MONTE VISTA—The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Board met Thursday morning, June 27. They discussed recent events and positive progress through the community.
The board was introduced to Leo Wylde, the new assistant director. She is a retired IRS agent who previously spent summers in Monte Vista and winters in Louisiana, although she indicated she will be staying the full year through this upcoming winter. “I really believe in the chamber,” she stated she is eager to do her part in the community.
Jose Lopez, owner of Taqueria Y Antojitos Los Lopez, catered the breakfast for the meeting. Lopez is a 2016 graduate of Monte Vista High School and has so far been very successful in the business community. Lopez noted he is also eager to find ways to help the community and find opportunities for involvement.
During the Chamber Manager report, Jerry Apker presented a new form for chamber members volunteering at events to complete for the time to be considered an in-kind donation and for data for potential future grant funds. Apker also stated the IRS penalties for the chamber’s 2015 payroll were waived and the payment for what was originally owed with interest has been submitted.
Chamber President Linda Burnett reported the Sugar Shack’s new owner has made two payments on the building and previously stated he hoped to be open by July 1 but a contract is pending with the city’s Urban Renewal Authority, who owns the land. Burnett is also leaving the door open for continued meetings with the San Luis Valley Chambers group but has only recently heard feedback or interest from the Saguache Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Clare announced the new dates for the Hot Rod Dirt Drags will be June 12-14 of 2020 in an effort to avoid conflicts with other events, including Summerfest on the Rio in Alamosa, although currently this will be the same weekend as the Thunder in the Valley Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Rally. The Dirt Drags were successful, although more efforts to coordinate will be made next year.
In his event report for the Thunder in the Valley, Clare stated: “The Second Annual Thunder in the Valley Event was held at a new location (Ski Hi Building) on June 8. Despite competing with other events in Alamosa and Creede, it was well attended, and the poker run was successful.
To date, the organization does not have a final amount that will be donated to the San Luis Valley Veterans Coalition. The members are hoping to continue to have this event as an annual event and to be held at the same time next year. The Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club thanks the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce for all the help with this year’s event.” Clare added they would try to find a different way to space out the activities and entertainment to avoid the long lull in between they had this year.
Clare expressed similar positivity regarding the National Brother’s Keepers Motorcycle Club rally. “The convention started June 15 and continued for five days. The turnout was great and successful.  Approximately 100 attendees from different parts of the United States, including Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and several other states have been in our community.
Everyone attending has enjoyed the southern part of Colorado; many of the members took scenic road trips from Ouray to Pikes Peak and in between. The best part of this event was a guest appearance by impersonator Sheriff Bulford T Justice and the Bandit at their event dinner.
The weather was a downside and those who live here felt it was a lot cooler compared to previous years; however, they were true bikers and dealt with it. Monte Vista Chamber provided welcome bags to the members attending the convention.”
The chamber heard community organization reports and congratulated their longtime director Gary Wilkinson on being named the marshal for the Friday, July 26 Stampede Parade.