Chamber representative among year two participants of Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) sponsors the Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey, a tuition-based executive training program aimed at building the bench strength of the state’s tourism industry. Marlene Neidert, Tourism Promotion Project Manager for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, is among this year’s participants.

The 22 members of the Class of 2019 began their yearlong experience at the Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference Oct. 29-31 in Vail, as participants of the inaugural 2018 class take the stage to graduate.

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“The tourism industry is our state’s second largest employer, and its future success depends in a very real way on access to talent,” said CTO Director Cathy Ritter. “By equipping tourism leaders and up-and-comers with skills to inspire others, create change and overcome challenges, we are building a competitive edge for a key Colorado industry.”

One of a kind in the U.S., the program is aimed at managers seeking to grow as effective leaders in a tourism setting. For employers, it is a cost-effective means for developing, rewarding and retaining top talent. Tuition of $2,500 covers all educational expenses, including attendance at two successive Governor’s Tourism Conferences, with limited scholarships available.

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The curriculum encompasses facilitated sessions, required readings, one-on-one mentoring, action learning projects and experiential learning opportunities in five different Colorado locations.

Colorado Mountain College brings home communication awards

Colorado Mountain College recently received four Medallion awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations.

Within NCMPR’s six-state District 4 region, the college’s advancement team – composed of the marketing, public information and foundation departments – won four Medallion awards:

Gold: “Because of You: The Story of Colorado Mountain College” 50th history book (print: specialty publication)

Silver: CMC’s “Impact” annual review 2016-17: 50th anniversary edition (annual report)

Silver: Colorado Mountain College website (digital/electronic media: website)

Silver: “College Is for Me!” (communications success story or community relations campaign)

The commemorative history book “Because of You” and the “Impact” annual review were specifically created to celebrate Colorado Mountain College’s 50th anniversary in 2017. CMC’s website, http://www.coloradomtn.edu, offers a comprehensive look at the college’s 11 campuses and locations; its certificates, degrees and noncredit classes; and its onsite and online courses.

“College Is for Me!” is a campaign that places the college president, mascot Swoop and staff into regional elementary and middle schools to encourage fifth-grade students to begin thinking about their college futures — and to finish high school.

The college’s main website is overseen by Frank Martin, web content editor, and the other winning entries were created by a team of contributors, including Doug Stewart, Debra Crawford, Jeanne Golay, Lisa Miller, Phil Dunn, Carrie Click, Jesse Taylor, Mike Wadyko and Donna Gray.

NCMPR is a professional development organization serving communications professionals at two-year colleges. Colorado Mountain College competes in the organization’s District 4, which includes Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

20/20 EyeCare Welcomes Shannon Swayne, OD, FAAO

Shannon Swayne, OD, FAAO, has joined 20/20 EyeCare. Swayne specializes in medical eye care including general eye exams and treatments, emergency needs and injuries, as well as treating eye conditions related to diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma and corneal conditions.

Swayne received her doctorate of optometry from Southern College of Optometry and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Newman University in Kansas. She relocated to Glenwood Springs after practicing in Grand Junction for the past two years.

In addition to seeing her patients, she has settled into exploring new places in our valley and relaxing with her two rescue kitties. She can be found hiking or reading a new book on her patio with a cup of coffee.

20/20 EyeCare has practice locations in Glenwood and Carbondale. For more information contact 20/20 EyeCare at 970-945-2020 or visit 2020eyecare.com.