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RACC Welcomes New Board Members and Celebrates First Business Round Table Amongst other Spring Initiatives

RIDGWAY, CO – As spring begins blossoming across the San Juan Mountains, the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) is excited to announce this year’s new faces to the organization, our recent Business Round Table and the chamber’s current assets and opportunities for local businesses and community members. With summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to take advantage of RACC resources and connect with the community in a variety of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

New Faces to the Ridgway Area Chamber

In November 2024, the RACC welcomed Madison Gustafson, who manages early childhood and school-age programs as the Enrichment Site Director for Voyager Youth Program. Looking to get involved in other ways within the community, she quickly took on the role of becoming Board Secretary at the start of the new year. 

“I love being a part of the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce because it keeps me connected to our vibrant, supportive community,” says Gustafson. “It’s a great way to collaborate with other local businesses and organizations, stay in the loop on what is happening in town, and work together to make Ridgway an even better place to live and grow.”

Also new to the chamber board of directors, Nicole Ouellette, co-owner of Taco Del Gnar and owner of her own event planning business, Sisu Event Company, Ouellette is truly passionate about creative ways of supporting the small-town community.

“Ridgway is a community that’s easy to fall in love with. The genuine connection, creativity, and care people show for one another make it home for me and my family. Being part of a town that embraces its unique spirit inspires me every day to give back and support its growth,” says Ouellette. As a devoted mother and outdoor enthusiast, her approach to community involvement blends professionalism with warmth and seeks to foster meaningful connections and memorable experiences. 

March’s RACC Business Round Table was a Success

Held Thursday, March 20th beginning at 6pm, at the Kiva Room at Chipeta Solar Resort and Spa, RACC welcomed 20 locals including business owner representatives as well as Town and  County officials to its first Business Round Table for the year. Titled Partnering for Progress, RACC has decided to spearhead four roundtables for 2025 during each quarter. The first roundtable focused on goals, challenges and solutions through a facilitated group exercise led by RACC Director Ashley Perkins and Board Director Ouellette. Three main focuses the group decided were discussions around community workforce, tourism and marketing and networking within the local community.

“After many discussions regarding the business climate in Ridgway occurred in the later half of 2024, through efforts like the Business Revitalization Committee, it was a great experience to once again revisit community conversations with a more microscoped focus on main challenges concerning business attendees," said Perkins. "Working with a diverse group of business owners and representatives providing feedback, concerns, as well as creative solutions around these topics provide fresh perspectives and engaging conversations."

Business owners such as those representing RIGS Fly Shop, Aspen Savatree, ISUN Skincare, Tellurides, Taco Del Gnar, Floating Lotus, Ouray County Ranch History Museuam and more were in attendence in March. We also heard from community leaders at the Town and County level who supported effective conversation around these variety of topics concerning the community. RACC is looking forward to its next quarter business roundtable for some time in June. Stay tuned for more information.  

Increase in Business Assets provided by RACC

The RACC has recently refreshed its online Business Directory at http://www.ridgwaycolorado.com/businesses. A new Business Submission feature is now live, allowing new establishments to join the directory. Visitors can explore updated business listings, offerings, and current operating hours. Existing businesses can easily update their information by contacting RACC web developer Daniel Baron at or reaching out to Director Perkins at .

Local businesses are reminded to please submit ALL upcoming events through the Events Submission portal on our website. Submitting your events will also help us organically promote your event in our community newsletter (approximately 2k contacts) and through our social media outlets such as Instagram (over 6k followers) and Facebook (almost 1600 followers). Stay in the loop with Ridgway’s most current happenings by following our event calendar and social media channels:

Mark your Calendars for upcoming RACC events!

Thursday, April 24th- 7th Annual Youth Career & Involvement Fair at Ridgway Secondary School

RACC once again invites local businesses and organizations to participate in the 7th Annual Youth Career and Involvement Fair, taking place Thursday, April 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Participation is free, and registration is open until Fridayy, April 18th end of the day. Businesses can register for the Youth Career and Involvement Fair by following the link provided here. 

Saturday, April 26th- Ridgway Community Cleanup Opportunities

8:00am-1:00pm- Alpine Bank Ridgway's Annual E-Waste event BEHIND the Ridgway Public Library in the Parking Lot on Railroad Street

8:00am-1:00pm- Town of Ridgway Cleanup Day BEHIND the Ridgway Public Library in the Parking Lot on Raillroad Street. More information on Town website here!

10:00am-12:00pm- RACC 3rd Annual Community Trash Cleanup starting at Hartwell Park stage

Monday, April 28th-Saturday, May 3rd- Ridgway's Spring into Summer Shop Local Week

As the weather gets warmer, remember to “Think Outside” and venture to Ridgway for some fun, season setting events all week long! Read our full article here!

Monday, April 28th, 2025- Making History Monday

Tuesday, April 29th, 2025- RACC’s Townie Tuesday

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025- Moxie’s Wild Wednesday

Thursday, May 1st, 2025- RAT Trailblazer Thursday

Friday, May 2nd, 2025- First Friday Art Walk

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025- Saturday Sidewalk Sale

Thursday, May 15th- UPCOMING! RACC Member and Volunteer Appreciation Reception

Save the Date for our upcoming RACC Member and Volunteer Appreciation Reception beginning at 5pm at The Patio at STEPS and catered by Taco Del Gnar. Members and volunteers will be allowed a plus one to attend the event for free, register today, space is limited. No children are allowed.

ONGOING: RACC Community Survey and Getting Involved with Conversations

RACC is seeking input from residents and business owners as part of its evaluation of visitor lodging tax fund usage for marketing and promotion. Share your thoughts on the Chamber’s impact and where we can continue to improve by completing our Community Feedback Survey today!

Join the Ridgway Area Chamber Today!

Looking to get more involved? Become a Chamber member and gain access to increased marketing and promotional opportunities. Membership supports both individual business success and Ridgway’s broader economic vitality.

RACC Monthly Board Meetings


RACC hosts open board meetings on the second Monday of each month from 5:00–6:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend and learn more about Chamber initiatives. For meeting location details, please contact us at .

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Media Contact:
Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce
Email:
Website: www.ridgwaycolorado.com