The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) are teaming up to take their rural prosperity tools and resources directly to Colorado communities.
The state Rural Prosperity Tour will visit the communities of Holyoke, Lamar and Burlington on June 4 and 5. 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.
“Rural prosperity is a priority for Governor Polis,” said Betsy Markey, executive director of OEDIT. “We can achieve rural prosperity by engaging communities and collaborating with them to help more Coloradans thrive. Together with DOLA, CDA and CDLE, OEDIT is committed to helping ensure that Colorado’s economic prosperity is felt throughout the 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.
“We are here 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:
June 4 Lamar
10 am. - 1 p.m.
Lamar Community College Wellness Center, 2401 S. Main, Lamar, CO 81052
June 4 Burlington
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Burlington Community and Education Center at 340 South 14th Street, Burlington, CO 80807
June 5 Holyoke
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Biesemeier Room at the Phillips County Event Center 22505 US Hwy 385, Holyoke, CO 80734