August may have marked the beginning of the transition from summer into fall, but it was another busy month for the Meeker Chamber & Visitor Center as we continued welcoming travelers, promoting Meeker and looking ahead to new opportunities for our community.
The Visitor Center welcomed 135 visitors during August, assisting travelers with information on local lodging, dining, hiking, OHV opportunities, fishing, area attractions and upcoming events. As hunting season gets underway, we have also been helping archery and muzzleloader hunters with local information and resources.
Interest in the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials continues to grow, with visitors stopping in to ask about the event and make plans for their time in Meeker. Discounted local tickets are available at the Visitor Center. The Chamber will also be at the Trials, welcoming visitors and sharing information about everything Meeker has to offer.
Thanks to lodging tax funding, the Chamber’s partnership with Vinrock Media continues to promote Meeker as a travel destination. From April 1 through July 31, Facebook and Instagram ads were shown more than 770,000 times, reaching more than 330,000 people and generating more than 150,000 engagements. The campaign also resulted in 529 itinerary downloads and 135 visitor guide requests. YouTube ads were displayed more than 180,000 times and viewed 60,000 times.
The Chamber is also excited to share that Meeker has been selected to participate in the Colorado Tourism Office’s Destination Blueprint Program. The yearlong program will provide approximately 100 hours of technical assistance to help strengthen the local tourism economy and improve the visitor experience.
The Chamber has begun assembling a local core team and preparing for the program’s first community workshop later this year. One focus will be identifying ways to encourage travelers to get off Highway 13, explore downtown, support local businesses and spend more time experiencing Meeker.
As we begin looking ahead to 2027 Chamber membership, we will also be reaching out to members through a survey. Local businesses will have an opportunity to share what is working, where they need additional support and what programs, resources and benefits they would most like to see from the Chamber in the coming year.
Uplift Meeker is also already looking ahead to the holiday season. Planning is underway for this year’s Christmas Celebration, including coordination with local businesses, nonprofits and community partners. More details will be shared as plans take shape.
As we head into fall, the Chamber remains committed to welcoming visitors, promoting Meeker, supporting local businesses and pursuing opportunities that strengthen our community and local economy. Thank you to our members, community partners, volunteers and everyone who continues to support the Chamber and Uplift Meeker.
By SARA STEPHENSON
Executive Director
Meeker Chamber of Commerce