The Conifer Chamber of Commerceis committed to working together to solve the challenges that business leaders encounter. Many times issues cross over and not only affect our businesses but also affect our residents. Last summer, the Conifer Chamber created a Code of Conduct for our members. This code of conduct is listed on our website and represent standards our members agree to when they join the chamber. This Code of Conduct was created to protect our community, our members and our brand. It provides our members with guiding principles of good and expected behavior in all of their business transactions and with all of their stakeholders.

Members of the chamber are also community members dedicated to making our mountain community a better place to live and work. Over the past few years our community has been targeted with hate motivated graffiti at schools, churches and businesses. The Conifer Chamber does NOT endorse this behavior. We will not remain silent when this type of inappropriate behavior is shown. Yes, free speech is important and constitutional. However, we also believe that freedom to show hatred by vandalizing or utilizing symbols of hatred and intimidation towards one group are not acceptable in our community. We stand united with other community leaders, organizations and community members against this form of hatred. 
 
If you have a new business, are looking to start one or have been in business for a while, reach out to the Chamber! We offer a number of different ways to build relationships and ways to get connected in the community. Join us at mixers (we average around 30 in attendance), membership meetings (typically between 70-80 are in attendance), education workshops or large community events, people are always doing business together because you are more likely to do business with the people you know. 
 
Coming up this month there are a number of opportunities to help your business grow. September 13^th, Jennifer Hand with Jefferson County will be bringing out a Jeffco Speaker Squadto highlight a number of services available within the County.September 19 we are joining forces with the Evergreen Chamber to host an After Hours Mixer at the Senior Resource Center. Our sponsors for the evening are the Salvation Army for Conifer and Evergreen as they kick off their Bell Ringing season. Then on September 25th, we restart our series with business development coach Mic Helms, as he continues on his 5-part "Grow Your Business" workshop on how to triple your current leads, double your sales and significantly increase your annual revenue. Each class is independent, so you are able to jump in even if you haven’t attended before. You will learn how to up-sell, down-sell, cross-sell, and bundle to increase your revenue. In addition, that same night Kristen Hosman, with Mount Evan Consulting, will also be presenting a workshop on developing budgets to monitor progress toward your goals, help control spending and predict cash flow and profit. We cap off the month with our Lunch Bunch at Castles & Kitchens on September 26^th. Tom and Fran will teach us how to create a delicious Italian lunch as we network with one another. Make plans to take advantage of these fantastic opportunities and sign up online at GoConifer.com
 
We are also thrilled to present OctoBEERfest on September 21^st. OctoBEERfest is the Chamber’s annual fall beer event held in the outdoor courtyard adjacent to Brooks Place Tavern. This year we are partnering with Bootstraps and donating a portion of the proceeds to this fantastic community organization. Bootstraps works hard to provide scholarships to students in our mountain community that are working to become our future leaders. Make plans to stop by for delicious food and a number of tasty selections from local breweries.  Tickets are $25 and are available online, at Brooks Place Tavern or at the door on the day of the event. 
 
Are you new to the area? Log on to GoConifer.com to get a New Resident Welcome Guidefilled with all kinds of useful information from local medical facilities, urgent care centers, emergency vet care, utilities and internet providers. 
 
Melanie Swearengin
Executive Director
Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce