For 20 years, Teller Business Builders has impacted the business climate of Woodland Park and Teller County. Like clockwork, the builders meet at the Hungry Bear restaurant at 7 a.m. every Monday, holidays excluded.  

“I think we’ve probably helped more than 300 businesses,” said Gail Wingerd, co-founder of the group. “You build business, especially in this community, by getting to know people and trusting them, their reputation, their word.”

The members represent the range of businesses in the county, with only one of each type represented in TBB.

“That way you’re not splitting your loyalty,” said Wingerd, who owns Creative Concepts of America and does custom imprinting and promotional products. “The group has helped me develop leadership skills while seeing the benefit of being connected with the business, on a personal level.”

Of the original founders, only Wingerd and Janene Guy, who owns Mountain Air Resources, remain as members, as others have moved or retired.

In addition to boosting business, the builders volunteer for and donate to nonprofit organizations in the county.

“We have a designated area for Keep Woodland Park Beautiful that we clean up every year,” Wingerd said. “We have a sign near Park State Bank & Trust.”

The members also participate in the annual city-wide cleanup and plant flowers in Bergstrom Park.

“We painted the inside of the Woodland Park Senior Center, and we stay involved with the Christmas parade,” she said.

After a fundraiser that involved fishing, the members donated $500 each to the Community Cupboard and Choices.During the holidays, TBB buys and wraps presents for two or three families who are clients of Community Partnership Family Resource Center.

When a business owner was injured in an accident while on the job, TBB raised enough funds to cover the man’s medical bills.

“That was one of the neatest things we’ve even able to do,” Wingerd said. “Over the years we’ve really become like family; we’re there for each other.”

The meetings feature a presentation by a business owner and, quarterly, a guest speaker.

“We’ve had the forest service, the sheriff’s office and different nonprofits,” she said. “Whatever is happening in the community we feel it is important for business owners to know about.”

The longest networking group in Teller County, TBB represents stability.

“People like to do business with people they know, especially up here,” Wingerd said. “If we can give a personal referral, people will listen. Because it’s about relationships.”

For information check www.tellerbusinessbuilders.org.