An Idea for Business Development
I would like to put together an idea to get people thinking of a way to unite the Hills and create jobs, possibly new relationships, and even new businesses.
When my husband and I lived for almost 30 years on the West Slope of the Rockies in Colorado, there were two small towns who put their heads together at an advantage for all. This was designed to create business for these 2 small towns mostly in the winter, when the sidewalks rolled up for one of these towns and things were SLOW. I am referring to the burgs of Ouray (pronounced you-ray) and Telluride, the well-known ski area. They are separated by 13,000′, jagged mountain peaks, are accessible by about 15 miles of a very rough 4WD dirt road in summer, and by a crooked mountain road of about 50 or 60 miles in winter.
In Ouray, there is a wonderful little B&B called the St. Elmo Hotel with a 5-star restaurant, separate from the hotel, in the basement, the Bon Ton. Someone got together with the ski area in Telluride and created an awesome package deal to benefit both towns. It was called the Ouray Get-Away Weekend; a couple would pay the package price which included 2 nights @ the B&B, 2 free dinners @ the Bon Ton Restaurant, 2 free passes to the outdoor hot springs pool in Ouray, and 2 half-price ski tickets in Telluride for a day. A couple could then spend time in Ouray for the most part and take the drive to Telluride for a day to ski and enjoy that town, then return to Ouray (yes, it’s a longish ride, but worth it!) for a soak apres’ ski in Ouray’s hot springs pool. Flyers were sent out to local businesses all over the West Slope and advertised in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel to gain interest in this wonderful package deal, and it took off in a couple years’ time.
So I’m thinking, why wouldn’t that work here in Hot Springs where we have much more sun and less snow in winter? A business or businesses, such as the Red Rocks River Resort or A Dakota Dream, for example, could put together their own special package deals. This could include half price ski tickets to Terry Peak and perhaps some time spent in Deadwood gambling with coupons given by the casinos there, then return back to Hot Springs for their 2 nights here, including some special deal for use of the Plunge or other spas (again using the apres’ ski slogan for emphasis), a visit to the Mammoth site, a visit to the horse sanctuary - whatever anyone could come up with. It’s open to great ideas, and this area has SO much to offer, thus possibly creating new jobs and even attracting new businesses.
I truly think this could work; it certainly did for Ouray and Telluride! Locals on the West Slope, or others from out of town who knew of this package deal, just loved it, they returned to those areas at other times of the year as well for visits, and they made new friends. At the time, I was making jewelry and I even sold some pieces to an employee @ the St. Elmo Hotel!
For Hot Springs, I can really see this take off!!! Business can get creative, and get together with folks in the Northern Hills for some great offers and awesome fun! As for my husband and I, we took advantage of the Ouray/Telluride package every winter we could, as winter obviously would be the best time to include a ski package since people love that activity and there is none here. But depending on what businesses wanted to market, it could also be year-round, especially with the gambling in Deadwood and the indoor/outdoor pool @ the Plunge, as well as the other spas in this area, and our beautiful golf course.
Those who have businesses in Hot Springs, put your thinking caps on, and best of luck to better serve our beautiful little town and yourselves!
Susan Gronwall