The Partnership Podcast

Erik get's a chance to talk with Brandon Daruna, CEO of Eagle County Paramedics.  They discuss both comprehensive Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the community paramedic program, which provides health services in the home, increasing health and well-being by mobilizing care, addressing healthcare gaps and connecting people to necessary services.  Learn more about Eagle County Paramedics HERE

At the 2025 Annual VVP Success Awards, we were honored to highlight Julio Garcia as our Young Professional of the year and Erik had a chance to sit down with him recently. In 2024, Julio Garcia Jimenez produced 141 episodes of Conexión Latina, welcomed over 200 guests, and created 10 unique segments to better serve the Latino community in Eagle County. He also launched Conecta en Vivo, a 24/7 livestream of Spanish-language programming, expanding access and visibility. As both producer and host, Julio manages every aspect of the show while also contributing to Good Morning Vail as a bilingual host. While TV8 no longer exits in our valley, Julio's work continues in community connections, elevating underrepresented voices, and fostering a greater sense of belonging across cultures.

Erik heads to the Eagle County School District office to talk Community Engagement with Superintendent Phil Qualman and Engagement Coordinator Tia Luck.  They discuss a number of initiatives meant to bring students, families and businesses together with the common goal of supporting the next generation.  In the words of Superintendent Qualman, "Our students are watching, and we will continue to lead by example, proving that education is the most powerful tool to combat hate and build a brighter future."Learn more about the incredible work being done in student engagement HERE

Erik heads to Eagle to chat with Ben Caton, State Farm Agent and Owner to talk about insurance...and so much more.  Erik and Ben discuss retirement planning, the challenges of taking over a "legacy" business, and the changing state of insurance both locally and regionally.  Ben isn't afraid to answer the hard questions such as, "why are premiums going up?" and "how should I prepare for natural disasters?" (fire or otherwise).  Ben and his team are in the business of protecting people when they are at their most vulnerable and we're lucky to have people like him and his team in this valley.Learn more about how State Farm can protect you HERE.

Erik heads to Edwards to talk with American Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electrical CEO and Owner Brad Payne.  Brad talks about his business journey from acquiring and refining into strategic growth and how that has lead to where they find themselves today.  They also discuss some of the latest trends in heating and cooling and the homeowner in Erik really struggles not to come out!  Listen in to hear a great business story, learn more about American Plumbing Heating Cooling and Electrical HERE

Erik heads on down to Coldwell Banker to meet Amy Pates, a residential and commercial broker with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this Valley.  They discuss the current Real Estate climate, housing trends and commercial trends.  Erik asks Amy the question that many of us wonder, "Is it still possible for a young professional to find housing and make this place their home?"Listen in and I know you'll be intruiged by her answer.  Find out more information about Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties HERE

Erik "heads on down" to the Eagle River Center to check out the action at Trio Therapy Partners this week.  He's joined by Lauren Cremonese, Executive Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and Amanda Moody, Director of Operations and Occupational Therapist.  Tom the Horse is standing nearby as well, although he keeps pretty quiet.  Lauren and Amanda talk about the many facets of Trio including Occupational and Physical Therapy, Mental Health Counseling and Equine-Assisted Learning.  Trio Therapy Partners is a 501(c)3 organization that believes in taking an individual's rehabilitation journey to the next level by utilizing multiple environments to create meaningful change.  Learn more about Trio Therapy Partners HEREFind information about the annual Mountain Hoedown out at 4 Eagle Ranch on May 31st, 2025 and register HERE

Erik gets a chance to spend some time with Peak Plumbing Heating and Cooling with owner Mike Goldberg.  Mike talks about his business philosophy, hiring practices and the power of an education in the trades.  In addition, Mike takes Erik on a tour of Peak PHC to show their new training area for the future plumbers of this valley.To learn more about Peak Plumbing Heating and Cooling click HERE 

Join Erik as he gets a tour of Roundup River Ranch from Mackenzie Koffenberger-Young, The Community Engagement and Recruitment Manager for this wonderful organization.  RRR is part of the SeriousFun Children's Network, a global community of medical specialty camps founded by Paul Newman. He believed that kids with serious illnesses needed a place to “kick back and raise a little hell.”Mackenzie gives Erik the rundown of what a week at camp looks like for both campers and volunteers, and talks about the vision and future of the site.  Join us on this podcast to see it through their eyes but, PLEASE, take the time to see if there might be any volunteer opportunities you or your organization can be a part of!Find out more information HERE 

Erik is joined by Erin Ivie, Executive Director of SpeakUp ReachOut, to talk about the history, current initiatives and future of the organization.  Erin gives historical perspective and current insights into our valley's mental health as well as discusses the upcoming Workplace Wellbeing Summit on Friday, April 11th.This immersive, workshop-style event is designed for teams of 5-10 members per organization. Through engaging & hands-on sessions, participants collaborate to create tailored roadmaps that align with their organization's unique needs and culture. The summit empowers teams with the tools and knowledge to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment, promoting overall employee well-being and contributing to a positive organizational impact.

