Friends of GVORC
Investing in our Great Outdoors!
GVORC was founded in 2015 by a group of industry experts who identified a critical need to change the narrative about Mesa County’s outdoor recreation industry and economy. Today, the organization convenes monthly to foster collaboration and share insights on issues affecting outdoor recreation, conservation, and sustainable growth in Western Colorado’s Grand Valley. With strong leadership from a full-time executive director and a dedicated board of directors, GVORC is steadfast in guiding the future of the Grand Valley’s outdoor industry, ensuring our region’s infrastructure endures for future generations.
Our Mission
Who We Are
A Resource, Convener, Mobilizer, Thought Leader, Educator & Problem Solver
What We Do
Administer a Stewardship Fund to support local nonprofits dedicated to protecting, maintaining, and enhancing our Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure. These organizations are on the front lines, working tirelessly to preserve natural landscapes, maintain trails, and improve recreational facilities. By pooling resources through the Stewardship Fund, we ensure these efforts can continue and thrive, contributing to the sustainability and enjoyment of our outdoor spaces for current and future generations.
Cultivate a network of passionate and skilled stewards through West Slope Outdoor Volunteers (WSOV). Volunteerism is the backbone of our community’s efforts to care for our outdoor recreation areas. WSOV engages volunteers in hands-on projects such as trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and environmental education. By mobilizing volunteers, we not only enhance the physical infrastructure of our outdoor spaces but also foster a sense of stewardship and community pride. Volunteers gain valuable skills and experiences while making a tangible impact on the health and sustainability of our natural resources.
Manage a comprehensive online presence including a website, social media platforms, monthly newsletter, and podcast to educate, inform, inspire, and archive the people, places, and opportunities that define the Grand Valley. Our digital platforms serve as vital educational and informational resources for residents, visitors, and stakeholders interested in our region’s outdoor offerings. The website, social media channels, newsletter, and podcast highlight local attractions, outdoor activities, conservation efforts, and community events. By promoting awareness and understanding, we encourage responsible recreation practices and foster appreciation for our natural landscapes, ultimately supporting sustainable tourism and community engagement.
Organize Campfire Sessions and other special events to educate, engage, and empower our community to recreate responsibly and give back, providing opportunities for meaningful dialogue, education, and collaboration among residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and local organizations. These gatherings promote responsible recreation practices, environmental stewardship, and community involvement in conservation initiatives. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and connection to our outdoor spaces, we cultivate a culture of sustainability and active citizenship, ensuring our recreational resources remain accessible and enjoyable for all.
Provide internship opportunities, collaborate with Colorado Mesa University (CMU) to advance curriculum related to outdoor industries, and maintain a job board. Our business and workforce development initiatives aim to cultivate a skilled and passionate workforce in the outdoor recreation sector. Internship programs offer hands-on learning experiences and career development opportunities for students and young professionals interested in outdoor industries. Collaboration with CMU enhances educational pathways relevant to outdoor recreation, ensuring curriculum alignment with industry needs. The job board connects local businesses with qualified candidates, facilitating employment opportunities and promoting economic growth within our community.
Represent our region on the State Outdoor Recreation (OREC) Advisory Council, inform the Colorado Outdoors Plan through participation in the West Slope Outdoor Alliance (WSOA), influence legislation through letters of support, and make public appearances to advance our mission. Industry advocacy initiatives aim to promote the interests of our region’s outdoor recreation sector at the state level and beyond. Representation on advisory councils and alliances allows us to advocate for policies and initiatives that support sustainable outdoor recreation practices, conservation efforts, and economic development. Letters of support and public appearances amplify our voice in legislative discussions, ensuring our community’s priorities are heard and considered in decision-making processes that impact outdoor recreation and natural resource management.
Why Your Business Should Care
Local businesses, whether endemic or non-endemic, have compelling reasons to support the GVORC and a local OREC stewardship fund:
A well-maintained outdoor recreation infrastructure attracts residents and tourists alike, boosting the local economy through increased tourism, higher property values, and improved quality of life. This benefits all businesses by creating a vibrant and attractive community.
Supporting local stewardship funds demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. It enhances a business’s CSR profile, which can positively impact brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Accessible outdoor amenities contribute to a healthier workforce and can be leveraged for employee wellness programs and recruitment efforts. They also provide opportunities for team-building activities and client entertainment, enhancing business relationships.
A thriving outdoor recreation sector supports local jobs and businesses, from gear shops and guides to hospitality and retail. By investing in stewardship, businesses help sustain these economic benefits over the long term.
Well-maintained outdoor infrastructure reduces the risk of accidents and environmental damage, which can impact businesses directly (e.g., liability concerns, reduced attractiveness of the area).
