MEEKER | Change is in the air at the Meeker Chamber of Commerce as Sara Stephenson steps into the role of director, bringing fresh ideas and a passion for local business growth.
Stephenson reflected on what brought her to Meeker in 2020.
“It was for a relationship and I fell in love with Meeker at the same time!” Stephenson said.
She explained what inspired her to take on the director role at the chamber and what excites her most about it.
“I interviewed for this because, ever since I moved here, I’ve always supported Meeker and our businesses. I first started working at the rec center, and that helped me get to know a lot of people. I love fostering the community,” Stephenson said.
Describing Meeker as a tight-knit community, she shared her vision for the chamber over the next year.
“Definitely promoting economic growth while still preserving the small-town feel. I don’t want to overwhelm our town with tourism, but that is how we make a lot of our money,” Stephenson said.
Stephenson also addressed how she will represent all businesses in the community.
“We’re trying to get community members more engaged, especially through social media. We also want to educate people about what the chamber does and promote the benefits of our memberships and how we can help their businesses,” she said.
As for strategies to promote new businesses, Stephenson emphasized the importance of community support.
“Keeping the small-town feel is key. It’s a tight-knit community where businesses support each other. It’s not about competition; everyone tries to promote one another because we all need help,” she said.
Stephenson also outlined how she plans to assist small businesses facing challenges.
“I want to put a face to the name so people know who I am and feel comfortable reaching out for help with promoting, advice, or assistance. Getting the chamber out there is crucial,” she said.
She noted that many people are unaware of what the chamber does, emphasizing the need for more community education on the benefits of membership. The process to join the chamber is straightforward.
“You can talk to me or Trudy, call, or email us,” Stephenson said.
Interested businesses fill out a membership application, categorizing themselves under areas such as restaurants, lodging, or outfitting. Once processed, businesses are added to the chamber’s directory and online listings.
“If you are a member, we refer you. For example, if someone asks for a good Mexican food place, we recommend a member like the Mexican House. Word of mouth is beneficial because we’ve personally experienced these businesses,” Stephenson said.
Regarding events and programs, Stephenson is excited about upcoming plans. The chamber is working on the Main Street program and preparing for the Meeker Market, which will soon start lining up vendors. Other major events include the Fourth of July parade and the Sheepdog Trials.
“We’re always trying to promote other events too, like grand openings or ribbon cuttings,” she said.
Stephenson highlighted the chamber’s collaborations with local organizations.
“We work with Range Call for the parade, the Sheepdog Trials, and the rec department. It’s a team effort. For instance, the rec center handles the concert, and we organize the vendors for the Meeker Market. We try to partner with any business that has a vendor,” she said.
Increasing community involvement is another focus for Stephenson.
“Just getting the word out there. We want to involve small businesses, generate revenue, and put them in the spotlight. We have over 200 members, and we try to share as much of their social media content as possible,” she said.
Stephenson also emphasized the importance of networking events.
“Hosting open houses or promoting business events is important. We try to be there, invite friends, and encourage other members to attend,” she said.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Stephenson believes her background in Meeker has prepared her for the director role.
“I moved to Meeker in 2020 and got to know a lot of businesses and community members. I was a coach, so I knew parents and kids, and then I was a caseworker. I don’t have a problem with having tough conversations. It’s nice working at a job where people actually like to see you,” she said.
She also highlighted her experience in marketing, promotions, and event planning.
“I love being out in the community and meeting new people. That was my favorite part of working at the rec center,” she said.
To stay up to date with trends, Stephenson studies similar small towns and attends conferences on economic development.
“It doesn’t make sense for us to look at Aspen or Grand Junction, which have thousands of businesses. I focus on towns with a similar budget and see what they’re promoting. We also attend an annual conference to learn about new trends,” she said.
She believes in adapting strategies based on real-world success.
“We learn from other chambers. If they’ve done something successfully, we try it. If something fails, we pivot. For instance, we’re testing new social media strategies this month. If they don’t work, we’ll try something else,” she said.
“After 10 years as executive director, I am excited for Sara to continue in this important role,” said outgoing director Stephanie Hanson. “She is already building relationships and engaging with business owners, to improve member services and the chamber’s role in our community.”
The Chamber has implemented many programs and services throughout the years, including our Uplift Meeker Main Street program, the new Business Center and ShopLocal initiatives that will grow with Sara’s leadership to support our community.”
As she steps into her new role, Stephenson remains dedicated to fostering Meeker’s business community while preserving its small-town charm. With fresh ideas and a passion for local growth, she is eager to strengthen connections, support businesses, and bring new opportunities to the town she now calls home.
