by Caleb Stento
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Brandy Ross — owner of Switzerland of America — is the new Ouray Chamber Resort Association (OCRA) president. With new blood come new goals and aspirations. Ross is a community driven individual and desires to do what is right for the community that OCRA serves.
According to Ross, her vision for OCRA is to continue to expand its role in the community and to utilize other local organizations. “We have a lot of non-profit organizations. Those organizations have similar goals,” Ross said. She feels that when everyone works together it produces a synergistic effect. Not everyone has the same resources, therefore it would behoove organizations to pool their assets. This type of collaboration... goes a long way to ensure the continuation of successful events and the expansion of others.
Ross also feels strongly that working with Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) will be beneficial. “They bring manpower and energy," Ross said. The two communities don’t have the same resources but are trying to accomplish many of the same things. She sees the relationship with RACC serving as the cornerstone for working with other communities and organizations.
Last year new talent was added to the OCRA board. “They are doing a great job,” Ross said. She is looking forward to utilizing the energy and drive of the new members. What she has seen so far has given her confidence for 2012. In fact, chemistry seems to be high on the priority list as the board is attending a retreat in hopes of solidifying their relationships. Ross said she wants to create a platform where the board members can engage and challenge each other.
“The board is ready to put energy into putting things together and making things happen. Bottom line is that we have a lot of different talent. If we can figure out how to put it all to use, we will benefit by leaps and bounds,” Ross proclaimed.
One of the new events OCRA is excited about is Mud Fest. The concept was hatched early in 2011. The board wanted to create an event for the shoulder season. Two requirements for the event would be that it could generate some lodging tax and at least make or break even. The event will be a large undertaking and require a lot of organization. Once again, this event was based around the community's plentiful resources. And, in April, there will be plenty of mud.
How will Ross measure success? “I think success for me will be seeing people work together collectively towards the same goal. When people see what is going on in their community they tend to give more of themselves. It will also be how everybody is feeling at the end of the year. It's about attitudes.”
One thing that Ross says sets the local community apart is volunteerism. “The people in the community really work together to get things done. This is the year for people to be involved,” Ross commented. She recounted the countless times she has heard visitors take notice of the volunteer effort, and it is such a commendation for the area.
Ross is married with two children; both are boys, ages 7 and 17. Ross was born and raised in Arizona. Her grandmother was originally from Grand Junction and she would come here pretty much every year growing up. Even when she was a little girl she knew this was home. She says the mountains are where she has always felt most comfortable. In 2005 she and her husband purchased a home, and in 2007 — after mulling it over for some time — she purchased Switzerland of America. She loves her business because it introduces, or reintroduces, people to the mountains. “I love the starry-eyed look the customers have when they get back off the mountain,” Ross concluded.