Erik goes on location to the new Salvation Army headquarters and is joined by Monica Villalobos-Russell, Executive Director, to talk about their new location, new staff and the ways in which they serve the community.  Monica shares why community partnerships and engagement with the Salvation Army is so important and how we can all be part of the solution.Learn more about the Salvation Army HERE

"Insurance protects what we love."  Join Erik this week as he welcomes a friend to the podcast, Tony Martinez, President and Principal Agent at Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group.  Tony frames insurance in the best possible way, explaining when we are protecting our businesses it's more than just "insurance", it's about the success of the entire community.  In this episode, Tony shares lessons for all businesses and uses examples from property management and the restaurant industry.  From his love of the community and being able to deliver those unicorns (you've got to listen), Tony is a trusted voice for business.Learn more about Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group HERE.

This week Erik is joined by Kaitlyn Merriman, Senior Manager of Youth and Family Programs for YouthPower365 to talk about an important topic. The Vail Valley Foundation's YouthPower365 is intensifying efforts to combat youth violence and promote student success through enhanced family-centered initiatives. Kaitlyn talks about the $1 million federal grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, enabling the hiring of a full-time family engagement coordinator at YouthPower365 and a student support specialist at Eagle County Schools.  Erik and Kaitlyn also discuss simple warning signs and techniques for violence reduction and awareness.Find more resources for families HERERecent article from the Vail Daily HERE

Erik is joined by Core Transit Deputy Director Scott Robinson for an enjoyable conversation about Core Transit.  Scott shares that Core isn't just "ECO Transit with a new name" it's a completely new company with an expanded community vision.  They discuss the company formation, the marketing vision and the fact that Core Transit was honored with the Large Community Transit Agency of the Year award at the fall Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) conference. This award recognizes outstanding best practices or projects undertaken by transit agencies serving communities of over 15,000 people and Scott discusses how it's an honor to receive this for a new company and that they have much more in store for Eagle County.And he talks about expanded winter routes!Learn more about Core Transit HERE

Erik is joined in "the Bistro" (yes, that's what he calls his office) by Samantha  Hodgkins, Executive Director of Caregiver Connections to talk about an extremely important, and often overlooked, demographic. With older adults 65+ as the fastest growing population in Eagle County and 70% of people preferring to age in place, Caregiver Connections is expanding its reach to address the growing needs of caregivers and their family loved ones.Samantha talks about resources that help family caregivers of older adults support their loved ones aging in place including care consultations, respite programs and additional resources that will empower them to be the best caregivers they can be.Find more about Caregiver Connections HERE

Let's talk energy savings!  With winter breathing down our necks we all are wondering the same thing, "Am I prepared?"Black Hills Energy is ready for this question and happy to help.  Erik is joined by Amy Fiala, Energy Efficiency Expert and Jason Auslander from Public Affairs to talk about simple steps we can all do to make our houses more efficient as well as long term solutions that make sense for both your family and the planet.  They also dig into hiring in this field and some of the potential careers that exist in the energy field.We wanted an experienced voice on this podcast and we sure found one! Black Hills Energy serves more that 1.34 million customers across 8 states.  For more information on how to prepare for winter and other safety issues, courtesy of Black Hills, click HEREContact JasonContact Amy

Erik gets a chance to go on one of his "plodcasts" where he walks and talks with a local business and is so happy to tour the newly renovated Eagle River Inn in Minturn.  Tierney Delude, General Manager at the Eagle River Inn provides the tour and information, guiding Erik through the idea, the renovation process and the reception the Inn has received.  Spoiler alert, it's already a local's favorite!  This is a true example of making a dream a reality and what it takes to do so in this place.  Take this tour with Tierney and Erik and hear the story of bringing The Eagle River Inn back to Minturn.Learn more and book your stay HERE

