The Partnership Podcast

Erik is joined by Vail Valley Partnership President and CEO (and University of Colorado Alum!) Chris Romer to talk about the player-centric coaching style of new head football coach "Neon" Deion Sanders. Coach Prime's innovative and immersive style is taking the college football world by storm and Chris breaks down for us how that parallels our business here in the Vail Valley and what we can apply locally. Learn more about how you can connect to your community HERE

Erik gets a chance to sit at the feet of the master, local legend Steve Leigh, when it comes to on-air presence, local radio strategies and the future of radio (spoiler...it's not going away...hyper-local content works!) Let Steve's rich baritone voice wash over you while both entertaining and educating on what the local radio landscape looks like...and will the robots take over? Listen and find out! Check out all three of the local stations in the family here: 104.7 The Mile 977.7 KZYR 102.1 The Outlaw

Vail Valley Partnership's Christy Beidel and Erik Williams discuss the Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program CareerWise as well as CareerX, the career exploration services from Eagle County School District. Learn how your business can take advantage of our growing workforce pipelines that are putting our students into positions that are serving both them and the companies they work for. Christy and Erik also discuss the upcoming workforce luncheon, details below: Workforce Luncheon, September 12, 11:00am - 1:00pm Learn how your business can access our youth workforce pipeline! We will discuss job shadowing and internships through Eagle County School District, as well as the CareerWise modern youth apprenticeships that are training our next generation of valley professionals RSVP for the Workforce Luncheon HERE

This podcast was originally recorded in 2021, but this amazing course is offered annually. For upcoming course dates, visit www.vailvalleyworks.org. We at Vail Valley Partnership are really excited about these guests. We've been following the work of Dr. Jill McCrory and Dr. Steve Swafford with Leadership Outfitters. These are two nationally recognized educators and they join us for a conversation about a one-day program they will be leading called Board Service Basics. This is coming directly from our interaction with businesses asking for more community diversity on their boards, as well as the community wanting to serve. Topic Outline:

VVP's Erik Williams steps just a bit out of his comfort zone to receive a wellness IV live on the podcast. If you've always wondered what it feels like? What are the medical benefits? Why is taking vitamins in this manner so much more effective? If I'm not an extreme athlete, does this make sense for me? Well...Erik asks all of the above and more while having the process done. Listen to learn about this incredible newer service industry that's growing both here and around the country. Or just listen in to see if Erik can handle the whole treatment! Learn more about Vail iV Wellness and Recovery HERE

Erik heads down the road here in Riverwalk to the Diamond Building to visit Orisek Brothers Accounting. Joe and Chris Orisek join him to talk about the importance of professional bookkeeping services in the valley and what are some of the most often asked questions by small business? They also discuss how Joe and Chris came to be in this place, what it's like working with family (spoiler: more perks than pitfalls!) and what their vision for the future. Join the Partnership Podcast for this look at an emerging business in our valley. Find more information about Orisek Brothers Accounting HERE

Erik thoroughly enjoys this conversation with Vail Jazz Artistic Director Drew Zaremba about his history, vision and all things jazz. Like an improvised piece of music, they both let this conversation unfold and carry them in it's wake:) Drew talks about the importance of legacy, the incredible work that is being done in the local schools and of course previews what he's looking forward to most for the Labor Day Party this year! Learn more about Vail Jazz and get tickets to upcoming performances HERE

Erik get a chance to sit with Charlotte Lin, Sustainability Coordinator with the Town of Avon to talk about everything they are doing around sustainability and hold on because Avon is quickly moving in some very positive directions! Charlotte shares some stories from her past life as a climate scientist studying tundra ecosystems in the Canadian Artic and how she's taking those lessons and applying them to her work here. She also speaks directly to the impact that business can have as well as individuals in this work. "As a mountain and recreation-based community, Avon has a close connection with the environment and understands that nature’s health and well-being is one of the town’s most valuable assets. Therefore, reducing Avon’s carbon footprint is one of the town’s priorities." Town of Avon Sustainability Learn more about Avon's plans and goals HERE.

