Here’s a roundup of events and happenings in Summit County’s business industry.

The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professional to host “Mixer in the Mountains” in Breckenridge

An organization that looks to boost the careers and connections of black event professionals and entrepreneurs will be expanding its reach in Colorado with an event in Breckenridge.

As Tara Melvin worked her way up the ladder in the event and wedding planning industry, she recognized a trend she wasn’t too fond of. Black event professionals and entrepreneurs in the industry weren’t getting the recognition or support she felt like they deserved. Melvin decided she was going to tackle this trend on a national level. She didn’t want to just create a platform to shine light on black event professional’s’ work. She wanted to provide them with avenues to elevate their career. 

Melvin wanted to create something where people get education on how to boost their business and bring attention to black-owned businesses in the wedding planning industry. She wanted to provide people struggling with financial support and to create a network nationally where people could get behind a common purpose.

So, in 2020, she created the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals. Two years later the organization became affiliated in Colorado, and on Oct. 12 it will be hosting its first “Networking Getaway, Mixer in the Mountains.”

Attendees include wedding planners, event coordinators, caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, décor rentals and other event professionals.

“We’re thrilled to bring this event to Breckenridge and provide a space for professionals in the event industry to come together and collaborate in a lasting way,” said Gequinn Mattox, co-Director of Events from the organization. “Our goal is to foster stronger connections within the industry and promote diversity and inclusivity in wedding and event planning.”

The event is in partnership with the Breckenridge Tourism Office and the Majestic Lodge, whose owners Ben and Melissa Wilbourn, are members of the National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals.

For information and event details visit TinyURL.com/244t77tx.

Breckenridge’s Vista Verde apartment wins two national awards

The Vista Verde workforce housing development recently won two national housing awards.

The net-zero development secured the 2024 Affordable Housing Finance Readers’ Choice Award and the Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition.

According to a recent news release, the example Vista Verde set for housing complexes in rural communities won it the The Readers’ Choice Award from the Affordable Housing Finance Magazine since it brought together sustainability and affordability. The development also won a The Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Award in the Green and Healthy Housing category for its approach to energy efficiency and improving resident opportunities.  

“Our community is committed to environmental, economic, and social stewardship, and very grateful for this recognition,” Breckenridge Housing Manager Laurie Best said.

The Vista Verde Apartments, the first phase of the Vista Verde neighborhood, consists of an 80-home mixed-income units. Sixty-four units were rented to residents making 60% of the area median income, and the remaining 16 units were rented to residents making up to 100% of the area median income. The development has a Zero Energy Ready Home certification.

The Summit Community Care Clinic comes into new leadership

The Summit Community Care Clinic recently announced Josh Cogdill as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 23. Cogdill succeeds Dan Becker, who held the role for around a year and is leaving due to health concerns.

Cogdill has an illustrious career in healthcare leadership and served on the Care Clinic’s Board of Directors for the past two years. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh Cogdill as our new CEO,” said Dana Cottrell, Care Clinic’s board president, “His passion for patient care, coupled with his strong business acumen and strategic vision, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and improve the health and well-being of our community.”