Erik gets a chance to talk with someone he has long respected in this valley, Bob Bandoni, Executive Director of Students Shoulder to Shoulder.  For years Bob and his team have shared ethical leadership practices with the youth of this valley and it's a better world because of it.Bob explains how leadership influences every part of society, and its ethical quality determines whether it drives progress or exacerbates challenges. The Annual Ethical Leadership Forum, on October 18th at the Sebastian in Vail, hosted by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder, aims to inspire leaders to adopt and implement principles of ethical leadership.Featuring influential leaders and change-makers like Jennifer Simpson, Richard Lackey, and Dr. Karambu Ringera, the forum will explore innovative models of ethical leadership.Register and learn more HERE

In this episode, VVP's Erik Williams welcomes Katie DiGiacomo, President and Owner of Hot Jobs Staffing & Recruiting, recent honoree of Coloradobiz's Top 100 Woman-Owned Businesses.  They talk about hiring in the high country vs the front range, retention strategies, trends in the workplace, and the future of hiring for jobs in places where housing and childcare costs have made relocation more difficult in recent years.  Katie's expertise and experience hiring in the mountain communities make for a fascinating conversation about where our mountain communities are headed.  If your business is experiencing any struggles in hiring and retaining the best, this podcast is for you.Find more information HERE

Erik has a chance to spend time with a truly extraordinary person, Brielle Kelley.  Brielle is a school-based therapist at Homestake Peak School and Eagle Valley Elementary School as well as as working at Your Hope Center.  Her passion is for her students to succeed and it comes through loud and clear with the strategies and techniques she employs including cultural and linguistic responsivity and her case study work within families.  She has helped to foster support groups for childcare workers and teaches social and emotional learning to students through the mentoring program at SOS outreach.  If it truly does take a village to raise our children, we should all be incredibly thankful that Brielle is a part of our village.  Learn more about what's being done for our students and how you can help in your own way!

Erik get's a chance to spend time with Gracie Rounds, which is always time well spent!  Gracie's Coffee was named Best Emerging Business of the Year at this year's Success Awards and Erik and Gracie go through her timeline of seeing a need, starting a business, growing that business and...spoiler alert...selling the business to another up and coming entrepreneur!Learn more about Gracie's Coffee HERE

Erik has a chance to sit with Ryan Santilli, Director of Sales with AVA Rafting and Zipline, for a wide-ranging discussion of trends in outdoor recreation.  They discuss the COVID "bubble" of outdoor tourism, where it stands now, and the challenges of hiring and retention in a highly seasonal business.  Ryan also teaches Erik what Via Ferrata is and why everyone wants to do it!Learn more about all the amazing outdoor opportunities that AVA offers HERE

In this podcast Erik gets a chance to chat about HR trends, challenges and solutions on a national scale with Yutaka Takagi, Principal Product Evangelist with isolved and how that transfers to our mountain communities with local isolved Business Coach Scott Trainer.  They discuss what national trends are happening around employee engagement and retention as well as break down bridging the gap between the employee experience and the customer experience...and why that's so vital in today's business culture. Learn more about isolved HEREContact Scott directly: STrainer@isolvedhcm.comContact Yutaka directly: www.linkedin.com/in/yutakatakagi/

Erik is joined by Tony Martinez, Founder and President of Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group to discuss the vital role that proper insurance coverage plays in owning and operating a business of any size.  Tony talks about some potential pitfalls that may occur but focuses more on the idea that working with an insurance broker is relational rather than transactional and can have so many benefits for both your long-term and short-term business goals.  Tony shares some real life examples, including a recent relationship he's working on with a group that just purchased a town!  Yes, you heard me, you've got to listen to this story...Learn more about Cornerstone Insurance and Financial Group HERE 

It's a real "plodcast" this time with Vail Valley Mountain Trail Alliance as we hike and talk! Erik is joined by Ernest Saeger, Executive Director with VVMTA and Nicky Asselin, Development and Engagement Manager.  Join this trio as they head up Boneyard in Eagle on a cold Spring morning to talk about spring trails, hiking, protecting our resources (including wildlife!) best hiking shoes (randomly) and their second favorite trails.  C'mon, nobody shares their favorite!The VVMTA advocates for soft surface trails, manages trail stewardship programs, maintains and builds trails, coordinates and trains volunteers, educates outdoor recreational users, and creates opportunities to access the outdoors. They provide expertise, resources, and the experience to support local land managers in various soft surface trail initiatives.Learn more about their incredible work and see how you can get involved HERE

