Your Source for Local Business News and Information Friend us on Facebook Visit us online at montrosemirror.com Issue No. 69 Oct. 2 2013 Please Support our Advertisers: The “BREAKING NEW GROUND!” Issue! WELCOME HOME ALLIANCE EYES DURANGO EXPANSION By Caitlin Switzer REGIONAL—She is a single mother, dividing her www.montrosecounty.net time between family and her work as a wildfire con- sultant and certified equine therapist in Durango. And Tammy Tyner has a dream. “My dad and I work with horses, and we have es- tablished an equine-assisted learning program geared toward veterans,” she said. “Our vision is to eventu- www.voa.org ally have a ranch, here in Durango, dedicated to vet- erans. They could come out for two weeks of rest, relaxation, fun, and equine-assisted learning, for stress-relief and exercise.” The ranch may still be a dream, but efforts to build a supportive organization for local veterans are fast becoming a reality, thanks to a community group that includes Tyner and her father, Ron. www.region10.net Several weeks ago, Welcome Home Montrose Above, equine assisted therapy at Durango’s Therapeu- Founder Melanie Kline spoke to two groups in Du- tic Experience is one benefit that wounded veterans rango. One of those groups, headed by Ron Tyner, could experience when the Welcome Home Alliance for was composed of residents with a collective interest vets expands to Durango. Courtesy photo. Continued on page 8 MEDC UNVEILS POTENTIAL NEW BUSINESS AT MRCOG, HAYNES PROVIDES UPDATE ON TRANSIT, BROADBAND EFFORTS www.montroseact.com By Caitlin Switzer MONTROSE--The name is VERN, but it’s not your ornery brother-in-law. The Vocational Electronics Recycling Network (VERN) includes the non-profit www.smpa.com Blue Star Recyclers of Colorado Springs and a num- ber of other partners, employs people with disabili- ties—and it just may be expanding to Montrose. “VERN will come to Montrose and do a feasibility analysis for $1,300,” Montrose Economic Develop- ment Corporation Executive Director Sandy Head told the group of public officials at the MR COG meeting at Friendship Hall Sept. 26. “ReclaMetals does not see them as competition—this kind of recy- cling takes a lot of work, but there is a lot of money www.allpointstransit.org in what is being shipped out.” Head asked for cooperation between City and County in paying the study fee. Above, Blue Star Recyclers of Colorado Springs are “Why would we pay for a study to have a private part of the Vocational Electronics Recycling Network, business venture come in?” asked Montrose Mayor (VERN) which employs people with disabilities. Judy Ann Files. VERN may be coming to Montrose. Courtesy photo. Continued on page 14 http://www.realestate- in this Glee Speaks out Burch works to Hepler tapped for Liesl Greathouse Hospitality Seminar montrose.com/ issue on Downtown rename peak statewide role “Get Your Ride On! Oct. 24-25! The Montrose Mirror | October 1, 2013 Page 2 DELTA COUNTY’S KELLI HEPLER TAPPED FOR STATEWIDE ROLE Tourism as well, to state and across the nation. Hepler said she promote agritour- is also excited about some of the things ism, or that she ac- happening here in Montrose, especially the tually got her start Western Colorado Hospitality Summit set here in Montrose. for Oct. 24-25. “I now have a “I love the hospitality summit,” Hepler voice with the Colo- said, “and I love that Colorado Mesa Uni- rado Tourism Of- versity is offering hospitality management fice,” Hepler said. -- one of my longtime goals is to see 30 “I represent the percent of our front line businesses get this Western Slope— kind of training. And I have been going they hear from us to Region 10 economic development now--and I love meetings, where tourism is a big item on that!” the list.” A commercial Hepler said she does not understand the artist by profession, City of Montrose’s decision to pull Hepler started her $600,000 in funds away from the former own business 27 Montrose Association of Commerce & Delta County Tourism Cabinet Consultant Kelli Hepler was honored years ago. Tourism earlier this year, however, after a with a Governors award for her work in 2011. Courtesy image. “One of my first city-driven process had created the organi- clients was the zation in 2010. By Caitlin Switzer Montrose Visitor and Convention Bu- “I don’t know why they did it,” she said. DELTA—With a budget of just $79,000 reau,” she said. “I had a little office behind “Jenni (Sopsic, of the former Montrose this year, Kelli Hepler is accustomed to the Hallmark store. Over the years, Delta ACT) was very professional, and they making great things happen on a shoe- County Tourism became my client. They were making real strides. I