The 2021 Board of Directors election for the Basalt Chamber of Commerce will be from January 25-29, 2021. The Chamber is directed by a volunteer board representing a range of businesses, organizations, entities and program areas. Each board member must have an affiliation with a Chamber business in good standing. Board members serve a three-year term and may serve two terms consecutively. No more than one representative per member business may serve at a given time.
Ballots will be sent directly to chamber members via email.
Jump to 2021 Board of Directors candidates
Role of the Board
The Board of Directors is the governing authority for the Chamber. The Board will leverage community support as needed to promote and advance the Chamber’s work, mission and vision. Additionally, the Board will work with and supervise the efforts of the Executive Director to ensure that he/she is carrying out the operational needs of the organization to realize its objectives, supporting the Executive Director and/or organization as needed.
The Board of Directors will approve all organizational policies and guidelines to ensure adherence to the strategic vision of the Chamber. The Board has three main responsibilities:
- Governance: Oversee matters critical to the health of the organization— not decisions or approvals about specific matters, which is management’s role—but instead those involving fundamental matters such as the viability of its business model, the integrity of its internal systems and controls, and the accuracy of its financial statements.
- Strategic Direction: Formulate key organizational policies and strategic goals, focusing both on near-term and longer-term challenges and opportunities, as well as ensure adherence to the mission of the organization.
- Fiduciary Responsibility: Steward the resources of the organization for the longer run, not just by carefully reviewing annual budgets and evaluating operations but also by encouraging foresight through several budget cycles, considering investments in light of future evolution, and planning for future capital needs.
Current list of Board of Directors
2021 Board of Director Candidates
Quick links:
- John Charters (re-election)
- Yuani Ruiz (re-election)
- Rick Stevens
- Chris Touchette
John Charters
Owner, Bristlecone Mountain Sports (up for re-election; elected in 2018)
John Charters is an owner/operator in Bristlecone Mountain Sports. Bristlecone is a 26 year old specialty outdoor retail operation located in the Willits Shopping Center. Just prior to purchasing Bristlecone Mountain Sports, John was an owner/operator at Mitchell and Company, a local IT and Technology Services Company based in Carbondale but with clients all over western Colorado. He has also served as an adjunct Professor for Colorado Mountain College teaching Business Entrepreneurship at their Glenwood Campus. Mr. Charters obtained a BS in Electrical Engineering and a MBA from Gonzaga University and compiled over 30 years of business experience including numerous executive level and board positions for both private and publicly held companies based in Denver and San Francisco, all in technology related industries. In 2020, John served as the Chamber’s Treasurer as well as on the Executive Committee.
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Yuani Ruiz
President, Alpine Bank, Downtown Basalt (up for re-election; elected in 2018)
Yuani Ruiz is the President of Alpine Bank – Basalt and has been a community banker in the Mid Roaring Fork Valley for over 20 years. Yuani is originally from Costa Rica, grew up in Iowa, and is a proud Hawkeye alumni with degrees in Finance & Economics. He has been active on the Chamber Board for 3 years and is a passionate supporter of the interests of Basalt/Mid Valley businesses. Yuani lives in rural Basalt with his family and enjoys stewarding bees, hunting, rock climbing, and playing guitar. In 2020, Yuani served on the Chamber’s Executive Committee.
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Rick Stevens
Owner, Site Improvement Services (candidate)
Why do you want to serve on the Basalt Chamber Board of Directors?
“I have always been active in the community in one way or the other and I believe the opportunity to participate as a Chamber board member is something I can contribute to in a meaningful way. My experience is not just in business, but in all areas of community building, which I believe is critically important to the success of all our valley businesses. I believe the business leaders that have laid the foundations that current business opportunities have grown from should be a part of the conversation. They do represent a valuable resource that could be accessed for any number of reasons.”
What skills, education or expertise will you bring to the Basalt Chamber? Do you have any particular strengths related to organizational leadership, fundraising and/or community connections?
My background is primarily in civil construction, the resort industry, service as an elected official and a member of many boards over the years. I have a diverse background that reflects my ability to engage with many different audiences on any variety of issues. As I reflect on my service to community, I see the numbers of families we have supported and businesses we have incubated. I view the development and evolution of Basalt and the mid valley, as not just a support town to the core resort of Aspen, but a true sustainable economy.
My skill sets primarily include a solid understanding of business development and the importance of relationships and the opportunities they bring. I have managed up to 2.5 million square feet of commercial real estate and worked in retail and restaurants. I now manage the infrastructure that services 180 high end residential homes in Aspen. I have been immersed in the economy of the Roaring Fork Valley for 45 years and have much learning to share and great interest in learning more. I believe I can both contribute and participate in a meaningful way to create positive results.
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Chris Touchette
Principal, CCY Architects (candidate)
“I have a longstanding interest in community engagement, leadership, involvement, and strategic planning. As a consultant for the local development community, I will also advocate for the greater business ecosystem and local economy. It sounds like a lot of fun meeting regularly with new people as well as old friends – thanks for your consideration!”
What skills, education or expertise will you bring to the Basalt Chamber? Do you have any particular strengths related to organizational leadership, fundraising and/or community connections?
“I am a licensed architect and have been practicing for 29 years with a focus on residential and commercial design plus master planning/developments. I have lived, worked, and been involved with communities in the Roaring Fork Valley for 28 years; 22 years in Basalt. I enjoy participating and providing thoughtful solutions that help to improve and better the community and the Town of Basalt. I’ve previously served on the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission as Chairman and participated on the Downtown Area Advisory Committee as well as the Short-Term Rental Committee.
On a personal note, my son is currently enrolled as a junior at BHS, my daughter graduated BHS with honors last year and now attends NC State in Raleigh; and my wife is winding down her tenure as marketing chair for the Basalt Education Foundation after having served on the Wind Walkers board of directors. We are passionate about this community and supporting the many friendships we’ve made here.”
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