Erik gets a tour of the new medical spa in town, Apres IV, Aesthetics and Dental Haus from Dr. Hillery Oliver.  Dr. Oliver talks with Erik about their multifaceted business, from skincare to dental and more while trying not to look too closely at how Erik himself is aging.  Yes, he was invited back for a free consultation and you are too! Dr. Oliver talks about the business community in Avon, what she sees as her target demographic and what has been the best advertising for her (spoiler: it's not what you think!)  Join us for an insightful look at a growing business and hear what's fueling that success.Learn more about the good work being done at Apres IV, Aesthetics and Dental Haus HERE.

Erik has a chance to visit an actual podcast room in the Slifer House, Slifer Smith and Frampton's shared workspace, with guests Jay Peterson and Kim Fritzler.They discuss the Slifer Foundation, why community involvement is so important and the upcoming Skivenger event to benfit the Community Market.The 4th annual Skivenger Hunt is a fun-filled day on Vail Mountain to give back to the place we call home. The SSF Foundation was established in 2015 focusing on supporting local community organizations that do an amazing job making our area the best place to live.  All proceeds this year will go to the Community Market, learn more about their good work HERE.

Erik has a chance to chat with Nancy Heard, GM of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and it's such an enlightening conversation!  From the history of the Caverns, to the creation of the first attraction, to the addition of Iron Mountain Hot Springs, this longtime local business has been growing strategically and with community in mind.  Nancy shares stories from the Caverns as well as some great business insights.Learn more about their incredible story HERE.

Erik had a chance to take his mic on the road for another "plodcast" and couldn't be happier to visit the fabled Alliance Moving Systems warehouse.  Owner/Operator Andy Clark takes Erik on a tour of the facility that includes residential moving, document storage and shredding, what you might expect from this type of business.Then things get a little different. TThere's also a professional recording studio, a weight room, a bbq deck and "The Attic" which you have to see to believe.  Erik gets a chance to talk with Andy about small business strategy in this valley, employee retention and somehow ends the podcast sitting on Gerald and Betty Ford's favorite couch!Like Andy Clark himself, this was an eclectic conversation that you won't soon forget.Learn more about Alliance and what they do HERE

Erik is joined by Vail Valley Partnership President and CEO Chris Romer to discuss Senate Bill 24-033 that has recently been introduced in the Colorado Senate. Vail Valley Partnership's board has expressed opposition to this legislation due to the negative impacts on our economy. We believe it will essentially destroy spring, summer, and fall tourism and lead to a sizable decrease in our transient visitor bed base with no benefit to the creation of long-term rental inventory. This issue has implications for our entire state, thank you for listening and should you want to get involved you can reach out to your State Senators and State Representatives to express opposition.Read Chris' article HERE

In this episode Erik gets a chance to sit with Barb Waters, owner and founder of Peak Business Management, to talk about the world of project management.  There is a good chance you are actively involved in project management right now (even if it may be called something else!) and Barb talks about ways to not only maximize your results but perform in an agile way.Peak Business Management guides and inspires individuals, leaders, and organizations with quality learning experiences through an engaging and supportive customer journey. They are a one-stop shop that provides all the resources a student needs to complete their project management exam prep and obtain their PMI certification. Peak instructors take students' training personally and measure their own success by the success of our students.Learn more about Peak Business Management HERELearn about Disciplined Agile Scrum Master Training course HEREFind the Project Management software mentioned in the podcast HERE

Erik gets a chance to sit down with SpotSurfer Founder and President James Hohenlohe and Marketing Director Marissa Selvy to talk about this incredible idea and how it came to fruition.  Not only are travelers taking aware of this new option but both businesses and homeowners are finding a simple passive income stream.The location-based app provides ski drivers a hassle-free way to locate and secure advance parking reservations, while property owners can utilize unused parking spaces.Through AI-enabled marketing programs, Spotsurfer drives parking demand and delivers skier-driver data to simplify skier parking experiences, ease traffic congestion, and reduce the number of cars on the road.Spotsurfer is doing its part to reduce carbon emissions and aid in the economic development of local ski area communities.For more information click HERE

Erik has a chance to sit with Cam and Marcus from Mountain Youth to talk about the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and why it's important to our students, families and businesses.The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey is an important tool for educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers and community program providers to truly know what issues young people are facing and how we can work together to help them learn and thrive.​2024 Administration Mountain Youth is working with local schools to prepare for our next administration in January of 2024. •    Learn more about the project through our Frequently Asked Questions HERE•    Explore the Middle School survey instrument HERE     Puedes encontrar el instrumento de encuesta para intermedia en español aquí.•    Explore the High School survey instrument HERE      Puedes encontrar el instrumento de encuesta para secundaria en español aquí.•    Sign up to volunteer as a classroom proctor HEREPlease contact your specific school for a current copy of the survey instrument they plan to use in 2024.

