Tim Wheeler

The BID is pleased to welcome Tim Wheeler as the newest member of the board of directors. Wheeler was appointed by the Durango City Council and assumes the seat held by Hampton Inn owner Chris Vivolo, who, after three terms, retired from the board.

As owner and proprietor of the Durango Coffee Company retail store, Tim brings to the BID board the voice of the Downtown retailers and merchants – a sector of importance in the overall vitality of Historic Downtown Durango.

“In all modesty, but in reality, Durango Coffee Company is located in the center of activity on Main Avenue,” says Tim, who purchased the specialty coffee and kitchen shop in 2004. “We certainly have a cross-section of patrons who are passionate about the Downtown, and I listen and learn a great deal from them. I have been active in the Downtown for a long time and can now represent the retailers and other downtown stakeholders with an even stronger voice.”

Prior to moving with his family to Durango in 1994, Tim, who earned an Advanced Management Certificate from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and an Electronics Diploma from DeVry Institute of Technology, spent 17 years in the high-technology industry. His professional endeavors took him from the US to various Asian countries, working in engineering and management positions for computer firms – most recently as director of marketing for Apple Computer Asia, based in Hong Kong. Settling in Durango, he ran his own small business consulting firm for 10 years before indulging in the challenge of locally-roasted coffee retailing.

Tim has a passion for what he refers to as “connecting my love of a wholesome outdoors/environment with the need to harness the good parts of our capitalist economy towards an environmentally and economically sustainable future.”

He has brought this perspective to a number of local Durango area activities, including Leadership La Plata (Class of 1996-97), the 9-R School District Blue Ribbon facilities committee, Sustainable Economic Development Study Circle and the board of Durango Natural Foods. He is also a founder and current board member/treasurer of the Southwest Colorado Chapter of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society, and board member of the Sustainability Alliance.

“Durango has a very special Downtown, which is a source of pride for locals and central to the enjoyment of visitors,” says Tim. “I want to make certain that we sustain what we have, but we need to have a vision and a realistic, workable plan for the future.”