Crested Butte Acquires Fresh Leadership

by Jackie Baker

The ski season ended two months ago, but the north end of Colorado Highway 135 has been hit by a flurry of change. The first flake fell when Crested Butte's town manager, Bill Crank, retired on May 31, 2002 after more than 18 years of service. Bob Gillie, director of public works, compares Crested Butte's progress in the past two decades to the growth it experienced as a mining town from 1890 to1910.

"The public amenities-such as paved roads, water and sewage plants, open space preservation, and parks, to give a partial list-are a direct result of Bill's influence," Gillie said. "Crested Butte doubled in population, but the feel of the town remains the same."

Crank's act may be difficult to follow, but successor Frank Bell brings a plethora of experience to the historic town. The 54-year-old Colorado native spent 10 years in Jackson Hole, Wyoming as a criminal investigator, 15 years in Park City, Utah as chief of police, and most recently served as the director of Olympic planning for Park City.

"I enjoy dealing with city councils and the whole specter of solving problems," Bell said.

Bell should have no problem adjusting to life as a Buttian. He once visited Crested Butte during the annual Vinotok festival and was impressed by the town's atmosphere. Much of his agenda involves historic preservation, affordable housing, trail maintenance, and sustaining a strong sense of community. Bell enjoys cycling and hiking, but never learned to ski. (Don't worry, Frank-we're sure the town will have you schussing soon). Bell assumes his full time role of town manager the week of July 8, 2002.

Three miles up the road at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR), Ralf "Scout" Walton III resigned as president of CBMR's real estate development subsidiary, CBMR Real Estate LLC. Walton's decision follows the retirement of his father, Ralf Walton Jr., from the company last spring and the successful annexation and zoning of Prospect, CBMR's proposed 400-acre ski-in/out residential community.

"Scout's decision leaves a tremendous hole in our organization," said Edward Calloway. "Over the years, he has provided invaluable leadership to every major function in our operation."

Calloway stepped down from his position as CEO and president of CBMR, and was recently appointed chairman of the board. John Norton, former chief operating officer for Aspen Skiing Company, became CBMR's new CEO and president on June 17, 2002. Norton is no stranger to CBMR-he was the resort's vice president of marketing and sales from 1985 to 1991. In 1991, he moved north of the Maroon Bells to join ASC as vice president of communications.

"John has the brightest marketing mind in the business," said Calloway. "He has been extensively involved in every aspect of running a ski resort, including operations, ski school, marketing, communications, and sales."

These leadership changes mark the first time in 32 years that neither a Calloway nor a Walton-the two primary owners of CBMR-have been actively involved in running Crested Butte Mountain Resort. There is mumbling that the resort may soon be up for sale, but such speculation has been circling the resort for several seasons.

Nonetheless, Norton sees a positive future for CBMR in the wake of declining skier visits. "If we are able to communicate to more people more often that Crested Butte is a town full of character and a really distinctive ski mountain with extraordinary steep terrain and enough intermediate and beginner terrain, then we can begin to grow skier days again."

Hopefully this marketing approach combined with new direction in town will herald the return of good karma and consistent snowfall to the deserving slopes of Mt. Crested Butte.