What Does The Chamber Do?

• Supports economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all the varied businesses within the trade area.
• Achieves objectives of enhancing year round economy through the planning, promotion and management of tourism while respecting the unique community and environment of Ridgway – in concert with the Town of Ridgway’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Maintains a Town-owned building for the benefit of the community as the Visitors’ Information Center.
  Operates a Visitor Center 12 months of the year at southwest Colorado’s primary intersection: Highways 550 South and 62.
• Responds to potential visitors’ and locals’ phone and e-mail inquiries regarding, lodging, restaurant, recreation / events, new business start up, and relocation – mailing out response packets as required and tracking visitor statistics.
• Provides for an 800 number, ( 800 220-4959 ) with message machine, so that inquiries may be conveniently received 24 hours a day.
• Provides referrals and business information, maps, guides and more to local residents, newcomers, prospective new business, and visitors.
• Promotes Ridgway as an attractive community by way of implementing an annual marketing plan funded in part by Lodging Tax revenue. (Available for Member review on request.)
• Maintains a continually updated community web site presence: ridgwaycolorado.com – linked to numerous other Colorado and National Tourism related sites.
• Functions as the clearinghouse for maintaining a continually updated community Calendar of Events.
• Supports programs of a civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the community such as: Monthly Business After Hours Socials, Christmas In the Park with Santa, Annual Golf Tournament at Fairway Pines, annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, & more…
• Hosts the Ridgway Railroad Museum – a cornerstone attraction for Ridgway’s narrow gauge railroad heritage.
• Serves as a source of information to, and collective voice for, businesses in Ridgway area regarding governmental and other matters of interest to the business community.
• RACC’s computer is group programmed for reaching RACC members at-large or by category and may be utilized to efficiently broadcast members’ e-mail announcements.
• Provides a cooperative parking lot for the Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel Counties’ commuter traffic.
  Serves as a liaison with Town and County government and regional non-profits.
• Assists in coordination of group activities such as weddings, reunions and group tours upon request.
• Provides assistance with community and members’ event planning and promotion upon request.
• Provides orientations and media packets to travel writers, and travel agents.
• In the absence of a local “Better Business Bureau”, handles consumer complaints and compliments.