Golden is humming for 2012

Chamber manager Ruth Hamilton is excited about the year to come—fresh, new energy is evident in the town of Golden

Ruth Hamilton is the manager of the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce. — Photo courtesy Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce

Ruth Hamilton has lots to share about what is going on in the town of Golden this year. She has lived in Golden since 1984 and has had her share of businesses in the area. Now, she enjoys keeping her finger on the pulse as manager of the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce..

“Spring brings on new energy,” said Hamilton, “a nice, fresh outlook.”

The Golden Spring Home & Lifestyle Show, held April 14 and 15 this year, is a big event that incorporates both a women's show and a green show, showcasing environmentally friendly home and personal products by featuring vendors who are committed to using green products and employing best practices. The chamber is very proud to have facilitated the show, as it is double the size of last year's and the whole community attends.

From a business perspective

One focus for the chamber this year is bringing new members to the organization, said Hamilton.

“We did a membership survey this year to find out where the members wanted us to focus,” said Hamilton. “Policy advocacy seems to be a big area of interest. Basically we will be keeping an eye on what is going on, and bring it back to the membership so they know about it."

Hamilton is seeing growth in Golden's business scene.

“With spring coming, I am excited to see businesses expanding and opening,” she said.

Some long-term businesses are expanding, Hamilton added, and she is aware of others that are opening up in the area by folks who have moved to town for the lifestyle.

“There are lots of very good restaurants, with tourists praising the selection and quality of the food,” said Hamilton. “It is always nice to see comments from visitors saying that they come to Golden for the food.”

Changes and improvements

The town of Golden has much to celebrate when it comes to positives in business and community in general.

“This year we have rebranded our business awards as Community Excellence Awards,” said Hamilton, "because it is the one big dress-up, sit-down dinner in the community.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (KHMR) had an epic season this year, noted Hamilton. Resorts of the Canadian Rockies purchased KHMR late last year, and although the community hasn't felt too much of an impact yet, Hamilton said that the community is welcoming the change and the new energy.

“Real estate sales are picking up and construction is starting in the area,” said Hamilton.

The Golden Civic Centre is being revitalized, with the downstairs being totally renovated and conference and breakout rooms added. A new police station is being built and will be ready in the fall.

“Highway 1 is being redone,” said Hamilton, “mainly east of us—it (will be) easier to get to Golden. (And) really nice timber-frame directional signs are going up in town; we were lacking before, so now visitors will find it easier.”

Hamilton said the chamber will continue Let's Do Lunch events; attendees have the chance to hear a speaker who will come in and talk.

So much to love about Golden

The Spirit Square, right at the foot of the pedestrian bridge, continues to be an attractive meeting and gathering space in Golden, said Hamilton. Outdoor concerts and community events such as pancake breakfasts are hosted in this beautiful spot.

“I think one of our assets is the wide mixture of economic pillars we have in town; it all blends together,” said Hamilton. “We started out as a resource community and now we are embracing tourism.”

Hamilton said she loves to see the young people moving to town for tourist season—and then deciding to stay because they love it here.

“The next thing you know, they are getting married and having babies,” said Hamilton. “It is really neat to see.”

And as more people decide to make Golden their home, the community just becomes that much more vibrant.

“What I love here are the people,” she said. “They are passionate, caring and are great volunteers.”