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VISITOR CENTER PLANS
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The Paonia Chamber of Commerce hosted a public meeting on Monday evening March 3 at the Paradise Theater to provide information and seek input on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byways Visitor Center being planned for the Paonia area. Chamber President Regna Jones opened the meeting by talking about some of the benefits the Visitor Center will bring to the community and thanking the large group in attendance for their interest in the project. She then introduced Kelli Hepler from the Delta County Tourism Cabinet, who has been working on this project for several years.
Hepler talked about the process so far, including getting grants for the project as a gateway to the North Fork Valley and support from CDOT and Scenic Byways. She showed the preliminary plans drawn by Larry Parker of Sundog Architects, and explained that rough plans were needed to pursue funding. Parker explained the features of the proposed building and surrounding area, and the fact that it is being designed to be a model of energy efficiency and also to reflect some of the unique qualities of the North Fork. A large deck, and window placements, will afford views of the Gunnison, Lamborn and Land’s End peaks, and the elevator tower suggests a mineshaft. There will be opportunity for local artists to contribute to the look of the Center.
Plans are to have office space for the Forest Service and the Chamber of Commerce on the second floor, and a visitor information station on the ground level, along with displays on the history, culture and attractions of the North Fork. Comments were generally very supportive, appreciative and enthusiastic, although concerns about whether or not people would find their way from the Visitor Center into Paonia were expressed. Hepler and Parker said that the information about the town would be prominently displayed with clear directions on how to find different businesses and attractions. Studies have shown that once people stop they are more likely to explore the area, and that an attractive, clearly marked and accessible visitor center would draw people in.
There will be many opportunities for input as the plans progress. At this point, it is being planned for a site on Highway 133 to be donated by the Riverbank development. The total proposed cost is 1.8 million dollars, with much of that going for highway access improvement. The project would be funded by grants.
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Welcome New and Returning Chamber Members!
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Our 2008 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE is underway and many of our loyal members have already signed on for the new year. Our thanks go out to Paonia Farm & Home, Rebecca Miller, Pickin' Productions, Aspen Leaf Catering & Deli and Wired Right, Inc. (formerly Paonia.com ) for your continuing support. In addition, our Chamber business members would like to WELCOME our newest members: High Country Shopper, Bethlehem Wine Cellars, Revolution Brewing, North Rim Trophy Hunts and Gunnison River Expeditions and Raven Rumours Press.
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WELCOME TO THE PAONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. WE ARE PLEASED TO BRING YOU INFORMATION ABOUT PAONIA'S BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
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Where is Paonia?
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Paonia is a small town in Western Colorado about half way between Aspen and Telluride. The closest commercial airports are Montrose (MTJ), Grand Junction (GJT), and Eagle (EGE). Or, see Google Maps.
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OUR MISSION
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“The mission of the Paonia Chamber of Commerce is to promote a vibrant business environment and support our unique quality of life through advocacy, collaboration and communication.”
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Chamber Board Meeting Minutes
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April 1
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Read Meeting Minutes
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WINERIES
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In the West Elks Mountains surrounding Paonia, sits a nationally designated grape growing area. Vineyards, orchards and organic gardens thrive in this climate. Three special winery and local B and B events begin with a Blossom Walk the third weekend in April, continues with a Wine and Dine the third weekend in August, and culminates Thanksgiving weekend with a barrel tasting. Call the Chamber for a brochure.
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Paonia In the News!
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Paonia has been recognized in multiple national magazines as a great place to live. Check out a couple of recent articles... Mother Earth News August 2007 or Forbes March 2006
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