The Rural Prosperity Tour Hits the Western Slopes

Fresh off the first leg of its Rural Prosperity Tour throughout eastern Colorado, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has scheduled visits in western Colorado communities to share the State’s multi-agency rural prosperity tools and resources directly with local residents and businesses. 

The state Rural Prosperity Tour will visit the communities of Leadville, Montrose and Fruita on July 11 and 12. Each three-hour event will include a multi-agency presentation of the key state programs and tools available to assist with rural development, followed by more than two hours of community workshops. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA),  the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), Startup Colorado and others are joining OEDIT to share their tools and resources.  

“Our eastern Rural Prosperity Tour to Holyoke, Lamar and Burlington was a tremendous success,” said Betsy Markey, executive director of OEDIT. “The relationships and insights we glean from these communities help refine our programs and support their local economies. We look forward to doing that on the western slope as well. All of us at OEDIT, DOLA, CDA, CDLE and our outside partners are committed to ensuring that Colorado’s economic prosperity is felt throughout our wonderful state.” 

While previous visits to rural communities were designed primarily as listening tours, the Rural Prosperity Tour advocates action and opportunity. Program directors and specialists will be on-site to discuss available programs, funding opportunities and resources, and engage community participants in immersive working sessions. 

“Our goal for these tours is to connect local stakeholders with the valuable State programs, funding and resources that benefit rural communities, and also encourage rural communities and leaders to add their voices in support of legislative discussions that advance rural prosperity beyond the urban corridor,” said Glenn Plagens, business development and rural prosperity director at OEDIT. “We are committed to serving small businesses throughout the state and empowering all participants with the skills and tools they need to succeed.” 

The Rural Prosperity Tour is free and open to the public. Tour dates are: 

July 10: Leadville

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FREIGHT, 320 E 9th St, Leadville, CO 80461

July 11: Montrose

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Montrose County Event Center, 1036 N 7th ST, Montrose CO

July 11: Fruita

3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

325 E. Aspen Ave., 2 nd Floor, Fruita CO 81521

To RSVP for one of the events, email [email protected].  

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more.