Jackson Hole Scores Top Marks with Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler

Jackson Hole received two very special accolades to mark the first week of December. Forbes ranked Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as #1 on the list of Top 10 Ski Resort in the United States for 2013, marking the second year in a row that Jackson Hole has held the title, and Conde Nast Traveler ranked Jackson Hole as #4 on the list of The Best Ski Resorts and Hotels in North America. The beginning of December is a wonderful time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Snow is falling, ski resorts are opening, and holiday travelers are beginning vacations. Ranking at #1 on the Forbes list and #4 on the Conde Nast Traveler list adds icing to the cake.

The Forbes story noted: "All of the other things that made Jackson No. 1 in last year’s rankings remain true. It’s still the best skiing mountain in North America." The story continued with complements to the community: "On top of skiing, Jackson has come into its own as a culinary destination, a nifty feat for a place so small and thinly populated." Read the entire story at http://www.forbes.com/sites/christophersteiner/2012/12/03/the-top-10-ski-resorts-in-the-united-states-for-2013/.

Conde Nast Traveler based their rankings on a series of categories scored by readers, including, Terrain & Conditions, Après-Ski/Activities, Local Dining, and Local Ambiance.  View the Conde Nast Traveler slideshow here: http://www.cntraveler.com/ski-areas/2012/photos-top-ski-resorts-hotels-2012#slide=4.

To begin planning your trip to Jackson Hole, please visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/. For more information about Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, please visit http://jacksonhole.com/.

December Green Drinks JH

Please join the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for Green Drinks JH on Tuesday, December 4 from 5:00-6:30pm at the Wort Hotel's Silver Dollar Bar. Green Drinks JH is an informal networking event where members of the business community can connect and discuss projects and ideas related to sustainable business practices.

The winter kickoff event will feature John Spahr with the Sierra Club. Attendees are invited to learn more about the group and to stay and enjoy bluegrass music from One Ton Pig.

Mark your calendars for upcoming Green Drinks JH events:

• Tuesday, February 19 at Cafe Genevieve
• Tuesday, March 5 at Nick Wilson's in Teton Village
• Tuesday, May 7 at Rendezvous Bistro

If you are interested in either hosting or presenting at a Green Drinks JH event, please email Green Drinks JH, april.hankey@gmail.com. For more information, please contact Maureen Murphy, Director of Special Events, mo@jacksoholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x102.

U.S. Chamber's Institute Awards Rick Howe the Regent Scholarship

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced that Rick Howe, Director of Visitor Services, was awarded a Regent Scholarship.

Awarded to 21 professionals from across the country, the Regent Scholarships recognize each recipient for their involvement in industry professional organizations, community service, and professional background.

"Regent scholarships offer executives the opportunity to attend Institute and learn about emerging industry trends, expand their organizations' influence, and grow their peer network," said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber's vice president of Institute for Organization Management. "We are pleased to help these talented professionals advance their careers and organizations."

To learn more about Institute for Organization Management, visit www.uschamber.com/institute. Rick is pictured with Institute classmate Casey Stout, Executive Assistant.

Business Over Breakfast to Feature Wyoming Whiskey

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce will present Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, December 6 from 7:30-9:00am at the Wort Hotel, 50 North Glenwood. Business Over Breakfast is a monthly meeting for the business community. The event includes breakfast and time for networking and announcements. 

Featured Speakers 

• Tim Harland and David DeFazio, Wyoming Whiskey: After many years in the making Wyoming Whiskey will be released on 12.1.12. Learn about this Wyoming made venture and what it means to the community of Jackson Hole. For more information, please visit  www.wyomingwhiskey.com.
• Stephen Williams and Claire Fuller, Jackson Hole Marketplace: Keep your bucks in Jackson Hole! Our community understands the benefits of shopping in local businesses. What does it mean to purchase locally-made products? Learn how this website can help our neighbors make a living to live in Jackson. Find out how to get your products listed and get great gift ideas from Jackson for the holidays! Look for www.jhmarketplace.com coming soon!
• Andy Pearson, Jackson Hole Police Department: In a small town like Jackson Hole, it's important to remember that the police department is a critical partner for the business community. Perhaps you have had a broken window overnight or a shoplifting incident during business hours. Learn about the resources provided by the Jackson Hole Police Department that can help you be a good neighbor. 

RSVP by noon on Tuesday, December 4 to events@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316. Breakfast costs $16 for Chamber Members and $25 for future Members. RSVP and pre-pay online via ChamberMaster!  Click here!

From the Desk of Kent Elliott, Destination Sales Manager

I trust everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with friends and family. Now that Black Friday is over, we can all get into the spirit of the holidays.

I just returned from London where I attended the World Travel Mart. I met with many Operators who currently bring business to our area as well as many Operators who are considering our area for their clients. Many of their clients come during the summer months, but many more prefer to visit in the early spring and fall because they understand that the National Parks are a less crowded during those times. One popular question was, "Are the shops still open?" The question reinforces the idea that our our guests come to see the natural beauty of our area and that they are also  concerned about the overall experience.  

I am busy planning my travel this coming January. With the support of the Lodging Tax, I will be representing our community and meeting with more potential companies that can bring business to our area. What can you do to help me represent our community? If you are doing anything new, different, or unique please let me know and I will add it to my "What's New List" to share with the world.

Until next time, happy holidays to everyone and I hope to see you at this Thursday's Chamber Mixer at the Wort Hotel.

For more information, please contact Kent Elliott, Destination Sales Manager, kent@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x106.

Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club Ski Pass Auction This Friday on KZ95

Howdy Pardners Ambassador Club, the hospitality arm of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, has a unique opportunity!

The group will auction a 15-day ski pass for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on Friday, November 30 on KZ 95 starting at 7:00am. Tune in and place your bid for this great ski pass with a retail value of $1,260.00.

The next meeting of the Ambassador Club will be Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30pm at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Administrative Offices on Center Street. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting to learn about the club, the winter airport program, the upcoming Chamber Mixer, and more! Pizza will be served during the meeting.

For more information, please contact Oly Olson, Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club President, olyolson@jhrea.com or 307.733.3316. The Howdy Pardner High Noon Chili Cook-Off is pictured.  

Food Safety: Keep Your Customers Safe and Your Business in Compliance

 Wyoming Entrepreneur SBDC and the U.S. Small Business Administration will present a 1-2-3 Webinar on Thursday, December 6 from 2:00-3:00pm to share information about food safety.

Kevin Krouch, CP-FS, Inspection Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Consumer Health Services will provide insight, resources and information about common mistakes that can easily be avoided by your food-centric business. This webinar is offered at no cost. Pre-registration is required. Click here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/895006632.