Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   
 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

  

 

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club Celebrates its Historic 75th Anniversary Milestone

Colorado Springs, CO (February 24, 2026) – Garden of the Gods Resort and Club celebrates is historic 75th anniversary milestone this year, commemorating a legacy that coincides with Colorado’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary. Al and Margaret Hil purchased the property in 1949, and shortly thereafter, built a private club, luxury resort, and residential community in the natural setting of Garden of the Gods Park. The Garden of the Gods Club opened in June of 1951 and attracted people of means and influence: movie stars, titans of industry, politicians, artists, authors, and musicians, like Walt Disney, Gene Autry and John Wayne.

In 2007, Sunrise Company purchased the property from Hill Development and the Hill family. However, in 2013, local ownership returned when business leaders and long-time Garden of the Gods Club Members, Brenda Smith and Judy Mackey, acquired the resort, ushering in a new era and renaming it Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.

The owner's forward-thinking vision for transformative wellness led to the creation of Strata Spa & Salon and Strata Med. In 2023, the property invested $60 million to renovate guest rooms, the Grand View restaurant, the Kissing Camels clubhouse, and wellness facilities. Garden of the Gods Resort and Club continues to balance respect for its history with an ambitious outlook. Today, it has grown from an exclusive club into an inclusive holistic wellness destination.

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club will celebrate its 75th Anniversary the weekend of June 12th – 14th, 2026 with a variety of Club Member and Resort Guest programming and specials:

1. Wellness activations throughout the property including yoga, sound baths, and fitness classes

2. Public food and beverage specials at Grand View inspired by the Resort’s history

3. Curated historical exhibits to explore throughout the property

4. Family-friendly experiences like live music, a pool party, and tennis exhibition

5. Exclusive 75th Anniversary merchandise available, including a new historical coffee table style book chronicling the robust history of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

6. The creation of a time capsule filled with significant artifacts, stories, and photographs honoring the past 75 years

“Celebrating 75 years is both a milestone and a responsibility,” said Judy Mackey, co-owner of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. “We are proud of the legacy entrusted to us, rooted in vision, hospitality, and stewardship of this extraordinary setting. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring our history while evolving as an inclusive, holistic wellness destination for future generations.”

Guests can reserve a commemorative stay by visiting www.gardenofthegodsresort.com or by calling 719.632.5541.

About Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

Perched atop a mesa in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is an award-winning holistic wellness destination. In 2025, they were named by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Fitness & Wellness Retreats” and from Spas of America, was named the “#1 Spa in Colorado in the Top 100 Spas.” This AAA Four-Diamond wellness retreat in the Rocky Mountain West is set among expansive vistas of the snow-capped Pikes Peak and National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods Park.

They boast a legendary history, having played host to some of America’s most beloved characters such as Walt Disney, Gene Autry and John Wayne. Today, the same natural setting beckons travelers worldwide to undergo a personalized journey of restoration, renewal and well-being with its thoughtful spa treatments and integrative, multidimensional concierge wellness offerings at Strata Med and Strata Spa & Salon. Here, a team of acclaimed physicians and award-winning therapists across many disciplines integrate the best of Western and Eastern medical science with nutrition, fitness, meditation, and mindfulness coaching to provide guests with a fresh perspective, greater level of whole-person wellness and a renewed sense of possibility.

Guests will also enjoy luxurious accommodations in its 117 rooms and suites within its hotel, Cottages and Casitas, including one- to three-bedroom suites which feature private patios in all guest rooms, and stunning views of Garden of the Gods Park in the Lodge guest rooms. Activities include golfing at its 27-hole championship course; indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts; three outdoor swimming pools and an array of dining experiences. For more information, call 719.632.5541 visit gardenofthegodsresort.com, Stratawell.com or follow @GardenoftheGodsResortandClub on Facebook, and @GGResortandClub on Instagram and Pinterest. 

Program Topic: Mentally STRONG: Learn It. Live It. Level Up.
“Mentally STRONG: Learn It. Live It. Level Up.” is a transformative, research-informed keynote that teaches leaders and teams how to build mental strength through a practical, repeatable framework. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Dr. Cristi Bundukamara delivers a powerful system—Think, Organize, Choose—that helps individuals master their thoughts, regulate emotions, and make aligned decisions even under pressure. This keynote goes beyond motivation; it offers a clear method employees can apply immediately to reduce burnout, improve communication, increase resilience, and elevate performance. Attendees leave not only inspired, but equipped with a mental strength strategy they can use every day to level up personally and professionally.