Erik is happy to be joined by Sue Nikolai, the Program Director for the Land and Rivers Fund to talk about an important way to give back for businesses and consumers.Protecting healthy rivers and open spaces in our community is simply good business. It is an investment in the future of our economy and community. We are fortunate to live in an area where the natural beauty attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) and Eagle River Watershed Council (ERWC) together are Eagle County's only non-profits exclusively focused on conserving and protecting rivers and open spaces for the benefit of the community. Together, we have launched the Land & Rivers Fund.  EVLT and ERWC help local businesses to establish and promote the program to their customers & clients who voluntarily participate by making a 1% donation with their purchase. Customers and clients have the opportunity to opt-out of the program. The 1% donation is clearly outlined on the sales receipts.Funds collected help promote and restore healthy rivers, clean water, conscientious development, preservation of open space, wildlife and fish habitat, agriculture, water rights and economic diversity throughout the Valley.Learn more about how your business can sign up HERE

One of Erik's favorite guests is back!  Author, speaker, coach athlete and more Holly Johnson returns with a new message and a new book!If you're a chief executive officer (CEO) or business owner struggling to attract and keep the employees that matter, Holly understands your frustration. Prompted by three decades of her own experiences managing two public relations (PR) and marketing firms and working with businesses—from small hotels and restaurants to a large national health insurance company—Holly has personally witnessed how having a great team makes a great company. In Break Through Hiring and Retention Barriers, Holly shares the key strategies used by successful leaders to attract and keep the right employees. Learn how to effectively address these hiring and retention challenges and build your team, and your business, so that they want to work with your company—and stay. Learn more about Holly and her work HERE

Erik is joined by VVP's Anna Robinson to talk about the One Valley Healthcare Program, in partnership with the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA) Healthcare Program, is a comprehensive and cost-effective alternative to traditional plans. While not a replacement for traditional health insurance, this new program offers affordable, accessible, and effective healthcare options for Vail Valley Partnership members – both businesses and individuals alike. The One Valley Healthcare Program provides a high-quality, affordable healthcare solution for employers, employees and sole-proprietors. While not health insurance, the program provides preventative care, options for co-payment features for additional services, and addresses unforeseen medical expenses, such as illness and injury.A live webinar was held on November 21, 2023 – click here to view the recording.Learn more at www.onevalleyhealthcareprogram.com 

It's time to talk about how we can serve others!  Brooke Skjonsby, Executive Director of Vail Valley Charitable Fund and Eagle County Gives expert talks to Erik about this important day in our community.Founded in 2010, Eagle County Gives is a coalition of over 50 Vail Valley nonprofits dedicated to strengthening the collaboration, fundraising capacity and awareness of the non-profit sector that enhances the quality of life in Eagle County. Together, we strive to increase the awareness of our collective impact and have banded together to increase total local donations on Colorado Gives Day and year-round. Support for Eagle County Gives provides local organizations the means to provide basic human needs, protect the mountains you explore, and develop and protect the next generation.​Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 5, 2023, and features a $1.4 million Incentive Fund. Every nonprofit receiving a donation on Colorado Gives Day will receive a portion of the fund, increasing the value of every dollar donated. Colorado Gives Day has grown to be the state's largest one-day online giving event, raising more than $500 million since it began nearly two decades ago.Schedule your donations and learn more HERE

Join the Vail Valley Partnership staff and trusted guests for Community Conversations, where we're able to share thoughts, challenges and ideas around a specific topic in a relaxed and welcoming setting. VVP will invite subject matter experts on the topic and let the conversation go from there. As business leaders, we are stronger when we're able to collaborate with like-minded professionals and look forward to robust and spirited discussions on how to improve our community – together.Community Conversations: Employee Retention and Satisfaction November 7th at Color Coffee, Eagle CO. 9-10:30AM.No registration needed, just show up!Learn more about Community Conversations HERE

