Name: Bill Becker
City of residence: Loveland
Occupation: Director of advocacy for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Tell us about yourself and how long you’ve lived in Northern Colorado.
I’ve been in the county area for about four decades. My wife and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary and, living here in Loveland, we’ve been within the city limits for a couple of decades. I was raised in Colorado Springs, and I lived in New England for a dozen years before a job opportunity came up to come back to Colorado. I still have family in Colorado Springs, but I really feel like Northern Colorado is home. It’s certainly the fastest growing part of the state, and we have so many great things going on here. I’ve done a variety of things, and maybe one of these days, I’ll decide what I want to be when I grow up.
What is your role with the Loveland Chamber?
I’m the director of advocacy for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, but I also work with the Fort Collins Chamber, the Berthoud Chamber and Greeley. I keep tabs on issues within the community, communicate those to citizens and the boards of directors I serve on and monitor a lot of the political stuff. They say, in politics, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” and part of my job is to at least let the various people I report to know what course they are, not whether they’re on the menu. They say you may not be interested in politics, but at some point, politics will be interested in you. To try to look at that from a perspective of some balance and sanity is an important part of my mission.
How do you help the small businesses in Loveland?
We have a number of different groups: the Loveland Economic Council, the various boards and, of course, the Downtown Development Authority. I try to attend as many of [the DDA] meetings as possible because all of that is really integrated and woven together…if people know accurately what’s going on, that’s really helpful. I do observe, in much of my interaction with people, that sometimes, in this era of misinformation, conclusions are drawn that aren’t fully accurate. I try to find a way to have a dialog and a conversation so that people understand there may be other angles. I find it a very important part of my professional growth.
Explain the legislative aspect of your role.
We have a legislative session that lasts 120 days, and there are 100 legislators from around the state who meet every year. What we do in the chamber is seek to follow bills that may be introduced that are either directly or tangentially impactful, particularly for small business, but big business as well. Every year, close to 600 bills are introduced. We don’t need to pay attention to all of those, but there are a number that we do. We have legislative arms and various lobbying folks we stay in touch with who help us understand “here’s the side effects” or “here’s the unintended consequences,” and we seek to communicate those to the legislators. I am very deliberate in making sure I have personal relationships with all the senators and representatives in the state.
How else are you involved in the Loveland community?
My CEO, Mindy McCloughan, has a catchphrase: “Get up, dress up and show up.” I think that’s something of a mantra to be present at as many events as possible because the richness of the people in this community is just wonderful. You go to things thinking, “What am I going to learn here?” There’s always a nugget somewhere; you can work a dynamic and have interactions that are really important. We do that a lot with the nonprofit community. In Loveland, we have many rich and productive nonprofits, and the generosity of the community to those is really valuable. I seek to volunteer. If my calendar is open, I’ll be there.
We also have a regional, six-month leadership program called Leadership Northern Colorado that we start every January. This January, we’re going to have a road that is all torn up, but as we’ve seen with what the staff has done, all the accesses will be there and sidewalks will be open. It’ll be a way to show people from around the region that this is what we’re doing to make it rich and productive. We’re really excited about the downtown development and what’s been happening with the board and seeing the two blocks that are now finished.
What do you love most about Loveland?
I’d say primarily the people and the quality of character, generosity and engagement. The fact that there’s such extensive participation is a really healthy thing for the community, and I’m nourished by that. So I’d say the people, notwithstanding all the fun stuff, like Benson Sculpture Garden and all the great downtown restaurants. We’re turning into a foodie mecca down here.
Another one of the things I’ve become very intrigued by and appreciate about this area is the regionalism that people are starting to get. In the past, there have been so many occasions where there are silos; people address things from a space that doesn’t really access the wisdom and experience of others. That’s beginning to change, and it’s one of the things that makes Loveland a really special place.
If you had a friend or family member visiting for the weekend, what are some things you’d take them to go do?
Depending on their stamina, Devil’s Backbone Open Space is always a fun hike. It’s also hard to ignore Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center sitting down by the river. And then, of course, we’re so close to Estes Park, so you’ve really got a wide variety. With all the expansion out east and new projects, people are excited about the future growth that is going to happen. In our city structure, we have folks who want responsible growth, but they’re not anti-growth, which we see in some other communities from time to time.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?
The thing I’ve resolved to do is to continue to engage, show up and appreciate the richness of the community, both in people and in events and happenings. It’s also the month that the legislature starts, on Jan. 14, so I’ll be a little preoccupied with following some of the legislation. At the same time, I’ve got a wonderful place of respite to come back to here.
Follow us on Instagram for more NOCO Locals and interview videos! @nocostylemagazine
