Help Our Merchants Get Back to Business
We’ve all see the “Shop Local” and “We’re in this Together” messages of encouragement. They are positive tag lines designed to promote community engagement in local business. Yet they are so much more than timely slogans. Our local merchants depend on the patronage of our mountain community, and with so many retailers being shuttered during the peak of the pandemic, their economic survival is contingent upon local sales. Let’s not take for granted the unique shops and restaurants in our own backyard. Here are a few community gems ready to welcome your business.
The Evergreen Gallery Offers Visitors the Experience of a Fine Art Show
Located in the heart of the downtown Evergreen is the attractively appointed Evergreen Art Gallery exclusively featuring the works of Colorado artists. With at least 100 curated pieces representing a variety of mediums, the gallery gives visitors the experience of attending a fine art show. Stained and blown glass, artisan-made jewelry, photography, wood-working and mixed media pieces create an atmosphere that is whimsical, beautiful and elegant.
“A purchase of these one-of-a-kind pieces helps the gallery while being a huge support to the contributing artists, many of whom depend on sales from art festivals and shows across the country which have been cancelled this year,” said Gallery Owner Beth Riser.
Riser, a fine art photographer and past assistant director of the Evergreen Fine Arts Festival, has a passion for art and commitment to her customers. After having to close the gallery for seven weeks during the pandemic, Riser is very excited about welcoming back her clients. The gallery, which has designed spaces for shoppers, also has installed plexiglass dividers at the sales counters, placed hand sanitizer in several locations, and even provides a hand-washing sink – all to foster a comfortable experience for visitors.
Customized service is important to Riser, and is one of the reasons she is a client of RPM Agency. “Michele looked at my four old policies and streamlined them into one comprehensive policy that did not cut corners,” said Riser. “She understands the complexities of my business and my desire for safety and security. RPM has given me huge peace of mind.”
To learn more about The Evergreen Gallery, go to www.theevergreengallery.com
Zandee Gallery Unites Nature and Art
The newly opened Zandee Gallery provides a sanctuary from daily concerns with its perfect pairing of art and nature. Visitors are greeted by beautiful Colorado vistas, complemented by bronze pieces, cut stone by Zimbabwe artisans and handcrafted furniture. Owner Tim Zandee, a photographer specializing in large landscape images, has created a warm, museum-like atmosphere in his 1600 square foot Bergen Park gallery.
“Our mission is to be low pressure, high customer service,” said Zandee. “We offer lots of open areas so that visitors have plenty of room to explore and enjoy our soothing environment surrounded by pictures of nature.”
During the summer Zandee will feature “Art on the Rocks” showcasing several artists who will be painting under a tent in front of the gallery in an area hardscaped with stone. Zandee envisions the plein air style making art more accessible and engaging for visitors. It also will provide a boost to the visiting painters whose exposure via art shows and festivals has been severely curtailed during the pandemic.
Zandee loves the Evergreen community and wants to make the gallery available for small celebrations, client meetings, and workplace events. A connection to community is one of the reasons he chose to work with RPM.
“I appreciate Michele’s warm, genuine nature, and how she is drawn to support business in our community,” said Zandee. “She has an entrepreneurial heart and is a great communicator. Michele made it easy for me to insure my business.”
Zandee Gallery is located at 1254 Bergen Parkway, in between the Hearthfire Bookstore and the Evergreen Cooking School. Go to www.tzimages.com. to view Tim Zandees images and to see examples of his home and office art installations.
Murphy’s Mountain Grill and The Muddy Buck Put Customer Comfort First
“We will tailor our service to meet our individual guests’ needs, said Tiffani Packer, Co-Owner of the Muddy Buck and Murphy’s Mountain Grill. “We want everyone to come to our restaurants at their level of comfort.”
Packer and her team are committed to making sure customers are at ease and at home at their family owned and operated establishments. At the Muddy Buck, a go-to coffeehouse, seating has been reconfigured to comply with social distancing, there are designated stations with paper towels and sanitizers for guests, and a signage system to alert customers when a table is clean and ready. In addition to creating social distance seating and following sanitation protocols, Murphy’s has instituted a convenient reservation system. Customers can go on Yelp to find out wait times and receive a text notification when their table is ready. The restaurant also is continuing its robust takeout service with online ordering and contact free pick-up.
According to Packer, her family’s desire to go above and beyond is a value shared by RPM Agency. “Michele and Kristin are the ‘dynamic duo,’” said Packer. “They are so knowledgeable not only about the insurance industry, but about different business structures. They search, hunt and find the best options for insurance for homeowners and businesses to save them money. And their quick response makes you feel like you’re their only customer.”
Find out more about the Packers’ restaurants at or .
Cactus Jacks Expanding Outdoor Seating to Better Serve Its Loyal Customers
Cactus Jacks is more than ready to host diners reentering the restaurant scene. With one of the biggest patios in town and an awesome creek side location, Cactus Jacks can easily offer a fun dining experience while meeting all the requirements for social distancing. To further expand their outdoor seating, owners Gary and Megan Mitchell are placing tables in the parking lot, which will be covered.
Customers will appreciate CJ’s attention to safety and comfort. Each party is welcomed one at a time, with orders placed at the bar before seating. Drinks and food are delivered to the table with minimal interaction with servers. As an added perk, patrons can get a free bottle of CJ’s own hand sanitizer, a blend of grain alcohol, aloe and essential oils that meets health agency guidelines.
CJ’s takes pride in being open 365 days a year. So, when COVID-19 required them to adjust their operations, they did so swiftly. “The community really supported us with the to-go service,” said Megan Mitchell. “We want to thank Evergreen for keeping us going during a very challenging time.”
Challenging times are not new to Cactus Jacks. The flood of 2013 caused major damage to the building and disrupted the business for months. According to Megan, the unresponsiveness of their out-of-state insurance broker only added to their troubles.
The Mitchells are now clients of RPM. “I was searching for a broker like RPM for a long time,” said Megan. “I wanted a local broker who would fight for us, and I found Michele. She is energetic, personable and gives us the best value. I like knowing I can walk across the street to see her if I need anything.”
To check out Cactus Jacks, go to www.evergreenlivemusic.com.
RPM article published in the Canyon Courier
