The Best Dam Podcast

Strengthening the Chamber’s Collective Voice by Empowering Boulder City’s Business Community

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with John Barlow, the newly appointed Investor Relations Director for the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. A lifelong resident with a deep community legacy, John brings a unique blend of experience from the worlds of education and business to his new role.John discusses his vision for strengthening the partnership between the Chamber and local businesses, emphasizing the importance of a collective voice in advocacy. From sharing stories of his father’s legendary work ethic as a local mailman to his own transition from high school principal to Chamber leader, this episode explores the dedication required to help Boulder City’s business community thrive.DISCUSSIONDefining Investor Relations: John explains his role as a protector and promoter of local businesses, ensuring the Chamber supports their capacity to succeed.The Power of a Collective Voice: How the Chamber provides a unified platform for businesses to be heard at the local, county, state, and federal levels.A Legacy of Hard Work: John reflects on the work ethic instilled by his parents—his father, a 35-year veteran mailman who never called in sick, and his mother, who emphasized early employment.The"Face of the Chamber": John’s goal is to be an approachable resource for veteran and new businesses alike, providing follow-up and ensuring deliverables are met.From Principal to Partner: How John’s extensive background in educational leadership and school administration translates to guiding people toward shared goals.Personal Passions: A look at John’s creative side, including his meticulous yard projects and his habit of reading multiple books at once to "feed his soul".LEARN MOREBoulder City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/Contact the Chamber: Reach out to discuss investor benefits, business resources, or to welcome John to his new role.KEYWORDSJohn Barlow, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Investor Relations, Business Advocacy, Boulder City, Leadership, Community Growth, The Best Dam Podcast#JohnBarlow #BoulderCityChamber #InvestorRelations #BusinessGrowth #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast #CommunityLeadership

Connecting Communities: 34-Miles of Cycling, Hiking, and History on the River Mountains Loop Trail

 In this episode of CommunityCast, Howard Fox is joined by Paul Grube, the President of the River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership. Paul shares the fascinating history of this 34-mile paved trail and how it evolved from a "trail to nowhere" into a premier outdoor destination connecting Henderson, Boulder City, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.From the lighthearted "adult beverage" origins of the trail’s concept in the late 90s to the technical challenges of maintaining a multi-jurisdictional loop, Paul provides an inside look at what makes this trail a local treasure. He also discusses the incredible wildlife encounters—from bighorn sheep to desert tortoises—and how the Partnership acts as the vital link between the trail’s users and the agencies that manage the land.DISCUSSIONThe Happy Hour Vision: Paul recounts how a hiking group from Southwest Gas dreamed up the idea for a continuous loop around the mountains in the mid-to-late 90s while enjoying a few drinks after a hike.A Decade of Construction: Learn how the trail began as a single 12-foot wide segment in 2000 and grew piece-by-piece until the full 34-mile loop was completed in 2012.Diverse Trail Users: Beyond cyclists and hikers, the trail accommodates skateboarders, rollerbladers, and even equestrians in specific safe zones where visibility allows for horses.Wildlife Sightings: Paul shares his experiences spotting coyotes, rabbits, and bighorn sheep, including a humorous story about mistaking a juvenile desert tortoise for a rock.Managing the Loop: As President, Paul explains the Partnership’s role as the "eyes and ears" on the trail, reporting washouts or safety issues to partners like Lake Mead, Henderson, and Boulder City.Year-Round Recreation: Tips for enjoying the trail 12 months a year, including riding during full moons to avoid summer heat and the importance of desert hydration.Community & Connection: Paul reflects on how the trail fosters camaraderie, from organized bicycle clubs to helping strangers fix flat tires during a ride.Getting Started: For those without a bike, Paul suggests visiting local shops for rentals—including e-bikes and scooters—or simply starting with a short walk from one of the many trailheads.LEARN MORETo view trail maps, learn about the history, or find information on trailheads, visit https://rivermountainstrail.org or follow the River Mountains Loop Trail on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RiverMountainsLoopTrail for real-time updates on construction and events.Get Outdoors Nevada: https://getoutdoorsnevada.org/NEXT STEPSVisit the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/KEYWORDSPaul Grube, River Mountains Loop Trail, Boulder City, Henderson, Lake Mead, Cycling, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Bighorn Sheep, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber#PaulGrube #RiverMountainsLoopTrail #BoulderCity #Henderson #LakeMead #OutdoorNevada #TheBestDamPodcast #SupportLocal #CyclingLife 

