Community-minded individuals discussed the importance of business relations and collaboration at the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Leaders Luncheon, held last Wednesday at the Platte Valley Community Center.
The luncheon, catered by the Hotel Wolf, was led by incoming Chamber Vice President Addie Fletcher, who is also a co-owner at Hood House Bed and Breakfast. Those in attendance included Dana Little, Chamber Administrative Assistant, Alyson Sneddon, owner of Wind Swept Accounting and Tax Services, Chris Shannon, principal of Prancing Antelope log and timber frame building company, Mitch Bangert, Chamber Treasurer and owner of Harrison’s Guest House and Guide Service, Joe Elder, Saratoga Town Treasurer, Lisa Burton, Saratoga Recreation Department Director and Joe Parrie, Director of Member Services for Carbon Power and Light Inc.
The meeting’s discussion included talk of what was admired most about local businesses and ways to help or support them. Sneddon mentioned the importance of having new or surviving businesses in small towns, such as Encampment, where not many businesses are available anymore.
“We are losing our businesses, and in Encampment itself there is no retail,” she said. “It’s hard to support our community when there isn’t really anything there to support, and that’s why I really try to put efforts into working with the economic development corporation, trying to see if we can get something back into that part of the Valley. We’ve got Chez Booze, a mechanic and a hair and nail salon, so that’s what we have left in Encampment.”
Burton added she admired the community involvement of the businesses that have lasted several years locally.
“I admire businesses that have been here a long time, she said. “A lot of it is because they got their name out, either through the radio, newspaper, flyers or being involved in the community. You’ve got Shively’s, the Wolf and lots of different ones that give back to the community, and I think that’s all part of the longevity.”
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