Nonprofit of the Year: Region 9

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

REGION 9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BY HUNTER HARRELL

egion 9 Economic Development District had a busy year bolstering businesses in Southwest Colorado. The nonprofit organization has been instrumental in supporting a variety of industries throughout the pandemic, and received the Nonprofit of the Year award at the annual Durango Rocks awards presented by the Chamber of Commerce.

Serving Archuleta Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties as well as the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes, the organization includes nine members that represent the private sector in the region and 17 board members. These individuals communicate and coordinate with a variety of entities and individuals to identify opportunities for diversifying the economy.

The group offers a variety of loan programs to assist with small business retention, expansion and job creation. During 2020, Region 9 deputy director Brian Rose said the organization increased its loan portfolio to provide more support for businesses.

“In the last few years, we have been able to grow our portfolio by almost 30%,” Rose said.

In 2020, Region 9 provided around $1.5 million in grant funding to 234 businesses in the region, and raised an additional $3.7 million in funds to provide financing options and loans, Rose added.

Region 9 often partners with other community organizations, local government and the private sector to assist in the development of special projects that work toward fulfilling its mission. Rose said on the financial side of things, he works with regional banks, Southwest Colorado Business Development Center and Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs.

Project manager Heather Otter said she works closely with the town council, county commissioners, leadership at the school districts, healthcare facilities, business leaders, organizations that have community stakeholders and Durango's Business Improvement District.

By participating in various task forces and community meetings during the pandemic this

Rpast year, Otter said collaboration has helped each organization identify its strengths and work together to solve bigger issues. “If anything, we were made aware of how the pandemic highlighted our vulnerabilities as communities and businesses, and also opportunities,” she said. Many organizations are looking for ways to use new resources and find the right tools to prepare for the economic recovery work ahead. Every initiative contributes to strengthening the community and diversifying the economy. “I started in economic development three years ago, and since then we have had the 416 Fire, avalanches and severe drought and now COVID,” Rose said. “So, I think that the task force and the efforts of Region 9 are contributing to a more resilient community. It is not a matter of if there will be disruptions to our economy, it is a matter of when. So just being able to be there and respond has been what gives us a lot of joy and pride in what we do.”

Trujillo-Sheets American Legion Post 28 878 East 2nd Ave • Durango, CO 81301 970-247-1590

We are an ALL-VOLUNTEER organization. Our Sta are all volunteers. We are looking for Volunteer Bartenders. Bar hours are 1pm to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Our large hall is available for rent. We are proud that we can rent for less than anyone in town. Contact us with your party needs. Talk to us about eligibility necessary to become a member of the Legion, The Sons of the Legion, The Auxiliary, or the American Legion Riders. We have several Events planned for this year. Come by the Post for our calendar of events.

Power to Act 2nd Annual Fundraiser

hosted at the Durango VFW, providing indoor and outdoor seating.

Friday, July 23, 2021

An evening where you can create a Purse with Purpose. Enjoy a great spread of appetizers, a fun Pack a Purse silent auction, and live music. Tickets on sale now. Please visit www.pursewithpurpose.org