A Look at Q1: Chamber Progress and What We’re Focused On
Here’s a look at Chamber activity and progress from the first quarter, including our first impact report.
Q1 focused on strengthening the Chamber’s work and clarifying how we support and engage with Gunnison’s business community. The first quarter included strong participation across events, along with activity in visitor engagement and online traffic, and progress on several key initiatives.
We launched a new website, updated membership tiers to better serve members, and formally established the Chamber Foundation, a separate nonprofit created to support community-based programs like the facade grant. These efforts respond to evolving conditions in the Gunnison economy and strengthen how the Chamber delivers value to local businesses over time.
What We’re Focused On Right Now
The Visitor Center is being reimagined to better connect visitors to local businesses and create a space that is more actively used year-round. Work is underway to secure funding to support these improvements.
Our primary focus continues to be strengthening engagement with existing members and delivering clear, consistent value through our programs, events, and communications.
In partnership with the City of Gunnison, we are leading a lodging market study to better understand demand, seasonality, and how lodging trends connect to the local economy.
We are also working to build support for the Chamber Foundation, a separate nonprofit that will help fund initiatives like a future facade grant program designed to reinvest directly into local businesses.
Economic + Business Update
The most recent sales tax data for the City of Gunnison, reflecting full-year 2025, shows modest overall growth, with total sales and use tax revenue increasing by about 2 percent compared to 2024.
Performance varied across the year, with stronger activity in the spring and early summer months and flatter results later in the year. At the sector level, results were mixed, with accommodation seeing a slight year over year decline.
This reinforces the importance of better understanding demand, seasonality, and how lodging performance connects to the broader business environment, which the upcoming lodging market study is designed to address.
Businesses have also raised questions about new alcohol server training requirements tied to liquor licensing within the City of Gunnison. There are concerns about how implementation may impact hiring, onboarding, and day to day operations. Input gathered through conversations with local businesses and a follow up survey was shared with City Council, and the City has indicated it will revisit the current requirements.
Survey feedback on the shift to a limited draw system for elk hunting licenses was mixed. Some businesses expect minimal impact, while others, particularly in lodging and retail, have raised concerns about potential changes to fall traffic. Responses also highlight the importance of clear communication with hunters and opportunities for local activation to support businesses during the fall season as this transition continues. The Chamber will continue to track feedback as this change is implemented.
Thank you for your continued input and engagement with the Gunnison Chamber.