DURANGO – Today, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) along with La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Fort Lewis College, and The Attainment Network hosted a Regional Talent Summit at Fort Lewis College to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin developing tactical workforce plans to ensure that Colorado workers develop the skills employers need.
“Local talent drives Colorado’s economy, which is why we’re working with communities across the state to create clear, easy pathways so that Coloradans can get high-quality jobs. Our regional conversations are building stronger local talent pipelines and supporting the long-term growth of the industries shaping Colorado’s future," said Gov. Polis.
“As a state, we are doubling down on workforce development to connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs while supporting regional economic development goals. Today’s Regional Talent Summit will result in a tactical action plan developed by community and business leaders to meet the region’s unique goals and needs," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
Today’s summit focused on the agriculture, healthcare and technology industries in Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, Saguache, and San Juan counties.
"The Attainment Network is committed to building education-to-workforce systems that meet the unique talent needs of rural communities across Colorado—while expanding access to high-value careers for every learner,” said Ashley Maestas, Pathways Director for The Attainment Network. “We’re proud to partner with leaders across the South Central region, building on the incredible work already happening and strengthening regional collaboration to better align education, training, and employer systems. Together, we can expand economic opportunity for learners, earners, and entire communities."
"At the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic collaboration and leveraging partnerships can move the needle on workforce challenges. With Project RUN, a workforce collaboration supported by a $1.25M Opportunity Now grant, we’ve been working side by side with employers, educational partners, and community stakeholders to create real career pathways that meet our region's needs. The Regional Talent Summit is a chance to build on the momentum we are already seeing here in southwest Colorado and ensure we're aligned on where we go next. I’m proud to host this summit with Fort Lewis College and The Attainment Network, and to be part of OEDIT's statewide effort that centers local voices and real solutions,” said Sarah Tober, Executive Director of La Plata Economic Development Alliance.
“We’re honored to co-host the Regional Talent Summit as we engage in meaningful dialogue about economic growth and collaborative solutions. Project RUN embodies the cross-sector partnerships these summits aim to foster—where education, industry, and community unite to meet regional needs and expand opportunity for Coloradans,” said incoming Fort Lewis College President Heather Shotton.
Today’s event was one of seven Regional Talent Summits taking place across the state. Established by HB24-1365, these summits build on the impact of the Opportunity Now grant program which has, to date, distributed nearly $90 million to 89 grant recipients to launch and expand innovative talent development programs across the state.
The San Juan and San Luis Valleys have received $5.6 million in Opportunity Now grants from OEDIT to:
- Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center/Axis Health System - $1,289,584 - The Healthcare Education Access Launchpad Southwest has developed an innovative rural work-based learning program led by Axis with a consortium of industry, education, and tribal partners in southwest Colorado to address the healthcare workforce shortage.
- La Plata County Economic Development Alliance - $1,245,984.95 - The Rural Upskill Network “Project RUN” will provide adult learners with skills education to support entrepreneurs, including leadership and technical expertise professional certificates.
- The Attainment Network - $3,024,849 - To establish an education-to-workforce partnership, including four healthcare providers, two higher education institutions, 14 school districts and three community organizations across the San Luis Valley. The partnership focuses on training through work-based learning to grow the nursing workforce.
- Build Pagosa Inc. - $49,900 - The Regional Workforce Center for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Training involves industry partners to match residents with living-wage careers throughout their life stages.The program focuses on construction, transportation, and automotive careers, architecture and engineering occupations, farming and forestry, healthcare, culinary, recreation, and computer jobs.
Grant recipients from Adams State University, Axis Health System, Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley, Fort Lewis College, La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative and The Attainment Network participated in today’s summit.
“Thoughtful collaboration is the best way to provide solutions to our most pressing needs, and today’s Regional Talent Summit brings together leaders from businesses and communities across rural Colorado. I look forward to the tactical action plan that results and working alongside business, education and community leaders to connect more Coloradans to good jobs,” said Assistant Minority Leader Cleave Simpson.
“This is the type of meaningful work that will make a difference for rural Coloradans looking to develop new skills and start new careers. The action plans developed from today’s Regional Talent Summit will help us fill in-demand jobs in agriculture, healthcare and technology, while enabling our friends and neighbors to support their families,” said Majority Co-Whip Matthew Martinez.
“When we fill open jobs in agriculture, healthcare and technology, we not only connect rural Coloradans to new jobs. We ensure that our communities have access to the services they need to thrive. Today’s Regional Talent Summit is an important part of our work to make that happen,” said Rep. Katie Stewart.
"Across our region, we need more workers in the important fields of agriculture, healthcare and technology—and we want local residents to be able to fill those jobs. Today’s Regional Talent Summit is a step toward making that happen, so more Coloradans can earn a good living and support their families,” said Rep. Larry Don Suckla.