Saving Lives One Float at a Time: The Mission of ISR Instructor Lynette Porter

 In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Lynette Porter, a certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor based in Boulder City. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death for children under four, Lynette’s mission is more than just teaching kids to swim—it’s about providing them with the vital skills to self-rescue.Lynette breaks down the science of the "Swim-Float-Swim" method and explains why even a six-month-old can be trained to save their own life. From the "Five Layers of Protection" to the unique "clothed" graduation lessons, this episode is a must-listen for any parent, grandparent, or pool owner looking to ensure a safe and fun summer season.DISCUSSIONThe ISR Method: Lynette explains the "Swim-Float-Swim" sequence and how she teaches infants as young as six months to roll back and float to find air.A Commitment to Safety: Why lessons are 10 minutes long, five days a week, and how that consistency builds life-saving muscle memory.The Five Layers of Protection: A deep dive into pool safety, including high locks, alarms, fences, self-rescue skills, and the importance of a designated "Water Watcher."Inclusivity in the Water: How Lynette adapts her behavioral teaching techniques for children with special needs, including Autism and Down Syndrome.Real-World Simulation: The "clothed" lesson—why Lynette has students practice falling into the pool in summer and winter gear to prepare them for real-life accidents.From High Skies to Life-Saving: Lynette shares her fascinating background, from being an MGM Grand Air flight attendant for movie stars to serving as a paramedic in the Las Vegas Valley.LEARN MORETo learn more about Lynette's ISR sessions in Boulder City, Henderson, or her private lessons in Summerlin, you can reach out to Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Official Site at https://www.infantswim.com/Boulder City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/KEYWORDSLynette Porter, ISR, Infant Swimming Resource, Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Boulder City, Swim Lessons, Self-Rescue, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce#LynettePorter #ISR #InfantSwimmingResource #WaterSafety #DrowningPrevention #BoulderCity #SwimLessons #Self-Rescue #TheBestDamPodcast  #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce 

Boulder City Chamber CommunityCast Spotlight: Kayak Adventures and Tours with Evolution Expeditions

Welcome to the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's CommunityCast. Host Howard Fox sits down with Kristin Herr, co-owner of Evolution Expeditions, to discover how this unique business is helping locals and visitors alike explore the incredible natural wonders around Boulder City and the Las Vegas Valley.You'll hear about Evolution Expeditions' origins, their range of kayaking and Hoover Dam tours, the family story behind how Kristin and her husband made the leap to buy the business, and what it takes to ensure every outing is safe, memorable, and fun. From quick sunset paddles and s’mores on Lake Mead, to full-day adventures down the Colorado River – Kristin shares both the behind-the-scenes magic and the customer experiences that make Evolution Expeditions a must-try for anyone wanting to discover, unwind, and get outside.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, adventure, and how small businesses are shaping Boulder City as a premier destination for experiences!CONTENTIntroduction to CommunityCast and Evolution ExpeditionsWhat is Evolution Expeditions?Evolution Expeditions’ History & Ownership JourneyRunning the Business: Operations and SafetyThe Role of Guides and Customer ExperienceRange of Excursion ExperiencesCustomer Expectations and FeedbackMarketing and Customer AcquisitionSocial Media StrategyCommunity Engagement and Chamber InvolvementMemorable Stories and Group TypesPlans for Growth and Future VisionHow to Learn More and BookLEARN MOREVisit Evolution Expeditions' website at https://www.evolutionexpeditions.com/ or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasKayakTours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionexpeditions Trip Advisor:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1809514-Reviews-Evolution_Expeditions-Las_Vegas_Nevada.htmlNEXT STEPSVisit the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce's website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/KEWORDSEvolution Expeditions, Kayacking, Evolution Expeditions, Emerald Cove, Las Vegas #amily Adventure, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce#EvolutionExpeditions #Kayacking #EmeraldCove #LasVegas #FamilyAdventure #LakeMead #HooverDam #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

Stirring Up Success: How The Bourbon Babe Creates Experiences in Boulder City

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Angie Rafferty, the creative entrepreneur behind The Bourbon Babe and the current office administrator for the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Angie shares her journey of turning 25 years of bartending experience into a thriving mobile business that prioritizes creativity, inclusivity, and the "experience" of a private event.From designing custom "crystal kiss" cocktails with edible glitter to teaching interactive mixology classes where guests take home their own bar tools, Angie provides a look into the artistry of mobile bartending. She also discusses her background in the military, her transition from a 10-year career as a paralegal, and how the Chamber of Commerce has been a vital catalyst for her business growth.DISCUSSIONThe Experience of Mixology: Angie explains that her business is about more than just drinks; it's about catering to themes through colors, titles, and custom ingredients to create a specific "vibe" for private parties.Mobile Bartending & Mixology Classes: Angie hosts 90-minute mixology classes where she teaches small groups how to craft three distinct drinks, providing them with laminated recipe cards and their own bar kits to keep.Inclusivity through Mocktails: Angie specializes in creative non-alcoholic options like "dirty sodas" and raspberry purees to ensure children and sober guests feel fully included in the celebration.Event Concierge Services: Angie offers more than just drinks; she acts as a resource to help clients find bands, photographers, and rental equipment for their events.The Power of the Chamber: Angie discusses the tangible benefits of Chamber membership, noting that her website traffic increased significantly and she secured three ribbon-cutting events within her first four months of joining.A Family Affair: Angie shares the pride of working alongside her oldest daughter, whom she has trained to bartend and who occasionally fills in for her or joins her for mother-daughter events.Life Lessons & Integrity: Drawing on her experience as a veteran and a single mother, Angie emphasizes the importance of honesty in business, providing upfront estimates and "tips and tricks" to help clients stay within their budgets.LEARN MORETo learn more about Angie's services or to book a mixology class, you can reach out to her through the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce or contact her directly via her business, The Bourbon Babe.The Bourbon Babe: https://thebourbonbabeevents.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebourbonbabeeventsBoulder City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/KEYWORDSAngie Rafferty, The Bourbon Babe, Mobile Bartending, Mixology Classes, Mocktails, Custom Cocktails, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Event Planning, Entrepreneurship, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City.#AngieRafferty #TheBourbonBabe #MobileBartending #Mixology #SupportLocal #BoulderCityChamber #TheBestDamPodcast