As seen in The Estes Park Trail Gazette

You probably got the same message last week asking for the community to sign up for a series of listening sessions to better understand how we can provide feedback on the Town's comprehensive plan. You might have wondered, "What does land use have to do with me?" Some people have told me, "I'm not sure my voice will make a difference." We're writing to make sure you hear this: Your voice makes a difference.

To be clear, a voice does not constitute a vote. To express an opinion does not guarantee a decision in your favor. It does make the Constitution valid, though. It's an inalienable right to voice your opinion and a multitude of opinions in the right room at the right time can change the direction of a decision.

As the voice of business, we often get requests at the Chamber to state our opinion on an issue. Our response is always the same: the Chamber does not have an opinion on any issue outside of the voice of our members. That's why we have industry councils -- to raise important issues with business owners in lodging, retail, F&B, and health services, to name a few, and alliances across categories for businesses in the downtown corridor, members along Hwy. 7, women-owned businesses and more.

These alliances and councils exist for a single strategic point: they create a larger collective voice to make the concerns of business heard where it matters most. Within the Lodging Council, for instance, our Vacation Rental Owners are meeting next week to determine collective action on a House Bill that can impact their taxation. There's far greater levity to a letter representing 315 members than a passionate letter from one person. That doesn't mean we should never write passionate pleas for justice, but we have the opportunity to compound the impact of that letter with multiple voices.

Never underestimate your voice.

Join a larger collective at esteschamber.org/get-involved.