SAN LUIS PROGRESS Economy & Retail VALLEY
2017
January 25, 2017 719-852-3531 835 First Ave. Monte Vista, Colo.
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Economy & Retail Progress
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
New businesses bring a wide variety of products/services to the San Luis Valley
SAN LUIS VALLEY— Economic development continues to be a top priority in all six of the Valley’s counties. The past year has brought many new businesses into various communities, and the majority of them continue to thrive. A rundown of some of the new businesses follows:
exercise equipment available, fitness classes and more exciting additions. New coffeehouse in town, The Perks is a new coffee house in town serving coffee, pastries and other items. A new daycare facility opened in downtown Del Norte; Lil Tikes Academy is a fully operational daycare which not only gives parents a place to leave their young Alamosa: children but also helps to give children a Locavores, a fast-casual restaurant in Ala- boost in education. mosa, offers fresh food from local agricultural producers and healthy options. Guests Monte Vista: can build their own entrées Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics celfrom a selection of grilled proteins, top- ebrated the grand opening of the new Monte pings and sauces, or choose from six rec- Vista clinic location in downtown. Corina ommended entrées. Boutique Air initiated Settle and Heavenly Touch Salon relocated service between San Luis Valley Regional to Monte Vista after operating in South Fork Airport (ALS) in Alamosa to Denver Inter- and Del Norte for several years. national Airport (DEN) and Albuquerque Bucks and Bulls carries a variety of bows, International Sunport (ABQ) in October; the hunting equipment and apparel for experts company’s aircraft feature reclining leather and novices alike, as well as an indoor range seats in an executive configuration, power for practice. The Monte Vista Big R store outlets, a pressurized cabin, enclosed lava- opened in the former Alco Store offering tory, and a top speed of 300 mph. Dante Tripi an array of products for the farm, ranch & brings 20 years of industry experience to home, including pet supplies, tack & boots his new restaurant , Rhybax Kitchen, which and much more. Shari Oliver’s 360 Insurance opened at Cattails Golf Course at the end of Agency offers quality insurance products and 2016; some popular menu items include the services that are personalized to fit customers’ Rhybax’s ribeye, Osso Buco, pork shank and needs. The Hut Flea Market & Auction hosts the Alamosa striped bass. Smoker’s Haven many indoor flea markets with many great opened in downtown; the head shop tries to finds. Dr. Lois Trenholm’s Chiropractic ofcarry everything related; they have some fice opened a second location, in Monte Vista local glass blown right in Alamosa. which is open for Thursday appointments. WLB Septic and Excavation and San Luis Center: Valley Precast brought their business to town, La Puente opened another branch of Rain- offering septic tank cleaning, maintenance, bow’s End in Center; the secondhand shop is delivery and installation as well as complete a great addition to the town where residents septic system packages and supplies. Java can shop for affordable clothing and other Dave’s was welcomed to the city serving cofused items. The second tier of Rainbow’s End fee, baked goods and more. The SLV Garden operations will take place in the building’s Center offers a full line of the highest quality second story, where computers are available hydroponics and garden supplies. Larry and to help those receiving TANF and any other Shanna Roberts brought over 10 years of real community members learn how to run small estate experience each to their new office in or family businesses. Quickbooks and Excel Monte Vista, Robert Group Real Estate. SLV have been set up on the computers and ac- Curiosities sells a wide variety of handmade, cess to state websites regulating business vintage and rustic decor and offer something is provided. Tim Kaiser of Cripple Creek, for everybody’s home, shop or yard. Quincy’s Photo by Teresa Benns reopened the grocery store in Center with the Steak & Spirits opened their fifth location in Grocery owners Tim Kaiser, Cindy Jones and Moe Jones posed outside K & J Thriftway help of silent partners Moe and Cindy Jones downtown Monte Vista, serving a filet mi- during their grand opening celebration in downtown Center. of Center. The new store, K&J Thriftway gnon dinner Sunday through Thursday and opened in October. prime rib on Friday and Saturday. Smokin’ Johnny’s serves award-winning BBQ at the Del Norte: Best Western, Movie Manor restaurant, forKristi Mountain Sports opened its second merly known as Kelloff’s. All-Star Car Wash Valley location in Del Norte, carrying out- & Detail takes care of all car washing needs, door gear such as bicycles, jackets, outdoor such as shampooing carpets, seats and treating clothing, water bottles, camping items, hik- leather seats. ing gear and much more. Altitude Fitness is a new gym in Del Norte to help with fitness For other new businesses in the Valley, see needs. There are several different types of other articles through the edition.
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Kristi Mountain Sports’ new Del Norte location is a fitting addition to the community that is positioning itself as the Valley’s center for all season fun.
