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Show BUSINESS The Park Record. Editor: Bubba Brown business@parkrecord.com 435.649.9014 ex.118 Chamber/Bureau to hold member mixer The Park City Chamber Bureau is set to hold an after-hours mixer for members on April 13. According to the organization’s website, visitparkcity.com, the mixer is an opportunity for members and prospective members to network with one another. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jeremy Ranch Golf and Country Club and will feature live music and complimentary food and beverages. People wishing to attend are asked to RSVP on the website. Company acquires Park City-based Resorts West The luxury travel company Natural Retreats announced its acquisition of Resorts West, a Park City-based vacation rental company with 125 properties throughout Park City. According to a press release, Natural Retreats intends to open a regional office in Park City, while the owners of Resorts West will continue to be involved in the company. Matthew Spence, Natural Retreats’ founder and CEO, said the company is proud to be a part of the Park City community. “Our global luxury vacation rental expertise and commitment to amazing service plus the truly outstanding and experienced Resorts West team will help us ensure we continue to build upon the legacy they have created here over the past 17 years,” he said. t u o Consumer price index rises in Wasatch Front The Zions Bank Wasatch Front Consumer Price Index saw a 0.2 percent bump in February. According to a press release, the index has increased 3.2 percent since the same time last year, mostly on the back of rising housing prices. “A strong housing market translates to a stronger overall economy throughout the state,” said Scott Anderson, Zions Bank’s president and CEO, in the release. “As housing prices rise, residents are more confident in the value of their homes. They then become more confident in their purchasing power, which has positive repercussions across the economy.” Alp-n-Rock Blizzard Helly Hansen Swany Dalbello Descente Giro Head Hestra Hot Chillys K2 Sunice Line Mammut Marker Neve Nordica North Face Oakley Obermeyer Rossignol Roxy Salomon Scott 686 Smith Spyder Tyrolia Under Armour Volkl Clothing shop finds redstone home, A-12 www.parkrecord.com a park city fixture earns award, A-13 A-11 Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, March 25-28, 2017 Festival seeks to soar in Park City’s thin air Challenges remain as event’s second year nears By Bubba Brown The Park Record As the Park City Chamber/Bureau gets ready to present its second annual Thin Air Festival, its organizers admit the event hasn’t yet come close to developing into the phenomenon they hope it one day will. But they’re anticipating that Year 2 will get them closer to that goal. Bill Malone, president and CEO of the Chamber/Bureau, said the organizers are optimistic word will continue to spread about the festival, which aims to draw businesses and organizations from around the country to hold retreats in Park City at the end of ski season. People who bring their businesses and partake in the festival’s panel discussions, as well as experience everything Park City has to offer, will be likely to return next year -- and they may convince a friend or colleague to come, too. “It’s real important,” he said. “The fact that our goal is not to occupy people 24 hours a day on this -- they’re here to enjoy the community -- is big because they’ll be able to ski and everything. It’s important that those attending book again and share that.” The ultimate mission of the festival, scheduled for April 5-7, is to bring thousands of people to town each spring during a time when visitation is beginning to wane. Malone said lodges and restaurants shouldn’t expect a huge bump in business this year, but the Chamber/ Bureau is working hard to overcome the obstacles in the way of that vision. One the biggest challenges was trying to sell the conference to businesses and organization around the country before the festival’s extensive slate of speakers was finalized in the months leading up to the event. Malone said the festival simply doesn’t have the history to draw visitors on reputation alone, and people want to know for certain they’ll be rewarded with a fulfilling experience before they book their tickets. Bubba Brown/Park Record Park City Chamber/Bureau president and CEO Bill Malone, right, and Richard Bezemer, executive director of the Thin Air Festival, say they are hopeful the festival can build momentum in its second year. “We know we have to get faster out of the gate with who’s speaking, what topics and the talent,” he said. “Because people need much more lead time in order to say, ‘Let’s bring a group.’” It’s also been difficult to find a partner that can market the festival to the masses, Malone said. The Chamber/Bureau has been in talks with several business publications with national followings, but most want to take ownership of the event themselves. Regardless of those hindrances, though, Malone and the other organizers believe they can capitalize on a few tweaks to the festival to give it a boost heading into next year’s event. For example, the opening night celebration will be held at the DeJoria Center in Kamas instead of the Eccles Center, which will allow for a festive atmosphere and for food and drinks to be served. Additionally, breakout conferences that explore various topics related to the festival’s theme of leadership performance will be held at the Santy Auditorium and O.P. Rockwell, rather than last year’s locations, which ranged from Utah Olympic Park to Park City Mountain Resort. That means all the events will be a walkable distance from each other and close to Main Street, making it a better experience for guests. Another major change is choosing to focus the festival around the theme of high performance -- whether it be in sports, individual pursuits or business. Richard Bezemer, the festival’s executive director, said this year’s event will focus specifically on how people or organizations can put themselves in positions to lead. So far, the speakers who will participate in the breakout sessions and panels are excited about the possibilities the theme presents to discuss important issues with people from a broad spectrum t u o Blow of industries and backgrounds. People who will speak or participate in panel discussions at the festival include David Pottruck, a former CEO of Charles Schwab who will moderate the opening-night event; Marc Harrison, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare; Hoby Darling, the former CEO and president of Skullcandy; and Bob Wheaton, the general manager of Deer Valley Resort. “People seem really excited at the idea of talking about the issues that matter to them and bounce the ideas and conversations off people who come at those issues from completely different perspectives,” Bezemer said. Malone said the feedback the Chamber/Bureau has heard so far is encouraging, and he’s eager to see how the festival plays out. But he’s quick to SHOP NOW! 40 -ALL50% OFF OUTERWEAR 30ALL-SKIS50% OFF and BINDINGS *Some restrictions may apply. Please see Thin Air, A-13 |