Erik has the honor of sitting down with two of the amazing staff at Your Hope Center, Executive Director Carrie Benway and Clinical Director Dr Teresa Haynes, PsyD. to both celebrate being named the 2023 Vail Valley Partnership Best Non-Profit by their peers in the business community but more importantly to talk about their ongoing and vital work. Both are quick to point out what a difference an excellent staff makes and how important it is that we as a community care for those who care for us! Don't worry, they explain it nice and slow for Erik and have fun along the way:) Please take the time to listen as they discuss what services are available, when to call for yourself or a loved one and other essential needs. This is information we all need to have and we're thankful for the work they do. Find more information about Your Hope Center HERE Your 24/7 Support Line: (970) 306-4673 If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call your 24/7 support line now. Your Hope Center’s team of professionally trained clinicians are available 24/7 to support Eagle County residents during difficult times. Tu Línea De Apoyo 24/7: (970) 306-4673 Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando o teniendo pensamientos suicidas, llame a la Línea De Apoyo 24/7 ahora. El equipo de médicos certificados de Your Hope Center está disponible 24/7 para apoyar a los residentes del Condado de Eagle durante tiempos difíciles.

Erik gets a chance to sit with Marc Brennan, Ph.D. Vice President and Campus Dean of CMC Vail Valley to discuss their latest win in the 2023 Success Awards, Best Place to Work. Marc discusses not only the reason for the best place to work (hint: it's the people!) but also what CMC means to the people of this valley and how our local community college is meeting our needs in extraordinary ways. Learn more about Colorado Mountain College HERE Learn more about Vail Valley Partnership's Annual Success Awards and watch the awards show HERE

Erik gets a chance to chat with former Vail Police Chief and this year's Vail Valley Partnership Chairman's Award recipient Dwight Henninger. Dwight reflects on his years in the valley, the importance of a strong team and community partnership and also advocates for more resources dedicated to first responders. Vail Valley Partnership (and the community!) thank Dwight for his service. Learn more about Vail Valley Partnership's Annual Success Awards and watch the awards show HERE

Erik gets a chance to sit with Christine Holmberg, Executive Director and have an awesome conversation about where Foresight has come from, where it's going and how you can get involved, particularly in the upcoming summer programs. Learn more about all of that below! SUMMER CAMP FOR BLIND YOUTH ​JUNE 19-21 AND JULY 10-12, 2023 Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind is thrilled to offer another opportunity for blind and low vision youth to push through barriers, build confidence and increase self-esteem. Foresight's Summer Camp for Blind Youth is for any blind or low vision child between the ages of 8-21. Follow this link to register. Campers meet in the Vail Valley for three days of fun and outdoor adventure which may include paddle boarding or canoeing on an alpine lake, rock climbing at historic Camp Hale, hiking, horseback riding and more. Meet new friends or reconnect with old ones. Foresight's summer camp is a safe place for youth who are blind or experiencing low vision to get outside and empower themselves through goal-oriented adaptive recreation. All activities, lodging, lunches and around town transportation are provided by Foresight, at no cost to program participants. Donations are requested to help offset the cost of camp at whatever level is comfortable for families. Please consider making a donation so programs like this can continue and thrive for years to come. For more information or if interested in sponsoring a camp please email Christine or call 303-506-3859.

Erik gets a tour of the Venture Sports warehouse from Owner/Operator Mike Brumbaugh, meets some of the team and learns about all things spring biking in the valley. From what you need to get the machine up and running again, to some of the newer technology coming out, best trails, hero dirt, favorite road rides and more, they cover it all. While Erik struggles to keep up with Mike's wit and and wisdom, all will benefit from the good advice here. Learn more about Venture Sports HERE *AUDIO NOTE* Around minute 6 and again at minute 11 there is some slight audio feedback that is on OUR end, not yours. Thanks!

Feed neighbors in need and get tax credit and marketing benefits? It’s a win-win! More than 38 million Americans lack reliable access to nutritious meals. In Eagle County alone, over 8,700 community members are food insecure. Meanwhile, 108 billion pounds of food go uneaten in the U.S. — the equivalent of 40% of the country’s food supply. REcover, a program of Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s The Community Market, exists to bridge the gap between perfectly good food that goes to waste and the demand for meals that many of our food-insecure neighbors face. We aim to create better connections in our food system by partnering with restaurants, food purveyors, and companies to collect and utilize their excess food to provide meals to the community. Volunteers and staff from EVCF will pick up your excess food and bring it to the nearest market location while your business receives tax credit and marketing benefits. To get involved and learn more click here.

