MONTE VISTA — Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Manager Heather Hillin sat down with the Monte Vista Journal and talked about some of the chamber’s plans for the remainder of the year.

“There are so many things I foresee for Monte Vista, so many changes that I am looking forward to helping with,” Hillin said. “Monte Vista is a beautiful town, and I am excited about all of the possibilities that are in front of me. Our community is small and it’s great that so many people really participate in so much in our community. I am looking forward to helping our town grow and helping businesses with more success. My job is very busy, but I really enjoy it.”

Hillin who was born and raised in Monte Vista.

“I am all about the green and gold,” she said. “All my family is here, and my dad is a business owner here, so I also have very strong ties to Monte Vista. I think this is really going to help me as I get comfortable in my new position.”

Hillin said that for this year she is planning on working with Andrea Oaks Jaramillo, of the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development Center to help businesses all over Monte Vista.

“We really want to go door to door,” she said. “My mission is to speak with as many businesses as possible. I want to go on a walking tour and visit each business and speak with each business about what they think would help their business grow, what they need to help them grow from the Chamber. We really want to offer this support. We also want to start offering some workshops and classes, to benefit businesses, too.”

Hillin said that she is excited about the growth that she has seen in the community this past year.

“The beautification projects like the murals,” Hillin said. “I definitely am encouraged and hope to see more of those. The Swoop of the Cranes is another project that has really grown. This year we are going to have a celebration for the artists who participated in the Swoop of the Cranes. We are going to make it a big fancy deal out at Ski Hi. This is the first time doing something like this. I am also encouraged by the upcoming events, Cinco De Mayo, Draggin’ Main. The chamber will be participating in the block party that will be happening, too. It’s going to be tons of fun. I think it’s nice that everyone can work together and make something fun like this happen for our community.”

Hillin also spoke of the grant that the Outcalt Event and Conference at SLV Ski Hi Complex received.

“I am also encouraged by the grant for the warming center and the RV spaces out at Ski Hi,” she said. “I think this is going to benefit our community and surrounding communities, this will aid in the growth here. RV spaces are going to be very beneficial especially for Stampede and other events that we have here.”

Hillin recently attended a workshop that took place at the Ski Hi Complex, where the community presented their ideas on changes and growth in Monte Vista. Hillin was excited to see so many participants from all over town there.

“It was great to see the turn out that the workshop brought,” she said. “I was impressed by so many ideas that the community had regarding different things that our town needs. I have taken a lot of these ideas down and I look forward to helping implement them here in our town.”

Hllin also said that there are going to be two openings on the MV Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Chamber is actively looking for people to fill the spots.

“We would like to have the board positions filled by two people who are interested in participating in helping us with great ideas for Monte Vista,” Hillin said. “We are seeking people who enjoy contributing to the town. Interested parties can bring in a letter of interest to the chamber, telling us why they would like to be on the board. We will be filling these spots soon, so we are looking forward to receiving some letters of interest from the community.”

For more information about the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, visit the Chamber at 947 First Ave. or call 719-852-2731.