Join Us at THE LOBBY for Fireside Chats and Community Connection

Welcome to THE LOBBY

THE LOBBY Salida is an inclusive support system for entrepreneurs, adventurers, creatives, innovators, and game-changers in rural Colorado. THE LOBBY offers private workspace on a monthly basis, along with first-come, first-serve Flex Desks. Enjoy breathtaking views of Riverside Park and a fully stocked break room complete with fresh coffee, hot tea, and snacks.

This article is written by Megan, the community manager, with contributions from Wendy and Tim, the owners. We aim to showcase our events and foster meaningful connections.

A Community Favorite: The Fireside Chat Series

Our Fireside Chat series takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month from 4 PM to 6 PM at THE LOBBY. Each chat features a different local thought leader. These casual discussions are accompanied by snacks and socializing, allowing for networking with a personal touch. Join us by the fire to hear captivating stories and become more engaged with our beloved community.

The Inception of the Fireside Chats

One chilly January afternoon, we gathered in THE LOBBY. As the weather turned dreary and the town sank into its usual winter slump, we felt the need to bring people together. The basement ghosts were telling the same old jokes, and we needed some fresh energy.

Happy hours felt too informal, while traditional networking events were often too rigid. Then, an idea sparked: why not hold casual chats around a fire, allowing guests to share their passions? It sounded inviting. Thus, the Fireside Chat series was born—an opportunity to connect, learn, and brighten those winter blues.

Highlighting Local Voices

February 27th - Deborah Cameron, Economic Development

Our first event featured Deborah Cameron, the new Director of the local Economic Development Corporation. Excitement buzzed as we anticipated Deborah's insights. Would 100 people arrive? Would anyone come at all? Thankfully, the night was a resounding success!

Deborah, who grew up in a small mountainous area, has long admired Salida from afar. Before moving here, she served as the Chief Business Development Officer for the City of Denver. Her vision for the community is inspiring; she is committed to creating a sustainable economy that supports local businesses.

Deborah spoke about the EDC Ascent program—a startup accelerator—and expressed her interest in community engagement. She actively seeks to connect with locals who have ideas to share, so feel free to reach her at deborah@chaffeecountyedc.com.

March 27th - Garrett and Sierra, Embracing Adventure

Our second installment brought Salida locals Garrett Lundberg and his fiancée, Sierra Layton. During the pandemic, they took the plunge and spent a year traveling in a van across Australia. Their tales of adventure, hilarious encounters, and mishaps captivated the audience.

Many of us shared similar nomadic experiences, creating a sense of camaraderie. The biggest takeaway from this chat was realizing how life's changes—like living in a van—shape our perspectives. Garrett and Sierra highlighted that self-reliance and appreciating life’s small pleasures resonate deeply with the Salida mindset.

April 24th - Betsy Dittenber, Community Involvement

In April, we welcomed Betsy Dittenber, the Executive Director of the Chaffee Community Foundation. Betsy's journey in volunteerism led her to a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector. She's been instrumental in countless local initiatives since moving to Salida.

The chat focused on the nonprofit landscape and how the foundation aids local capacity-building efforts. Topics like funding and community needs were discussed, shedding light on the foundation's role in sustaining local nonprofits. Betsy’s dedication is inspiring; she encouraged us to consider how we might contribute our time and resources.

The Chaffee Community Foundation maintains a centralized volunteer page at Chaffee Volunteers, encouraging community involvement.

Upcoming Events: Save the Date!

We are excited to announce our next Fireside Chat on May 22nd featuring Emma Rosse, founder of Allover Apparel. Emma is relocating her cool mountain apparel company from Golden, CO to Salida. Don’t miss this chance to engage! Register here.

To keep up with our events and community news, sign up for our newsletter here. We can't wait for you to join us by the fire!

Have a speaker in mind that would be a great fit or wish to tour our space? Reach out to us at *thelobbysalida@gmail.com. Good doggos like Max (in the gallery) are always welcome