Our Speaker: 

Dr. Cristi Bundukamara
Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, EdD, PMHNP, is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and creator of the Mentally STRONG Method—a practical, evidence-informed framework designed to help individuals take control of their thoughts, emotions, and decisions. With over two decades of clinical experience and a personal journey marked by extraordinary grief and resilience, Dr. B brings both expertise and authenticity to every stage she steps on. She is the founder of Mentally STRONG, a mental wellness movement and clinic in Colorado, and a passionate advocate for empowering others to transform adversity into strength. Through her work, Dr. B equips leaders and teams with tools they can use every day to reduce burnout, improve communication, and build lasting mental resilience.
 

Approximate program timeframe:

Luncheon Sponsors:

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

How to Save a Life - it might be yours!

Pinnacle will offer interactive stations covering CPR/the Heimlich; how to use a public defibrillator;  women's stroke heart/attack symptoms; emergency wound care; the responsible use of AI in healthcare and mental health tools to use now. Food, beverages and networking as always.

Generally, Connects events offer open networking throughout the period, following this timeline:

5:00p - Welcome & registration
5:30p - Opening remarks
6:00p - Education Stations and Prizes

Thank you to our Event Sponsor


Thank you to our Media Sponsor


Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

  

 

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Membership matters! If you want to learn more about the Chamber, its benefits, and you're thinking about becoming involved, join us for this free seminar session to find out how we can help you. 

If you are a new or existing member, find out how to get the most out of your Chamber membership!

Learn more about our programs that cultivate business development, professional excellence, and strategic alliances. Learn how to engage with the Chamber as a volunteer and committee member.
 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Topic: The Peril of Progress: A Legal and Ethical Analysis of AI Harm and Accountability
The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems has introduced a new and complex category of societal risk. This discussion provides an exhaustive, evidence-based analysis of documented real-world incidents where AI technology has demonstrably caused harm or death to people. Moving beyond simple cause-and-effect, this analysis reveals a complex interplay of technological failure, human error, and a significant lack of legal and ethical frameworks to govern this rapidly evolving field.

The presenter will provide instances that are categorized into several critical domains: kinetic harms caused by autonomous vehicles and lethal weapons; systemic harms resulting from algorithmic bias in healthcare and criminal justice; psychological harms from conversational AI; and the nuanced, largely indirect harms to personal welfare. The presenter will identify specific AI technologies, detail the circumstances of the incidents, as well as the victims where information is publicly available and credibly reported.

Our Speaker

Dr. Shawn P. Murray, C|CISO, CISSP

Open to women owners of LLCs and small business corporations.

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Program Topic: TrueWealth: Your Legacy Beyond Money
You've built professional success through strategic thinking, courageous conversations, and intentional leadership. Most people think the pinnacle of success is to leave your hard-earned money to your loved ones, but there’s something even more valuable that most people fail to leave behind. This talk by an award-winning estate attorney reveals why 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and how the exact skills that made you a successful leader are what create the legacy your family and loved ones actually need, one that transforms your current relationships and impact every generation to come.

Key Takeaways:

1. How your biggest professional blind spot shows up in your family and personal relationships: How the metrics-driven thinking that serves us in business can cause us to miss the deeper transformation we're creating, and what our loved ones truly need from us.
2. The leadership skills you already have are your legacy superpowers: The clarity, intentionality, and courage that built your career are exactly what's required to become a "good ancestor" who transfers wisdom, not just wealth.
3. The business case for bidirectional wisdom: Why connecting intentionally with the generations before and after you doesn't just benefit your family, it makes you a wiser, more grounded leader right now.
4. What your children, nieces & nephews, and grandchildren will value 10 times more than your financial inheritance, and the surprisingly simple steps to ensure they receive it.

Our Speaker

Approximate program timeframe:

Luncheon Sponsors:

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

 

  

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Thank you to our Event Sponsors

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

• Understand which types of work cause burnout — and how AI can relieve them.
• Learn a simple framework for identifying automation opportunities that save time and protect culture.
• Discover how to align people and AI to grow sustainably without adding overhead.

Our Speaker: 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

  

 

 

 

Membership matters! If you want to learn more about the Chamber, it's benefits and you're thinking about becoming involved, join us for this free seminar session to find out how we can help you. 
If you are a new or existing member, find out how to get the most out of your Chamber membership!

Learn more about our programs that cultivate business development, professional excellence, and strategic alliances. Learn how to engage with the Chamber as a volunteer and committee member.

