored, which brought in more than $21,000 this past year.

Bert McCaffrey, who chairs a support committee for existing businesses, is still actively seeking more member input into the kinds of marketing services individual businesses would like to see to best serve their needs.

Lou Kinzli, representing the economic development and resource committee, teased the membership with scant details regarding a commercial/industrial business deal that initially involves just over 80 acres north of Washington Avenue and east of Sixth Street. Town government worked with the chamber to add the land in question to the state-authorized enterprise zone, which can provide tax incentives to businesses within the zone. Kinzli expects the as-yet-unannounced business to employ up to 200 people. Mayor Larry Noel indicated that full disclosure could come within the next two months. The new grocery store, now under construction, will also employ about 65 people.

Mike Whalen, who heads the community development committee, reported on a failed bid to secure Colorado Department of Transportation funds to build a $2 million pedestrian overpass that would link development to the east of I-25 with the new elementary school and commercial development on the west side. He also reported that members of the chamber will sit on a board that makes decisions on an upcoming $38 million flood-control master plan that should help Wellington by removing many businesses from an existing floodplain.

The chamber developed a web presence this year that lists member businesses and provides links to their web sites. Webmaster Lori Winter plans to add a search engine to the site this coming year and develop advertising opportunities for chamber members. The web address is www.wellington coloradochamber.com.

Treasurer Mike Graves reported income and pledges of $38,470 in 2006 and expenses of $16,250. He pointed out that the vast bulk of expenditures went for member services. The chamber has no paid employees and no capital expenditures for office space and equipment. Members have volunteered time and workspace and the town has provided active support.

Board chair Nelson emphasized the volunteer theme and urged other members to add their energy and ideas to the mix.