The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Business Networking at Zuma Natural Foods on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

Come meet the new owner, Dustin Partridge. He found Mancos via Durango, where he worked for Durango Natural Foods Co-op. Come learn about his plans for the future, but bring your business cards because you will be able to network with other Chamber of Commerce members.

The Mancos Brewing Co., another Chamber of Commerce member, opened a few weeks ago and is having their grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon to 9 p.m. There will be specials on food and beer. Music will be provided by Last Nickel beginning at 5 p.m.

We are moving into the holiday season. Halloween is around the corner. And then, the holiday bazaar season begins. The Lions Club will do a bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lions are looking for artists and craftsmen to set up booths at the Mancos Schools cafeteria. A table-top booth is $20, and if you are interested you can call Sandy Gregory at 970-533-7180.

As we get closer to the holidays, many businesses will be trying to attract customers. Remember Chamber members, you can have free advertising in the newsletter. For special events and activities Chamber members can also have free e-mail blasts. Chamber restaurants might be scheduling holiday entertainment and other holiday festivities. Please, remember to take advantage of these free resources offered by the Chamber of Commerce.

The community calendar is another resource available to the entire community for events. Go to the Chamber of Commerce website: www.mancosvalley.com. On the left side of the page is a tab for "Events." When you click on the tab, you will see the "Mancos Valley Community Calendar." Many events are already on the calendar because community members have populated the calendar with their activities.

You can post meetings, fundraisers and festivals that have the potential to be of interest to people in the Mancos Valley and perhaps even beyond our small community. To add your event to the calendar involves a few simple steps.

After clicking on "Events," click on "Suggest Event"

Fill out the template that pops up and be sure to add contact information so that people can call or e-mail with their questions

Once you've filled out the information click on "Submit."

The Chamber will receive it, review and accept it. You will receive a confirmation reply.

The calendar will not post sales events for businesses. However, businesses having a special event, like entertainment, will be able to post. If in doubt call the Chamber at 970-533-7434 and get clarification. As with any new resource, it can take all of us some time to learn how to use it.

Marianne Griffin is the executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or contact her at 533-7434. You can also visit [email protected] for more information.