Supporting GVORC and stewardship funds ensures that natural resources are preserved and managed sustainably. This protects the environment and recreational opportunities for future generations, safeguarding the community’s long-term economic interests.
Involvement in GVORC will foster partnerships with other businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. This collaborative approach strengthens community ties and opens doors to new business opportunities.
In some cases, supporting stewardship efforts may align with regulatory requirements or demonstrate proactive engagement with environmental regulations, potentially mitigating regulatory risks.
Our Landscape
Mesa County and the Greater Grand Valley boast an exceptional outdoor landscape, offering unmatched access to recreational opportunities. Here, Nature’s Trifecta thrives: the Colorado National Monument, resembling a mini-Grand Canyon; the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain adorned with over 300 lakes; and the Rattlesnake Arches, boasting the second-highest concentration of natural arches globally. Our region is graced by inviting rivers for paddlers, anglers, and floaters, verdant city and state parks with extensive trails and clear lakes, open spaces rich with pinyon-juniper forests, and awe-inspiring canyonlands and majestic landscapes.
The public lands of the Grand Valley come in diverse forms, covering over 1.5 million acres, with 75 percent managed as public land. However, unlike many Colorado counties, Mesa County lacks an Open Space and Trails Department responsible for maintaining such extensive infrastructure. Instead, our community relies on a handful of remarkable nonprofit organizations driven by dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to protect, maintain, and enhance our outdoor playground. These organizations depend heavily on grants and individual donations for their survival.
GVORC steps in to support these vital organizations by leveraging our resources and services. Through initiatives like the Stewardship Fund, we aim to establish sustainable funding sources to ensure these organizations thrive and continue their crucial work in our community.
Ways To Activate
It’s our goal to provide a number of avenues to be a Friend of the GVORC that are flexible and cater to different preferences and capabilities of your business. We provide opportunities for your business to contribute meaningfully to our organization’s mission and impact, whether through financial donations, customer engagement initiatives, or employee involvement.
Your business contributes a lump sum once a year. An annual donation provides predictable funding for our organization, allowing for better financial planning and allocation of resources throughout the year. It simplifies the process for your business, reducing administrative burden and ensuring consistent support.
Your business contributes a set amount every three months. Quarterly donations offer a structured approach to financial support, spreading the contribution across the year. This method can be beneficial for managing your business cash flow, allowing you to budget your support over shorter intervals while still providing consistent funding for our organization.
Your business contributes a fixed amount each month. Monthly donations provide ongoing, sustainable support to our organization. They allow your business to integrate contributions into your regular budgeting processes, making it easier to maintain long-term commitment and impact. Monthly donations also offer flexibility and convenience, enabling your businesses to adjust their support level as needed.
Your businesses encourage customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the difference donated to our organization. The round-up method engages your customers directly in supporting the business membership program. It’s a simple and effective way to harness small contributions that collectively make a significant impact. Your business can promote this option at checkout or through marketing campaigns, fostering community involvement and enhancing your corporate social responsibility efforts.
Your business may add a small service fee to transactions, with proceeds directed to our organization. Incorporating a service fee allows your business to transparently communicate your support to our organization to your customers. It’s a straightforward way to generate additional funding without relying solely on traditional donation appeals. Your business can align the service fee with specific products or services, linking the contribution directly to your core offerings.
Your business may encourage your employees to volunteer their time and skills to support our organization’s activities and/or those of our partnering organizations through WSOV. While not a financial contribution per say, volunteering provides valuable support to an organization’s operations and initiatives. It demonstrates a commitment beyond monetary donations, fostering a deeper connection between your business, employees, and our community. Volunteering can also enhance team morale, skill development, and employee engagement, further benefiting your business and its relationship with our organization.
Our Commitment to You
A healthy friendship enhances well-being, brings joy, and provides a sense of belonging and connection. To that end, we are committed to provide your business with the following:
- New members will receive a welcome packet that includes details on how to contribute, reporting requirements, and benefits.
- New members will be sent an activation kit that includes GVORC digital assets, relevant links to our website and social media handles, as well as a gallery of pictures, recommended social media content, business window decal, counter displays, and copy to utilize to inform your patrons of an additional service fee (if applicable).
- A support system to assist members with any questions or issues related to their participation.
- A means of collecting feedback from members to identify areas for improvement so we can make necessary adjustments.
- Regular updates to members about the impact of their contributions and upcoming projects.
- Organized activities such as stewardship days or networking opportunities, to keep members engaged.
- Annual report that highlights the impact of GVORC, funds raised, programs implemented, projects completed and our overall impact to the outdoor recreation ecosystem.
Want to be friends?
Email GVORC’s Executive Director, Chandler Smith
or call (303) 263-0082 to chart the best path forward.
