Cindy’s family moved to Meeker in 1971 where they owned and operated a cattle ranch. After graduating from Meeker High School, Cindy married Dick Welle, who is now the General Manager of White River Electric Association. They raised two sons and are now the proud grandparents of a precious granddaughter, Sarah Rose, and a new grandchild on the way.

Cindy’s career in real estate began as an office assistant with Lynn K. Whiteman Realty in 1987 where she obtained her real estate Broker license and residential appraiser license. In 2005 the decision was made to branch out on her own, creating Meeker Realty LLC.

As a business owner, Cindy became a participant in the Meeker Business in Action (MBA) group and joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2004.

Cindy’s business experience and willingness to get involved in the community needs makes her a fine example on the board.

Randy’s  grandparents Oscar and Eva Ridgeway moved to Meeker in the early 1930′s  and opened the “Creamery,”located on Hwy 13. Randy was raised here until the early 80′s when he got married and moved away to live and work in Northern California, then Vernal Utah and Evanston Wyoming. Randy’s line of work has mostly been in the gas and oil industry,first as a laborer, then operator, sales and then management.

In 2005 Randy and his wife, Teresa, and three sons made the decision to come back home to Meeker.  He started his own business R & T and  later  Waterboyz  and also White River Rentals which have each been successful. It’s a family business and their talents blend to continue to make them a success. Even though Randy is still operating here, he has expanded operations out of the area as well, due to the latest cut backs.

Randy was elected to the Chamber of Commerce by the community last fall. The chamber truly appreciates Randy’s insightful perspective and tireless efforts to give practical assistance in any way he can. A big thank you especially goes to Randy and his sons for placing the aggregate planters around town the past two years!

Scott Merritt, Board of Directors

Scott grew up in Kansas City on a Christmas tree farm. After high school and college he spent time in Colorado and Utah before settling along the Gulf Coast working for Mobil Oil. Always wanting to move back to Colorado, he was able to move to Meeker from Houston Texas with his wife and daughter in August 2007 to work on the ExxonMobil Piceance Development Project. After 25 years of heat, humidity and big cities, Scott jumped at the chance to fulfill a dream.

As a board member with the Chamber of Commerce Scott says, “I hope to bring awareness of the needs to both the community and the company to successfully coexist and prosper.” Serving since last fall,  Scott’s insight and experience has added depth to the board and benefited the community.

Cassie McGuire, Board of Directors

Cassie came to Meeker in 1998 from Delores, Colorado. Having been in the car part business since 1991, she and her husband purchased the Car Quest franchise in 2002 and established a successful business here. Cassie, her husband Jeff, who is from Michigan, and their two children Ty and Caitlyn have made Meeker their home. Cassie says, “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Last fall, Cassie was elected to the Chamber Board of Directors as a savvy business owner and leader. Her sharp business skills and commitment to the community have proved to be a huge asset to the board and Chamber of Commerce.

Board Members:
Margie Joy – President
Bernie Gantt – Vice President
Kim O’Connell – Treasurer

Joe Fennessy – Director
Bobby Gutierrez – Director
Becky Hindman – Director
Cassie McGuire – Director
Scott Merrit – Director
Randy Ridgeway – Director
Cindy Welle – Director

Bios of each director will continue to be posted on this site each month.

I have a passion for community and economic development and the Chamber of Commerce is a great organization to fill that passion. Chamber’s play an instrumental role in encouraging a thriving business community. A communities economic success starts with business, they provide the tax base and the jobs that build a community. It is for these beliefs that I got involved in our Meeker Chamber. Currently, I am the Development and Community Relations Manager for Pioneers Medical Center, writing grants and managing the communications programs. Prior to moving to Meeker I was the Investor Relations Manager for Northern Colorado Economic Development. I have done public relations/media relations for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association both in Denver and Chicago. For 11 years I have been married to Leif Joy, who currently operates the family business, Joy Surveying Company. We have an energetic daughter, Addie. We love Meeker and its family-oriented community. I grew up in northwest Arizona on a cow-calf ranch, moving to Meeker, in some ways, seemed like coming home.

Bernie became a resident of Meeker in 2002 and along with a current position at the BLM, owns and runs Valley View Lodge Bed and Breakfast with his wife, Anne. They also own a small business selling and installing custom window treatments and minor handyman projects – Busy B’s Blinds.

Bernie has served on the Chamber of Commerce Board since July 2006 and is also on the Board of Directors for the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials. He has two sons and enjoys outdoor sports with emphasis on snowmobiling and ATV riding, along with hunting and fishing.

Kim has been on the Meeker Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since Sept. 5, 2006.

Growing up on a cattle ranch and with a love for nature and the outdoors, Kim feels at home in the Meeker community. She enjoys her face-to-face relationships with the members of the community whether it is through the credit union, Meeker Chamber, or other community activities.

Joe Fennessy, Board of Directors
Meeker, Colorado lawyer, Joe Fennessy, proudly serves Western Colorado including Meeker, Craig, Rangely, Rifle, Parachute, Silt, and Glenwood Springs with criminal defense, traffic defense, personal injury, real estate needs, family law, custody and support issues, probate, as well as business needs regarding corporations, LLC, and partnerships.

Joe served from 2003-2007 on the Meeker Businesses in Action board, a group of merchants and town officials who pulled together to further economic development in Meeker with their crowning achievement, the Town Clock on the courthouse lawn. As a Director now on the Meeker Chamber of Commerce board, he always brings thoughtful input to discussions and a willing hand to projects.

Bobby was born and raised in Meeker and after graduating from Meeker High School in 1979, he earned a business degree from Mesa State College in 1984. Bobby lived in Grand Junction and Steamboat Springs before moving back to his hometown, where he worked for the local newspaper for more than 10 years, including two as it’s editor.

Married to Wendy, who owns and operates Wendll’s Wondrous Things in downtown Meeker, they have four grandchildren together which they enjoy spoiling.
In 2008, Bobby joined Meeker Realty, LLC. He also enjoys his role as “barista” of Cuppa Joe’s located at the back of Wendll’s.

In the fall of 2009, Bobby was elected as director to the board of the Chamber of Commerce. Combining his business savvy and passion for Meeker, he has proved to be an invaluable asset to the chamber.