ALAMOSA— The San Luis Valley Tourism Association will host the annual SLV Tourism Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Adams State University’s Student Union Building. Registration will begin at 12 p.m., and the conference will run from 12:30 to 7 p.m.

The conference will feature updates from Kevin Wilkins with the SLV Development Resources Group; Jeff Owsley with the Small Business Development Center; representatives from all six Valley counties; a rep from the Valley Initiative Partners; the Great Sand Dunes; the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area; SLV Great Outdoors and more.

Dinner will be served while inspirational speaker Ty Coleman helps unify the Valley marketing efforts with collaboration and cooperation. The evening will be topped off with an exciting live auction.

Coleman has spent over 20 years working with diverse groups to promote and develop businesses in large cities and rural communities. He has played a key role in designing and implementing successful marketing outreach strategies for businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Coleman is the author of a powerful thought-provoking book “Jump-Start How To Recharge Your Life.” This book chronicles his business and personal experiences and provides the keys to having a successful and balanced life. This book has received rave reviews. (Published by Authorhouse Books and Authorhouse.com)

He has traveled all over America and has given over 300 empowerment seminars and workshops to business groups, banks, faith-based organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, real estate organizations, colleges, high schools and community outreach organizations. He is often asked to sit on an array of business discussion panels and he is a frequent guest on radio talk shows.

Currently, Coleman is the assistant branch manager at Rio Grande Savings & Loan (Alamosa), and he is responsible for business and community relations. Over the years he has established a successful track record in creating and promoting housing & business lending opportunities in rural communities throughout Colorado.

Coleman serves his community in numerous roles: He serves on the Alamosa City Council as mayor. He volunteers in the SLV business community as chairman of the board for the SLV Development Resource Group, facilitator for the Center for Restorative Programs, Alamosa youth football coach & mentor, actor with the SLV Theatre Company, active board member of the Alamosa Literacy Council, and member of the Kiwanis club.

Coleman’s mission in life is to “reach one and teach one daily by his actions.”

Registration for the conference is $40; annual membership in the association is $35 or both for $65. Registration for persons from the same business are only $30. See www.sanluisvalley.org to register.

Caption: Ty Coleman will be the featured speaker for the annual SLV Tourism Conference on Feb. 21 at Adams State University./Courtesy photo