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Two local business owners interview for Dillon economic advisory panel
Summary
Council conducted interviews for two EDAC candidates: Nicholas, a local laundromat owner who urged removing red tape and leveraging the amphitheater and lake, and Ariel Johnston, a cross‑town retailer who emphasized marketing, wayfinding and on‑the‑ground business outreach.
The Dillon Town Council interviewed two local business owners for openings on the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Nicholas, a laundromat owner who said he has operated in Summit County since 2011, told the council he’s watched efforts to revive the town core and urged focusing revitalization work there. "I've seen a lot of the comings and goings and efforts of towns and individuals to kind of revitalize... and would love to see the best version of Dillon that we can get, particularly in the town core," he said. He identified the lake and amphitheater as Dillon’s key location assets and recommended reducing permitting barriers and exploring financial incentives to help entrepreneurs establish storefronts.
Ariel Johnston, who said she owns Everything Colorado and four businesses across the county, described lower foot traffic and marketing gaps compared with nearby towns. Johnston said Dillon can connect its features "—the marina, the amphitheater, the farmer's market"—by improving wayfinding and on‑the‑ground outreach. "If you make it more of a way to go ... they'll do it," she said, promoting partnerships between EDAC and the local business club to reach non‑storefront enterprises.
Council members asked both candidates about specific roles for EDAC, willingness to help businesses with state grant applications, and potential conflicts of interest (Ariel noted a sister's committee service). The council did not make appointments during the work session; members acknowledged both candidates’ community involvement and said they would consider the interviews during regular meeting actions.