Erik Williams from VVP welcomes Erin Janklow, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Elevar, an ecosystem building program to prepare and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to launch businesses in Eagle Valley. Erin is the Founder of Entrada ESL, a workforce program to teach immigrants English in 100 days. She currently splits her time consulting in European cities and also developing programming for Elevar. Are you considering launching a business here in Eagle Valley? Listen to learn more about the program!Elevar is an emergent leadership development program and social impact fund that provides community investments through grantmaking and program-related investments to emerging Latinx leaders and people of color. Through existing programs and partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, EVCF's Elevar fund will create the connection point between existing education and leadership training programs, to the resources needed for emerging leaders to make their dreams a reality, while building economic power, and creating a more empowered and socially just community.Find a link to the Community Grant application HERELearn more about Elevar HERE

Erik gets a chance to sit with Bob Bandoni, Executive Director of Students Shoulder to Shoulder,to talk about the unique lens through which they teach ethical leadership by case studies and living examples.Shoulder-to-Shoulder is an organization of four partner groups: schools, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropists. Together, we create a broad range of programming for all members in our mission to inspire and support ethical leadership. We continue to push forward, having seen time and again that collaboration across sectors creates a sustainable strategy to advance our mission and scale its impact.Learn more about Students Shoulder to Shoulder HEREComing October 26-27!Open to the Public on October 27thThe Ethical Leadership Forum is a collaborative event that brings together emerging and experienced leaders across sectors—education, non-profit, business, government, philanthropy, media, and more—to learn, share and grow their unique and interconnected ways of advancing ethical leadership.This year, the Forum will interactively explore our theme, “Fostering Generations of Ethical Leaders,” featuring session formats to inspire, inform, and interconnect ideas beyond the conventional conference setting. Join us in the natural beauty of Vail, Colorado, to connect and collaborate towards a more ethical & thriving world.Find more info and register HERE

One of our favorite quotes at VVP is "Be brave enough to have conversations that matter."  SpeakUp ReachOut lives by this tenet every day...and teaches us how we can be brave as well.  Erik is honored to be joined by Leslie Robertson, the Awareness and Brand Manager for SpeakUp ReachOut and she shares her views on the state of our valley, what resources are available now and education opportunities coming this fall.From SpeakUp ReachOut:We reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County and help those affected by it address their pain. Through educational programs, events, peer groups, and partnerships, we bring community members together to learn and share their unique experiences.If you're struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call Colorado Crisis Services, (844) 493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255Or visit SpeakUp ReachOut HERE

Erik is joined by Vail Valley Partnership President and CEO (and University of Colorado Alum!) Chris Romer to talk about the player-centric coaching style of new head football coach "Neon" Deion Sanders.  Coach Prime's innovative and immersive style is taking the college football world by storm and Chris breaks down for us how that parallels our business here in the  Vail Valley and what we can apply locally.Learn more about how you can connect to your community HERE

Erik gets a chance to sit at the feet of the master, local legend Steve Leigh, when it comes to on-air presence, local radio strategies and the future of radio (spoiler...it's not going away...hyper-local content works!)  Let Steve's rich baritone voice wash over you while both entertaining and educating on what the local radio landscape looks like...and will the robots take over?  Listen and find out!Check out all three of the local stations in the family here:104.7 The Mile977.7 KZYR102.1 The Outlaw

Vail Valley Partnership's Christy Beidel and Erik Williams discuss the Modern Youth Apprenticeship Program CareerWise as well as CareerX, the career exploration services from Eagle County School District.  Learn how your business can take advantage of our growing workforce pipelines that are putting our students into positions that are serving both them and the companies they work for.Christy and Erik also discuss the upcoming workforce luncheon, details below:Workforce Luncheon, September 12, 11:00am - 1:00pm Learn how your business can access our youth workforce pipeline! We will discuss job shadowing and internships through Eagle County School District, as well as the CareerWise modern youth apprenticeships that are training our next generation of valley professionals RSVP for the Workforce Luncheon HERE

