Why I Choose to Live in Castle Rock, CO

Courtesy of Lori Gerlits

Lori Gerlits took the reins at the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce in April 2025 after four years as vice president at the South Metro Denver Chamber. Bringing with her skills from a marketing and business development background, Gerlits is thrilled to dive into the history and small-town charm that Castle Rock, CO, offers. She shares about all that is happening in this thriving Denver metro-area city.

What drew you to your new role and the Castle Rock community?

Castle Rock has grown tremendously, from a population of around 20,000 in the early 2000s to a population of nearly 90,000 now.

Businesses of every size and people from other parts of Colorado and across the U.S. are relocating here. I really have a passion for community, and I want to help create and support a more diverse, warm and welcoming environment for our local businesses. The Castle Rock Chamber is one of only two five-star accredited chambers in the state, which is a great honor.

What’s surprised you about the Castle Rock community?

The strength and longevity of our tremendous leaders working and collaborating with the Town of Castle Rock, the Downtown Alliance and Castle Rock Economic Development Council, and across Douglas County. I’m the new kid on the block, and this year I’ve had the honor and pleasure to work with seasoned professionals who have been supporting the community for 10 years or more.

These amazing leaders have been and continue to be very thoughtful in their vision and support in the growth of the community. There’s a really strong sense of collaboration that makes a great environment and sets up a path for success for businesses and residents.

Jeff Adkins

In your view, what key factors make a business successful in Castle Rock?

Connectivity. Because we have a strong community, the more you can relate and connect with other businesses, leaders of the town and residents, the more visibility and engagement you have, the more likely your success will be overall.

There are tremendous resources and a lot of opportunities, but it’s finding ways to connect, such as through our programs, our activities and events supported by our partners. Leveraging all our local community has to offer and deepening those relationships brings value to further strengthen our economy and allows our community to be a highly desirable place to work, live and thrive.

What’s one thing you’d love to see more of in the local business community?

We have a very robust environment here, and I think the continuation of being thoughtful about growth and development is important. Castle Rock is an amazing community continuing to build on infrastructure and opportunities while keeping public safety top of mind.

Maintaining our small-town charm while revitalizing some areas of the community creates a fun, family-friendly, dynamic atmosphere. We want to have continued welcome and support of our local businesses, which should be the focus of any community to help it.