Lifetime Members
Those on Whose Shoulders We Stand
The Glenwood Springs Chamber is what it is today because of the many leaders who came before us. Some are still with us, while others have passed away. We honor their vision, leadership and contributions, and the lasting impact they made on our Chamber and community.
Mannette Anderson
Manette served in a leadership role at the Glenwood Springs Chamber for more than 15 years. In 1994, she helped GSHS students form the A-Team, partnering with business leaders on a two-year planning effort. The group envisioned transforming a city street into a pedestrian mall.
Debbie Bannon*
An accomplished bookkeeper by trade, Debbie played a significant role in all aspects of the chamber. Debbie not only ensured finances were in order but also that events were of the highest quality. She also led chamber tours all over the world. *Debbie passed away in 2025.
Joni Bates
Joni started in the tourism department and eventually became the Vice President of Membership. Joni was an exceptional representative of the chamber always going above and beyond to help members and the community succeed for over 20 years. She retired in 2021.
Hank Bosco*
Octogenarian Hank Bosco helped purchase the Hot Springs Lodge & Pool in 1956, serving as President for more than 30 years. He was active in the Glenwood Springs Chamber for decades, serving on committees and the board of directors. *He passed away in 2017.
Tillie Fischer*
Tillie Fischer served as Glenwood Springs Chamber Board Chair from 1986 to 1987. During the city’s 1985 Centennial Celebration, she led the Membership Committee and secured 100 new memberships. She was a recipient of both Citizen of the and the ATHENA Award. *Tille passed away in 2023.
Roger Garing*
Roger served on the Chamber Board and was active on several city committees. He was founder Neil-Garing Insurance and later owned Baskin-Robbins/KaleidoScoops. Roger was a familiar fixture at chamber events (where he was typically scooping out his donated ice cream). He passed away in 2009.
Yvonne Henderson
Yvonne Henderson was on the staff and served as chamber secretary during the 1980s. She and her husband Jim were longtime chamber supporters. She was granted the privileges of lifetime chamber membership for her vision and commitment to the chamber.
Dr. Stan Jensen
Dr. Stan Jensen, former President of Colorado Mountain College, was the catalyst behind the chamber's move to the CMC building in downtown Glenwood Springs. Jensen was also instrumental in the partnership resulting in the public library, Morgridge Commons and parking structure downtown.
Bill Sanderson
Bill was a longtime member of the board and finance committee. Bill's most notable board accomplishment came in 2012 when he championed the board goal of establishing an even stronger partnership with Colorado Mountain College. The joint CMC/Chamber Visitor Center is a model of how institutions grow through partnerships.
Bill Slattery*
Master cabinet maker Bill Slattery wrote to the Chamber seeking information about moving West. He became a member upon arriving and remained a loyal supporter of the Chamber, generously contributing time, materials and craftsmanship as owner of Modern Cabinet Shop. He was also named Citizen in the Year. *Bill passed away in 2017.
Dr. John Traul*
A local orthodontist and chamber member, Dr. John Traul was instrumental in working with the chamber to examine and complete a city sign code. During his tenure as board chair, the chamber was successful in increasing the tourism promotion fund and expanding its marketing program. *Dr. Traul passed away in 2023.
Don Vanderhoof*
Don is the only person to serve twice as board chair, leading the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1963 and becoming the first chair of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association in 1989. He guided the organization through its merger and was named Citizen of the Year in 1987. *Don passed away in 2017.
Marianne Virgili
After 32 years with GSCRA, Marianne Virgili retired as President and CEO in 2017. Under her leadership, the Chamber earned national recognition, including Chamber of the Year in 2013 and a Daily Points of Light Award. Her vision, leadership and advocacy were instrumental in shaping Glenwood Springs into the community it is today.
Dr. Fred Wall*
Dr. Wall was the superintendent of schools of the Roaring Fork School District and partnered with the chamber on several school bond issues and education initiatives. He served as board chair of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association from 2005 - 2006. *He passed away in 2021.
Eric Walter*
Eric Walter served as the Chamber’s legal advisor beginning in 1986 and later as Board Chair. He helped draft key ballot initiatives and provided the legal framework for forming the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association in 1989, often working pro bono. *Eric passed away in 2021.
Raelyn Westley
Raelyn served the Chamber for many years, including as VP of Membership Development, when GSCRA twice became a National Chamber of the Year finalist and membership surpassed 700. Her vision helped launch the Official Glenwood Springs Map and elevate the Official Insider's Guide to national award-winning status.
Robert Zanella
A member and volunteer of for the Glenwood Springs Chamber for 4 decades, Bob Zanella received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1997 and the Chamber Volunteer Award in 2003. Bob was involved in numerous committees, including the Chamber Ambassadors, Strawberry Days and Ski Spree.