About the La Junta Chamber of Commerce
Mission
To be a trusted resource providing advocacy, connections, networking, collaboration and community information that strengthens member businesses through member services.
Vision
Our History
The La Junta Chamber of Commerce is a business organization in Southeastern Colorado with over 300 members. We are a not-for-profit organization that strives to make La Junta a superior place to live, visit and conduct business through community partnerships.
2023 Board of Directors
The La Junta Board of Directors is a group of dynamic business leaders from various industries who lend their time and talent to helping the La Junta Chamber achieve its mission and goals! This group of individuals also serve on La Junta Chamber event committees, alongside community members and business members, and assists in the planning, executing, and growing professional opportunities and events.
Greg Kolomitz
President, Kolomitz & Company
Gregory Kolomitz is a professional public, governmental, political, community affairs/organizing consultant with over 30 years of experience.
Given his up-bringing, relationships, appreciation of rural traditions, and customs, Kolomitz is widely viewed as the “rural consultant”.
In 2017 Kolomitz was invited by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to participate in an onsite forum to identify key issues facing rural America.
Kolomitz, served as volunteer chairperson for a successful bond issue for the La Junta, Colorado Public Schools.
Kolomitz is a Boettcher Foundation Fellow having successful completed the 2022-2023 Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship program.
Cynthia Sollenbarger
Arkansas Valley CASA
Cynthia Sollenbarger is the Program Director of Arkansas Valley CASA and has served on the La Junta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2022. She moved to the Arkansas Valley in 2001 and loves the people here and the beauty that this part of the state has to offer. She is mom to 3 great kids and has a passion for making a difference in the community she lives in.
Lisa A. Pantoya
Affiliations/Organizations :
- City of La Junta – City Council Member
- Arkansas Valley Resource Center – Board of Directors
- La Junta Rotary Club Member
- Arkansas Valley Resource Center – Financial Officer
- La Junta Rotary Club – President 2019-2020
Dillon Martin
Dillon Martin holds the position of Director of Foundation and Auxiliary Services at Otero College. Prior to his current role, he worked as the Foundation and Communication Director as well as serving in the President’s Office. Dillon holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Economics and Finance from Colorado State University Pueblo, which he completed in May 2019. Additionally, he earned an Associate of Arts and a Leadership Certificate from Otero College in May 2017.
Mr. Martin has a strong background in organization, fundraising, and developing. He is a dedicated and driven coordinator and has emerged as a creator on campus. Dillon has created new fundraising platforms for Otero College and has valuable experience in communication strategies, new idea execution, and enhancing efficiency within the Otero organization.
On a personal note, Mr. Martin just completed the build of a new home and enjoys spending time with his family. He often travels to warmer climates where he can off-road in his Polaris RZR.
Christina Tozzie
Since moving back to La Junta in July of 2014 to join the Lewis Bolt and Nut management team, Christina Tozzie has prided herself on community service and helping make La Junta a better place to live and work. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the La Junta Chamber of Commerce, co-chairing the Early Settlers Day planning committee in 2017 and 2018 and was a part of the Wake Up Breakfast committee; she also serves on the Ark Valley CASA Advisory Board, has served on the Girls in the Middle steering committee since 2014, serving as co-chair in 2019 and 2020; Tournament Director for the Las Animas/Bent County Fire Department Charity golf tournament since its inception in May of 2021; has been a member of the La Junta Mavericks since February 2022; as well as volunteered with various organizations and fundraisers.
Christina graduated on the Dean’s List with her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado Denver, where she studied Communication and Public Relations. Christina enjoys watching her son, Samuel, play football, spending time with her family and close friends, live music, camping, and travelling.
Julie Worley
Julie Worley was born and raised on a ranch in the beautiful sand hills of Western Nebraska, and for the past 20+ years, Julie has worked in rural economic development in some capacity, collaborating on projects ranging from housing, to business retention and development, to youth and entrepreneurship endeavors.
Julie is a “rural advocate” to the core, and sincerely believes that if our rural communities are going to survive and thrive, we must encourage and foster entrepreneurship – especially in our youth. An entrepreneur herself, Julie has owned three businesses, and over the years has assisted numerous individuals in business development and implementation – from finding start-up resources to “open for business”.
Julie served for nine years on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Rural Development Council, and organized the first-ever Colorado Entrepreneurship MarketPlace – for adult business owners. More recently, Julie has organized nine youth Entrepreneurship Fairs (E-Fairs) where youth across Southeast Colorado have showcased over 250 business ideas.
An involved community member, Julie presently serves on the Arts for Colorado Board of Directors; the Southeast Colorado Creative Partnership; Woodruff Memorial Library Board; Plaza Block Building Renovation Committee; La Junta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is the Women’s Bible Study/Ministry Leader at First Southern Baptist Church/La Junta.
Join the La Junta Chamber Today!
The La Junta Chamber of Commerce is steadfast in our commitment to advocate for our members, facilitating the establishment of valuable connections with other local businesses, organizations, and community members. Contact us today and discover how the La Junta Chamber of Commerce can contribute to the prosperity of your business!