Meet Chris Romer | Chamber Executive & Community Champion

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Romer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how does your business help the community?
Vail Valley Partnership, located in Eagle County, is the chamber of commerce and a business association that works to promote community vitality and enhance the quality of life in the Vail Valley region. While our primary focus is on supporting local businesses and driving economic growth, we also contributes to positive social impact in several ways:

Community Engagement and Collaboration: Vail Valley Partnership fosters collaboration among businesses, local government, nonprofit organizations, and community members. As a champion for a stronger community, we help create a sense of unity and shared purpose within the community.

Support for Nonprofit Organizations: The partnership often works closely with nonprofit organizations in the area, providing them with resources, networking opportunities, and support to further their missions. This collaboration strengthens the social service infrastructure of the community, supporting initiatives related to education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and more. As a catalyst, we help provide the tools and resources for others to succeed.

Workforce Development: Vail Valley Partnership is involved in initiatives aimed at workforce development and talent retention and talent pipeline development. By building programs that provide education, training, and employment opportunities, it contributes to the economic empowerment of individuals and families, thereby positively impacting social mobility and stability. As a convener of leaders and influencers, we help get things done.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a chamber of commerce professional with expertise in destination marketing, brand management, and economic development. My career began in hospitality and remains rooted in that foundation.

I am passionate about the Vail Valley and Colorado as a place to live, to visit, and to do business. This passion drives me and has led my career path; I like to ask “Wouldn’t it be great if . . .” and then to develop plans to achieve it. I love to look ahead, develop new ideas and implement ways to achieve these goals, and have been recognized by HSMAI as a “Top 25 Mind” and by Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry as “Chamber Executive of the Year”, while helping Vail Valley Partnership be named national “Chamber of the Year” two times by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

I also write a weekly newspaper column focusing on local and regional business issues with the occasional non-sequitur. I choose to view work as an integral part of life rather than a job and doesn’t believe in “work-life balance” but rather “work-life integration”, recognizing that family must come first.

I have worn many hats in my career: community champion, non profit executive, group & meetings sales, destination marketing, lodging operations, team leader, writer, volunteer board member, chief cheerleader. As a result, I has the ability to lead diverse projects & to tackle big issues by bringing people together. My experience has taught me that my value boils down to:

– understanding that engagement & involvement are essential to the health of a community. Giving back is a requirement for success.
– knowing that collaboration among community partners and businesses is a key component to business success
– not caring who gets credit, but just wanting to win
– grasping that execution is what matters
– knowing big ideas and a lofty vision help to rally the troops. People want emotional buy-in, not features & benefits
– creating & fostering relationships are a foundation to both personal & organizational success
– believing that life should be fun, and that no matter what the setbacks, one must never lose one’s sense of humor

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No one accomplishes great things alone.

Teamwork, dedication, and collaboration make all the difference in accomplishing goals. None of it would be possible without a great volunteer board and a dedicated staff at Vail Valley Partnership who are dedicated to the community and who believe in our mission and in building programs that help build community by supporting businesses and growing people in their careers.

Website: vailvalleypartnership.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisromer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisBRomer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.romer