Photo by Chelsea McNerney-Martinez
The new Monte Vista Medical Clinic facility has eight exam rooms, one treatment room and a conference room. Some new features include the sterilization room, lab room for blood draws, lots of storage and room left to expand on the north end of the building.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Economy & Retail Progress
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Development group introduces new staff STAFF REPORT
ALAMOSA— The new faces of the SLV Development Resources Group (DRG) have arrived. Anne Jones started as the new chief financial officer in July and Kevin Wilkins’ first day in the office as the new director was in November. Anne Jones replaces Roni Wisdom, who was the CFO for 12 years. Jones grew up in Boulder and came to Alamosa to attend Adams State University in 1981. Her father taught at the University of Colorado and was part of the reason she chose ASU. “I didn’t want to be around where he was teaching,” Jones said, “so I came to Alamosa and stayed after graduation.” Jones got degrees in management, accounting and business computing systems at ASU along with a professional treasury certification. She comes to the DRG after working at First Southwest Bank for 30 years. “I needed a change,” said Jones. “This looked like a challenge to me so that’s why I came over here.” Jones says that she’ll keep doing what Roni set up and won’t fix what isn’t broken. “I love working with numbers and I love problem solving. So if something doesn’t balance, that’s where my forte is.” Kevin Wilkins fills in the shoes left by Michael Wisdom, Roni’s husband, who was the director for 22 years. Before entering the office he caught up on office records, met with locals and attended the recent SLV Hemp Symposium
held at Adams State University. “You got to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going,” said Wilkins. Before moving to Alamosa, Wilkins was the economic development administrator for the city of Yuma, Arizona for five years. There he did development agreements, strategic planning and worked on international relationships with Mexico and Canada. “There are people who believe in the sister city relationship,” Wilkins said. “That’s more of the soft side of international civic relationship. What I focused on in Yuma was more specific working relationships such as university exchanges, industry exchanges and tourism exchanges.” Wilkins, a native Coloradan born in Hugo, started his career in journalism. His grandfather was the head machinist for The Gazette in Colorado Springs. Shortly after receiving his journalism degree from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma, he took over his first newspaper in Oshkosh, Neb. With the rise of the internet and the farm crisis of the 80s, Wilkins saw the writing on the wall and decided to work in economic development. He spent the majority of is career in Nebraska in cities such as Freemont and Chadron. Over his decade in Freemont he helped develop four distinct industrial parks and worked on an average of three industrial projects a year. “It was the most challenging and rewarding.” It turns out that Wilkins has a history with his predecessor Michael. Wilkins was on the
Nonprofit Resilience Project coming to San Luis Valley and southeast Colorado
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Brought to you by Community Resource Center (CRC), El Pomar Foundation, El Pomar San Luis Valley Regional Council and El Pomar Southeast Regional Council, the Nonprofit Resilience Project will work with 501(c) nonprofits who serve the San Luis Valley and Southeast regions. In partnership with local consultants and experts, CRC will provide technical assistance to eight regionally-based nonprofits to support the growth of organizational best practices in fund development. Once the eight organizations have been chosen, they will receive a full year of technical assistance and a year’s subscription to the Colorado Grants Guide® database. Cathy Robbins, senior vice president of El Pomar Foundation and Peter Maiurro, vice president, say the following about the Nonprofit Resilience Program: “The Southeast and San Luis Valley Regional Council Members acknowledged that while their regions have some of the poorest counties in Colorado, they also have strong nonprofits which provide critical resources to support residents. Through the Nonprofit Resilience Project with the Community Resource Center, the councils aim to further strengthen these nonprofits by supporting their grant writing and fund development efforts.” To be eligible the organization must have been actively operating for at least three years with at least one paid staff member. Organizations must also have at least one representative attend CRC’s Pen to Paper series – supported by the San Luis Valley Regional Council – in Alamosa on Feb. 1 and 22 and March 8 of 2017. The three-part training covers relevant topics such as telling an organization’s story, clarifying goals and objectives, reviewing nonprofit principles and best practices, tips on how to avoid common mistakes, and tools for
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grants management. These guidelines ensure participants are eligible for grant opportunities, and have the necessary capacity and organizational stability to successfully participate in the project. Eligible organizations will apply by March 15, 2017. If interested, please register for the Pen to Paper series here: crcamerica.org/ specialprojects. For more information, please contact Rebecca Gorrell, Director of Education and Leadership Development, by email at gorrell@crcamerica.org or by phone at 303623-1540 x100.
