The September Chamber meeting brought together local leaders, business owners, and community members for another productive morning filled with updates, collaboration, and upcoming opportunities. A big thank you to our breakfast sponsor Glenn Isle and Brenda from PeaceWorks for their support and hospitality.

Chamber & Community Announcements

Platte Canyon University: Upcoming Educational Sessions

Attendance continues to grow at Platte Canyon University’s free educational events. Upcoming sessions include:

• Financial Planning with Devika
• Basic Bookkeeping led by Ginny Craig and Heather Lynn Spadel
• The Fascinating World of Burroughs

These sessions are free and open to the community, offering practical knowledge for business and personal development.

Gracie Awards – October 16

The Gracie Awards will take place on October 16 at Tomahawk Ranch.
Nominations are now closed, and voting will begin soon. This is a celebration of local women making a difference in the community—stay tuned for voting details.

Chamber Leadership – Board Positions Open

The Chamber is actively seeking new leaders to fill several open board positions:

• President
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary

If you or someone you know is interested in shaping the future of the Chamber, we encourage you to step forward.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Platte Canyon Community Partnership Resale Boutique

This month’s nonprofit deep dive featured the Platte Canyon Community Partnership (PCCP) Resale Boutique, now in its 9th year of operation. The boutique began with just 6 volunteers and has grown to 43 dedicated volunteers—all 100% volunteer-based.

To date, the boutique has given over $250,000 back to local nonprofits from Shawnee to Conifer. They are now accepting applications for new beneficiary organizations.

Beautify Bailey Update

The Beautify Bailey committee continues to make visual improvements across town.
Recent projects include:

• Freshly painted dumpsters on Main Street
• Monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM

Future plans include new public art installations, roadside signage, and seasonal banners to enhance Bailey’s mountain-town charm.

Park County Updates – Commissioner Jason Gemmer

Commissioner Jemer shared several important updates:

• Road Repairs are ongoing throughout the area after recent heavy rain.
• Slash Cleanup Day is scheduled for October 4 in four county locations.
• A proposed lodging tax increase will appear on the upcoming ballot.

Platte Canyon School District – Mike Schmidt

Superintendent Mike Schmidt provided updates on the new elementary school and fall activities:

• Final punch list nearly complete with positive feedback from teachers and families
• The transportation building transition is on track for January
• Four new school board candidates have submitted applications
• The fall theater production, "Legends of Sleepy Hollow," will take place September 19–20
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Chamber Mixer – September 16

Join us for the next Chamber Mixer:

• Monday, September 16 | 5:00–8:00 PM
• Craft Mountain Brewery, with special guest Devika from SFP
• $10 at the door or free with RSVP

Come network, enjoy local brews, and connect with fellow business leaders.

Visitor Center – Now Open

The Bailey Visitor Center is officially open and thriving. Here’s how you can help:

• Volunteer to staff the center (Thursday–Sunday shifts available)
• Drop off brochures or business cards to be included in the center’s resource wall

Sign up to volunteer at:  https://www.bailey-colorado.org/chamber-events

Sasquatch Escape Room – Now Open

The new Escape Room above the Sasquatch Outpost Museum is officially open and ready for adventurers. Stop by for a uniquely Bailey experience full of mystery and fun.

Upcoming Fundraisers & Community Events

Fall Sizzle & Shop

• September 20, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• At the PCCP Resale Boutique
• Benefits the Boys & Girls Club

Gold Rush Fever – Seniors Alliance Fundraiser

• September 27, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Glen Isle
• Includes a BBQ dinner, live music, dancing, and silent and live auctions

Witches Gathering – PeaceWorks Fundraiser

• October 3, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Celebrating the resilience of women featuring a Cacao Ceremony, silent auction, and light food and drinks

Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

• October 11, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• At Deer Creek Self Storage
• Benefits the Boys & Girls Club of the High Rockies
• Activities include a bounce house, food vendors, costume exchange, silent auction, and free pumpkin for kids.

Piepalooza – Fundraiser for Platte Canyon Health Service District

• October 18, 1:00 PM at the Glen Isle Main Lodge
• Pie baking contest, pie auction, and community gathering
• Local bakers are encouraged to participate

Stay Involved

The Platte Canyon Chamber continues to grow thanks to the energy and support of our community. Whether you're attending educational sessions, volunteering at the Visitor Center, or participating in a fundraiser, your involvement matters.

Visit www.plattecanyonchamber.org to RSVP for events, sign up to volunteer, and stay connected.

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting and throughout this busy fall season!