Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CHAABB) was approved to participate in the Restart Industry Associations Program by the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) in September 2021.
CCHAAB guides the development and management of the Chaffee County Heritage Area and the 57-mile Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway (CPSHB). The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), is the appointed administrator organization for the CCHAAB and implements all projects for the byway. CCHAAB, through the administration of GARNA, established the CPSHB in 2004 and has conducted numerous projects to preserve historically significant property, educate residents and visitors about the byway, and provide advice to Chaffee County Commissioners on issues related to the byway’s mandate.
CCHAAB was paired with Beth Wright, a CRAFT Mentor from the Tourism Consulting Collaborative, with experience in rural destination planning and development, tourism industry research, project management, and stakeholder engagement, to deliver 75 hours of free consulting to conduct the activities listed below.
The purpose of this project was to recommend a CHAABB board management framework that includes structure and resources to encourage consistent board member participation, and establish a management system that ensures long-term growth and sustainability. This will enable CCHAAB and the administrator, GARNA, to maintain an up-to-date Corridor Management Plan for the byway and successfully complete byway projects consistently.
Project objectives included:
- develop a board management framework for the CCHAAB
- create action plans for two short-term projects for CCHAAB to implement in 2022
- develop an annual fundraising strategy for CCHAAB
CCHAAB achieved the following results with its Restart Industry Associations Mentor:
- board management framework for the CCHAAB that includes updates to Resolution 2004-45, board member engagement plans, and project implementation processes
- role descriptions for all board member positions and paid staff
- template commitment pledge to be signed by each board member
- project priorities list and two project action plans for 2022, that includes a plan to update the CPSHB Corridor Management Plan (CMP) and host several community events
- recommended fundraising strategy and tactics for the CCHAAB
- draft scope of work to receive funding support from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to update the CPSHB CMP
“The Restart Industry Associations program really helped remove obstacles for critical strategic planning for our organization. Our Restart consultant went above and beyond, seeing our project all the way through from beginning to final funding proposals.” - Dominique Naccarato, Executive Director, Greater Arkansas River Nature Association
About Restart Industry Associations Program
The Restart Industry Associations Program supports Colorado tourism industry associations to drive faster recovery as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Awarded industry associations receive 75 hours of free consulting and $10,000 in direct marketing support from the Colorado Tourism Office. This program was made possible by a CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.