Photo by Jefferson Geiger
SLV Development Resources Group Director Kevin Wilkins and Chief Financial Officer Anne Jones economic development board in Wray, Colorado as the publisher of the Wray Gazette when Michael was hired as the director there. “We helped charter an economic development organization which is still intact to this day,” Wilkins said. For the future, Wilkins hopes to use his experience to develop international relationships. He plans on reaching out to the Netherlands
consulate in Denver because of their expertise in food technology and science. He also wishes to connect San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico with Costilla County’s San Luis. “Economic development isn’t an event,” Wilkins said. “It’s a process. It takes time. It takes commitment. I’m thrilled to be in the Valley and I look forward to experiencing as much as I can of it as quickly as I can.”
DOLA funds two Valley projects SAN LUIS VALLEY – The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) in December announced the award of $9.3 million to 25 local governments as part of the Tier I and II Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Funds (EIAF) program. Recipients in the San Luis Valley included: • Northern Saguache County Ambulance District-Villa Grove building, $60,000 • Creede Willow Creek Flume Rehabilitation, $1 million Valley projects requesting funds but not
awarded DOLA grants in this round of funding were: the Alamosa Craft water tower painting, $100,000 requested, and Conejos Library District Capulin Library Branch, $90,410 requested. Severance tax collections in FY2016-17 are expected to remain at low levels with revenue forecasts showing a 43 percent percent reduction. As a result, DOLA will combine the next two grant cycles (December 2016 and April 2017) into one. The next EIAF grant application deadline will be Feb. 1, 2017.
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Economy & Retail Progress
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
New businesses run the gamut in Conejos County BY S YLVIA LOBATO
ANTONITO—Progress is the game in Conejos County and Antonito is carrying its own ball. There are currently no major industries in town, but the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has one terminus in Antonito and the other in Chama, N.M. The perlite mine is still hanging on to the south. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Conejos County have jointly developed a highquality outdoor shooting range just south of town with special areas for rifle sighting as well as target practice ranges for various types of rifles and handguns. An indoor archery range is open by appointment behind the fire station. The new Chavez Southwestern Market at 611 Main Street and proprietor Donald Chavez offer everything a good southwestern cook could want for a holiday or family feast, several varieties of dried red and green chili, beans, frijoles, lentils, dried peas, chili pequin and atole and exclusive dry goods from northern New Mexico. Chavez also offers a large room for community gatherings. It’s just north of the SPMDTU building. Next door and across the street, two new murals have been painted, changing the flawed face vandals created over the summer when they defaced a mural of the Virgin Mary painted by Fred Haberlein, who re-created the mural next door to Atencio Tires at 620 Main Street, which became the U-Haul neighborhood dealer in early fall. Just down the street to the south, the Hometown Food Market jumped on the bandwagon as soon as the state began allowing liquor in food markets and expanded their offerings. A full-scale market, the store has everything a small town needs. Within town, Conejos Farm LLC grows cannabis indoors to serve a nearby retail outlet, which also has a store offering collectibles, novelties and t-shirts. Throughout the summer of 2016 and into the new year, the town opened its arms to new businesses and the old high school complex sold to an entrepreneur who plans to process food there. He explicitly agreed not to process hemp or cannabis, leaving
that to other businesspersons who are planning those operations. Near the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad terminus, the Train Stop Gifts offers unusual gift items, while Train Wreck Sports Bar has been repurposed. A library, tire repair shop and a medical clinic have opened in recent years and Family Dollar recently built a store in Antonito. Valleybound Antonito School and Community Garden, Conejos Clean Water and Nature’s Kitchen have also grown and brought in grant monies, which educate the children in growing their own food while keeping interested adults busy. La Jara Outside of town, Amish families established enterprises that meet the needs of their fellows, as well as people who are willing to search for them. Worth the Drive Bakery along County Road 5E yields just what the name implies, with an array of fresh bread, pastries and donuts, along with homemade jams and jellies. The Sunshine Country Grocery Store is a salvage market about a mile down the road to the south, offering fresh foods, homemade noodles and bulk goods. Wooden clothes drying racks and handmade rugs, among other things Amish. The prices are reasonable and the stock is constantly changing. Hand crafted furniture, cast iron and metal materials are also available in the area, which is between Monte Vista and La Jara. Within La Jara, the Guadalupe Parish Credit Union opened a branch office at 403 Main Street, sharing the building with a barber shop and hair salon and developing new services to fill the void left by the bank’s closing in Antonito. Hungry residents and passersby are treated to the goodies of a new Subway store and the Family Dollar meets their other needs. A similar store is open in Antonito. La Jara is receptive to new businesses. Adam Martinez wants to put in a Laundromat, filling a void created when the Morrison Apartments burned and Dee Ann Espinoza has a new massage therapist in her building across from town hall.
