Meet Jenna Gallas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Gallas.

Hi Jenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to Colorado in 2013, and was working in what was the most important role at that time – Mom. My son was 3, and we quickly found a community in Manitou Springs. Our friendly, supportive neighbors and friends ultimately became family over visits to the local playground, BBQs, and summer block parties.

When I returned to work with my degree in finance from Ohio State, I jumped from tax preparer to the electronic banking world. I was working as a temporary employee for Ent Credit Union to pay the bills- but my eye was on the Event Coordinator position at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development. I had stopped into the Chamber office to express my intent to the Director….multiple times. She called me into interview twice, and had reservations at first, given limited experience and perceived conflicts. At the time, I was serving on the Manitou Springs Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and had previously coordinated events within the community for the animal welfare non-profit, Safe Place for Pets. I felt I was a great fit for the position, and it would be life-changing for me and my son.

I wouldn’t have to drive 30+ minutes from work in a corporate building, I could be in the same town as my son (then 5) was going to preschool and after-school child care. The day that the Chamber offered me the job I had dreamed of, I also received a second offer: from the temp agency. Ent had offered to buy my contract out from them to employ me permanently- at more than twice the salary. Looking back, I can’t say that there has ever been one iota of my being that felt I made the wrong choice that day.

Over six years later, I continue to work diligently to produce events in Manitou Springs and bring my passion to the community in which I live, work, and play. I have received the 2021 Top Frontline Tourism Award from the Colorado Tourism Office and am also currently part of the Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey, a yearlong development course for tourism industry leaders within the Colorado Tourism Office. I look forward to the future impacts I have yet to make in the state of Colorado.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are no smooth roads along a path you pave yourself. My story is certainly no exception. I honestly believe that there have been things I’ve manifested by pure will, sweat, and tears over these last few years. Initially, I felt out of my league. I had not planned events of such magnitude as I was facing- with vendors, contractors, and stakeholders that didn’t know me, and that I had no rapport.

It was as though I had to start somewhere, and developing relationships with the local business community, City Staff, and Chamber volunteers was the first stop. For the better part of two years, it felt like I was constantly selling myself and working towards earning the respect and approval of my peers and of those I would be working with during each event, spanning multiple industries. Networking was never a strength- until it was. I had to prove my worth in what I was producing and make it valuable.

It took a few years of a concerted effort to meet folks face-to-face, to take meetings for what seemed like a trivial piece of the overall puzzle – but I stood by my method of making the time to connect with others. As a result, I can say that the road has become smoother. Things always do get easier with time, but in my experience, connection, and upholding your word are equally as important.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the Event Coordinator for the Manitou Springs Chamber, I plan, organize, and execute anywhere from 8-16 events/year. Before the pandemic, I had taken the 5 events that were standardized over the years and added 11 additional events in 2018 & 2019. From local Wine Walks to Silent Discos, Concerts & July 4th events, the events in Manitou Springs exploded. There was hardly time to sit!

Before my arrival, there was a “guidebook” created with checkboxes on how to plan an event. “1. Call sponsors 2. Order trash services 3. Ask for volunteers”. It was basic, drab, and I never opened it after that first day. The moment I closed that guidebook (which still sits in a cabinet, untouched for more than 6 years now), I realized I had to create my vision, believe in it, get others to support it, and start the journey down a path of uncertain futures. I’m most proud of making this position my own and not fearing the unknown.

Of stepping outside the boundaries of what my office had done in the past. When that first year passed and I had proven bits of my work to be worthy, more things started to fall in my lap. 2 major community events, supported and produced by locals, were now in my inbox. I gained more trust and respect from locals and business owners alike. Sponsorships came easier, relationships grew stronger. I wasn’t afraid of a challenge – in fact, the biggest accomplishment in my position to date came as a result of a bet. Here’s a short story:

It was February 2018 and my partner and I were in Steamboat Springs at Winter Wondergrass Music Festival. It was a chilly 20-something degrees and the snow was falling by the inches. An artist on stage was playing bluegrass with such incredible skill that thousands of people standing in this snowstorm were all but wide-eyed and gaping mouths over his talent. My partner turned to me and said “You can’t get him to come to Manitou Springs” to which I instantaneously quipped “Watch me.”

It was November 29th when Billy Strings DID come to Manitou. He played to an intimate crowd of 200 people in our City Hall that fall. It’s a concert no one would soon forget, as I still run into people who remark about “That one time Billy played in that little town hall…”

What makes you happy?
Remember the part about me accepting one job over the other 6 years ago? I could pinpoint that one moment that turned the tide in my life. They say that it takes more muscles in your face to frown than it does to smile. If that’s true, then it’s also easier to be happy than sad in my book.

Being down the street from my son every day as he grows up in the local school district makes me happy. Waving to friends and neighbors on the street and meeting a smiling face attending an event, this is why I do what I do. I can’t so much as watch a parade go by anymore without a joyful tear across my face. My job is literally to bring people together to have a good time- I’m CREATING happiness!

The meaning I have found in what I do is rewarding. I never set out to do this in life, but somehow I’ve found my calling along the way, and happiness – both unintentionally. My family is close by all the time, and supportive of all I do. We also run a family-owned business, Armadillo Ranch. As a bar, restaurant, & music venue, we work together (with my event coordination skills) to bring live, local music to our stage in the Certified Colorado Creative District we reside in, 5 days/a week. -That’s a story for another time!-

We can travel to the great state of Colorado and enjoy all the wonders of the region – outdoor recreation, cultural locations, and artistic endeavors, and engage with and celebrate our community. I find happiness in “the family we chose” here in Manitou Springs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.manitousprings.org
• Instagram: @visitmanitousprings
• Facebook: @visitmanitousprings

Image Credits
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce