Ten Communities Survey

In the fall of 2002, The Durango Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors commissioned the study of ten (10) Rocky Mountain communities to assess the economic impact of conference centers and locally based special events. Research was conducted by Kristen Hartzell (PEN, Inc.) over a several month period. Findings were presented to the Board of Directors for their review and consideration.

The Rocky Mountain communities that were included in the BID commissioned research:

The PEN, Inc. report indicates that all the researched communities share similar challenges and economic goals. All of the identified Rocky Mountain communities are striving to find new ways to draw both leisure and business travelers to their respective communities. It should be noted that summer 2002 experienced an economic downturn due to a number of business, political and extraordinary factors (9/11 in NYC & Wash DC). In addition, the Durango area experienced the 2nd largest wildfire in Colorado’s history, which severely impacted the summer tourism season in Durango in 2002.

Based on the “Ten Communities Research”, the Durango BID Board began funding marketing grants for locally based marketing events in FY 2003 ($15,000 yr) and FY 2004 ($50,000) and FY 2005 ($85,000). This joint marketing support has increased visitation and visibility for special events in Durango.

For a summary of the report findings see Community Profile Research Summary