Photos by Sylvia Lobato
Atencio Tires
Chavez Southwestern Market
Conejos Farm LLC
Unemployment high, but optimism on the rise BY A NTHONY GUERRERO
SAN LUIS VALLEY—The San Luis Valley is said to have the highest unemployment rates in the state of Colorado. A 2015 study conducted by the Community Resource Center (CRC) during Rural Philanthropy Days found that with the exception of Mineral County all other counties in the Valley have an unemployment rate that is two to six percentage points higher than the state average. Generational poverty is also an issue in the San Luis Valley. In the Valley there is persistent poverty which is defined by 20 percent more of a community’s population living in poverty over the last 30 years. Colorado has three persistent poverty communities each of which are located in the Valley. Despite these challenges local leaders and organizations have banded together to offer services and combat poverty. Through Rural Philanthropy Days, economic summits and other associated meetings the Valley has been progressing behind a common desire to increase wealth and offer greater opportunity. Alamosa is seen as the hub of regional services, with Monte Vista a bit behind. Smaller communities throughout the Valley are seeking to decentralize these services as well as encourage small business growth according to CRC. There are several steps and programs that
have been developed to help alleviate economic conditions. For example, in Creede the Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Actions Coordination Team (RWEACT) has helped to lower the negative effects on business. This and also efforts from the Creede Community Foundation are important because according to CRC after the West Fork Complex Fire businesses faced losses of 50-85 percent with some having to close their doors. Creede is also working to diversify how their local economy functions beyond summer tourism. Other communities are finding creative ways to function using their readily available resources. Some communities have created historic districts, art districts and in places
like Del Norte are using their natural landscapes to attracts tourists and business. The Valley as a whole is also seeking to diversify the traditional economy. For most of its history the Valley has relied on agriculture to provide for its citizens and as a primary employer. A drought over the last 14 or 15 years has made this a bit more difficult according to CRC. New industries and ideas are emerging to take the Valley in a sustainable direction. Recruiting credentialed staff and skilled laborers is an issue that employers face. Leaders are trying to minimize the perception some may have of the area and also find a way to not lose skilled workers after they gain experience or pay off loans. To contribute to a skilled workforce, programs such as Rocky Mountain SER and the Colorado Workforce Center offer job placement and training programs. Rocky Mountain SER was developed in the 1980s, and since its inception has provided
quality education, employment and training services to more than 50,000 unemployed, economically disadvantaged and underemployed individuals. They also offer services to the Valley’s high migrant population and a migrant head start program. Similarly, the Colorado Workforce Center is a ready resource for those seeking employment. It matches qualified individuals with services and ensures on-the-job training for some positions. These two programs have been strengthened by local leaders in recent years and have been awarded numerous grants and funding to help their efforts. The Valley does struggle economically, and has other factors which contribute to a poor situation. However, in recent years there has been an awakening between local citizens and leaders to grow jobs, wealth and prosperity. They are looking optimistically to the future and are planting seeds which will visibly grow and develop in the near future.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Economy & Retail Progress
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Tax credit program benefits Valley organizations BY HEW HALLOCK
SAN LUIS VALLEY —Some of the Valley’s largest community organizations rely on a state income tax credit administered by San Luis Valley Development Resources Group to enhance financial support for their programs. “The Enterprise Zone tax credit program is a fantastic, valuable resource and the primary reason that La Puente can provide service to over 16,000 people with less than nine percent government funding,” said Lance Cheslock, executive director of La Puente, a nonprofit organization that serves the Valley by providing food, shelter, and advocacy for the homeless and community. And financial support is not the only way the tax program benefits La Puente, according to Cheslock. “The Enterprise Zone inspires donors to give more than they would otherwise,” he said. “It engages many donors into learning more about our programs and that results in their volunteering over 72,000 hours — a state high. These donors are able to hold us accountable to doing our jobs. It’s natural, government-free accountability. It is a winwin for community donors and state government.” Through San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, 34 community projects and organizations in the San Luis Valley are eligible to receive financial or in-kind donations through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone and its Contribution Tax Credit program. Donors to these approved organizations may earn a 25 percent tax credit on their Colorado income taxes. Another very visible organization that uses the contribution tax credit is SLV Health, which over the years has used the program to encourage donors to make larger donations. “Having the Enterprise Zone status has been vital in serving the San Luis Valley Health Foundation in its fund raising efforts,” said Kelly Gurule, director of the foundation. “The additional 25 percent tax credit has assisted us with growing our donor base and has helped us maintain donor trust and loyalty.” San Luis Valley Development Resources Group itself receives donations through the program and uses the funding to administer and promote the Enterprise Zone program in the Valley. In mid-November, cash contributions made to certified enterprise zone projects in 2016 totaled $1.3 million. In-kind contributions for 2016 to date were valued at over $14,300. These totals reflect 903 individual contributions. The average cash contribution for the year was $1,532. Contributions must be at $100 to qualify for the tax credit. A flurry of year-end donations came in and should boost the number and total amount