thought that string for Colorado’s Western Slope. Hon- cannot hire an employee, only a consult- what had been happening in Montrose was ored with a Colorado Governors’ award ant, but I have been with them for more really moving in the right direction. I for her work in tourism promotion just two than ten years.” know there were some folks who thought years ago, Hepler is best known for pro- The strength of Delta County’s agritour- there was too much emphasis on the Black moting and organizing Delta County’s ism campaign can be seen on the web site, Canyon of the Gunnison, but when you Tourism Cabinet—she is the genius be- www.deltacountycolorado.com, and on the have a national park right next door… hind the “Our Side of the Divide” cam- Facebook site as well. Farm tours and the “There is a lot of enthusiasm there now,” paign. Few know, however, that Hepler is local events highlighting food and wine she said. “Do they have the expertise? At now working with the State’s Office of continue to draw visitors from across the this point, only time will tell.” TO OUR READERS… Thank you for taking time to read the Montrose Mirror! In the past I have printed a few paper copies of each issue, but as the publication has grown it has become increasingly costly. While I will still print issues that are 32 pages or under, the larger issues will instead be sent to Columbine Copy Center as a pdf file so that anyone who would like a print copy can call and order one for the cost of making the copies. Columbine’s phone number is 970-249-4418, and their email address is [email protected]. Have a wonderful Autumn, and we hope to see you at the Sharing Ministries Street Dance on Sept. 21! Caitlin Switzer Editor and Publisher The Montrose Mirror No reprints without permission. Post Office Box 3244 Montrose, CO 81402 Editor and Publisher: Caitlin Switzer 970-275-5791 The Montrose Mirror is your source for Creative/Ad Sales: Jon Nelson www.montrosemirror.com local business news and information. [email protected] The Montrose Mirror | October 1, 2013 Page 3 REGIONAL NEWS BRIEFS SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN RUNNERS TO HOST THIRD EVENT IN BLACK CANYON RACE SERIES Special to the Mirror National Park. Come join the fun as run- awards will take place near the finish by MONTROSE--The San Juan Mountain ners and walkers experience the amazing the Ranger Station. Runners will be hosting the 3rd Annual scenery on the lesser-known side of the All proceeds will benefit the Montrose North Rim 20K Race and 8K Run/Walk Black Canyon. Community Foundation. on Sunday, Oct. 13th. The event doesn’t start until 10 a.m., giv- For entry fees, registration, directions to This is the 3rd event in the our Black ing everyone plenty of time to get to the the start and additional race information go Canyon Race Series highlighting our mag- North Rim near Crawford, CO. Post-race to www.sjmr.org or contact Jan at jbridg- nificent Black Canyon of the Gunnison festivities including refreshments and [email protected]. STEP UP FOR THE SPOOKY SPRINT 5K RUN/WALK! Special to the Mirror fits of the Run/Walk will go to Montrose Avenue. Registration forms must be re- th MONTROSE---A Spooky Sprint, 5K Special Olympics. Registration forms can ceived by Oct. 4 to receive a T-Shirt. For Run/Walk will be held Oct. 19 at River- be picked up at the Montrose & Olathe information, please call Amy Shelley at bottom Park, starting at 8 a.m. The bene- Schools District Office at 930 Colorado 970-249-6636. Karen Maxner - Realtor "Maximum Service in Real Estate" http://www.realestate-montrose.com/ [email protected] Located at the http://www.realestate- Historic Lathrop House montrose.com/ 718 East Main Street Montrose CO 81401 970.252.0090 Office Pick Up Your $250 970.596-1286 Cell Rebate at Closing Gift Certificate 800.314.8344 Fax at Our Main In Motion Table!!!! Advertisement The Montrose Mirror | October 1, 2013 Page 4 LONGTIME MONTROSE BUSINESS OWNER WESTCOTT SPEAKS OUT ABOUT DOWNTOWN PROMOTION STRATEGIES By Caitlin Switzer MONTROSE—Glee Westcott first opened her shop in Downtown Montrose 33 years ago, a 100-square-foot location across from City Market, in the location that until re- cently was occupied by State Beauty Sup- ply. “I did my stained glass there, and shared space with a floral company,” Westcott said. “My next location was near Main Street, a little space behind the Simpson Gallery—but I kept on going.” Today, Westcott’s store, Tiffany Etc, is a longtime Montrose favorite, located at 439 East Main Street and drawing appreciative shoppers from across the region for its en- ticingly rich mix of beautiful gifts, careful- ly-chosen items for the home, jewelry and accessories.