This update will detail the Arvada Chamber of Commerce programs, resources, events, and engagement efforts that have made an impact for members, investors, and the community over the last quarter.
Increase Business Connection
- The Arvada Chamber’s Taste of Arvada returned to the Apex Center on July 11. This year’s event sold out its 1,500-ticket capacity and hosted 42 food and drink booths and 34 non-food vendors.
- Over 35 businesses in the health and wellness industry joined the Chamber’s July 26 Wellness Convening at the Apex Community Recreation Center.
- In August, the Arvada Chamber celebrated a record 20 new members in a single month.
- On August 21, 23 members joined us for the first Maximize Your Membership Success event, which aims to help members make the most of digital marketing member benefits and discover how the Chamber works behind the scenes to support all businesses.
- On August 23, 30 teams competed in the Arvada Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament at West Woods Golf Club.
- On September 18, over 30 members attended the kick-off meeting for the Arvada Business Collaborative, a new non-industry exclusive networking group.
- Over 70 members joined us for our annual Member Appreciation Event at The TRN on September 19.
- Over 55 non-profit representatives attended the Arvada Chamber’s 2nd Annual Non-Profit Convening on September 25th at Social Capitol.
Foster Leadership Across the Community
- In September, the Arvada Chamber celebrated 20 emerging leaders in business, non-profits, and our community who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and initiative in their profession. The Arvada Future 20 list recognizes Arvada professionals under age 40 who have significant career achievements and the ability to play an influential role in the community into the future.
- On September 17, nearly 70 attendees joined us for a Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event featured a dynamic keynote from professional development expert Dale Wilsher on designing authentic elevator pitches.
Increase Entrepreneurship Knowledge and Opportunity
- In July, the Arvada Chamber completed its inaugural Deep Dive Series at the Business Resource Center. The Compliance Deep Dive Series included free sessions on job postings and onboarding, disciplinary action, and safety.
- In July, the Arvada Chamber launched the Entrepreneurship KAPS Council. The Council’s goal is to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by implementing targeted programming, providing business resources, and conducting outreach efforts.
- In Q3, the Arvada Chamber hosted a number of events, programs, and offerings for all businesses in the community at its Business Resource Center (BRC). In total, the BRC hosted 16 sessions of 7 unique programs, including a monthly Deep Dive Series, Lunch and Learns, and Social Media Study Hall. The Chamber saw 77 unique people and 65 businesses attended these events. Ali Stofflet, Director of Business Outreach and Growth, also helped businesses with 23 one-on-one support meetings.
Increase Childcare Capacity
- In July, the Arvada Chamber launched the Childcare KAPS Council. This group combines partners from childcare, regional collaborative partners, and businesses to support the B.O.L.D. 2026 Childcare goal: increase child care capacity to enable caregivers to join/rejoin the workforce and give children the quality early learning experience they need to thrive.
- In September, the Arvada Chamber announced the release of the Employer Childcare Toolkit, a comprehensive resource brings together regional, state, and national supports for Jefferson County employers to help their parenting and caregiving employees.
Increase Income-Aligned Housing
- In August, the Arvada Chamber issued a new report: “Where Does the Workforce Live?” According to a 2021 report by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, only 17.6% of Arvada’s workforce both lives and works in the city, while a significant 82.4% of the workforce resides outside of Arvada. By exploring the residential patterns of Arvada’s workers, we can gain valuable insights into commuting habits, housing affordability, and the overall economic landscape of the region.
- On August 29, the Arvada Chamber hosted an exclusive tour of AVi at Olde Town, where Foothills Regional Housing is implementing local workforce housing solutions. The tour offered local business and community leaders a firsthand look at solutions to help transform the Arvada community. Foothills Regional Housing seeks to create vibrant, stable communities in areas of opportunity via bold and strategic initiatives, and to provide families and individuals with housing options driven by compassion and respect throughout Jefferson County.
- On September 9, Arvada Chamber President and CEO, Kami Welch, presented at the Arvada City Council meeting in support of the Jeffco Housing Blueprint. City Council went on to support the blueprint with a 7-0 vote.
Grow Your Talent
- On August 20th, the Arvada Chamber hosted a successful meet and greet with Dr. Landon Pirius, the new President of Red Rocks Community College. This event brought together business and community leaders, as well as elected officials, to discuss the critical importance of viable post-secondary training solutions right in our own backyard.
- On August 27, the Metro-West Construction Alliance (MWACA) hosted an all-partner meeting to hear from a panel of municipal planning and development leaders to understand what happens behind the scenes, and why the processes differ from city to city.
- On September 20, the Arvada Chamber, along with partners in the G.R.O.W. Network, hosted a free workshop for business and non-profit leaders to learn how to implement work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships. At this event, 30 attendees developed a plan with the help of the following community partners: Red Rocks Community College Jeffco Public Schools – Colorado, Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center, and Colorado Apprenticeship Hub.
Strengthen The Business Environment Through Advocacy
- On July 19, the Arvada Chamber hosted the State of the Economy to provide a comprehensive economic forecast to our business leaders, policymakers, and community members. The event was presented by Dr. Elizabeth Ramey, Principal Economist at the Colorado Legislative Council.
- In September, the Arvada Chamber hosted a Candidate Bootcamp for 2024 political candidates for county commissioner and the state legislature, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local business landscape and the challenges businesses and non-profit organizations face in today’s regulatory environment. The event was divided into two parts: business tours and a business and economic panel.
- On September 20, nine candidates running for State Senate, State House, or Jefferson County Commissioner took the stage at the Arvada Chamber’s Candidate Forum. The forum, hosted at Revive Church, welcomed all the candidates to dig into the biggest issues that impact the region, including business friendliness, public safety, workforce housing, property tax, business regulation philosophy, and more.
Ensure Business Resilience
- On September 9, the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce delivered 100 crime and safety toolkits to businesses in the City of Arvada. The toolkits, titled “Navigating Crime and Safety at Your Business,” are designed to help businesses enhance their security measures and educate owners and employees on effective crime prevention strategies.
- On September 16, the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce announced the 2024 Arvada Top Challenges Summit, “Embracing Disruption. Forging the Future,” a one-day business conference designed for forward-thinking leaders. The summit will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Member of the Month
JULY: Origin Hotel / Famille Westminster
AUGUST: Arvada Community Room
SEPTEMBER: Beams to Basements Contractors
About the Arvada Chamber of Commerce
The Arvada Chamber of Commerce is a community of businesses, organizations, and local leaders working together to solve challenges, foster meaningful connections, and develop the next generation of talent and leadership. Our work – driving action on conversations, resources, and large-scale initiatives that businesses can’t tackle on their own – is central to the long-term success of our community as a whole. When you play a part, we all thrive.
0 Comments