A retired police captain from Virginia Beach, Va., has been hired to lead the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.
Marie Chiarizia moved to Summit Lake with her husband two years ago to live a more peaceful life after decades in law enforcement and surviving hurricanes. Maybe too peaceful, though.
"I missed being part of something bigger than myself, and see this job as an opportunity to get involved in the community and contribute," Chiarizia says.
Promoting tourism and supporting local businesses is the goal of the chamber, she says. And for Mancos, continuing the emphasis on the arts, recreation, and Western heritage is an important focus.
Mancos has been nominated as a Creative Arts District by the state, a pending designation that is fitting. Galleries and a popular arts co-op attract locals and visitors on Grand Avenue.
Art festivals, a balloon festival, and a new street fair with music and entertainment have been successful, a trend Chiarizia plans to continue.
"Our vibrant artist scene is exciting. We have more than 100 artists here, and that attracts businesses," she says. "For example a recent new Italian restaurant, Olio, has a fun atmosphere that combines wine, food, and an art gallery."
The active downtown has attracted a new ice-cream parlor, new brewery, the Painted Turtle art studio, and bicycle shop to open as well. The recent Harvest Dinner brought out more than 200 people.
"We're building on each other, supporting each other," she says, adding that getting more residents to participate in local events through more direct mailings is a goal.
Promoting outdoor activities is another goal of the new chamber administrator. She wants the Mancos visitor's center to be the place where people find out about where to go hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, and cycling.
"We want to be active year-round, and involve other communities as well," Chiarizia says. "This area is really fascinating. Each little town is so unique, we should share information with visitors and promote the region."
Outgoing administrator Marianne Griffin deserves a lot of credit for moving the chamber forward the last four years. She is moving to Baja, Mexico, for some well-deserved recreation and rest.
"It is the most fun job I have ever had," Griffin said. "I love working with the local people and visitors. The businesses here deserve a lot of respect for staying strong through these tough economic times."
Mancos has found the right balance between the arts and authentic Western culture, Griffin said. A recent street fair with music, entertainment, and food brought out 500 participants and 26 vendors. Unique attractions like reviving an antique press at the old Mancos Times, artist co-ops, and lively street fairs, make a town stand out.
"Mancos is on a roll. As a region, we are becoming popular, and we should promote ourselves together," she said. "People are finding out taking a mini-vacation here is a good experience. Europeans especially love exploring all of our different villages."
The chamber is having an "Adios Party" for Griffin on Friday, Oct. 17, starting at 5 p.m. at the Columbine Bar. Everyone is invited and there will be live music, food, and a cash bar. Good Luck Marianne!
