The Partnership Podcast

VVP's Erik Williams is welcomed into the lobby of the classic Sitzmark Hotel in Vail Village to talk transitions!

How do you let go of something after 49 years?
In this case with grace and confidence in those you are handing it to.

Erik is joined by Jeanne Fritch, whose family has owned and operated the property for 49 years and Steve Kisielica, who's family takes over the reigns.  Jeanne talks about the importance of finding an "heir" to The Sitzmark who will maintain the legacy while still embracing  changes in the industry.  Steve shares his vision for the future while talking about employees and business in Vail Village. 

Erik mostly keeps quiet in this one, it's a fascinating discussion:)
Learn more about The Sitzmark HERE.

Brooke Skjonsby, Executive Director of Vail Valley Charitable Fund breaks down Eagle County Gives day with Erik Williams from VVP.  Learn about some of the participating organizations, the mission and goals and how you can maximize your donations before December 6th.
Learn more about the 67 participating non-profits HERE.

Erik Williams is joined Chris Romer, President and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, for a look ahead at the 2022-23 Winter Season.  Chris breaks down current economic data as well as giving us a historical perspective on guest occupancy, sales tax, community collaboration PLUS the "secret sauce" for a successful year.
Find more information and resources HERE.

Kyle Foster, owner/operator and more of Seagull's Cycles invites Erik from VVP (and you!) behind the counter on location in Eagle.  They discuss what it takes to start a small business in this community through the lens of Kyle's story and why Seagull's Cycles is more than just a bike shop.  Kyle believes that through building community and relationships this is exactly the bike shop our valley needs.

In his own words:
Committed to passing on knowledge, Seagull’s Cycles offers education, repair and consignment. Our desire to guide clients through the world of bike nuances is built on transparency, which results in a sense of ease and trust.

Learn more about Seagull's Cycles HERE.

Erik Williams from VVP heads to the Salvation Army to spend time with Tsu Wolin Brown, site coordinator and all around valley saint! (She was a volunteer for 21 years before working at SA!)
More than just a food pantry, learn about the different services that Salvation Army provides for the community including rent assistance, social services, disaster relief services, Adopt-a-Family, volunteer opportunities and more.
Learn about services provided and how you can give back to your community through the Salvation Army HERE.

Lauren Mendez, Marketing Manager for Vail Valley Partnership sits down with Madison Partridge, Executive Director of Mountain Pride to chat about inclusivity for our LBGTQ+ community in the Vail Valley.  Learn what steps you and your business can take to be more inclusive today.

Mountain Pride is an organization inspired and driven to serve the needs of our LGBTQIA+ communities. Mountain Pride is devoted to strengthening its foundation and expanding its reach as an organization by establishing supportive, safe spaces, enhancing family acceptance and understanding, and offering access to education, resources, and programs. You can learn more about the work Mountain Pride is doing at www.mountainpride.org

Join VVP's Erik Williams and Chris Romer as they dig into the pros and cons of establishing a Regional Transportation Authority. 

Employers and community leaders in the Eagle Valley began discussions on creating a regional transportation authority (RTA) prior to the pandemic. An RTA allows local communities to work together to address the transportation and transit needs of the area.

Representatives of eight local governments—Eagle County; the towns of Avon, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail; and Beaver Creek Metro District—along with business, nonprofit and community leaders have collaborated for the past year on a proposal to create the Eagle Valley Regional Transportation Authority.

After months of research and work, we can make it a reality. Improved transit and transportation helps our local citizens, helps our businesses, and improves the guest experience. Voters in these eight communities this November will be asked to approve the creation of the Eagle Valley RTA and funding to improve transit and other transportation services. 

The goal of the Eagle Valley RTA is to support the workforce, economic and environmental goals of our region and our individual communities.

A YES vote in November accomplishes this for the price of a half-cent sales tax (that’s $0.50 on a $100 purchase). That’s a small price to pay for an improved community.

Find more information HERE.

Vail Valley Partnership CEO Chris Romer is joined by Brian Brandl, candidate for Eagle County Board of County Commissioners. They discuss a variety of community issues including transit, housing, health insurance, early childhood, workforce, and more.

Find more information on Brian's campaign HERE.

Vail Valley Partnership CEO Chris Romer is joined by Jeanne McQueeney, candidate for Eagle County Board of County Commissioners. They discuss a variety of community issues including transit, housing, health insurance, early childhood, workforce, and more.

Find more information on Jeanne's campaign HERE.

Vail Valley Partnership CEO Chris Romer is joined by Savannah Wolfson, candidate for Colorado House District 26. They discuss a variety of community issues including transit, housing, health insurance, early childhood, workforce, and more.

Find more information on Savannah's campaign HERE.