of contributions. In 2015, $1.95 million was contributed by individuals and businesses, which represented 1,527 donors. A large majority of the contributions received were under $1,000, indicating that most were small and from individuals. The average contribution was $1,285 and the average credit received was $327. The full list of the 34 projects and organizations eligible to receive donations through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone Contribution Tax Credit program includes several familiar groups from across the region: Adams State University Job Training Alamosa County Revitalization Alamosa Downtown Revitalization Alamosa Senior Center Astronaut Rominger Airport Improvements Blanca Downtown Revitalization Creede Repertory Theatre Creede/Mineral County Information and Education Resources Center Crestone Revitalization Del Norte Commercial Development La Puente Home Homeless Services Mineral County Fairgrounds Mineral County Public Health Clinic Monte Vista Downtown Revitalization Monte Vista Ski Hi Park Potato Industry Promotion Rio Grande County Museum Rio Grande Revitalization Rio Grande Hospital S.E.E.D. Park Saguache Downtown Revitalization San Luis Valley Housing Coalition San Luis Valley Food & Farm Incubator San Luis Valley Regional Airport Improvements San Luis Valley SBDC Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area SLV Health SLV Health - Conejos County Hospital SLV Zone Marketing/Administration (San Luis Valley Development Resources Group)
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Tom DeVore stocks canned goods at the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley in Alamosa, one of the programs of La Puente. Society Hall Foundation TSJC Valley Campus Job Training Tu Casa Domestic Violence Victims Shelter Valley-Wide Health, Inc. Ventero Open Press Enterprise zones are designed to encourage job creation and business investment in regions of the state with high unemployment, low income and slow population growth. Businesses in the designated zones can take advantage of a slate of tax credits as incentives to invest and improve their operations. All six counties of the San Luis
Valley — Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache — and 18 communities are within the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone, meaning any business located in the region is eligible for the available tax credits. Other tax credits available through the enterprise zone are the Job Training Tax Credit; the New Business Facility Tax Credit, which includes credits for new jobs created, an additional credit for new jobs created by ag processors, and an additional credit for health insurance for each new job; the R&D Increase Tax Credit; the Vacant Building
Rehabilitation Tax Credit; and the Manufacturing and Mining Sales and Use Tax. More information on the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone is available by calling the zone administrator, Kevin Wilkins, at 719-589-6099; e-mail kwilkins@slvdrg.org<mailto:kwilkins@ slvdrg.org>. For information about Colorado’s Enterprise Zone program, visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade online at www.advancecolorado.com/ez<http:// www.advancecolorado.com/ez>.
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Economy & Retail Progress
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
One county leads Valley in marijuana cultivation BY TERESA L. BENNS SAN LUIS VALLEY — When Amendment 64 legalized marijuana statewide in 2012, allowing retail sales and cultivation, each of the six Valley counties dealt with the new law differently according to county commissioners’ determinations and local sentiments on the issue. Two counties stand out in allowing cultivation — Costilla and Saguache. But Saguache tops the cultivation chart with 12 applications issued so far and two pending, land use officials confirmed. Two involve open-air cultivation on undetermined acreage and the other 10 are greenhouse or indoor grows. Saguache County recently passed its marijuana regulations effective Jan. 1 determining how the plant must be cultivated, although some insist there is still confusion over the actual details of the regulations. Commissioners are currently reviewing a job description for hiring a code enforcement officer to work either under the sheriff’s office or the land use department. (See regulations at http://saguachecounty.net/ index.php/departments/landuse/1155-finaladopted-marijuana-regulations-effectivejanuary-1-2017). Costilla County Land Use Administrator Trinidad Martinez reports there are seven grows in his county (all of them indoor grows), adding he is not sure if all will renew their permits. “Some grow, but then they see it is not so easy,” he observed. Alamosa County allows marijuana cultivation but only for medical marijuana purposes. To date they have zero applications, Land Use Administrator Rachel Baird said. Growers can only grow the plants if 70 percent of what they grow is sold in products from their own dispensaries, and “the burden of proof” for the product content rests with the growers, Baird explained. In the past two years the county has only reviewed one application and it was declined because it was to close to a school. Rio Grande, Mineral and Conejos counties currently have moratoriums on marijuana cultivation. Rio Grande County prohibits both retail stores and cultivation. There are several retail operations just over the hill from South Fork, however, in Pagosa Springs. Conejos County prohibits cultivation but two retail outlets sell cannabis in Antonito. Conejos County Land Use Administrator Linda DeHerrera said the decision to ban sales and cultivation came following a 30-45 day open-comment period on the issue, soliciting pros and cons. “The response was huge,” she recalled. “We had 10 in favor and 200 against it.” The ordinance prohibiting sales and cultivation was passed in October 2013. Mineral County currently has no retail
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marijuana shop. Land Use officer Michael Averette said the town is small (about 500 when the tourist season ends) and the county is 95 percent federal lands, with little area available for any cultivation. A few might grow pot illegally in a shed on their property, he said, but nothing is grown legally in the town or county. Hemp Hemp, a cousin to marijuana, is treated as an agricultural product by the counties and growers must show a license from the state before planting the crop. Alamosa has a good number of hemp growers and Costilla County has one hemp grower. Rio Grande County also has “some” hemp growers, Land Use Administrator Dixie Diltz reported.
