Gouder and his wife, Sandra Gouder, own and operate the Double G Ranch & Guest Lodge on Log Hill Mesa. They moved from Germany in 2018, to start their a boutique hotel-style bed and breakfast with a horse ranch, where they rescue and train wild mustangs
“Coming from Germany and starting a new life here we had so much support from the great community of Ridgway and now want to give something back to the community,” said Gouder who was a CEO and company co-owner in Germany. “I hope that I will be able to convince more businesses from Ridgway to join the chamber, so we can help create great events for the residents and tourists visiting this beautiful town. In my opinion, Ridgway is a hidden gem and could be one of the biggest attractions in southwestern Colorado.”
He hopes the chamber can host a roundtable after-hours event every month or every other month, so members and non-members can meet for conversation and creating innovative ideas “to help Ridgway become the best town around.”
The chamber board is comprised of a mix of business people from different industry sectors. Each member also has interests and expertise in one of the five Ridgway tourism themes: Outdoor Adventure, Culinary Experiences, Arts & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and History & Heritage, or service areas: Accommodations, Dining, Travel Services, Shopping, and Professional Services.
Elliott, a Colorado native who moved to Ridgway three years ago, is the southwestern Colorado regional manager for Aspen Tree Service, a full-service tree care company specializing in pruning, removal, plant health care, and plantings. He has been an arborist for more than 35 years, and is an avid mountain biker who loves the outdoors.
“I joined the chamber because I feel Ridgway is a great town and I wanted to be more involved,” he explained. “Being on the chamber board I am hoping to increase awareness and recruit new members. The chamber has a lot to offer as it helps to promote businesses is Ridgway.”
The RACC is organized to achieve the objectives of promoting business and community growth and development in the Town of Ridgway and the surrounding area. The chamber manages ridgwaycolorado.com – the top result for Google searches about the town and its amenities. The chamber also markets local businesses and nonprofits through diverse channels, and operates the Ridgway Visitors Center, open from May 27 to October 1. For more information, visit ridgwaycolorado.com or come out to the Ridgway Lodge & Star Saloon, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 for the free RACC Business After Hours event.
