I’m not really sure how the calendar already says it’s October 31.  This year has passed in a flash and I want to share a few “tidbits” for your day!

1.  We are in the last seven days of election season.  If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to vote.  Voting is a unique privilege that we have here in the United States and your vote can impact your local community.  The Chamber has been highly involved in analyzing issues and candidates for the benefit of our members.We invite you to check out the resources and information we have created for your use.  For 2023 local and state issues issues – click here:  https://fortcollinschamber.com/november-7-2023-election-issues/. And for local candidates – click here:  https://fortcollinschamber.com/november-7-2023-election-candidates/.
2. The Fort Collins Area Chamber congratulates Davinci Signs Systems Inc. as they close out another great year proudly representing the small business community of Fort Collins. Davinci Signs was named a semifinalist in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2023 America’s Top Small Business Awards. Finishing among the top 70 small businesses in the country is an incredible accomplishment.A member of the Chamber for over 19 years, Davinci Signs won two national awards in 2023, taking home first place in the Signs of the Times Best Outside Design Shop/Fabrication Non-Illuminated and the World Sign Associates Under 100 Square Feet category Coolness Competition. We are proud to have assisted Davinci Sign Systems and all small businesses in their contributions to the economy of Northern Colorado.

   With more than 80% of our membership being employers with 25 or fewer employees, recognition like this motivates us to continue to represent and serve our members in the Fort Collins Area.
   As a champion for business, we couldn’t be prouder of our members and will continue to celebrate their contributions to the City of Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado.

3. The final note I wanted to share with our membership today is compliments of Kristin Candella, Executive Director and CEO of Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity.  She shared some amazing thoughts related to housing and our current community conversation around land use.  See her comments below:In the United States, we have a housing supply shortage, millions of people cannot find a home they can afford. Locally, the scarcity of affordable and missing middle products means those who work here are being pushed further and further out. For too many of our hardworking neighbors, a secure place to live is simply out of reach. That’s why we must work together to create solutions that provide more safe, stable housing options of all kinds.To secure the foundation of our community, we must ensure everyone has fair access to a place to call HOME. This is the foundation we need for our communities to THRIVE. We can and should support policies that include, make room, and protect the character and vibrancy of our community – which is the people. Providing housing options across the spectrum for all ages and stages of life requires an updated perspective on how we use our land. One that focuses on choice and capacity.

   Our City has taken the first step by releasing the insistence that the built environment and exclusionary zoning remain cast in amber. Kudos to our City Leaders and Staff for the relentless pursuit of excellence in redoing our land use code which passed on 10/17 and thank you to everyone who showed up and let your voice be heard. Policy matters. It is the framework that makes home possible.

Happy Halloween!