This podcast was originally recorded in 2021, but this amazing course is offered annually. For upcoming course dates, visit www.vailvalleyworks.org. We at Vail Valley Partnership are really excited about these guests. We've been following the work of Dr. Jill McCrory and Dr. Steve Swafford with Leadership Outfitters. These are two nationally recognized educators and they join us for a conversation about a one-day program they will be leading called Board Service Basics. This is coming directly from our interaction with businesses asking for more community diversity on their boards, as well as the community wanting to serve.Topic Outline:The “Nuts & Bolts” (organizational structure, governance, tax status, financial documents, Robert's Rules of Order, etc)Roles & expectations of a board memberQuestions to ask when you're approached to sit on a board of directorsFinding your passion & strengths as they relate to board serviceUnderstanding communication styles, emotional intelligence and motivating factorsIndividual & organizational valuesManaging healthy conflictWorking in and with teamsElements of powerful, healthy, and successful partnershipsImplementing steps for effective collaborationLocal Eagle County case studies

VVP's Erik Williams steps just a bit out of his comfort zone to receive a wellness IV live on the podcast.  If you've always wondered what it feels like?  What are the medical benefits?  Why is taking vitamins in this manner so much more effective?  If I'm not an extreme athlete, does this make sense for me?  Well...Erik asks all of the above and more while having the process done.  Listen to learn about this incredible newer service industry that's growing both here and around the country. Or just listen in to see if Erik can handle the whole treatment!Learn more about Vail iV Wellness and Recovery HERE

Erik heads down the road here in Riverwalk to the Diamond Building to visit Orisek Brothers Accounting.  Joe and Chris Orisek join him to talk about the importance of professional bookkeeping services in the valley and what are some of the most often asked questions by small business?They also discuss how Joe and Chris came to be in this place, what it's like working with family (spoiler: more perks than pitfalls!) and what their vision for the future.Join the Partnership Podcast for this look at an emerging business in our valley.Find more information about Orisek Brothers Accounting HERE

Erik thoroughly enjoys this conversation with Vail Jazz Artistic Director Drew Zaremba about his history, vision and all things jazz.  Like an improvised piece of music, they both let this conversation unfold and carry them in it's wake:)  Drew talks about the importance of legacy, the incredible work that is being done in the local schools and of course previews what he's looking forward to most for the Labor Day Party this year!Learn more about Vail Jazz and get tickets to upcoming performances HERE

Erik get a chance to sit with Charlotte Lin, Sustainability Coordinator with the Town of Avon to talk about everything they are doing around sustainability and hold on because Avon is quickly moving in some very positive directions!  Charlotte shares some stories from her past life as a climate scientist studying tundra ecosystems in the Canadian Artic and how she's taking those lessons and applying them to her work here.  She also speaks directly to the impact that business can have as well as individuals in this work."As a mountain and recreation-based community, Avon has a close connection with the environment and understands that nature's health and well-being is one of the town's most valuable assets. Therefore, reducing Avon's carbon footprint is one of the town's priorities."  Town of Avon SustainabilityLearn more about Avon's plans and goals HERE.

Erik has the honor of sitting down with two of the amazing staff at Your Hope Center, Executive Director Carrie Benway and Clinical Director Dr Teresa Haynes, PsyD. to both celebrate being named the 2023 Vail Valley Partnership Best Non-Profit by their peers in the business community but more importantly to talk about their ongoing and vital work.  Both are quick to point out what a difference an excellent staff makes and how important it is that we as a community care for those who care for us!  Don't worry, they explain it nice and slow for Erik and have fun along the way:)Please take the time to listen as they discuss what services are available, when to call for yourself or a loved one and other essential needs.  This is information we all need to have and we're thankful for the work they do.Find more information about Your Hope Center HEREYour 24/7 Support Line: (970) 306-4673If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call your 24/7 support line now. Your Hope Center's team of professionally trained clinicians are available 24/7 to support Eagle County residents during difficult times.Tu Línea De Apoyo 24/7: (970) 306-4673Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando o teniendo pensamientos suicidas, llame a la Línea De Apoyo 24/7 ahora. El equipo de médicos certificados de Your Hope Center está disponible 24/7 para apoyar a los residentes del Condado de Eagle durante tiempos difíciles.

Erik gets a chance to sit with Marc Brennan, Ph.D. Vice President and Campus Dean of CMC Vail Valley to discuss their latest win in the 2023 Success Awards, Best Place to Work.  Marc discusses not only the reason for the best place to work (hint: it's the people!) but also what CMC means to the people of this valley and how our local community college is meeting our needs in extraordinary ways.  Learn more about Colorado Mountain College HERELearn more about Vail Valley Partnership's Annual Success Awards and watch the awards show HERE