Illegal cannabis issues Many object to the image created for southern Colorado as a drug center for recreational users and aspiring growers. According to a recent article in The Boston Globe, Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor believes “criminals from everywhere are attracted to Pueblo because they think it is a good place to grow cannabis.” Taylor said that his last 17 arrests of those growing illegally included several individuals from different countries, some of mixed nationality and others from out of state. Conejos Land Use Administrator Martinez says it is hard to address illegal grows because the law regarding what is legal and what is not is not clear. He says it is rare he receives a complaint from the legal grows
— usually an odor problem — and these he solves himself by approaching the growers. It is the illegal operations that create traffic, water theft and trespassing problems, and sometimes lead to violence. Averette of Creede agrees, noting that several illegal communities consisting mainly of RVs have sprung up across the Valley, such as those in the Ewing and Lazy KV Estates in Saguache County. “We don’t have a lot of codes in Mineral and Saguache counties,” he noted. “But the one thing we do have is sewer codes, and these have only gotten tougher over the years.” A good way to run off squatters, he said, is for commissioners to toughen sewage restrictions, and then require code enforcement officers to strictly enforce them.
SBA Launches 2017 InnovateHER business challenge
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the launch of the 2017 InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Challenge, a nationwide business competition to drive attention and resources to innovative products and services that make our lives easier and longer. Competitors vie for $70,000 in prize money provided to SBA for the InnovateHER competition through a gift from the Sara Blakely Foundation. “The return of SBA’s InnovateHER Business Challenge presents an exciting opportunity for some of our nation’s foremost entrepreneurs and innovators,” said SBA Administrator Maria ContrerasSweet. “Women represent half of the U.S. workforce and control 80 percent of the nation’s purchasing power, but still make up less than five percent of venture capitalists. I decided to launch this annual competition two years ago so that we could begin to address that opportunity gap, because when women have an equal role in the marketplace and are able to chart their own paths,
our nation as a whole is stronger and more globally competitive.” The number of women venture capital partners has dropped from 10 percent in 1999 to just six percent in 2014, a trend directly correlated to women’s access to capital; only about seven percent of venture capital funding in the United States currently goes to women-owned ventures. Gender bias is well documented in this area: a Harvard Business School study asked potential investors to rate a series of pitches, some of which were narrated by women and some by men. Even when the scripts were exactly the same, only 32 percent of people said they would fund the woman, compared to 68 percent who said they would fund the man. InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Challenge officially kicks off in winter of 2017 with local competitions to be hosted by universities, accelerators, clusters, scale-up communities, SBA resource partners, and other economic development organizations. Through the
competition, SBA is seeking to amplify products or services that fill a need in the marketplace and have the potential for commercialization. SBA continues in its efforts to expand the InnovateHER Challenge, focusing on empowering more women in the investment and innovation space. Additional details on the InnovateHER can be found on the online competition platform www.challenge.gov. Contreras-Sweet added: “Now in its third year, InnovateHER continues to make women a bigger part of the conversations around innovation and investment, helping entrepreneurs realize the empowerment and self-sufficiency that can come from advancing ideas and products that tap into new market opportunities. We continue to recognize and support these visionaries who dare to innovate, take risks, create and transform the marketplace for the better.” Entrepreneurs selected as winners in local competitions will advance to the semi-final round. From the pool of semi-finalists, SBA will select up to 10 finalists who will
be invited to the National InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Challenge to be held in mid-2017. The finalists will pitch their products and ideas to a panel of expert judges and compete for the top three awards along with $70,000 in prizes. Over the past two decades, women entrepreneurs have been critical to growing businesses and creating jobs in cuttingedge fields such as precision medicine or cybersecurity, as well as through advances in agriculture and manufacturing. Women across the nation will benefit from investing in research and inventions that impact their experiences. A lack of inclusion in the innovation space leads to missed opportunities, especially when women make the majority of the buying decisions. The SBA is encouraging organizations across the country to participate in this important business challenge. For more information including competition rules, go to www.sba.gov/innovateHER.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Economy & Retail Progress
Page 7
South Fork businesses on the rise