Erik is joined by Vail Valley Partnership's own Anna Robinson to talk about the LEAD Eagle Certification. They discuss who this is for, what the programs entail and why the certification came about in the first place. New in 2023, Vail Valley Works is pleased to introduce the LEAD Eagle Certification (Leadership Education And Development). This certification is awarded to individuals in Eagle County who show a commitment to their leadership journey by completing the four courses on the LEAD Eagle Pathway. For the local workforce, the LEAD Eagle Certification is an opportunity to understand the stages of leadership from tactical to strategic. Each course features a specific “Leadership Pillar” and every course in the pathway includes content focused on communication, emotional intelligence, and values-based leadership, to establish a common language for leaders across Eagle County. Participants will also make quality connections across industries and agencies to establish a solid professional network. This network will be a crucial support as participants grow and take the next steps in their leadership journeys. For local employers, the LEAD Eagle Certification is a strong indicator that an employee or candidate has invested in themselves and put down roots in the local community. You can expect someone with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the tools to lead, who comes with a robust professional network. The LEAD Eagle certification is a tool to move current employees to the next level of leadership or integrate new employees into the community. While most Eagle County employers strive to hire locally, we know it’s not always possible. A key challenge of recruiting outside talent is ensuring they stay in Eagle County. Establishing a network and community connections are vital components to workforce retention – the LEAD Eagle Certification programs are designed to do just that! Sign up and learn more HERE

What does it take to make it long term in this valley? What does it take to put down roots in this place and see them grow? Erik is joined by Bratzo Horruitiner, Executive Director of My Future Pathways and Seth Ehrlich, Executive Director of SOS Outreach to talk about the idea of BELONGING in this community. Through the lens of their individual organizations as well as a greater community lens, these gentlemen share experiences, lessons and tangible ideas we can all do to increase the sense of belonging in this community. Learn more about SOS Outreach HERE Learn more about My Future Pathways HERE

Erik heads over to Walking Mountains Science Center to learn more about this year's Climate Action Week...or 10 days...c'mon it should be everyday! He's joined by Elizabeth Baer, Sustainability Fellow and Will Barror, Climate Action Coordinator and they discuss highlights from the upcoming week and how this initiative only works with COMMUNITY behind it. Find out how you can get involved HERE. Climate Action Week is an extended week of events to inspire climate action and highlight local climate action partners! Throughout the week, events will be held that encourage increased awareness and action on community-based climate solutions in Eagle County. Climate Action Week is organized by Walking Mountains Science Center and the Climate Action Collaborative. Each event highlights a different sector of the collaborative and emphasizes how partnership and community action is crucial to progress. Join us as we engage the Eagle County community around climate action and help us meet our Climate Action Plan goals of 50% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction by 2030 and 80% GHG emission reduction by 2050.

Erik heads to Cooley Mesa Detailing for a tour and conversation with owner Chris Baddick. They discuss a number of different business issues including the joys and challenges of taking over a family legacy business. Chris also discusses how a former professional cyclist came to work in the auto business and how he and his team can work towards positive social and environmental outcomes. As Chris shares, the rental car experience is often someone's first "handshake" with the valley and wouldn't you like that handshake to be competent and CLEAN?! Founded in 1988 and locally owned ever since, Cooley Mesa Detailing has established itself as the Vail Valley’s primary high touch auto detailing specialist. Located at the Eagle County Regional Airport, Cooley Mesa Detailing built it’s reputation by providing exemplary service to passengers flying in and out of the Vail Valley Jet Center. Learn more about Cooley Mesa Detailing HERE

Erik is joined this week by John Burns, owner/operator/co-founder of Slalom Fox cocktails. Based in the Front Range but with a strong mountain presence, John recounts the story of how this company came to be, what challenges they faced building their dream and how it is moving into the future. They talk candidly about challenges around brand awareness, local market share and running a small business with a regional and statewide focus. Join us as we look at small business through the lens of a craft cocktail company and I imagine you'll be surprised at what can apply to business of any size. Learn more about Slalom Fox cocktails HERE

Erik is joined by Shannon Grant, Director of Post Secondary Learning and Career Readiness for Eagle County School District and Carolyn Tucker, Regional Business Services Coordinator for the Colorado Workforce Center to discuss WORK WEEK! It's not Shark Week, it's Work Week. Work Week 2023 March 28 – March 30 Join us for the new, week long spring hiring event! Over 100 business positions available. Explore what business is right for you. There are options to participate both in-person and virtually. Resumes are required. Join us at one of the following locations to chat with businesses in-person. Tuesday, March 28th Thursday, March 30th *View businesses participating in-person. Virtual Participation Click here*View businesses participating virtually. Is your business interested in participating in work week? Click here to fill out the business registration form. If you have already signed up and wish to participate in virtual interviews, click here to register.