An open letter to the Vail Valley community:

As the CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I share the wonderful news of our recent accolade: being named "Chamber of the Year" by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). This prestigious recognition is not just an honor for our organization but a testament to the incredible community we serve and the collaborative spirit that drives our success.

The "Chamber of the Year" award celebrates excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication that our staff, volunteer board, members, and community partners have poured into making Eagle County a vibrant and thriving community within the Rocky Mountain region. This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering economic vitality, enhancing quality of life, and most importantly, building a strong, resilient community.

We owe this success to the unwavering support and active participation of our members and community partners. Your engagement, feedback, support, and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our Chamber’s programs and initiatives. Whether it’s through attending events, participating in advocacy efforts, or participating in our various workforce programs, your involvement has made a significant impact.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our incredible team at Vail Valley Partnership. Their passion, creativity, and relentless dedication have been the driving force behind our accomplishments. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and address the evolving needs of our community is truly commendable. This national recognition as Chamber of the Year is a testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence, and to serving you – the community that makes Eagle County such a great place.

I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to our past and present board members for their unwavering dedication, insightful guidance, and strategic vision. Their contributions have been pivotal in steering our organization toward success, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring we continue to thrive and serve our community with excellence.

Our business members, along with our community partners, local governments, and stakeholders also deserve special recognition. Your support and collaboration have been vital in achieving our shared goals. After all, the Partnership (and any good Chamber of Commerce) is truly a reflection of those who support and engage with us. Together, we have created a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive, residents can enjoy a high quality of life, and visitors can experience the unique charm of the Vail Valley.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our vision of enhancing the community vitality and to our mission to lead collaboration across not only Eagle County but throughout the region and state. This award is not just a recognition of past achievements but an incredible motivation to continue striving for excellence.

Our pledge to you: we will build on this success by expanding our programs, fostering new partnerships, and addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We know we have real difficulties from cost-of-living to behavioral health to housing. We also know that by working together to acknowledge and address these challenges we can continue to make progress.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each one of you. Your trust and support have made this achievement possible. Let’s continue to work together to support each other and make Eagle County an even better place.

Thank you for being part of our ongoing journey and for contributing to our shared success. Please “save the date” for September 18 to help us celebrate Vail Valley Partnership’s 60th anniversary and our recent Chamber of the Year recognition.

With immense gratitude,

Chris

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com