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Program Topic: DESIGNING A 5 STAR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Your customers remember how you make them feel, not just what you sell. In this session, we’ll dive into creating a customer experience that feels effortless and intentional. You’ll learn how to think through first impressions, design a smooth onboarding process, respond to complaints with care, and actually listen to what your customers are telling you. The truth is, the only competitive edge your business has right now is your customer experience. People will always find a way to support a business they can connect with. One that delivers something no one else can. These aren’t just systems, they’re ways to make every interaction meaningful, build trust, and keep people coming back because they feel valued and understood. Walk away with practical strategies to make your business feel personal, even as it grows, and turn every customer touchpoint into an opportunity to stand out.

Takeaways

1. How to audit your customer experience
2. How to humanize the proactive, and systemize the reactive
3. How to make sure everyone is onboarded into your culture
4. How to create a 5 star experience

Our Speaker: 

Lyndzi Barnes
Lyndzi is a business operations expert specializing in helping service-based businesses streamline their systems, maximize profitability, and reclaim their time. With years of experience coaching over 200 small business owners in a 1:1 capacity, working with clients in over 38 industries, and from her own experience of owning and operating a business for 15+ years - she has developed proven frameworks that turn daily chaos into structured success. As a current entrepreneur, she is living and breathing the same life as you and  understands firsthand the challenges of labor shortages, unrealistic customer expectations, and operational overwhelm. Now, she partners with organizations and associations all over the US to equip their members with the tools and strategies they need to build sustainable, thriving businesses.

Approximate program timeframe:

Luncheon Sponsors:

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Topic: Coming Soon!

Open to women owners of LLCs and small business corporations.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Golf Basics
TopGolf is connecting SCWCC members to golf with an LPGA golf pro driving demo; a mini-putting green; golf etiquette overview and fun top golf games.  Food, beverage and networking as always.
Limited to first 75 registrations!

Generally, Meet & Greets offer open networking throughout the period, following this timeline:

5:00p - Welcome & registration
5:30p - Opening remarks
6:00p - Demos and Games!
 

Thank you to our Event Sponsor


Thank you to our Media Sponsor

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

 

  

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Program Topic: The Dolphin Way™: Flow-Based Leadership for High-Impact Results

In today’s high-pressure professional environment, success no longer comes from pushing harder but from leading with clarity, presence, and flow. In this session, Dr. Kelly Schuh introduces The Dolphin Way™, a practical leadership framework that helps high-achieving women reduce stress, regain focus, and create measurable results through aligned energy, intentional decision-making, and a simple daily reset practice.

Outcomes:

• Practical habits to shift from grind to clarity and focus
• A simple framework to align goals, time, and team energy
• A daily reset tool to reduce stress while improving results

Our Speaker

Dr. Kelly Schuh

Approximate program timeframe:

Luncheon Sponsors:

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

 

  

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Membership matters! If you want to learn more about the Chamber, its benefits, and you're thinking about becoming involved, join us for this free seminar session to find out how we can help you. 

If you are a new or existing member, find out how to get the most out of your Chamber membership!

Learn more about our programs that cultivate business development, professional excellence, and strategic alliances. Learn how to engage with the Chamber as a volunteer and committee member.
 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Program Topic: Growing your visibility and credibility as an industry authority, without burning out.  
You know your stuff, but building a reputation as the go-to expert in your industry takes more than just being good at what you do. In this session, Kelly Schuknecht will walk you through a simple, actionable approach to growing your visibility and credibility as an industry authority, without burning out or overcomplicating the process.

Takeaways

1. Understand the three core elements that position you as a trusted expert in your niche
2. Learn where to focus your visibility efforts for maximum impact with your ideal audience
3. Discover how to build a repeatable visibility engine that attracts clients and opportunities without becoming a full-time marketer

Our Speaker: 

Kelly Schuknecht
Kelly Schuknecht is the Chief Elevation Officer at Two Mile High Marketing. She's a seasoned marketing executive who helps entrepreneurs and business owners transform their expertise into industry authority. With nearly 20 years of experience in publishing and marketing, Kelly has supported business growth from startup to $12M+ in annual revenue and led strategic marketing initiatives across multiple industries. 

Approximate program timeframe:

Luncheon Sponsors:

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Topic: Coming Soon!

Open to women owners of LLCs and small business corporations.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

Join us for business over breakfast.

Why get up so early? It's an excellent opportunity to meet and network with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

This isn't a business card passing contest! With our roundtable discussion format, you'll really make a connection with the people you meet and create meaningful business relationships.

Approximate program timeframe:
7:30 am - 8:00 am | Open networking
8:00 am - 8:30 am | Roundtable discussions
8:30 am - 9:00 am | SCWCC news and member event announcements

First Friday Sponsors:

   

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors

 

  

 

 

Thank You to Our Investor Sponsors