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SOUTH FORKâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; The small mountain town has seen a hard year business-wise, as some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more popular shops closed their doors and said goodbye. With the new year comes new hope as other businesses are opening their doors and coming to town just in time for the busy season. In addition to a new bakery and computer shop, the town is expecting an art gallery and even a Dollar General Store sometime this spring. Residents are eager to continue to see the town grow and have a year full of events that will hopefully bring in a large crowd for the new businesses. The community of South Fork recently welcomed the Bear Claw Bakery and owner Kathy McCarn. McCarn quietly rose on the scene in November and has been busy ever since. The bakery is flourishing, bringing a new taste of baked goods and unique treats to the South Fork area. When asked what prompted her to get into the baking business, McCarn explained that her mother was a professional wedding cake decorator and that it was a huge part of her life growing up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was always a part of life growing up, and I realized that one day I might be able to do something with my talent,â&#x20AC;? said McCarn. McCarn also decided that when it was time to open her dream, she wanted to hit the scene as quietly as possible and so she kept her plans a secret until opening day. On Nov. 1, 2016, McCarn lit up the open sign and has not slowed down since. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want you to be sure to get a picture of the jalapeno cheddar bread on the counter. No one believes me when I say I put them out for sale because they sell so fast,â&#x20AC;? joked McCarn. With the delicious breads and danishes that are made from scratch, McCarn works day in and day out to provide some of the most beautiful, unique baked goods this side of Wolf Creek Pass. McCarn spoke about her experience so far as a self-taught business owner stating that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to bake. In fact, when I can, the weirder
the recipe, the more willing I am to give it a try.â&#x20AC;? McCarn may have an adventurous side when it comes to her baking skills, but according to her customers, she does it with flare. McCarn continued, stating that one particular day, Three Barrels Brewery out of Del Norte came to the Two Rivers BBQ in order to have some blackberries smoked for one of their house beers. As the story goes, McCarn began to think that it would be interesting to take the concept of smoked berries and apply it to one of her own house favorites, creating a smoked blackberry cheesecake. Two other businesses have opened in the last year in town, bringing a wide variety of services that were otherwise unavailable until now. Two Rivers BBQ opened its doors in the early spring, welcoming the summer crowd and enticing them with the savory aroma of locally smoked barbeque. Owner Tyler Schmidt has done well in the few months since he opened his doors and anticipates a successful year to come. Joe McCarn also dove into a new business, opening a computer service repair shop just behind the Mountain Light House gift store on the frontage road that boarders Colorado Highway 160. Though McCarn is not a licensed electrician, he stands by his work saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I specialize in computer repair, but bring me anything with a plug and I can fix it.â&#x20AC;? McCarn joined his wife in the self-taught, new business owner industry and has had a very successful go since he opened on Sept. 1, 2016. In addition to computer repair, McCarn also works on and installs security systems, repairs damaged cell phones and everything in between. Last, but surely not least, Weldon Holden and his wife Trudy have been coming to the South Fork area since the early 80s and have recently purchased a building that has been vacant for several years on Highway 160 next to Rocky Mountain Ski and Raft. The Holdens spent the entire summer remodeling the inside of the building and preparing it for an art gallery and
coffee shop. Holden used his time to create a work space and gallery on the west end of the building while creating a separate space for a coffee shop on the east end. Holden works with several types of artistic techniques including everything from oil, to charcoal to create his western, wildlife scenes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We fell in love with the people and the area and once we saw the building; it was like, we can do this,â&#x20AC;? stated Holden. The gallery will open sometime at the end of May and will remain open through the busy season until September. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get back up there and get this started. We wanted to take our time and do this right,â&#x20AC;? said Holden. The coming year will bring another new venture for the area that residents have been hoping for, for a long time. A Dollar General
Store will be opening up sometime this summer near the post office on Birch Street. At this point the company is in negotiations with the property owner and is moving forward with the final sale of the desired land. In addition to moving forward, Dollar General representatives have confirmed that they are working with engineers on a design plan. This will be a first for area residents who have been traveling to neighboring communities for the wares this type of store provides. Town Manager Tom Acre stated that though anything is possible, there is no reason why the store wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t open in the near future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company has not closed on the property yet, but they are moving forward,â&#x20AC;? said Acre. Be sure to come out and enjoy the new businesses in South Fork and swing by to say hello to those who have been in the area for a while.
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Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell
A new bakery has hit the scene in South Fork and is dishing out the goods Monday through Saturday. Owner Kathy McCarn is bringing her talents to the table and selling out of her goods almost every day.
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Page 8
Economy & Retail Progress
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Optimism times 10 for SLV economy BY ANTHONY GUERRERO
RIO GRANDE COUNTY— There is reason to be optimistic about the future growth potential of the San Luis Valley’s economy. That is the message that San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center (SLVSBDC) Executive Director Jeff Owsley brought as the keynote speaker during the September meeting of the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development Council (URGEDC). “I’ve noticed some pessimism about whether or not the economy in the Valley will continue to grow. I want to share my thoughts about the potential we have in the San Luis Valley...There are a number of reasons about why we have something very special in the Valley, and we are ready to turn a corner and have good economic development,” said Owsley. He then presented 10 reasons why the Valley, its leaders, its communities and citizens should feel optimistic about economic development in the area. Counting down from 10 Owsley’s first point is that the SLV is one of the “chillest places in Colorado.” “It’s peaceful, and it’s relaxing. This is so important because the rest of the state is growing really fast and there’s an amount of stress and congestion in other parts. I really believe people are going to seek out these places where they can have a more authentic Colorado experience. We’re slower; we’re friendly and in the SLV we have a deep culture,” said Owsley. Attendees and Owsley agreed that this can already be seen throughout the Valley. One example that was used to illustrate is the people from the Front Range who stop in Del Norte and stay at the Windsor Hotel for its experience as well as local activities and recreation. The number nine reason for optimism according to Owsley is the increased PR the Valley is experiencing. “Right now we’re witnessing a lot of interest in the San Luis Valley. It’s coming at very high level throughout the state and outside of Colorado,” he said. Owsley shared an example of how “5280 Magazine” did around a large spread on the sand dunes. “The dunes are a hot topic. Visitorship has increased over 20 percent the last few years,” said Owsley. He explained the media has received lots of information about the Valley and has been disseminating it throughout Colorado and the nation. The Valley also has large potential for increased tourism. Adding to the tourism point, the number eight reason for hope is the local trail building, particularly in the Del Norte area. “It’s really important for the growth of our area. It is really highly valued throughout the state of Colorado. Thanks to Marty and Bonnie Asplin, and different agencies and people we have a lot of trail building projects.” Owsley said the trail building had brought many important and nationally recognized people to the area to witness the trails. “It’s raising awareness for the Valley,” said Owsley. The hemp and UAV industries are the seventh and sixth reasons for growth potential according to Owsley. “It’s just now starting to break out as a key industry in the United States. We are poised to be leaders in the San Luis Valley. We have some real key people here who are involved with it. Farmers are starting to plant more of it. It’s also being processed here. There’s also potential for value-added projects.” The UAV and drone industry is also showing increased interest in the area. Owsley said the SLV is also poised to be a key leader for the UAV industry. An important factor regarding the UAV industry is that employees working in this field are highly paid. “We can have people with six figure incomes living and spending here. It would be a game changer.” The number five advantage for the San Luis Valley’s economy is Adams State University. Circling back to the previous point, Owsley said that Dr. Beverlee McClure was heavily invested in trying to make Adams State a nationwide leader in the hemp and UAV industries. “Beverlee is also really big on economic development. She’s focused on
economic activity that can help the whole Valley. That is good and they see they can help everyone,” said Owsley. Sector partnerships, number four, are also important to building the San Luis Valley’s potential. “This was an initiative of Dr. Beverlee McClure. Now you’ve got partnerships between the health and agricultural industries. There’s something that happens when you work together, that is special.” Owsley said one of the biggest issues in the Valley is finding and retaining the workforce. The sector partnerships realize this issue. These partnerships are developing resources to address this issue. The group is connecting people with others and also helping new residents of the Valley to appreciate the local area and culture. The number three point helping the local image is the branding initiative. “It is something that we had been lacking in the Valley. We have lots of neat things happening, but it wasn’t being seen as a whole. If the branding initiative works it will show that the entire SLV is a special place. We’ve never really known been as a destination but I think we
can become one. It will help people to realize they can come and spend an entire week here and appreciate it,” said Owsley. Bringing a smile for the Valley, the number two reason, according to Owsley, is the outdoor recreation. “They were really the trigger of collaborative efforts in the Valley. This helped to get local people, governments and leaders together. SLV GO is promoting the whole Valley and the potential for outdoor recreation,” said Owsley. The BLM, Forest Service and many organizations are working together for this effort. It has also helped to acquire grants and to promote adventure tourism. “The number one reason we can expect economic growth in the near future is the people,” said Owsley. He explained there are many leaders and key people in the Valley in industries that are helping to grow the area and its economy. “In South Fork, Creede, Del Norte and Monte there’s lots of key people that can move things forward. They are leading communities, counties and our areas. They are cooperating and working together. That’s where it really happens is with the people.”
Photo by Anthony Guerrero
In September, Jeff Owsley, executive director of the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center, gave the keynote presentation during a meeting of the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development Council. His program focused on 10 reasons for optimism for the future of the Valley’s economy.